BibleWare/BibWare.bin/bibref/mhc.exe/EZR.TXT

Text File | 1996-06-12 | 19KB | 355 lines

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** The history of this book is the accomplishment of Jeremiah's
prophecy concerning the return of the Jews out of Babylon. From
its contents we especially learn, that every good work will meet
with opposition from enemies, and be hurt by the misconduct of
friends; but that God will make his cause to prevail,
notwithstanding all obstacles and adversaries. The restoration
of the Jews was an event of the highest consequence, tending to
preserve religion in the world, and preparing the way for the
appearance of the Great Deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

* The proclamation of Cyrus for the rebuilding of the temple.
(1-4) The people provide for their return. (5-11)

#1-4 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. The hearts of
kings are in the hand of the Lord. God governs the world by his
influence on the spirits of men; whatever good they do, God
stirs up their spirits to do it. It was during the captivity of
the Jews, that God principally employed them as the means of
calling the attention of the heathen to him. Cyrus took it for
granted, that those among the Jews who were able, would offer
free-will offerings for the house of God. He would also have
them supplied out of his kingdom. Well-wishers to the temple
should be well-doers for it.

#5-11 The same God that raised up the spirit of Cyrus to
proclaim liberty to the Jews, raised up their spirits to take
the benefit. The temptation was to some to stay in Babylon; but
some feared not to return, and they were those whose spirits God
raised, by his Spirit and grace. Whatever good we do, is owing
to the grace of God. Our spirits naturally bow down to this
earth and the things of it; if they move upward in any good
affections or good actions, it is God who raises them. The calls
and offers of the gospel are like the proclamation of Cyrus.
Those bound under the power of sin, may be made free by Jesus
Christ. Whosoever will, by repentance and faith, return to God,
Jesus Christ has opened the way for him, and raises him out of
the slavery of sin into the glorious liberty of the children of
God. Many that hear this joyful sound, choose to sit still in
Babylon, are in love with their sins, and will not venture upon
a holy life; but some break through all discouragements,
whatever it cost them; they are those whose spirit God has
raised above the world and the flesh, whom he has made willing.
Thus will the heavenly Canaan be filled, though many perish in
Babylon; and the gospel offer will not have been made in vain.
The bringing back the Jews from captivity, represents the
redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ.
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* The numbers that returned. (1-35) The numbers of the priests
and Levites. (36-63) The offerings for the temple. (64-70)

#1-35 An account was kept of the families that came up out of
captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness
would exalt!

#36-63 Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times
of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from
it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no
evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto
God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and
privileges of Christians.

#64-70 Let none complain of the needful expenses of their
religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his
glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their
offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the
princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability,
were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all
undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to
his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the
call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall
be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive
safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
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* The altar and festivals. (1-7) The foundations of the temple
laid. (8-13)

#1-7 From the proceedings of the Jews on their arrival, let us
learn to begin with God, and to do what we can in the worship of
God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once
have a temple, but they would not be without an altar. Fear of
danger should stir us to our duty. Have we many enemies? Then it
is good to have God our Friend, and to keep up communion with
him. Our fears should drive us to our knees. The sacrifices for
all these solemnities were a heavy expense for so poor a
company; yet besides those expressly appointed, many brought
free-will offerings to the Lord. And they made preparation for
the building of the temple without delay: whatever God calls us
to do, we may depend upon his providence to furnish us with the
needful means.

#8-13 There was a remarkable mixture of affections upon laying
the foundation of the temple. Those that only knew the misery of
having no temple at all, praised the Lord with shouts of joy. To
them, even this foundation seemed great. We ought to be thankful
for the beginnings of mercy, though it be not yet perfect. But
those who remembered the glory of the first temple, and
considered how far inferior this was likely to be, wept with a
loud voice. There was reason for it, and if they bewailed the
sin that was the cause of this melancholy change, they did well.
Yet it was wrong to cast a damp upon the common joys. They
despised the day of small things, and were unthankful for the
good they enjoyed. Let not the remembrance of former afflictions
drown the sense of present mercies.
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* The adversaries of the temple. (1-5) The building of the
temple is hindered. (6-24)

#1-5 Every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the
opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. The
adversaries were the Samaritans, who had been planted in the
land of Israel, #2Ki 17|. It was plain that they did not mean to
unite in the worship of the Lord, according to his word. Let
those who discourage a good work, and weaken them that are
employed in it, see whose pattern they follow.

#6-24 It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church
would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more
false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our
sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and
the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man,
and patiently submit to the consequences. All who love the
gospel should avoid all appearance of evil, lest they should
encourage the adversaries of the church. The world is ever ready
to believe any accusation against the people of God, and refuses
to listen to them. The king suffered himself to be imposed upon
by these frauds and falsehoods. Princes see and hear with other
men's eyes and ears, and judge things as represented to them,
which are often done falsely. But God's judgment is just; he
sees things as they are.
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* The leaders forward the building of the temple. (1,2) letter
against the Jews. (3-17)

#1,2 The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years.
Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with
the work. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people,
when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of
God, as guides, overseers, and rulers. In Haggai, we see what
great things God does by his word, which he magnifies above all
his name, and by his Spirit working with it.

#3-17 While employed in God's work, we are under his special
protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to
our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever
so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an
account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness
and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us
rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in
God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we
always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the
wrath of God. All our sufferings spring fr