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v20050
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1994-03-01
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20056
* 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.
20063
#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.
20069
* 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.
20074
#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.
20093
* 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.
20095
#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 from thence, and all our
comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to
be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his
people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a
habitation of God through the Spirit.