2. Vouchsafes his presence —
[When the ark, which had long abode in a moveable taber- nacle at Shiloh, was brought to Zion, its residence was fixed ; and the Deity, whom it represented, called that place his " rest." From that time his visible glory was revealed there : he dwelt between the cherubims ; and was accessible to all through the blood of the sacrifices, and the mediation of the high-priest. In the Church also is his glory seen, even " the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Whatever may be known of him in the works of creation and providence is dark- ness itself, in comparison of that light which shines in his Gospel. To those, who seek his face, " he manifests himself, as he does not unto the world ; " and often constrains them to cry out with astonishment, " How great is his goodness ! how great is his beauty ! "]
3. Communicates his blessings —
[When the high-priest had finished his work within the vail, he came forth to bless the people ; and his word was con- firmed by God to all penitent and believing worshippers. So now in his Church does God bless his people with all spiritual blessings. He imparts pardon to the guilty, strength to the weak, consolation to the troubled : whatever any stand in need of, they are sure to obtain it, if they come to him in his ap- pointed wayb. This thousands can attest; this thousands yet unborn shall, in every succeeding age, experience.]
But his love to the Church will yet further appear by considering, II. The promises made to her —
These, as has been observed, precisely accord with the petitions offered. In them God assures his Church that he will bestow abundant blessings,
1. On the ordinances — [There may be in the text some reference to the assem- bling of all the males three times a year at Jerusalem, when it was probable that the conflux of such multitudes to one place might produce a scarcity of provisions, and thereby distress the poor. This effect God promises to counteract by giving them abundant crops. But certainly we must understand this as relating also to spiritual food : and how delightfully is it verified under the ministration of the Gospel ! The word, dispensed in one short hour, has, like the bread multiplied by our Lord, been food for thousands ; and though simple, and un- adorned, has, like the pulse given to Daniel and his companions,
b Ps. xlviii. 2, 3.