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or else that he disregarded human affairs, and would never call men to account for their ac

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1--9.

power exhausted? and could he not have created many women for this one man, had he seen good? But he meant that a godly pos-'tions.' Lowth. terity should be trained up, which would best be done by the joint care of both parents, liv ing together in love, and uniting their instructions, examples, and prayers for that end; to Those who will not lay the commandments which polygamy and divorces would have of God to heart, to glorify him by repentance been alike unfavorable. (Marg. and Marg. and obedience, must be exposed to his awful Ref. s-u.-Notes, 10-12. Gen. 2:21-24. 6:1, curse; and their abused temporal blessings 2. 24:1-14. Jer. 2:20,21. Malt. 5:31,32. 19:3—will be mingled with bitterness, and be made 9. Mark 10:2-12. 1 Cor. 7:10-14.) The peo-an occasion of falling to them: yet very often, ple were, therefore, called on to watch over men under severe rebukes in their persons, their own spirits, that such sensual and selfish connexions, undertakings, and possessions, do passions might not influence them, to "deal not see the hand of God lifted up against them. treacherously against the wives of their youth."-It is a peculiar favor to be employed in the For it was evident by the Lord's dealings with sacred ministry, and in making known to sintheir nation, notwithstanding their provoca- ners "the covenant of life and peace;" when tions, that he "hated putting away:" and could they, who are thus engaged, are themselves they expect, that he would connive at their interested in that covenant, and when God has putting away their wives without cause, when put his fear into their hearts, and made them he had not put them away, though they had eminent for faith and holiness. Such minisgiven him such abundant cause? (Marg. and ters will be able and ready to teach the truths Marg. Ref. x, y.-Notes, Is. 50:1-3, v. 1. Jer. and precepts of God's word with gravity and 3:1. Rom. 11:25—32, v. 29.)—He allowed the sincerity; and "iniquity will not be found in 'Jews the liberty of divorce, only "for the hard- their lips:" they will "walk with God in peace 'ness of their hearts;" (Matt. 19:8.) not that it and righteousness, and turn many from iniqui'was a thing pleasing to him. ... Some render ty," who will be "their joy and crown of re"the words, "If he hate her, let him put her joicing in the day of Jesus Christ." But all, 'away," that is, rather than use her ill. But who sustain or desire to enter into this sacred 'the former sense is more agreeable to the function, must remember that the lips of a 'scope of the place.' Lowth. (Marg.) May it not minister should be fraught with divine knowlbe added, that the latter sense is evidently edge, brought forth from the good treasure of contrary to the design of the passage, and heavenly wisdom, stored up in the heart; that agrees with no part of scripture; but is the sub-men may be induced to inquire the truth and stance of those glosses and traditions, by will of God from his mouth, as "the messenger which the scribes at length "rendered the of the LORD" to their souls. Ministers who commandment of God of none effect?"-The answer this description honor God, and he will points of the original must be entirely altered, honor them, and make them honorable before to make it capable of this sense; and these || men in due time and measure. But, alas! how generally shew how the passages were under- large a proportion of those, who fill the holy stood in ancient times.-"For I hate him that office, entirely depart from this good old way! putteth away." Bp. Newcombe. The Jews in- How many pervert and corrupt the precept of deed endeavored to cover this oppression with the law, and the doctrine of the covenant, by frivolous pretences, as one who by costly obla-their partial, superficial, and erroneous intions attempted to cloke or atone for his unre- structions; and cause men to stumble by their pented crimes; or as if a man should cast a wicked examples! Such ministers therefore garment over the body of one whom he had soon fall into contempt: the people disregard violently slain, or over the plunder that he had their instructions, and do not scruple to detaken: but the Lord would not be thus imposed fraud them of their incomes; and sometimes on. (Murg. Ref. z.-Notes, 2 Sam. 20:11-13. | even alienate that provision, which they have Prov. 28:13. Mic. 7:1-4, vv. 2,3.) done so little to deserve, and so much to forV. 17. The profane language of the people feit: and, however unjust man may be in these was as offensive to God, as their actual impie-transactions, the Lord is evidently righteous; ties and injustice: for they avowed the blas-for "they that despise him shall be lightly esphemous opinion, that he was most pleased teemed." with wicked men. The persons, who said this, did not prosper in their outward circumstan- The selfishness and depravity of the human ces, as they expected; they proudly thought heart are continually striking out new chanthemselves good and entitled to God's favor; nels of iniquity. Forgetful that "one God hath they envied the prosperity of the wicked; and created them," and that they are sprung from they argued, that if the Lord were "a God of one common father, men multiply frauds and judgment," he would not let matters go on in oppressions against their brethren: nay, prothis manner; so that unless he punished their fessed Christians against their fellow Chrisenemies and prospered them, they should be tians, profaning that sacred character to the ready to deny his Being, providence, or per-vilest of purposes. Among other evidences of fections. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 3:13-18, vv. 13 -15. Deut. 32:4. 1 Sam. 2:3. Job 34:5-9. Ps. 73:5-17. Ec. 8:11-13. Is. 5:18,19. 7:13. 30:18, 19. 43:22-25. 2 Pet. 3:1-4.) The prosperity 'of the wicked, ... implied, as they thought, 'either that their works were pleasing to God;

V. 10-23.

men's comparative disregard to piety, that is peculiarly worthy of notice, which arises from the marriage of professors of godliness with those who are openly irreligious. Men, who value their distinctions of rank or family, will not degrade themselves by alliances with those

CHAP. III.

coming? and who shall stand when he ap

A prediction of the Messiah's forerunner, and of the Messiah peareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap:

himself, to cleanse his church and judge the wicked, 1-6. The people are warned to repent, especially of their sacrilege and proud blasphemy, 7-15. A blessing is promised to such as feared God and spake together of him, when the righteous shall be separated from the wicked, 16-13.

BE

d

EHOLD, a I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 But who may abide the day of his

a 2:7. 4:5. Matt. 11:10,11. Mark 1:2,3. Luke 1:76. 7:26-28. John 1:6,7,

b Is. 40:3-5. Matt. 3:1-3. 17: 10-13. Luke 1:16,17. 3:3-6. John 1:15-23,33,34, 3:28-30. Acts 13:24,25. 19:4.

e Ps. 110:1. Is. 7:14. 9.6. Hag. 2:7-9. Luke 2:11,21—32,38, 46. 7:19,20. 19:47. John 2:14 -16.

d Gen. 48:15,16. Ex. 23:20. Is.

63:9. Hos. 12:3-5. Acts 7: 38.

e 4:1. Am. 5:18-20. Matt. 3: 7-12. 21:31-44. 23:13-35. Luke 2:34. 3:9,17. 7:23. 11:37 -47,52-54. 21:36. John 6:42 44. 8:41-48,55. 9:39-41 15: 22-24. Acts 7:52-54. Rom. 9:31-33. 11:5-10. Heb. 10: 23,29. 12:25. 1 Pet. 2:7,8. Rev. 1:6,7. 6:17.

beneath them: yet those who profess themselves to be of Israel, and "holiness to the LORD," set so little value on this distinction, as deliberately and wilfully to ally themselves with the children of his avowed enemy! This is no light matter: for he, who of old determined to "cut off from the tabernacles of Jacob, the master or scholar" who did this, will never connive at it in Christians.-The Lord also notices men's behavior in the different relations of life: he witnesses the unfaithfulness, imperiousness, and unkindness of numbers to their wives, and their violation of the vow and covenant, which they made to them before him and the congregation. He hears the prayers and complaints, and sees the tears, of those who have been thus injured; and, as he would have his children joyful in his service, he will call those to account who cause them to weep before him.-The depravity of men has rendered it necessary in civil society, to connive at deviations from the original institution of marriage: but in all our reasonings on that subject we must revert to it. Did not he, who "had the residue of the spirit," create one woman, and no more, for man in paradise? and was not this designed, that, with united attention, both parents might bring up their posterity in the fear and service of God? Can therefore polygamy or divorces on frivolous pretences, be reconcilable with this appointment? And does not the imperious and unfaithful conduct of many professed Christians, to the wives of their youth, form a perfect contrast to the love of Christ to his espoused church? (Notes and P. O. Eph. 5:21-33.) If men|| would "take heed to their spirits," they would find, that their behavior in relative life springs from base selfishness, which disregards the welfare of society, and the happiness of individuals, when put in competition with the indulgence of their base passions and unreasonable caprices; however they may cloke their violence by other pretences. Yet we may the less wonder at their cruelty to their inferiors, when they weary God himself with their impiety and infidelity; and when they take occasion from his righteous rebukes to blaspheme his name, and charge him with partiality and injustice. But they who inquire in this daring manner, "Where is the God of judgment?" will soon be answered by his appearing to

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver that they may offer unto the LORD * an offering in righteousness.

4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in * former years.

f Is. 4:4. Zech. 13.9. Matt. 3: k 1:11. Ps 4.5. 50:14:23. 69 10-12. Rev. 2:23. 30,31. 107:21,22. 116:17. 141: g Ps. 2:7. Is. 1:18. Jer. 2:22. 1,2. Hos. 14 2. Joba 4 23,24. Mark 9:3. Rev. 1:5. 7:14. Rom. 12:1 15.16. Phil. 217 19:8. 4:18. 2 Tim. 4:6. Heb. 13: 15,16. 1 Pet. 2:5,9.

h Ps. 66:10. Prov. 17:3. 25:4. Is. 1:25. 48:10. Jer. 6:28-30. Ez. 22:18-22. Dan. 12:10. Zech. 13:9. Luke 316. Eph. 5:26,27. Tit. 2:14. Heb. 12: 10. 1 Pet. 1:7. 4:12,13. Rev. 3:18.

i 1:6-10, 2:1-8. Is. 61:6. 66: 19-21. Jer. 55:18,22. Ez. 44: 15,16. Rev. 1:6, 5:10.

1 Is. 1:26,27. 56:7. Jer. 30.1820. 31:23,24, Ez. 20:40,41, 43: 26,27. Zech. 8.3. 14:20,21. m 1 Chr. 15:26, 16:1-3. 21.8. 29:20-22. 2 Chr. 16, 7:1-3, 10-12. 8:12-14. 29:31-35 30:21-27. 31:20,21. Jer. 22,3. Or, ancient.

judge the world in righteousness, and to inflict vengeance on all his enemies.

NOTES.

CHAP. III. V. 1-4. It is evident that JEHOVAH himself here speaks; and he says, “Behold, I will send my messenger to prepare the way before me." Now John the Baptist, who beyond doubt was intended, prepared the way before Christ. (Marg. Ref. a, b.-Notes, 4:46. Is. 40:3-8. Matt. 3:3. 11:7-11. Mark 1:1,2. Luke 1:11-17, vv. 16,17,76-79. John 1:6-9,19 -28.) Then "the Lord," (the same whom David called "his Lord," Note, Ps. 110:1.) “whom they sought" and expected, would "come to his temple," or his own temple, which could not be fulfilled in Christ, unless he were the Lord and Proprietor of the temple. (Note, Hag. 2:6-9.) He would "come suddenly," or immediately after his forerunner had announeed his approach: and this he did, when he repeatedly cast out the buyers and sellers from it, and there daily preached to the people. (Marg. Ref. c.-Notes, Matt. 21:12,13,23-27. Luke 2:21-32,41-52. John 2:13-17.) He would be "the Angel," or "Messenger, of the covenant," even the new covenant of mercy and grace, which he came to mediate. (Notes, Gen. 48:15,16. Ex. 23:20-23. Is. 63:9. Acts 7: 30—36, vv. 30,35.) In the prospect of his coming the Jews professed to delight.-'He is the person ye delight in, whose coming is so much desired, the time of it being the subject of your 'search and inquiry, and the expectation of it 'your comfort and delight.' Lowth. But, who among the people would be able to abide his coming, and stand the test of his doctrine, and the trying dispensations which would attend the setting up of his kingdom? For he would resemble "the refiner's fire and the fuller's soap," and no hypocrite or wicked man could abide the test. He would "sit as a refiner of gold and silver," to purify his church, and the hearts of his people, from all dross; and thus he would prepare a pure race of ministers, and a spiritual priesthood, (instead of the corrupt and rejected tribe of Levi,) who might present before him a holy worship, as pleasant to him as the services and sacrifices of the most eminent believers, in the purest times of the ancient church. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. d-m.-See on Note, 1:9-11, v. 9.-Notes. 4:1. Is. 1:25–27.

c

But ye say, Wherein have
In tithes and offerings.

5 And I will come near to you to judg-|| robbed me. ment; and I will be a swift witness against we robbed thee? P the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, 4 and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

8

6 For I am the LORD; I change not: u therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

7 ¶ Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? 8 Will a man

n 2:17.

a

rob

Ps. 50:3-6. 96:13. 98: 9. Ez. 34:20-22. Heb. 10.30, 31. Jam. 5:8,9. Jude 14,15.

o 2:14. Ps. 50:7. 91:8. Jer. 29: 23. Mic. 1:2. Matt. 23:1435.

p Lev. 20.6,10,27. Deut. 5:11, 17-21. Jer. 7:9,10. Ez. 22: 6-12 Zech. 5:3,4. 1 Cor. 6: 9,10. Gal. 5:19-21. Rev. 21: 8. 22:15.

q Ex. 22:21-24. Lev. 19:13. Deut. 24:14,15,17. 27:19. Prov. 22:22,23. 23:10.11. Jer. 22:13 -17. Jam. 5:4.

Or, defraud. 1 Thes. 4:6. r Gen. 20:11. 42:18. Ex. 1:17. 18:21. Neh. 5:15. Ps. 36:1. Prov. 8:13. 16:6. Luke 23:40. Rom. 3:18.

s Gen. 15:7,18. 22:16. Ex. 3: 14,15. Neh. 9:7,8. Is. 41:13. 42:5-8. 43:11,12. 44:6. 45:58. Jer. 32:27. Hos. 11:9.

God? yet ye have
t Num. 23:19. 1 Sam. 15:29.

Ps. 102:26. Heb. 6:18. 13:8.
Jam. 1:17. Rev. 1:8. 22:13.

u Ps. 103:17. 105:7-10. Is. 40:

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9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

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11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.

m

12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

13 ¶ Your words have been stout Yet ye say,

28-31. Lam. 3:22,23. Rom. against me, saith the

5:10. 8:28-32. 11:28,29. Phil.
1:6. 2 Thes. 2:13,14.

Ps.

x Deut. 9:7-21. 31:20,27—29.
Neh. 9:16,17,26,28—-30.
78:8-10. Ez. 20:8,13,21,28.
Luke 11:49-51. Acts 7:51,
52.

y Lev. 26:40-42. Deut. 4:29-
31. 30:1-4. 1 Kings 8:47-49.
Neh. 1:8,9. Is. 55:6,7. Jer. 3:
12--14,22 Ez. 18:30-32.
Hos 14:1. Zech. 1:3. Jam.
4:8.

z 13. 1:6. Is. 65:2. Luke 15:16,
Rom. 7:9. 10:3,21.

a Ps. 29:2. Prov. 3:9,10. Matt.
22:21. Mark 12:17. Luke 20:
25. Rom. 13:7.

4:3,4. 48:9-11. 61:4-6. 66:19-23. Zech. 13:8, 9. 14:20,21. Matt. 3:7-12. Heb. 13:15,16. 1 Pet. 1:6,7. 2:4-6,9,10. Rev. 1:4-6. 5:8—10.)

b 1:8,13. Lev. 5:15,16. 27:2-
34. Num. 18:21-32. Josh. 7:
11. Neh. 13:4-14. Rom. 2:
22.

LORD.

Luke 5:6,7. 12:16,17. John 21: 6-11.

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c 2.2. Deut. 28:15-19. Josh. 7: Heb. corrupt.
12,13. 22:20. Is. 43:28.

1:6-11. 2:14-17.

Hag.k Deut. 11:14. Jer. 8:13. Joel 1:7,12. 2:22. Hab. 3:17. Zech. 8:12.

d 2 Chr. 31:4-10. Neh. 10:33
-39. Prov. 3:9,10.

e 1 Chr. 26:20. 2 Chr. 31:11-
19. Neh. 12:44,47, 13:5,10-
13.

f 1 Kings 17:13-16. Ps. S7:3.
Hag. 2:19. Matt. 6:33. 2 Cor.
9:6-8.

g Gen. 7:11. Deut. 28:12. 2
Kings 7:2,19.

Heb. empty out. Ec. 11:3.
h Lev. 26:10. 2 Chr. 31:10.

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gospel, is too merciful to punish sinners; or at least that he makes far more allowances for sin than formerly: but, as his immutable perfection V. 5, 6. (2:17.) The coming of Christ would had hitherto led him, amidst all the provocabe followed by the condemnation and punish-tions of Israel, to perform his promises to their ment of the Jewish nation. He would come "near unto them to judgment, and ... be a swift witness," to testify that their works were evil: (Note, John 7:3—10, v. 7.) and thus he would speedily convict the sorcerers, and other notorious criminals, of which the bulk of the nation at that time principally consisted; and then he would bring them to condign punishment. Indeed the prevalence of the sins here enumerated, and of similar crimes, caused the Jews to reject Christ and his holy gospel, and thus brought on the ruin of the nation. (Marg, and Marg. Ref. n-r.-Notes, 2:13-17. Ps. 50:321, vv 6,7,18-21. Jer. 7:5-7. 22:13-19, vv. 13, 14,17 29:21–23. Zech. 5:1-4. Matt. 23:13-33. John 3:19-21. Acts 7:50-52. 1 Cor. 6:9–11. Gal. 5:19-21. Jam. 4:1–6. 5:1-6. Rev. 21:5—| 8, v. 8. 22:14,15.)-JEHOVAH, being immutable in his nature and purposes, would not consume the nation, or cast them off, however wicked, till the Messiah was come: but then his immutable justice, holiness, and truth, required him to punish them for their enormous wickedness. (Marg. Ref. s-u.-Notes, Ex. 3:14,15. Num. 23:19. Ps. 102:25-28. Is. 40:27-31. Lam. 3:21 -23. Rom. 11:25-32, vv. 28,29. Heb. 6:16-20. 13:7,8.) The people might indeed imagine, that in the days of the Messiah, the Lord would deal with them more leniently; as if he had not continued the same holy and just God, as when he gave the law! Thus many nominal Christians seem to suppose, that God, under the

V. 7-12. The Jews in the time of Malachi copied the sins of their fathers, and proudly excused their conduct; instead of repenting and returning unto God, that he might return to them. It must be allowed to be the height of atrocious wickedness for a man to rob God: yet they had been guilty of this daring injustice; for they had not paid him the tithes and oblations, which he claimed from them, as the portion allotted to his ministers, the priests and Levites, but had sacrilegiously appropriated them to their own use: and the whole nation was involved in this guilt, and lay under his awful curse for it. But let them render him what he demanded as his due, or rent, as it were, for the land, that the priests and Levites might have no excuse for their secularity, and thus put his truth to the trial; and their consequent prosperity should cause all the nations to admire their felicity, and the beauty and fertility of their country. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Notes, Lev. 27:30-34. Num. 18:25-32. Josh. 6:17-19. 7:10-18. 2 Chr. 31:3-19. Neh. 10:28-39. 13:10-13. Prov. 3:9,10. Hag. 1:5— 11. 2:15-19. Matt. 6:33,34. 22:15-22, v. 21. 2

• What have we spoken so much against | LORD hearkened, and heard it, and 2 a
thee?
book of remembrance was written before
him for them that feared the LORD, and
that thought upon his name.

*

14 Ye have said, PIt is vain to serve
God: and what profit is it that we have
kept his ordinance, 9 and that we have!
walked mournfully before the LORD of
hosts?

15 And now we call the proud happy;
yea, they that work wickedness are set
up; yea, they that tempt God are even de-
livered.

t

16 Then they "that feared the LORD
* spake often one to another: and the

o 8. 1:6-8, 2:14,17. Job 40:8.
Jer. 8:12. Rom. 9:20.

p Job 21:14. 22:17. 34:9. 35:3.
Ps. 73.8-11. Is. 58:3. Zeph.

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Matt. 4:6,7. Acts 5:9. 1 Cor.
10:9. Heb. 3:9.

u 5. 4:2. Gen. 22:12. 1 Kings
Ps.
18:3,4,12,13. Job 28:28.
33:18. 111:10. 112:1. 147:11.Is.
Rev.
50:10. Acts 9:31. 10:2.
15:4.

1 Deut. 6:6-8.

1 Sam. 23.16

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2:17,18.
Acts 12:21-23. 1

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31.

22.

Dan.

24:14-
12:20-

John 1:40-47.
Acts 1:13,&c. 2:1,&c. 4:
23-30. 1 Thes. 5:11,14. Heb.

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z Esth. 2:23. 6:1. Job 19:23-c Neh. 13:22 Ps. 103:2-13.
25. Ps. 56:8. Is. 65:6. Dan. Is. 26:20,21. Jer. 31:20. Zeph.
7:10. Matt. 12:35-37.
Matt. 25:34. Rom. 8:32
20:12.
2 Cor. 6:18. 1 John 3:1-S.
d 1:6. 1 Pet. 1:13-16.
e 14,15. 1:4.

a Ps. 10.4. 20:7. 94:19. 104:33,
34. Is. 26:3. marg. 8,9. Heb.
4:12, 13.

b Cant. 2:16. Jer. 31:33. 32:
38,39. Ez. 16:8. 36:27,28.
Zech. 13:9. John 10:27-30.
17:9,10,24. 1 Cor. 3:22,23. 6:
20. 15:23. Gal. 5:24. 2 Thes.
1:7-10. Rev. 20:12-15.

Or, special treasure. Ex. 19:
3:13. 10:24,25. 12:15.
5. Deut. 7:6. 14.2. 26:17,18.
Ps. 135:4.
2 Chr. 6:7,8.
y 2 Sam. 7:1—4.
Is. 62:3,4. Tit. 2:
Ps. 139:4. Matt. 18:19,20. Acts
14. 1 Pet. 2:9.
4:31-33.

Cor. 9:8-11. Phil. 4:14—20, vv. 18,19.)—Open
you the windows, &c. (10) Marg. and Marg.
Ref. g.

Job 6:29. 17:10.
Jer. 12:15. Joel 214. Zech.
1:6.

f Gen. 18:25. Ps. 58:10,11. Is.
3:10,11. Dan. 121-3. Matt.
25:46. Rom. 25,6. 2 Thes.
1:5--10.

g Josh. 24:15. Dan. 3:17-26.
John 12:26. Acts 16:17. 27:23,
Rom. 1:9. 6:16-22. 1 Thes.
1:9.

-10. Tit. 2:14. 1 Pet. 1:2-5,13–16. 1 John 3:
1–3.)

Jewels. (17). "Special treasure.”
Marg. (See on Note, Ex. 19:5.-Note, 1 Pet.
2:9,10.)-The same word being used by the
prophet, in speaking of a pious remnant of Is-
rael, in his own days, or in those of the Mes-
siah, which had been employed by Moses con-
cerning the nation of Israel; illustrates the
apostle's doctrine concerning a remnant of Is-
rael, and only a remnant, that could be called
"Israel." (Notes, Rom. 9:6-9,22—29. 11:1—
10.-See also Notes, Ps. 73:1. John 1:47–51, v.
47.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 13-18. Many bold infidels and impious
persons were found among the Jews, who
spake "stout words" against God, and justified
them. They thought all the time and expense
employed in his service lost to them: they at-
tended his ordinances, with many expressions
of self-denial and humiliation; but they derived
no profit from them: and they concluded, and
openly avowed their opinion, that those haugh-
ty rebels, who cast off all religion, and tempted
God by their presumptuous wickedness, were
the most prosperous and happy persons.
(Marg, and Marg. Ref. n-t.-Notes, 1:6-8. 2:
17. 4:1. Num. 14:22,23. Job 21:7-16, vv. 14,15.
The Lord Jesus prepares the sinner's heart
34:5-9.35:1-3. 73:2-14. Is. 58:3,4. Hab. 1:12 to be his temple, by the ministry of his word,
-17. Zech. 7:2-7. Luke 15:25-32, vv. 29,30.) and the humiliating convictions of his Spirit;
-There was, however, a remnant of humble and then he speedily enters it as the most gra-
pious believers, who met together from time cious messenger of peace and consolation.-
to time, that they might confer on religious But no hypocrite or formalist can endure his
subjects, animate one another to their duty, doctrine, or stand before his tribunal; and no
and inquire what might be done to stop the idol or lust can maintain its ground, when he
progress of this daring impiety. Of these, and takes possession of the believer's heart. He
of their pious desigus and discourses, the Lord refines his people "as a purifier of silver;" that
took special notice, and, as it were, kept a reg- he may render them "zealous of good works,"
ister. (Marg. Ref. u-a.-Notes, 4:2,3. 1 Sam. and make them "a spiritual priesthood, to offer
23:16. Esth. 6:1,2. Matt. 12:33–37. Rev. 20:11 up spiritual sacrifices," acceptable and well
-15, v. 12.) He would surely preserve them pleasing to the Father through him. Yet the
as his portion and "peculiar treasure;" and no upright Christian needs not fear the fiery trial
more suffer one of them to be lost, than a kind of afflictions and temptations, in which the
father would destroy his dutiful and obedient Savior refines his gold: for he will take care
son among his inveterate enemies. So that that it shall not be more intense or durable,
the people, in the event seeing this, would re-than is needful for his good; and this trial will
tract their erroneous judgments, in supposing
that the wicked are happy, and the righteous
miserable: for they would discern a manifest
difference in the condition of those who did,
and those who did not, serve God.-The con-
nexion of this passage may be referred to the
times of Christ, and the fate of the believing
and unbelieving Jews: but it will be fulfilled in
a far more striking manner at the day of judg-
ment. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. b-g.-Notes,
Josh. 24:15. Jer. 32:38-41. Dan. 12:1-3. John
6:36-40. 10:26-31. Rom. 2:4-6. 2 Thes. 1:5

terminate far otherwise, than that which he
will make of the wicked at the last day. Then
he will be a swift witness to convict them of
impiety and iniquity: and their destruction will
result from his unchangeable justice; even as
the salvation of the righteous from his un-
changeable truth and love.-We have all de-
parted from God, and robbed him of his glory
and worship; and have been guilty of inexcus
abie sacrilege in spending his talents on our-
selves; and grosser sacrilege often brings whole
nations under a curse. But let "us return to

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2 But unto you that fear my name shall f the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ' ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

h

a 5. 3:2. Ez. 7:10. Joel 2:1,31.
Zeph. 1:14-16. Zech. 14.1,2.
Luke 19:43,44. 21:20-24. 2
Pet. 3:7-12.

b Ps. 21:9, 10. Nah. 1:5,6. Zeph.
1:18. 2 Thes. 1:8.

c 3:15,18. Ex. 15:7. Ps. 119:

119. Is. 2:12-17. 5:24. 40:24. 41:2. 47:14. Ob. 18. Nah. 1: 10.

d Job 18:16. Am. 2:9. e 3:16.

Ps. 85:9. Is. 50:10. 66: 1.2. Luke 1:50. Acts 13:26. Rev. 11:18.

f 2 Sam. 23:4. Ps. 67:1. 84:11. Prov. 4:18. Is. 9:2. 30:26. 49:

6. 60:1-3,19,20. Hos. 6:3.
Matt. 4:15.16. Luke 1:78. 2:
32. John 1:4,8,14. 8:12. 9:4.
12:35,36,40. Acts 13:47. 26:
13. Eph. 5:8—14. 2 Pet. 1:
19. 1 John 2:8. Rev. 2:28.
22:16.

g Ps. 103:3. 147:3. Is. 53:5. 57:
18,19. Jer. 17:14. 33 6. Ez.
47:12. Hos. 6:1. 14.4. Matt.

11:5. Rev. 22:2.

h Ruth 2:12. Matt. 23:37.
i Ps. 92:12-14. Is. 49:9,10. 55:
12,13. Jer. 31:9-14. Hos. 14:
7. John 15:2-5. 2 Thes. 1:3.
2 Pet. 3:18.

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1 Ex. 20:3,&c. Deut. 4:5,6. Ps.
147:19,20. 1s. 8:20. 42:21. Matt.r
5:17-20. 19:16-22. 22:36-
40. Mark 12:28-34. Luke 10:
25-28. 16.29-31. John 5:39
-17. Rom. 3:31. 13:1-10.
Gal. 5:13,14,24,25. Jam. 2:9
-13.

m Deut. 4:10.

n Ex. 21-23: Lev. 1,&c.

17:11-13. 27:47-49. Mark 9: 12,13. Luke 1:17. 7:26-28. 9: 30. John 1:21,25. p 1. Joel 2:31. Rev. 6:17.

Acts 2:19,20.

q Luke 1:16,17,76.
Is. 61:2. Dan. 9:26,27. Zech.
11:6. 13:8. 14:2. Matt. 22:7.
23:35-38. 24:27-30. Mark
13:14-26. Luke 19:41-44.
21:22-27.

s Deut. 29:19,&c. Is. 24.6. 43.
28. 65:15. Dan. 9:11. Zech.
5:3. Mark 11:21. Heb. 6:8.
10:26-31. Rev. 22:3,20,21.

pating desolation. (Marg. Ref.-Note, Matt. 24:21,22.)

V. 2, 3. Christ is "the Sun of Righteousness." By his doctrine he discovers God, and his perfections, law, and truth to mankind; he shews them the eternal world, and its infinite

God, and he will return to us:" and he who makes trial will soon find, that nothing is lost by "honoring the LORD with his substance," and expending liberally in supporting his cause. Infidels and Pharisees will not believe this; but speak stout words in justifying themselves, and objecting to the divine dispensa-ly important concerns: he brings them actions; yet they will soon be silenced and con- quainted with themselves, their sins, dangers, futed. The Lord notes the pious words of wants, enemies, and refuge. He is the Source those who fear his name and seek his glory. of all man's righteousness for justification and He is graciously present when they meet to sanctification: his influences render the sinner converse and pray together. (Note, Matt. 18: wise, holy, fruitful, and joyful. (Marg. Ref.f— 19,20.) He will preserve them as his jewels, .) All the light in the church, before his comwhen the earth shall be burned up as drossing, was derived from the dawning of the day, yea, he will acknowledge them as his beloved children, who served him in the midst of a crooked and perverse world. And at the day of judgment, the different appearance of the righteous and the wicked; their different reception by the Judge, and their different feelings respecting him; the different discoveries made of them, and the different places allotted to them, will make all the world retract their foolish censures, and confess that they alone were wise, honorable, and happy, who "served the LORD" and trusted in him.

NOTES.

6

which his rising was to perfect. He arose at his birth, became more conspicuous in his ministry, was eclipsed at his death, shone forth brighter after his resurrection and ascension, and attained his meridian splendor, when the Mosaic dispensation terminated in the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Christian dispensation was completely established. Then he shone on all the pious Jews, (3:16.) ‘and on all believers with "healing in his wings, or beams;" "wings" metaphorically for "beams." Bp. Newcombe. Thus he healed their wounded consciences, their broken hearts, their spiritual maladies; and they went forth from the bondage of Satan, or the yoke of the ceremonial CHAP. IV. V. 1. In the day before men- law, to grow up in knowledge and holiness, as tioned, the wrath of God would "burn as an calves grow strong and vigorous which are fed oven," or furnace, against the "proud" Phari- at the stall: and then they were made victorisees and Sadducees, and all others who should ous and triumphant over all their wicked perreject the Messiah: and it would destroy all the secutors.-The beams of this Sun have enwicked Jews, with their city and temple; so lightened the nations, and the souls of all that that no remains of them would be left in the fear God, ever since. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 3: land, or acknowledged as the people of God. 13-18, vv. 16-18. 2 Sam. 23:3,4. Ps. 84:11,12. (Marg. Ref. a-c.-Notes, 3:1-6,13-18, vv. 13 Prov. 4:18,19. Is. 60:1-3,15--22. Hos. 6:1-3, -15. Ps. 21:8–12, vv. 8,9. Joel 2:28-32, vv. 30||v. 3. Luke 1:76-79. 2:28-32, v. 32. John 1:6-31. Am. 5:18-20. Zeph. 1:14-16.)-The 9. 8:12. 12:44-50. 2 Cor. 4:6. 2 Tim. 1:10. 2 history of the siege and destruction of Jerusa- Pet. 1:19. 1 John 2:7-11. Rev. 21:22--27. 22:2 lem and the temple; and the unspeakable mise---5.) ries of the Jews, and the unparalleled slaughter V. 4--6. Because the time was come, that made of them by the Romans; with all the suf- the Jews should be destitute of prophets, until ferings of the scattered remnant to this day, 'the time of Christ; because they should with forms the best comment on this verse.-Leave 'more fervent minds desire his coming; the them, &c.] A proverbial expression for extir-prophet exhorteth them to exercise themselves

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