The Pulpit Commentary — Isaiah — Volume 1 — Section 548

Vera. 10-16.-In the presence of the Holy One. The great question which, in a ~omewhat different form from that of the text, Balak proposed to Balaam (Micah vi. 6) 1s one that has ulways stirred the hearts of men everywhere and in all ages. We must find an .answer to it if we are to enjoy any "rest unto our souls." I. THE 1.'HRIOE-H0LY LORD, OUR GoD. That which makes God's intervening purpose (ver. 10) so serious to bis creatures is that when he arises he will be found to be as "the devouring lt'ire," as "everlasting Burnings;" i.e. he will prove himself to be the Holy Oue of Israel: (1) Whose Spirit is absolutely intolerant of iniquity, hating it with perfect hatred, to whom it is so abhorrent that he" cannot look "·upon it. And (2) whose action is inflexibly opposed to it; (a) placing limits to its temporary success (ver. 11); (b) bringing its decrees and its achievements to nothing, as the lime-kiln reduces every- thing to ashes; (c) consuming the strength of the impious and the rebellious as easily ana as swiftly as the :fiery flames burn up the thorns (ver. 12). To fallen, guilty man, whose character has been depraved and whose life has been stained by sin, God is obliged to make himself known, and to make himself feared as "the devouring fire," as "the everlasting [' the continual'] burnings," consuming iniquity in the holy ardour of his unquenchable purity. II. Tm: PRESENCE OF THE HoLY ONE. Who among us shall dwell with this Holy One, this consuming Fire? Who shall abide in his presence and dwell in his holy hill? (Ps. xv. 1; xxiv. 3) ~ There are different senses in which we are before God, or stand in his presence. 1. His observant presence, which is constant, of which we do well to remind ourselves often, with the thought of which our minds and hearts may well be :filled. 2. Bis interposing presence.. '!'hose times and occasions in particular when he arises to judgment (ver. 10); when he stretches forth his hand in punishment or in reward ; when he sends back the Assyrian monarch in humiliating flight, and at the same time lifts up the head of bowed and trembling Jerusalem; when he breaks the arm of the oppressor and the chains of the captive ; when he scatters his enemies and redeems his people. 3. Bis presence in the sanctuary. When he manifests himself to his waiting ones as he does not unto the world. 4. BiB neMer presence i~ another world. When in a most solemn sense we shall "stand before" him, and when in a most blessed sense we shall "dwell with" him. III. TITOSE WHO CAN A.BIDE IN HIS PRESENCE. The answer is negative and positive. 1. Negative. (1) Not the guilty ones among the unprivileged. To those who" have not the Law," but who are guilty of transgressing the unwritten law; to all who act as Assyria did on this occasion, spoiling those who had not spoiled them, etc. (ver. 1), God will mete out his indignation (see ver. 11). (2) Not the insincere among the children of privilege. °Fearfulness will surprise the hypocrites" (ver. 14). Let all who sing the praises and utter the words of the Redeemer consider whether gratitude and devotedness are in their hearts as well as on their lips. 2. Positive. They can dwell with the Holy One who are possessed of moral because of spiritual integrity. "He that walketh righteously," etc.; i.e. he that is of sound heart, and therefore of a pure life. With us, in this Christian era, it may be said of spiritual integrity (1) that its foundation is laid in genuine repentance, in a change of heart towards God; (2) that it takes the form of a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (3) that it manifests itself in excellency of character. And this last is seen in the marks, which the prophet here indicates: in upright conduct (walking righteously, refusing bribes); in soundnea, of speech; in refusing all access to evil (stopping the ears and shutting the eyes from hearing and seeing what is injurious a.nd defiling); in a hwrty hatred of injustice (despising the go.in of oppression). IV. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THOSE WHO DWELL WITH GoD. Whether here or hereafter, but in a higher degree and more perfect form hereafter, there are promised these two great blessings. 1. Security. "He shall dwell on high: his place of defence," etc. Nothing shrul harm him, no sin shall have dominion over him; in the arms of God's protecting care his home shall be impregnable to assault. 2. Sufficiency. "Bread shall be given him," etc. He may not have all he would desire, but he shall have everything he needs for his real welfare and his true joy,--0. 552 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. [ell. xnm.1--iu,