this period the believing Jew may look forward with confi- dence, assured that his present degradation shall be more than equalled by his future exaltation8.]
But if we would improve this passage aright, we must consider,
II. The lessons it teaches to the Church of God in all ages —
The Church of Christ bears a strong resemblance to the state of the Jewish Church : it is hated and despised by an ungodly world : it is " a speckled bird ; and all the birds round about are against herV All who truly follow the Lord Jesus, and " walk as he walked," are " for signs and for wonders ;" " nor can they live godly in Christ Jesus without suffering persecution." But from the address of the Jewish Church they may
1. Submission to God's chastisements — [From whatever quarter our trials may come, we should view the hand of God in them, and receive them as from him. We must always however distinguish between the inflictions of judicial wrath, and the chastisements of paternal love. As a Father, God chastens his most beloved children: and they can never err in saying, " I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him." When Shimei cursed David, and Abishai desired permission to go and inflict on him the punishment he deserved, David would not suffer it, but with holy meekness submitted to the indignity, saying, " Let him alone ; and let him curse : for the Lord hath bidden him1." It is surprising what composure this will bring into the mind amidst all the sufferings that can be inflicted on us. The consideration that they are sent by a wise and gracious God will reconcile us to them : but the thought of their being chas- tisements for sin, and means of purifying us from our corrup- tion, will make us to " kiss the rod, and to say, " It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good." Let us only see that he is " chastening us for our profit, and however we may, under the pressure of our anguish, deprecate the dispensation, we shall from our inmost souls refer ourselves to his all-wise disposal, saying, " Not my will, but thine be done."] 2. Hope in his mercy —
s Isai. xlix. 24 — 26. and li. 21—23. h Jer. xii. 9.
* 2 Sam. xvi. 7 — 11.