[That is the standard which must be erected for the Gen- tile world11, and to that the Jewish people also must resort1. Under that must all mankind be marshalledk, and come up to Zion1. But how shamefully negligent have the Christian world been now for so many centuries, in not unfurling these banners to them, and endeavouring to enlist them into the ser- vice of our Lord! Never till lately have our Scriptures been translated into their language for their use ; nor has ever any great and general effort been made to promote their conversion to the faith of Christ. It is only in a way of pains and penalties that they have been dealt with hitherto, and not in a way of kind instruction and affectionate admonition. But till this be done, what prospect is there of their conversion to the faith of Christ? Suitable means must be used: and I beg it to be particularly noticed, that God enjoins these means to be used, in order to the effecting of his gracious purposes toivards them. Let not any one imagine that the Jews are to be converted in any other way than the Gentiles were. There were miracles in the Apostolic age : but they were to aid, and not to super- sede, the labours of men. So there mag possibly be miracles in the Millennial age : but it is by instruction alone that the Jews can be brought to a knowledge of the Gospel, and to faith in Christ as the true Messiah.]
To these general directions the prophet more dis- tinctly adds, II. The proclamation to be reported to them —
It has been thought by some, that we are under no obligation to seek the conversion of the Jews. But, not to mention the general order given to ministers to go forth and preach the Gospel to every creature, (which must include Jews as well as Gentiles,) here is in our text an express command, a proclamation from Almighty God himself, to the whole Gentile world, to say unto the Daughter of Zion, " Behold, thy salvation cometh !" Let not this be forgotten : it is binding upon every one of us : and, if we disregard the injunction, we disregard it at our peril. We are here directed to make known to them, by every pos- sible means,
1. The Saviour's advent — [The true character of the Messiah is here declared : He is a Saviour : He is " salvation" itself; even the salvation of
i» Isai. xi. 10. * Isai. xi. 11, 12.
k Zech. xiv. 9. l Mic. iv. 1.