But it has a further reference to that Church in the latter-days —
[Their future restoration will be opposed with far greater vehemence and malignity than it was after the Babylonish captivity. Great and mighty nations will come against them, to destroy them0. But then will God be a wall of fire round about them; and not only will he protect them effectually, but he will spread such desolation amongst their enemies as has never yet been heard of, from the foundation of the world. "When Pharaoh pursued them, God made the Red Sea a wall for their defence, and by that swallowed up all the hosts of Egypt: but when God and Magog shall come up against them, such shall be the extent of the victories that shall be gained by Israel, that the weapons with which they have been assailed, shall suffice for fire- wood in the whole land, for the space of seven years; and it shall occupy the whole people of the land seven months to bury the slain d.
And how exalted shall be the piety of that Church in the latter day, the Prophet Isaiah very fully describes. The 60th chapter of his prophecies is generally understood as referring to the Gentiles : but, beyond all doubt, it relates primarily to the Jewish Church; which will then be so glo- rious, by reason of God's presence with her, that no earthly distinction can augment her glory: "The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory e."]
But the text may be understood also,
II. In reference to the Church of God in all ages —
To the Church at large, and to every individual in it, God promises,
1. The protection of his providence —
[Wonderfully was the Church of Christ preserved in the first ages of its establishment. What but Omnipotence could have kept it, amidst all the assaults which it had to endure on every side? But God had said, that " the gates of hell should not prevail against it :" and it yet exists, a monument of his Almighty power. And what is every individual believer, but a spark kept alive in the midst of the ocean? Verily, if " He who dwelt in the bush," which, though burning, was not con- sumed, had not dwelt in us, we must all have been consumed long ago. But the mercy vouchsafed to the Prophet Elisha
c Ezek. xxxviii. 14 — 16. <* Ezek. xxxix. 8 — 13.
e Isai. lx. 19.