The Pulpit Commentary — Ezra — Section 131

heavenward way. He will (a) show us the path we should take, saving us from error, an~ 0 us. ~om evil, and ( b) defend us from our adversa~ies: ( 1) those above us- pnnc1pahties and powers, &c. ; (2) those around us-evil men, dangerous fascina- tions, worldly honours, pleasures of the flesh; (3) those within us-unholy propen- sities, wayward dispositions, tendencies towards pride, sensuality, selfishness, &o. III. THOSE CHARGED WITH SACRED TREASURE (vers. 24-30). Ezra put into the hands of some of the priests and Levites very precious treasure-the gold, silver, vessels, &c., which had been contributed for the temple ; they, as holy men, were to take charge of the holy things (ver. 28), to watch them and keep them intact, to be prepared to have them weighed when they reached their journey's end (ver. 29). All of us who are spiritual pilgrims are men charged with treasure-some with more than others. All of us have in charge that most valuable treasure-more precious than the precious gold they carried (ver. 27)-our own spirit, created in God's like- ness to bear his image, to dwell in his glorious presence. Each one of us must sedulously, scrupulously, devoutly watch and keep this unharmed, and be ready to have it "weighed in the balances" of God, not being found wanting then. To some of us-parents, teachers, pastors-God has intrusted the precious treasure of others' souls, and he bids us take earnest heed of them, "watching for them as those who must give account," doing our best in every way, publicly and privately, by direct solicitation and by prayer on their behalf, that they may be found whole and blame- less "in that day." IV. AT THE END OF THEIR JOURNEY. They" came to Jerusalem" (ver. 32), and their arrfral was marked by three things-(1) judgment (vers. 33, 34), (2) presenta- tion of sacrifice (ver. 35), and (3) kindly reception by those across the river (ver. 36). When we reach the end of our journey we sliall find these three things-( 1) J1tdg- mem, for we must all stand at the jndgment seat, &c. (2 Cor. v. 10). God will bring every work into judgment (Eccles. xii. 14). (2) The offering of no more sacrifices as under the old dispensation, and no more pleading of the one great Sacrifice for sin ; no sin offering at all (ver. 35), but the offering of praise and of holy service-of our purified, renewed, perfected selves, whole and without blemish, vessels meet for the Master's use even in the heavenly sanctuary ; and (3) welcome from those who are there. Those who are on that side the river will wait, with outstretched hands, with eager hearts, to receive us to those blessed shores, to lead us into that better land, to introduce us to that country which has no temple because it is a temple, full of the presence and the glory of the Lord.-C. Vere. 31-36.-Progress. When the treasure was disposed in custody of priests sanctified to watch over it, and the caravan was otherwise ordered, the pilgrims started from the camp of the Ahava en route for Jerusalem. As we might expect from the piety which influenced them in their preparations- I. THEY WERE PROSPERED IN THEIR JOURNEY. 1. They enjoyed the blessing of their God. "The hand of our God was upon us." (1) The hand is the symbol of power (Judges i. 35; 2 Sam. x:xiv. 14). Appropriately so, since it is the instrument by which co=only we exert our strength. So when the "hand of God" is mentioned his omnipot,en,ce is supposed (Exod. xv. 6; Ps. xvii. 7). (2) The hand of God "upon" men sometimes denotes his almighty judgments (1 Sam. v. 11; 1 Pet. v. 6). " It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Sometimes it denotes his all-sufficient protection and defence (John x. 28, 29). In this good sense it is intended here (see also vers. 18, 22; vii. 9; Neh. ii. 18). (3) The hand of God with his people coming up from Babylon may be likened to the glorious cloud which accompanied their fathers in their exodus from Egypt (see Zech. ii. 9, where " I will turn my hand upon the little ones " denotes the sheltering of the little ones when the sword smites the Great One). 2. The Divine protection was respected by the enemy. (1) There was the ope~ "enemy" in the Wf!,Y· There ~ve~ were, as to this day there are, bold marauders m the East. Temptations often, with impudent ostentation, attack the Christian pilgrim. (2) There were also "those that lie in wait." There are stealthy as well as sturdy foemen. The brood of the old serp~nt is legion. Temptations are often most successful when they attack by surprise. (3) But the people were armed with" all prayer." The knowledge of this so over- en. vm. 21-36.] THE BOOK OF EZRA. rn7