Isaías 4

Horae Homileticae de Charles Simeon

Isaías 4:5

5 o Senhor criará sobre todo o monte Sião e sobre aqueles que se reunirem ali uma nuvem de dia e um clarão de fogo de noite. A glória tudo cobrirá

DISCOURSE: 863
GOD THE PROTECTOR OF HIS CHURCH

Isaías 4:5. The Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud, and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.

THE Church of God is frequently represented as hated both by men and devils, and exposed to their united assaults. But it is protected by an invisible and almighty Agent, who keeps it alive, as a spark in the midst of a tempestuous ocean. His watchful eye is ever over it for good: He considers it as his glory, and will therefore himself be its defence. This is promised to the Church in the words before us; in which we are told,

I. The Church is God’s glory—

Mount Zion is a name given to the Gospel Church [Note: Hebreus 12:22.]: and a strict attention to the text will shew, that it is here considered as “the glory” of God [Note: “The glory” evidently relates to the “dwelling-plates,” &c. before mentioned.]; by which term its members also are expressly designated by God himself [Note: Isaías 46:13.].

1. The various “dwelling-places of Mount Zion” are his glory—

[Wherever Christianity has gained its full ascendant over any family, God will most assuredly be worshipped and served by every member of it. The master will say with Joshua, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord;” and, in order to carry this resolution into effect, he will, like Abraham, command his children, and his household after him [Note: Josué 24:15.Gênesis 18:19.]. His house will be a temple in which he himself officiates as priest; and, as far as he can prevail, he will cause every heart to be an altar to the Lord, that they may daily offer to him the sacrifices of prayer and praise. Such a family will be like a beautiful garden, filled with “trees of righteousness of the Lord’s planting, that he may be glorified [Note: Isaías 61:3.];” and while God calls himself “their God,” he will dignify them with the exalted appellation of “his people,” and “his servants in whom he will be glorified [Note: Jeremias 31:1.Isaías 49:3.].”]

2. The “assemblies of Mount Zion” also are his glory—

[As the Israelites came up thrice every year to worship God at Jerusalem, so on every Sabbath do his people assemble for the exercise of social and public worship. In those holy convocations does every one speak of his glory [Note: Salmos 29:9.]; and his ministers in particular, who are “the glory of Christ [Note: 2 Coríntios 8:23.],” proclaim the riches of his grace and mercy. In these God vouchsafes his more peculiar presence; for “he loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob [Note: Salmos 87:2.].” “He comes down as in the days of old [Note: Êxodo 40:34; 2 Crônicas 7:1.], and fills the place with his glory;” he pours out his Spirit in a more abundant measure; and by communicating the blessings of grace and peace, he “glorifies the house of his glory [Note: Isaías 60:7.].”]

While they are thus highly esteemed by God, they are favoured with his peculiar care; for,

II.

God is his Church’s guardian—

The Israelites, when coming out of Egypt, had a cloud with them as a symbol of the Divine presence [Note: Êxodo 13:21.Neemias 9:19.]. This was intended both to guide them in their journeys, and to protect them from their enemies. And in reference to it God promises to his Church to be,

1. Her guide—

[The cloud went before the people in all their journeys, moving or resting when it was proper for them to move, or rest [Note: Êxodo 40:34.]. Thus will God direct the concerns of his Church. Though he will not interpose in the same visible manner, yet he will manifest the same attention to its interests, and guide it with the same unerring hand. Nor is it to the Church at large only that God extends his care; he will regard “the dwelling-places of Mount Zion” no less than “her assemblies;” and consult the welfare of the meanest individual as much as of the largest community [Note: Isaías 66:2.]. Does any one look up to him for direction? He says, “The meek he will guide in judgment, the meek he will teach his way [Note: Salmos 25:9.]:” “He shall have an unction of the Holy One that shall teach him all things [Note: 1 João 2:20.];” and so plainly shall his path be marked, that, “though a fool, he shall not err therein [Note: Isaías 35:8.].” Is he involved in any peculiar difficulty? He shall hear a voice behind him, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it [Note: Isaías 30:21.].” And though his path may often appear dubious, yet he shall find at last that he has been “led in the right way to the city of habitation [Note: Salmos 107:7.].”]

2. Her defence—

[The cloud on one occasion went behind the Israelites, and wore a dark and threatening aspect to their enemies, while it gave light to them [Note: Êxodo 14:19.]. Thus will God give salvation for walls and bulwarks to his Church [Note: Isaías 26:1.]. No weapon that is formed against it shall prosper [Note: Isaías 54:17.]: God will not only go before it, but be its rear-ward [Note: Isaías 58:8.]: nor shall the gates of hell ever prevail against it [Note: Mateus 16:18.]. Never for one moment will he intermit his care [Note: Isaías 27:3.]: his protection shall be as effectual as that of lofty mountains [Note: Salmos 125:2.], or an impassable river [Note: Isaías 33:21.], or a wall of fire [Note: Zacarias 2:5.]. And its preservation shall be seen to be evidently his work, as much as the “creation” itself; so that all who behold it shall say, This hath god wrought [Note: Jó 12:9; Isaías 41:4.]

3. Her glory—

[It was the presence of God with Israel of old that marked them as his peculiar people. They were feared on this account, so that “all the inhabitants of Canaan melted because of them [Note: Josué 2:9; Josué 2:11.];” as also terror was diffused through the whole camp of the Philistines [Note: 1 Samuel 4:7.]. Thus it is with the Church at this time; it is the presence of God in it that renders it the joy of the whole earth [Note: Salmos 48:2.]. It is God’s glory that is seen upon it, which brings kings to the brightness of its rising [Note: Isaías 60:1.]. There is often a power in the ordinances that evidences the presence of the Deity, and constrains his most inveterate enemies to submit themselves to him, and to unite themselves to his Church [Note: 1 Coríntios 14:25.]. And it will be in consequence of that more abundant manifestation of his presence which shall be vouchsafed to the Church at a future period, that all the nations of the earth shall seek with eagerness an interest in its privileges, and a participation of its blessings [Note: Zacarias 8:23.]. Persons of all ranks, from the lofty “fir-tree” to the humble “box,” shall come together to the Church, of which it will be said, “The Lord is thine everlasting light, and thy God thy glory [Note: Isaías 60:13; Isaías 60:16.].”]

To improve this subject, let me entreat you,
1.

To give yourselves up to God as his people—

[The whole of this subject refers, as you have seen, to Israel as God’s redeemed people. To such alone were these promises made; and by such alone were they experienced. To the Egyptians the cloud was as darkness, whilst to the Israelites it was a pillar of light: and the sea, which afforded to Israel a path of safety, was to the Egyptians without exception a fatal grave. So to those only who give up themselves to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ are the blessings of redemption fully known: to them the Gospel is “a savour of life unto life, whilst to others it is only a savour of death unto death:” to them is Christ a sanctuary, whilst to others he is only a stumbling-block and a rock of of offence.” What then shall I say unto you? This I will say: Imitate the Israelites on the occasion referred to. Cast off your bonds, and put yourselves under the guidance of “that Prophet, whom Jehovah has raised up unto you, like unto Moses.” Go forth from Egypt in dependence on your God: rely upon him for every thing during the time of your sojourning in this dreary wilderness: and look forward to your possession of the promised land as your sure and abiding portion. “Follow the Lord fully,” as Joshua and Caleb did; and rest assured that, like them, you shall in due season enjoy the promised inheritance.]

2. To glory in God as your God—

[Tell me one promise that ever failed those who trusted fully in their God. If Joshua, after forty years of conflict, could make this a matter of appeal to Israel, be sure that none of you shall ever be disappointed of your hope. With Jehovah for your guide and defence, you have no ground for fear: for “if God be for you, who can be against you?” Your enemies may be great in might, and many in number: but “they are all but bread for you.” In your conflicts with them, you may endure much: but your trials shall be only as “the spirit of judgment and of burning to purge and to purify you from your filth [Note: ver. 4.],” and to call forth those exertions from God, which he has promised to you. Whatever difficulty obstruct your way, say to it as God has taught you, “Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shall become a plain.” Only “be strong in faith, giving glory to God.” “Only hold fast your confidence, and the rejoicing of your hope;” and “not so much as one jot or tittle of God’s word shall ever fail.”]

Introdução

CONTENTS TO VOL. VII.

Discourse

Text

Subject

Isaiah

856. Isaías 1:2.

God’s Complaint against his People

857. Isaías 1:4.

The Sinfulness of the Nation

858. Isaías 1:10.

Service which alone is pleasing to God

859. Isaías 1:18.

Crimson Sins made White

860. Isaías 1:25.

God purifying his People

861. Isaías 2:5.

Exhortation to a Holy Walk

862. Isaías 3:10.

Final State of Man

863. Isaías 4:5.

God the Protector of his Church

864. Isaías 5:3.

God’s Appeal to Man’s Decision

865. Isaías 5:20.

Sinfulness of confounding Good and Evil

866. Isaías 6:5.

Isaiah’s Vision of Christ

867. Isaías 6:8.

A Missionary Spirit described

868. Isaías 8:12.

God the only proper Object of Fear

869. Isaías 8:18.

Believers are for Signs and Wonders

870. Isaías 8:19.

Seeking after God

871. Isaías 9:2.

Blessings imparted by the Gospel

872. Isaías 9:6.

Christ’s Incarnation and Character

873. Isaías 9:13.

Impenitence under Divine Chastisements

874. Isaías 10:12.

Abasement of the Assyrian Monarch

875. Isaías 11:2.

Christ’s Qualifications for his Office

876. Isaías 11:6.

Change to be wrought in the latter Day

877. Isaías 11:9.

The Millennium

878. Isaías 11:10.

Christ a Standard for the Gentiles

879. Isaías 12:1.

The Believer’s Song

880. Isaías 12:3.

The Wells of Salvation

881. Isaías 12:3.

The Believer’s Song

882. Isaías 14:2.

The Christian Warfare

883. Isaías 14:27.

Immutability of God’s Counsels

884. Isaías 14:32.

God’s Church and People secure

885. Isaías 19:20.

Christ a great Saviour

886. Isaías 19:24.

The Conversion of Jews and Gentiles

887. Isaías 21:11.

Profane Scoffers instructed

888. Isaías 22:12.

Unconcern amidst Calls to Repentance

889. Isaías 22:24.

Eliakim a Type of Christ

890. Isaías 24:23.

The Reign of Christ glorious

891. Isaías 25:4.

Christ a suitable and all-sufficient Help

892. Isaías 25:6.

The Gospel a Source of richest Blessings

893. Isaías 25:9.

Christ’s Advent a Ground of Joy

894. Isaías 26:3.

Trust in God recommended

895. Isaías 26:13.

Humiliation with Zeal

896. Isaías 26:20.

The only Refuge of Sinners


CONTENTS TO VOL. VIII

Discourse

Text

Subject

Isaiah

897. Isaías 27:3.

God’s Care for his Church

898. Isaías 27:6.

The future Prosperity of Israel

899. Isaías 27:12.

Conversion of the Jews gradual

900. Isaías 28:5.

The Felicity of God’s People

901. Isaías 29:17.

The Millennial Period fast approaching

902. Isaías 29:18.

The Gospel a Source of Blessings to Mankind

903. Isaías 30:7.

Confidence in God recommended

904. Isaías 30:26.

Benefits arising from God’s Return to the Soul

905. Isaías 31:4.

God the Protector of his People

906. Isaías 32:2.

Security and Comfort in Christ

907. Isaías 32:16.

The Work of Righteousness is Peace

908. Isaías 33:6.

The Use and Excellency of True Wisdom

909. Isaías 33:16.

Protection promised to the Godly

910. Isaías 33:20.

The Church’s Security

911. Isaías 33:23.

Encouragement to the Weak

912. Isaías 35:1.

Glorious Prospects of the Gospel Church

913. Isaías 35:3.

Encouragement to the Weak

914. Isaías 35:5.

Streams in the Desert

915. Isaías 35:8.

The Way to Zion

916. Isaías 38:14.

Help for us in God

917. Isaías 38:17.

Forgiveness known and enjoyed

918. Isaías 38:19.

Praising God for his Mercies

919. Isaías 38:20.

Hezekiah’s Thanksgiving for his Recovery

920. Isaías 40:1.

The Scope and Tendency of the Gospel

921. Isaías 40:6.

The Immutability of the Gospel

922. Isaías 40:9.

The Messiah’s Advent

923. Isaías 40:11.

Christ’s Care for his Sheep

924. Isaías 40:27.

The Desponding encouraged

925. Isaías 41:10.

The weak Believer comforted

926. Isaías 41:14.

The Worm Jacob threshing the Mountains

927. Isaías 41:17.

Consolation for the Desponding

928. Isaías 42:5.

Christ’s Commission

929. Isaías 42:16.

God’s Dealings with his People opened

930. Isaías 43:1.

God’s Care for his People

931. Isaías 43:4.

The Blessedness of the True Christian

932. Isaías 43:12.

The Saints are Witnesses for God

933. Isaías 43:20.

God’s Kindness to his People

934. Isaías 43:22.

The Greatness of God’s Mercy

935. Isaías 44:1.

The Out-Pouring of the Spirit promised

936. Isaías 44:20.

The Folly of spiritual Idolatry

937. Isaías 44:22.

The Work of Redemption a Motive to Conversion

938. Isaías 44:23.

Redemption a Ground of Joy

939. Isaías 45:8.

The Efficacy of the Gospel

940. Isaías 45:9.

Striving with our Maker

941. Isaías 45:17.

The Extent and Certainty of Israel’s Salvation

942. Isaías 45:21.

Jehovah a just God and a Saviour

943. Isaías 45:22.

Looking to Christ

944. Isaías 45:23.

Exaltation of Christ

945. Isaías 46:3.

God’s Care for his People

946. Isaías 46:12.

Christ the Salvation of Israel

947. Isaías 48:16.

Offices of the Holy Trinity in the Work of Redemption

948. Isaías 48:17.

God’s tender Concern for his People

949. Isaías 49:6.

Christ the Light and Salvation of the Gentiles

950. Isaías 49:7.

Christ’s future Reign

951. Isaías 49:8.

The Greatness of Christ’s Salvation

952. Isaías 49:14.

God will not forget his People

953. Isaías 49:18.

Promised Increase of the Church

954. Isaías 49:24.

Desponding Fears removed

955. Isaías 50:5.

Messiah’s Sufferings and Support

956. Isaías 50:10.

A Word Season

957. Isaías 51:1.

Consolation for the Afflicted

958. Isaías 51:7.

A Dissuasive from the Fear of Man

959. Isaías 52:9.

The Church pleading with God

960. Isaías 52:1.

Despondency reproved

961. Isaías 52:7.

The Nature of the Gospel

962. Isaías 52:8.

The Saint’s Vision of Christ

963. Isaías 52:13.

Christ rewarded for his Services

964. Isaías 52:14.

The Depth of our Saviour’s Humiliation

965. Isaías 52:15.

The Means and Evidence of Conversion

966. Isaías 53:1.

Men’s Neglect of the Gospel

967. Isaías 53:2.

The Characters and Treatment of the Messiah

968. Isaías 53:4.

The True Cause of our Lord’s Suferings

969. Isaías 53:6.

Means of Man’s Restoration to God

970. Isaías 53:7.

Christ’s Behaviour under his Sufferings

971. Isaías 53:8.

Our Lord’s Trial and Execution

972. Isaías 53:9.

The Father’s Conduct towards the innocent Jesus explained and vindicated

973. Isaías 53:10.

Christ’s Death a Condition of our Salvation

974. Isaías 53:11.

Christ’s Satisfaction in his People

975. Isaías 53:11.

Means of our Justification before God

976. Isaías 53:12.

Fruits of Christ’s Death and Intercession

977. Isaías 54:5.

Our Maker our Husband

978. Isaías 54:6.

God’s Faithfulness to his Covenant

979. Isaías 54:13.

Peace the Fruit of Divine Teaching

980. Isaías 54:17.

The Saints’ Heritage

981. Isaías 55:1.

The Blessings of the Gospel

982. Isaías 55:4.

Christ a Witness and Commander

983. Isaías 55:6.

Of seeking the Lord in time

984. Isaías 55:7.

Encouragement to turn to God

985. Isaías 55:8.

God’s Ways above ours

Isaías 55:10.

Resemblance of the Gospel to Rain and Snow

987. Isaías 55:12.

The Change wrought by the Gospel

988. Isaías 56:4.

Acceptance for all sincere Worshippers

989. Isaías 57:15.

The Majesty and Holiness of Gad

990. Isaías 57:17.

God’s Mercy to obstinate Sinners

991. Isaías 57:20.

No Peace to the Wicked

992. Isaías 58:1.

The Ministerial Office

993. Isaías 58:5.

The Services which God requires

994. Isaías 58:13.

Observance of the Sabbath enjoined

995. Isaías 59:8.

No Peace in the Way of Sin

996. Isaías 59:15.

The Righteous a Prey to the Wicked

997. Isaías 59:19.

The Means of spiritual Victory

998. Isaías 59:20.

The Perpetuity of Christ’s Kingdom

999. Isaías 60:1.

Our Duty arising from the Advent of Christ

1000. Isaías 60:8.

Millennial Piety described

1001. Isaías 60:13.

Excellency of the Church of Christ

1002. Isaías 60:15; Isaías 60:10.

Future Prosperity of the Jewish Church

1003. Isaías 60:19.

The Church’s Prosperity

1004. Isaías 61:1.

Christ’s Commission

1005. Isaías 61:9.

Blessedness of the Lord’s People

1006. Isaías 61:10.

The Believer clad with the Garments of Salvation

1007. Isaías 61:11.

The Conversion of the World promised

1008. Isaías 62:3.

The Church a Royal Diadem

1009. Isaías 62:5.

God’s Delight in his People

1010. Isaías 62:6.

Duty of interceding for the Church

1011. Isaías 62:10.

Restoration of the Jews

1012. Isaías 63:1.

Messiah’s Triumphs

1013. Isaías 63:7.

The Loving-kindness of the Lord

1014. Isaías 63:8; Isaías 63:10.

Vexing the Holy Spirit

1015. Isaías 63:9.

The Love of God towards his People

1016. Isaías 63:11.

God contemplated

1017. Isaías 63:15.

Pleading with God

1018. Isaías 64:6.

Imperfection of our best Services

1019. Isaías 64:7.

The Consequences of neglecting Prayer

1020. Isaías 65:12.

Danger of disregarding God

1021. Isaías 65:17.

The new Heavens and the new Earth

1022. Isaías 65:24.

The Efficacy of Prayer

1023. Isaías 66:2.

The Poor and Contrite the Objecte of God’s Favour

1024. Isaías 66:10.

God delights to comfort his People

1025. Isaías 66:18.

The Jews to convert the Gentiles