appearance, the valleys smiling on every side with renovated and augmented verdure. Thus the Jews desired, that the ravages made in their now desolated country might be soon repaired, and that, through the influence of their almighty Guardian, their efforts might be crowned with speedy and complete success.]
We forbear to dwell upon the event itself, that we may enter somewhat minutely into,
II. The more glorious deliverance that was typified by it—
The event before us is undoubtedly to be regarded as shadowing forth that infinitely greater deliverance which is wrought for us by the Lord Jesus Christ d. And the correspondence between the two is particu- larly striking. Observe,
1. The deliverance itself — [Grievous as was the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, it was nothing in comparison of* that sorer bondage to which we are subjected by the power of sin and the wiles of Satan. All indeed have not the same work assigned them ; but all are walking after the imagination of their own hearts, " being taken in the snare of the devil, and led captive by him at his will."
The promised Deliverer however has arrived ; has entered into the conflict with our great adversary, and utterly subdued him. Jesus, foretold by name hundreds of years before his advent in the flesh, has accomplished the work for which he was raised up: and, having now " ascended up on high and led captivity captive," he has sent his heralds to " proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." This is the very first use he makes of his newly-acquired power. Nor is it an empty proclamation, without any facilities afforded for carrying his gracious purposes into effect : he gives us back for the use and honour of Jeho- vah all those vessels of which we had been despoiled, and which, though originally formed for the service of God alone, have, through the influence of our great adversary, been prostituted and debased to the vilest uses : yes, all our faculties and powers are now restored by him to their proper office ; and the all- sufficient aid of his Spirit is promised to us throughout all our dreary pilgrimage. Our almighty Deliverer has gone further still, and issued his commands to all throughout his vast empire, to succour us in our work, and to impart to us whatsoever we may stand in need ofe : the very angels in heaven are enjoined to attend us in all our way, to encamp round about us, to hold
d Compare Isai. xl. 3 — 5. with Luke iii. 3 — 6. or Isai. lii. 7. with Rom. x. 15. e Ezra i. 1 — 11.