Exposition of Haggai Zechariah and Malachi, Exposition of prophecy 2 · Chapter 9
CHAP. IX.
IN this Chapter the Lord doth comfort the Church of the Jewes, and encourage them to go on in the work, by propheſying, 1. Of the calamities that were to come on the enemies bordering about, ſuch as Syria, v. 1. Hamath, v. 2. Zidon and Tyrus (whoſe prudence, ſtrength and riches ſhauld not preſerve her, v. 2, 3. but ſhould bring her down, v. 4.) and the Philiſtines, who ſhould be affrighted, deſtroyed and made deſolate, v. 5. and ſtrangers poſſeſſe their Cities, whereby their pride ſhould be ſtained, v. 6. and their cruelty repayed, v. 7.—and in the midſt of all this the Church ſhould increaſe,—v. 7. and be protected, v. 8. 2. He propheſieth for their encouragement, of the coming of Chriſt and his properties, v. 9. and his getting unto himſelf a Kingdom, v. 10. who is the deliverer of his Church and people, v. 11. who allowes them to hope for a rich recompence of their miſeries, v. 12. and promiſeth that he will ſtrengthen them againſt all their enemies, v. 13. that he will be their General, and appear for them in fight, v. 14. will give them victory, and ſatiate them with ſpoiles, v. 15. (which victory ſhall ſet forth Gods glory, and make them honourable, v. 16.) and that he ſhall give them cauſe to glorifie him for this, and for the fruitfulneſſe of their land, v. 17.
Verſ. 1.
THe burden of the Word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damaſcus ſhall be the reſt thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Iſrael, ſhall be toward the LORD.
Hitherto the Prophet hath had Commiſſion, eſpecially to reveal viſions and doctrinal inſtructions to the Church: Now there followes to the end of the book, particular prophecies and predictions concerning the time to come, for their uſe and benefit. And concerning this firſt prediction of vengeance on ſeveral enemies; under theſe who are named, (as being moſt noto…e and known) we are to underſtand all the enemies of the Church. But there is a difficultie about the time of accompliſhing this prediction: for the words in the cloſe of this verſe, when the eyes of man, (is it is in the Original) of all the tribes of Iſrael ſhall be toward the Lord, ſeem to refer it to the time, when all Iſrael and the fulneſſe of the Gentiles ſhall be ſaved, that then much vengeance ſhall be poured on enemies, and eſpecially on theſe bordering on Canaan, (who had infeſted that land, and hindered their quiet poſſeſſion thereof) that ſo Iſrael may poſſeſſe it in the extent thereof, according to the charter given them of God. On the other hand, it is clear from hiſtories, that all theſe cities here mentioned were deſtroyed under the Grecian Monarchy, betwixt this Prophecie, and the coming of Chriſt, of which, v. 9. and theſe words in this verſe formerly mentioned, may alſo be thus read; For the Lords is the eye of man, and of all the tribes of Iſrael, that is, the providence of God, (which is his eye upon man, chap. 3.9. and 5.6.) is over all Nations as well as his people, and therefore he will take notice of their faults and puniſh them, as well as his Iſrael. In this difficulty it ſufficeth us, 1. That the ſenſe of the particular predictions is clear, whatever time we referred them to. 2. That the Lords ſcope in them is alſo clear, which is to encourage the preſent Church, and ſtrengthen her for her duty: for which end it is not unuſual for God in one prediction, to point at ſomewhat near to be accompliſhed, and yet to intend that but as a pledge of ſomewhat further off, and ſo both theſe may come in under one prediction, ſomewhat to be ſhortly ſeen by the Jewes, and that pointing at ſomewhat to be done long after. 3. That the ſenſe of both theſe tranſlations of the cloſe of the verſe, concur in Gods executing of vengeance on enemies: for he doth puniſh them, becauſe his providence is not confined to his Church, but is exerced over all the world, in obſerving the wayes of all men (as well as of his people) and recompencing them accordingly, and therefore he will not ſpare them more then his own people; and the time of his doing of it, is, when his people, whom he avengeth, have their eyes and hearts toward him. 4 That it is clear and certain there is a time coming, wherein the eyes of the fulneſſe of the Gentiles, and of all Iſrael ſhall be toward the Lord, Rom. 11. at which time the Lords accompliſhment will expound many dark promiſes, concerning Iraels reſtitution to their land, and victory over their enemies: for unto this, many things in this and the following chapters ſeem ſo clearly to point, that whatever was literally performed to the Jewes, was but a taſte of the fulneſſe of the prediction: and whatever be done to Iſrael in the Spirit in a ſpiritual way, yet the prediction in its full and literal ſenſe ſeems to look another way.
Having premitted this as a neceſſary Introduction, not only to this part of the chapter, but to the whole enſuing prophecie: I ſhall ſo go through particulars, as chiefly to gather general inſtructions, without relation to particular times, yet not omitting to point at the ſeveral paſſages, which ſpeaks moſt clearly to Iſraels converſion and reſtitution. And ſo, the firſt place threatened with this burdenſom meſſage is, the Kingdom of Syria, called the land of Hadrach, from the name of ſome of their idols, (as Judea is called Immanuels land, Iſa. 8.8. So alſo the Moabites are named by their idols, Jer. 48.46.) or from ſome part in Syria called by this name. And particularly Damaſcus, (the chief City of Syria, Iſa 7.8.) is threatened, that this vengeance ſhould dwell on it. Whence learn, 1. The Word of the Lord, how light ſoever it ſeem, yet in the end will prove inſupportable and cruſhing to theſe againſt whom it ſpeaks bitter things; for, a threatening is, The burden of the Word of the Lord. 2 As the Lords providence is univerſal; ſo enemies ſhall not eſcape his hands in due time; for, the Lord (who hath an eye upon man, and all Iſrael,) hath a burdenſom word, in the land of Hadracb. 3. As eminent places in a land enjoy moſt of the mercies, and ordinarily have moſt acceſſion and greateſt ſhare in the ſins of the land; ſo ſad judgements ordinarily afflict them moſt: therefore Damaſcus the chief City is ſpecially threatened. 4. Gods judgements upon wicked men, and eſpecially enemies to his Church, do not come with a light touch, but they lie ſad, and are permanent upon them; for, Damaſcus ſhall be the reſt of this burdenſome word. 5. It is a clear evidence of approaching judgement on the wicked, when the Lords people turn unto him, and make their peace with him through Chriſt, and are kept in humble dependance on him, for expeding them out of their difficulties; for, ſo do the words hold out as they are in the tranſlation; This ſhall be when the eyes of man, and of all the tribes of Iſrael ſhall be toward the Lord, and is agreeable to other Scriptures, 2 Chron. 20.12, &c. Pſal. 56.9. and elſewhere: and we are to long for the performance of this to Iſrael, that it may make way for bringing down of enemies.
Verſ. 2.
And Hamath alſo ſhall border thereby: Tyrus and Zidon, though it be very wiſe.
3.
And Tyrus did build her ſelf a ſtrong hold, and heaped up ſilver as the duſt, and fine gold as the mire of the ſtreets.
4.
Behold, the Lord will caſt her out, and he will ſmite her power in the ſea and ſhe ſhall be devoured with fire.
In the next place Hamath, (a countrey lying to the North, betwixt Judea and Syria, 1 K' ngs 8.65. 2 Kings 25.20, 21.) is threatened, that it ſhall border by Syria, or be next in miſery to it: then the judgement is to come along to Tyrus and Zidon, yet nearer to the land of Iſrael, concerning whom (eſpecially the firſt,) it is declared, that neither her prudence nor ſtrength, being built on a fortified rock in the ſea, nor her riches, which abounded as the vileſt commodity, ſhould exempt her from Gods caſting her down, overturning her ſtrong holds, and burning them with fire. Doct. 1. The Lord hath the execution of judgements wholly at his diſpoſal, to ſend them againſt whom he will, and in what meaſure he will; for, ſo are we taught here; he diſpoſeth of the burden here and there, And Hamath alſo ſhall border thereby, Tyrus and Zidon, &c. 2. It is a judgement on many people, when God is to plague them, that they are puffed up and ſecure, becauſe of carnal policy and confidences; for, Trrus is very wiſe, ſtrongly ſituate and rich, whereby they think they are ſecured. 3. It diſcovers the vanity of all things under the Sun, as to making men happy, that the more is enjoyed of them, they appear the more empty and vile; for, ſilver as duſt, and fine gold as the mire, imports not only abundance of them, but that abundance makes men undervalue them. 4. Omnipotencie is too ſtrong a party for any creature-oppoſition, and where grounds of carnal confidence are greateſt among enemies, the Lord will delight to ſhew himſelf great in ruining of them; for, notſtithſtanding Tyrus wiſdom, ſtrength and riches; Behold, the Lord will caſt her out, (or make an exile of her) and ſmite her power in the ſea, (whether fortifications or ſhips) and though ſhe dwell in the midſt of waters, yet ſhe ſhall be devoured with fire.
Verſ. 5.
Aſhkelon ſhall ſee it, and feare, Gaza alſo ſhall ſee it, and be very ſorrowful, and Ekron for her expectation ſhall be aſhamed, and the King ſhall periſh from Gaza, and Aſhkelon ſhall not be inhabited.
6.
And a baſtard ſhall dwell in Aſhdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philiſtines.
7.
And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; but he that remaineth, even he ſhall be for our God, and he ſhall be as a Governour in Judah, and in Ekron as a Jebuſite.
The judgement comes further on againſt the Philiſtines the inveterate enemies of the Jewes: ſome of whoſe cities, (comprehending all,) are threatened with terrour at the ſight of Tyrus fall, in reſpect they expected that its impregnableneſſe ſhould ſtop the enemies proceeding: and are further threatened with overturning their State and Government with the caſting them out of their countrey, and its being poſſeſſed with ſtrangers, or a mixture of vile men, as baſe, and having as little right to it, as baſtards have to an inheritance. Doct. 1. The terrour of God is an ordinary fore-runner of vengeance, and a ſore partie to the ſtouteſt; for, Aſ…kelon ſhall ſee it and feare. 2. It is a judgement on wicked men, that they get not the right uſe of calamities on others; for, when they ſhould repent and turne to God, they feare. 3. Whatever it be beſide God, that men in an ill time put confidence in, it will produce nothing but feare, ſorrow and confuſion; for, ſo was Tyrus to the Philiſtines; they ſee and feare, and be very ſorrowfull, and their expectation is aſhamed. 4. Gods having a controverſy againſt a people, how flouriſhing ſoever, is ſufficient to overturne their government, diſpeople their Countrey, and put it in the poſſeſſion of forreigners; for, the burden ſome word makes that The King (or government, which was managed in every city by a ſupream Lord, 1 Saw. 5.11. and elſewhere) ſhall periſh from Gaza, and Aſhkelon ſhall not be inhabited: and a baſtard ſhall dwell in Aſhdod.
This judgement on the Philiſtines is amplified from two effects, that by this calamity, the Lord ſhould revenge and lay their pride, and ſhould puniſh their cruel and abominable oppreſſion and preying on his people. Whence learn, 1. Pride and inſolency in proſperity, is a certaine preſage of ruine, and an evil which God will be ſeen in bringing down, and ſtripping the ſinners of all wherein they gloried; for, by thus ruining them, I will cut off the pride of the Philiſtimes, ſaith the Lord. 2. As oppreſſion is the fruit of pride, ſo it is ſo beaſtly like and abominable a ſinne before the Lord, that he will manifeſt himſelfe eminently, before it be not puniſhed, and hindred of its courſe; therefore the Lord ſpeaks of it as a beaſtly ſinne, which himſelfe will puniſh; I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abomination from between his teeth. 3. It is a token of very great perverſneſſe in a people; and of very great diſpleaſure from the Lord, when there is no end put to their ſinning but by their deſtruction; for, thus is it with the Philiſtines, it is by their ruine that their pride is cut off, and their blood taken away.
Unto this threatened judgement on enemies round about, a twofold encouragement to the Church is ſubjoyned: whereof the firſt (in the end of v. 7.) is, that ſhe ſhould increaſe by the ruine of her enemies, the remainders of whom, ſhould be converted, and entered into Covenant with God, and be as carefull of the Churches affaires, and eminent in her, as if they were governours of Judah, and particularly the Philiſtines and Ekronites ſhould be converted and dwell in the midſt of Jeruſalem as the Jebuſites did of old, who had a Fort in it, till Davids dayes, 2 Sam. 5. or as Araunab the Jebuſite. 2 Sam. 24.16. Doct. 1. The Church of God is no loſer by all the commotions of the world, he mindes her profit and riſing, in the ruine of others: for, he will ruine many Nations, if it were but to gather a few precious ſtones to advance her ſtructure, But he that remaineth ſhall be for our God. 2. As theſe who are reſerved in judgements, ought to be drawn to God eſpecially▪ ſo preſervation may give ground of hope, that God intends much good to them who improve it well; for, He that remaineth, even he (how low ſoever, or, how great an enemy ſoever he hath been) ſhall be for our God. 3. It is a great token of Gods favour toward afflicted remnants, when they are driven to cloſe with him in a Covenant of grace, and when in faith thereof they conſecrate themſelves to him, to be for him, and at his diſpoſal; for, He ſhall be for our God. 4. Theſe who really turne unto God, and labour to be uſefull and comfortable to the Church in their ſtations, may expect to be truly honourable in the eyes of God and of his people, how many blots ſoever have been upon them before; for, He ſhall be as a governour in Judah, both for tenderneſſe in duty, and eminency for reputation. 5. Even the moſt inveterate enemies to the Church may be gained by grace, and coming ſincerely, will be welcome; for, ſuch were the Philiſtines, of whom it is promiſed, Ekron ſhall be as a Jebuſite. 6. Teſtimonies of Gods prevailing with, and receiving ſuch as had been enemies and came to him, are not wanting in the Church to encourage the Church to waite on him, and to encourage others to come and make proof of his goodneſſe; for, here there is an inſtance of Jebuſites, who not only dwelt long in Jeruſalem, but were ſome of them eminent in piety (as Araunah) to be a confirmation of this promiſe concerning the Philiſtines: Ekron ſhall be as a Jebuſite.
Verſ. 8.
And I will encamp about mine houſe becauſe of the army, becauſe of him that paſſeth by, and becauſe of him that returneth: and no oppreſſor ſhall paſſe through them any more: for now have I ſeen with mine eyes.
The ſecond ground of encouragement unto the Church, is Gods preſervation of her in the midſt of calamities upon all round about her. Whereas they might be in danger by incurſions of enemies coming again and again upon them, and by armies ranging up and down in the Countreys about; the Lord promiſeth to guard his Church (ſignified by the Temple) that ſhe ſhould not be troubled with theſe tumults and incurſions, and particularly, that no oppreſſor ſhould paſſe through her: and that becauſe he had taken a ſufficient proof, and experience had ſufficiently ſhewed the ſinfulneſſe and miſery of his people, and their inability to expede themſelves, by themſelves, out of their miſery, and had ſhewed alſo what their enemies cruelty was. This being a promiſe peculiar to the Jewes, or Iſrael, however it was this farre verified before Chriſt, that when enemies came againſt theſe Cities before mentioned, or againſt themſelves, or were ranging to and again, through their land betwixt Syria and Egypt, they did not ſo go through as formerly to burn the Temple, and carry them captives. Yet the promiſe was not then fully accompliſhed; for, not only did oppreſſors go through the land, and make it tributary; yea, and many times profane the very Temple, but in proceſſe of time they were carried into captivity, and the Temple made a deſolation: whereas here it is ſaid, They ſhall not paſſe through them any more. And therefore it ſeemeth we muſt expect a more full accompliſhment of this to converted Iſrael, in Gods preſerving his Church, and their poſſeſſion of their land in peace to them. Doct. 1. The Church may have many and great cauſes of fear, when God is about to do great things for her; for, ſhe hath armies, and paſſers by and returners, ſometime coming to deſtroy others▪ and ſometime to infeſt her ſelfe, which are a triall to her. 2. Where the Lord hath his houſe and Church ſet up amongſt a people, and they look on that as their chief glory, he will protect it, and the State for the Churches ſake; for, I will encamp about my houſe, ſaith the Lord; and that is a ſafeguard to all the reſt. 3. In God alone there is alſufficiency to oppoſe unto all the Churches ſtraites and feares: and where he undertaketh to protect, no power of enemies will overcome, nor their aſſiduouſneſſe outweary him; for, his encamping is ſufficient to oppoſe unto an army, and unto him that paſſeth by and returneth, whether by enemies continuall recruiting of their forces after they are again and again beaten, or by daily incurſions, which would weary any other army to watch over. 4. God is ſufficiently able, when he pleaſeth and ſeeth it for his peoples good, to turne all their ſtormes into a calme, and give them peaceable times without moleſtation from enemies, and continue it ſo during his pleaſure; for, he can make and performe ſueh a promiſe; No oppreſſor ſhall paſſe through them any more. Which may quiet their hearts who finde matters otherwiſe, ſeeing it is not ſo without his providence who knoweth what is beſt for his people. 5. When the Lord in afflicting his people, hath given them a proofe what their ſinfulneſſe and the miſery that followeth upon it is, and how unable they are to make up any breach betwixt him and them, or to be the better (without his help) of any hard uſage; then it is time for mercy to interpoſe, and make up the controverſie, and to prove it ſelfe as alſufficient as the creature is empty; for, ſo much is imported in this reaſon expreſſed after the manner of men, For now have I ſeen with mine eyes. He ſees their caſe, when he gives them an experimental proofe of it, as Iſa. 57.18.6. Every degree of trouble and enemies cruelty let out upon the Church, as it is marked by God, and is a triall and diſcovery of what is in their heart, when they have the Church under their power: ſo it contributes to bring the Church nearer his heart, and to plead for deliverance; for, ſo much alſo doth this reaſon port, For now I have ſeen, &c. as Exod. 2.25. and 3.7.
Verſ. 9.
Rejoyce greatly, O daughter of Zion: ſhout, O daughter of Jeruſalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee, he is juſt, and having ſalvation, lowly, and riding upon an aſſe, and upon a colt the foale of an aſſe.
In the ſecond part of the Chapter, the Church is encouraged, and invited to rejoyce (as the poore did in the Jubile, when their lands were to be redeemed) becauſe of the coming of Chriſt in the fleſh (as the Prophecie is expounded, Mat. 21.5.) who is here deſcribed from his Kingly Office, and his properties of juſtice, power to ſave, and lowlineſſe which he openly avowes by riding without ſtate. Doct. 1. As Chriſt is the ſubſtance of all the Churches comforts, ſo eſpecially by his incarnation, and taking on our nature, is the fountaine of our encouragement in him, opened up; for, in this are they to rejoyce: Rejoyce, ſhout: behold, thy King cometh. 2. The encouragements that come through Chriſt incarnate are not eaſily diſcerned, nor reſted upon as they ought, even by theſe who have ſpecial intereſt in them; therefore Z…on muſt be called once and again to rejoyce, ſhout, and beh…ld. 3. Chriſt is a King whatever he appeare to be in carnall mens eyes, and it is the Churches comfort that he is ſo, as being he who will rule over her, when ſhe would deſtroy her ſelfe, and under whoſe protection ſhe will be ſafe, though ſhe ſeem to be a ſlave to others, Rejoyce, thy King cometh. 4. It is ſufficient ground of encouragement unto the Church, that there is hope of Chriſts coming unto her, albeit ſhe be not in preſent poſſeſſion; ſhout, thy King cometh, ſaith he. 5. It alſo may encourage her, that ſhe hath a peculiar intereſt in this King, and that he is at all the paines to make her happy; he is Jeruſalems and Zions King, and he cometh unto her, Thy King cometh unto thee. 6. Chriſt is a King that will do no wrong unto his ſubjects, but is to be acknowledged as juſt in all he doth, nor will ſuffer any to do them wrong, but he will avenge it, and he hath imputed righteouſneſſe, whereby to juſtifie all his ſubjects who flee to him: this is matter of Zions joy, he is juſt, which includeth all theſe. 7. Chriſt alſo is a King, whoſe prerogative it is to ſave, when and in what exigent he pleaſeth; who, wherever he comes by the light of his countenance, he brings ſalvation with him, and hath purchaſed ſalvation to his people, by his ſaving himſelfe out of all that he engaged in for them; for, he bath ſalvation. 8. It ſets out much of the glory of Chriſts Kingdome, and contributes much for the encouragement of his ſubjects, that he is a lowly and a meek King, who will condeſcend to the low eſtate of his people, that he is eaſie to be intreated, not eaſily provoked, not a ſore quarreller, one to whom there is eaſie acceſſe, and who will deal tenderly with his own; for, he is lowly or meek. 9. As Chriſts Kingdome is ſpiritual, and having no State like worldly Kings: So doth he prove his lowlineſſe and make it viſible to all, to take all ſcruple out of the heart of the humble, that they may not be deterred from coming to him; this is ſignified by his ſolemne entrie into Jeruſalem without any ſtate, riding upon an aſſe, and a colt the foal of an aſſe, which poſture, whatever dignity was in it of old, (as Judges 5.10. & 10.4. & 12.14. 2. Sam. 17.23. & 19.26.) yet in the dayes of this Prophecie, and the accompliſhment thereof, when great ones followed the cuſtomes of Kingdomes about them, it was a ſymboll of a low condition, eſpecially it being on an aſſe not as yet accuſtomed to riding, Mark 11.2.
Verſ. 10.
And I will cut off the charet from Ephraim, and the horſe from Jeruſalem: and the battle-bowe ſhall be cut off, and he ſhall ſpeak peace unto the heathen, and his dominion ſhall be from ſea even to ſea, and from the river, even to the ends of the earth.
There is further propheſied concerning the Kingdome of this King, that God would be ſo farre from imploying Iſraels armies to ſubdue the world unto the Meſſiah and themſelves, as they dreamed, that on the contrary, as he had cut off all warlike power, from the Kingdome of Iſr…el, ſo would he by the Romanes, cut of all viſible power, of a Kingdome from Judah and Jeruſalem, for their rejecting of Chriſt, and ſo make them and Iſrael alike. And yet he ſhould not want a Kingdome, but by the Goſpel of peace, would bring in the Gentiles, and get an univerſal Kingdome in the world, ſpoken of with alluſion to the whole extent of Canaan, which was a type of the Church, and in their common ſpeech the borders thereof was put for the uttermoſt parts of the earth. But more eſpecially it ſeems to be a promiſe of Chriſts recalling Iſrael in the latter dayes to poſſeſſe their land, according to the ancient bounds thereof, to make up one Kingdome with the heathen formerly mentioned. Doct. 1. It is righteous with God, where Chriſt is offered and rejected, to make them who will not be a Church or houſe to him, not to be a Kingdome or people; for, I will out off the horſe from Jeruſalem, and the battle-bowe ſhall be cut off, to wit, when Chriſt comes, and is not received, but crucified by them. 2. A people ſpared when others are deſtroyed, and yet continuing to adde to their provocations, may expect to partake of their lot who have gone before them, and that their former exemption will not alwayes endure; for, Ephraim and Jeruſalem are here joyned, not that there was any face of that Kingdome of Iſrael when Chriſt came in the fleſh, but as Ephraim had been broken of old, ſo ſhould the Jewes be afterward; I will cut off the charet from Ephraim, and the horſe from Jeruſalem? 3. Whomever God deſtroyes for rejecting Chriſt, yet Chriſt will not want a Kingdome in the world; and particularly, the Gentiles have a charter for being a part of Chriſts Kingdome; for, when the Jewes are broken in their power, he will ſpeak peace unto the heathen. 4. As the ſpiritual weapons of Chriſts Kingdome, are the only effectual meanes for gaining people unto him, (whatever Chriſtian Magiſtrates ought to do for making way to the right exerciſe of theſe weapons;) ſo are they ſufficient of themſelves to bear out and prevaile, and carry their point againſt all oppoſition. Chriſt can by preaching the Goſpel, and holding out thereby the peace purchaſed for ſinners in his blood, prevaile over all Idolatry and power of men, and ſettle his Kingdome among them: yea and get upon the thrones which, Satan poſſeſſed; for, he ſhall ſpeak peace unto the Heathen, and thereby prevaile. 5. Chriſt his charter is to be an univerſall King, the bounds of whoſe Kingdome, in reference to the world, or the land of Canaan, is of Cods determining, and who will want none of his right, oppoſe him who will; for, ſo is peremptorily declared here: His dominion ſhall be from ſea, even to ſea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
Verſ. 11.
As for thee alſo, by the blood of thy covenant, I have ſent forth thy priſoners out of the pit, wherein is no water.
After the deſcription of this King; and the prediction concerning his Kingdome; there is ſubjoyned a declaration and Prophecie concerning the benefits of his Kingdome, redounding unto the Church of the Jewes. Whereof the firſt (directed to the daughter of Zion or Jeruſalem which is to be repeated from v. 9.) is, deliverance from their captivity and diſperſion, where they were halfe buried, without comfort, as in a dungeon, wanting ſo much as water to refreſh them; which deliverance comes by vertue of the Covenant, which had been ſealed by the blood of the ſacrifices, typifying the blood of Chriſt, which doth confirme it indeed, and purchaſes all the benefits thereof. This the Lord had already done for them in their deliverance from Babylon, as a pledge of the future returning of their captivity, after Chriſts coming, v. 9. and after the calling of the Gentiles, v. 10 and he ſpeaks of this, as a thing paſt, becauſe of its certainty. Doct. 1. The deeper any of the people of God be in trouble, they lie nearer his heart and help: and he would have them look on the comforts of the Kingdome of Chriſt, and the Covenant, as eſpecially intended for them; therefore doth he apply the general comforts of Chriſts Kingdome to the diſtreſſed Jewes: As for thee alſo. 2. As the afflictions of the Lords people may be very bitter, and ſo ordered as they may be trials indeed: ſo there will be ſpecial notice taken of them, when their rods become ſo inſupportable, that there is no ſubſiſting under them; for, he eyes them, when they are priſoners in a pit, wherein is no water, as ſometime they may be. 3. God entering in a Covenant with his people, condeſcends to take in all their outward neceſſities, and engages to have a care of them in theſe as well as in things ſpiritual; and ſo all their mercies come by Covenant; for, it is by the covenant, that the priſoners are ſent forth. 4. The mercies of the Church are not only rich and refreſhfull in themſelves, and in their Original, that they come through a Covenant of love, but in their purchaſe that they are bought, and the Covenant concerning them made ſure by the blood of the Sonne of God; By the blood of thy covenant, I have ſent forth thy priſoners. 5. The Lord mindes his Covenant, and through, and for Chriſt makes the promiſes of it forth coming for his peoples good, when they have broken it on their part; for, though for their perfidiouſneſſe they were ſcattered, yet the Covenant ſtands to bring them back; Thy Covenant.
Verſ. 12.
Turne ye to the ſtrong hold, ye priſoners of hope, even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee:
A ſecond benefit of his Kingdome redounding unto them, and the uſe of the former, is contained in an exhortation to all thoſe who either then were, or after their rejection of Chriſt ſhould be diſperſed as priſoners, that as they ſhould have hope of reſtitution, ſo they would make ready to returne to their land, promiſing unto them, that they ſhall be richly made up for all their loſſes. Doct. 1. No ſtraite of the Lords people can be ſo great, but there is matter and ground of hope in it, which ſhould be cheriſhed, to diſcover day-light unto us in a dark night; for, they are here priſoners of hope. 2. Hope in ſtraites is to be improven, for ſtrengthening to duty, and will hearten men to the uſe of meanes whereby the ſtraite may be removed: whereas heartleſneſſe layes men idle; for, priſoners of hope are to turn them to their ſtrong hold. 3. The Church of God, how weak ſoever in her ſelfe, yet by reaſon of Gods protection is invincible and a ſafe refuge for toſſed people; for, it is a ſtrong hold, turn ye to the ſtrong hold. 4. Hope in God ſetting about duty, will never be aſhamed, but hath aſſurance of comfortable ſucceſſe; for, priſoners of hope, are in their duty ſeconded by a promiſe. 5. As the Lord may be intending comfortable things, when in the mean time his people are in great ſtraites; ſo hard times will not ſilence him from promiſing mercy, and ſhould not hinder our faith to believe it; for, even to day do I declare. 6. Affliction of the Lords people, are in due time richly and doubly made up unto them, by their ſeeing double the miſery, that ever they ſuffered, afflicted on their enemies; by rich advantages and benefits from their own exerciſes, by doubling their felicity in reſpect of what they had, when it is for their good; and eſpecially in Chriſt every bleſſing is double, in it ſelfe, and in the purchaſe; in what it is, and in its being a pledge of eternal life: for, I will render double to thee. 7. In making up the afflictions of the Church, the Lord hath an eſpecial eye to every one in particular, that they have no cauſe to account themſelves or their afflictions ſleighted; for, whereas before it was in the general priſoners, now the promiſe is particular to every one, I will render double to thee.
Verſ. 13.
When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bowe with Ephraim, and raiſed up thy ſonnes, O Zion, againſt thy ſonnes, O Greece, and made thee as the ſword of a mighty man.
A third benefit promiſed unto them, (whereby alſo the former ſhall be accompliſhed) is victory over all their enemies that ſhall invade them, which was in part accompliſhed in the conflicts of the Jewes in the dayes of the Maccabees, with their enemies who were a part of the broken Empire of Javau, or the Grecians; but conſidering that Ephraim is mentioned as well as Judah it ſeems to reach further, to victories to be attained both by Judah, and Ephraim, or the ten tribes, againſt their enemies, who it may be ſhall be inhabitants of Grecia, or the Turk. This promiſe is branched out, for more diſtinct confirmation, in ſeveral branches. As firſt, God employing them, as his bowe, arrowes and ſword, and ſtirring them up againſt their enemies, ſhall make them ſtrong. Doct. 1. The reaſon of courage and ſucceſſe, or the want of them, is not in the creature, but comes from God, who imployeth and layeth by, raiſeth up and caſts down; and according as he changes, the creature proves ſtrong or weake; for, the fountaine of the Churches victory, is Gods making Zion his bended bowe, Ephraim his arrowes to ſhoot, and his raiſing up Zions ſonnes againſt Greece. 2. The Church of God is too ſore a party for any oppoſite; in reſpect of that though ſhe be laid by, ſhe will be imployed again, and be enabled to fall to afreſh, after ſhe hath been overcome, and when God imployes her ſhe is invincible; for, though Ephraim and Zion were laid by, yet again God will bend Judah for him, &c. and in his hand they ſhall be as the ſword of a mighty man, or giant.
Verſ. 14.
And the LORD ſhall be ſeen over them, and his arrow ſhall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD ſhall blow the trumpet, and ſhall go with whirlewindes of the South.
A ſecond branch of the promiſe is, God ſhall be General in their enterpriſes, ſhall protect them as of old he did by the cloud, Exod. 14.19. ſhall animate them as by a trumpet blown; and fight from Heaven with thunder and lightning, and ſcatter and overturne all as whirlewindes do in the deſerts to the South of Judah: or, as when he overthrew Egypt at the Red-ſea, Pſa. 77.16, 17, 18. Exod. 15.10. Doct. 1. The Churches defence and victory is of God, who is chiefe in her enterpriſes againſt her enemies, and delights to be ſeen on her behalfe, encouraging her and making her victorious; for, The Lord ſhall be ſeen over them, &c. 2. The Church and her wel-being is ſo precious in Gods ſight, that he will do ſtrange things ere ſhe be not delivered, and he brings her to extremities, that her help may be ſeen to be from Heaven; for, His arrow ſhall go forth as lightning: and he ſhall go forth with whirlewindes of the South.
Verſ. 15
The LORD of hoſtes ſhall defend them, and they ſhall devour, and ſubdue with ſling-ſtones, and they ſhall drink and make a noiſe, as through wine, and they ſhall be filled like bowles, and as the corners of the Altar.
A third branch of the promiſe is, God, going forth for them, ſhall not only defend them, but give them victory, and make them devour and ſubdue their enemies who are as baſe as ſtones caſt out of a ſling, (or, ſhall overcome them, though they had but ſling-ſtones to fight with, as David had when he came againſt Goliah) and ſhall make it a compleat victory, and full execution, ſo that their ſwords ſhall be ſatiate with blood and ſlaughter, as the bowles or baſins of the Temple, and corners of the Altar, were with the blood of ſacrifices; and themſelves ſatisfied abundantly with the victory, and ſpoiles, to make them keep feaſts and be merry; if not alſo to offer praiſe to God, which is ſpoken of in tearmes taken from the ceremoniall law, wherein they filled the bowles with the blood of ſacrifices. Of theſe bowles, or baſins of the Altar, See 1 King, 7.50. Ze…h. 14.20. Numb. 4.13, 14. Baſins were made uſe of by Moſes to keep the blood in, till it were ſprinkled, Exod. 24.5, 6, 8. and it ſeemes they carried the blood in baſins to the Altar, to ſprinkle it upon the hornes thereof, and poure out the reſt at the bottome of it; as Levit. 4.30. and elſewhere. Doct. 1. The Lord can put his people in a ſafe condition in the midſt of greateſt dangers; The Lord of hoſtes ſhall defend them. 2. When enemies bre…k looſe upon the Church, it portends that that controverſie ſhall end in their ruine; for, the defended Church ſhall devour and ſubdue. 3. As all wicked men are abominable and baſe in Gods ſight, ſo eſpecially theſe who would riſe upon the Churches ruines ſhall be contemptible, and brought down with ignominy; thus both the readings come to one purpoſe, the Church ſhall ſubdue the ſling-ſtones, or, ſubdue with ſlingſtones, their eaſie overthrowing them, as with ſling-ſtones, ſhall declare that they are baſe, as ſling-ſtones caſt out upon the ground, in Gods ſight. 4. When the Lord pleads the cauſe of his people, he will not only give ſuch proof of himſelfe as may curb enemies, but ſuch as may fully ſatisfie his people, and comfort and refreſh their ſpirits, and make them praiſe him: This is ſignified by this ſatiety of blood and ſpoile promiſed to make them rejoyce, as men refreſhed with wine and feaſts; They ſhall drink and make a noiſe as through wine, and they ſhall be filled like bowles, and as the corners of the Altar.
Verſe 16.
And the LORD their God ſhall ſave them in that day, as the flock of his people, for they ſhall be as the ſtones of a crown lifted up, as an Enſigne upon his land.
The victory is further amplified from Gods glory, and tender mercy, ſhining in his marvellous helping of their infirmity, as if a ſhepherd pulled a ſheep out of the wolfes jawes; and from the effects of the victory, that they ſhould be exalted in their own land, as the precious ſtones of a crown, when their enemies ſhould lie on the ground as ſtones caſt out of a ſling, and they ſhould be ſet up as a banner or monument of Gods victory. Doct. 1. Every new look of Gods mercies toward his people, will diſcover more and more in them to refreſh their hearts; for, here at every new repetition there is more to ſay. 2. That which is chiefly remarkable and refreſhful in the Churches deliverance, is the ſeeing of the glorious power of God, his fidelity and tender mercy toward them ſhining in it: as here, The Lord their God ſhall ſave them in that day as the flock of his people: his doing of it as being their Conſederate God, and tender ſhepherd, looking on all the reſt of the world, as goats, and ſwine, and boares, commends it to them. 3. Theſe in whoſe deliverance God will be moſt ſeen, are in themſelves moſt encompaſſed with infirmities, and convinced of inability, that Gods glory may be the more viſible; for, they are as a flock expoſed to wolves, in that day that he ſaves them. 4. However the Lords people may ſometimes be in a contemptible-like condition, yet in due time their preciouſneſſe in Gods eyes ſhall be viſible, and they ſhall be ſuch monuments of his power and love, as may invite others to joyne with them; for, They ſhall be as the ſtones of a Crown lifted up, as an Enſigne upon his land.
Verſ. 17.
For how great is his goodneſſe, and how great is his beauty! corne ſhall make the young men chearful, and new wine the maids.
A fourth benefit promiſed unto Iſrael through Chriſt, is, the making of their land fruitful in ſuch meaſure of corne and wine, as ſhould make them full of vigour and mirth, and that not only the aged who moſt need it, but even the younger ſort for their further pleaſure and refreſhment; the confideration of all which benefits tends to the commendation of Gods goodneſſe and excellencie, which as it is the fountain of them all, ſo it is here admired at. Doct. 1. As one bleſſing from God, will ſtill need and call for another, ſo one bleſſing from him followes upon another, he will provide for theſe whom he preſerves, and will anſwer all their neceſſities, and give them occaſion to reade his love, even in the fruits of their ground, and daily bread; for, after victory corne and new wine is promiſed to maintain the Conquerours. 2. As it pleaſeth the Lord ſometime to deal liberally with his Church in outward favours; ſo at all times when he is kinde, it becomes his people to be encouraged and ſtudie chearfulneſſe, whereby to commend his dealing; for, Corne ſhall make the young men chearful, and new wine the maids. 3. As Gods free love and goodneſſe is the fountain of all his peoples mercy; ſo he will in due time (whatever hard thoughts his people have of him,) get a commendation from them as good and doing good: For how great is his goodneſſe! 4. Gods goodneſſe ſeen in his preſent dealing, ought alſo to commend the beauty of all his by paſt adminiſtrations, as admirably carried on to ſuch a cloſe; and ſhould make us rebuke our ſelves for judging otherwiſe at any time, and ought to commend his own beauty and comelineſſe to our hearts, that we may embrace himſelf as a portion, without reſting on any particular benefit: For, how great is his beauty! is ſubjoyned to the former. 5. The Lords goodneſſe and excellency, infinitely ſurpaſſeth the reach of creatures capacity, and may be adored and admired, but cannot be comprehended or fathomed; and our commending and declaring of it is beſt performed, when we ſet it moſt above the reach of our ability; ſo much doth this way of admiration import: How great is his goodneſſe, and how great is his beautie!