Ezekiel 47:7-12

Here are many similar allusions, such as were before, in reference to the Lord Jesus, and his Gospel. The trees on the bank of this river cannot be misunderstood, if we read what is here said, with what John the beloved Apostle hath said on the same subject. Revelation 22:2. Surely the Lord Jesus is the tree of life in the Paradise of God. And being placed on either side the river, most fully shows the presence of the Lord, in both his Churches, as well here as above. Subordinate to this view of the tree of life, we may behold the very many trees here spoken of, also, as those trees of righteousness, which are of the Lord's right hand planting, and represent all true believers in Jesus. Some already transplanted into the kingdom above, and some still on this side the river below. Isaiah 61:3. The current of these waters, towards the east country, the desert, and the sea; and the wonderful property of them in their healing quality, are most lovely and beautiful similitudes, to show the extensive influence of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the blessed effects of his salvation, wherever the Lord shall send it. And the difference between the marshes and miry places, compared to the ground that shall be healed, most strikingly set forth the distinguishing nature and property of grace. Such indeed ever hath been, and ever must be, the effect of the Gospel. While to some it proves the savor of life unto life, to others it becomes the savor of death unto death. 2 Corinthians 2:16. Ministers of the Gospel, like the fishermen here spoken of, may cast their gospel net from Engedi (formerly called Hazeron Tamar, nigh to the Dead Sea) even unto En-eglaim, (which reacheth towards Jordan;) but unless Jesus gives the commission, like the pool of Bethesda, there will be no saving ordinance, for the want of that mighty Angel descending upon the waters. Oh! how blessed is it to see both Prophecy, Law, and Gospel, all uniting to the testimony of the truth, as it is in Jesus. The waters will heal, will give life, will restore; and the fruit of the tree shall be both meat, and the leaf for medicine, when Jesus is in both, and in all: but without Him, the one will afford no food, neither the other health, to any dying, dead, or sin-sick soul!