_The burden of the Word of the Lord for Israel _ THE BURDEN AND GLORY OF GOD’S WORD TO ISRAEL God presents Himself here as creating and speaking. It is to Israel that His Word is primarily addressed, for it is Israel that recognises His Word, and by Israel His Word is carried to the world, which... [ Continue Reading ]
_All that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces _ SIN SELF-PUNISHMENT There is in this passage a principle by which the governor of the world punishes malicious men. That principle is this, in the reaction of their efforts to injure others to injury of themselves. Jerusalem would becom... [ Continue Reading ]
_In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment _ A GOOD TIME FOR GOOD PEOPLE I. It is a time when their enemies shall be vanquished. “In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment,” etc. II. It is a time when their power shall be augmented. The... [ Continue Reading ]
_In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem _ THE SECURITY OF THE CHURCH IN THE MIDST OF DANGERS There is not a greater miracle of preservation and security than that which is exhibited in the salvation of the Church in her present condition as surrounded by spiritual enemies.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I will pour upon the house of David _ THE FUTURE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT JERUSALEM The text informs us that Jesus of Nazareth, whom the Jews crucified, and whom for hundreds of years they have blasphemed, will yet upon these Jews pour His Holy Spirit, lead them to repentance, forgive... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the land shall mourn, every family apart _ PERSONAL AND FAMILY FASTING On the pouring out of the Spirit the land is to mourn, every family apart, and their wives apart. The duties of fasting consist of-- I. An external and circumstantial part. 1. A proper time must be set apart for these d... [ Continue Reading ]