The Pulpit Commentary — Zechariah — Section 56

ll. lTR srEcJAI, cnARACTERISTTOS. These to be seen, if we mi,tnke not, somewhat remarkably: 1. In the special transg,·essions here denounced; being just those to whioh """ ban reMon to believe, from other sources, that the post-Captivity Israelites were espt>cially prone. Note, e.g., in the first table of the Law, with regard to the sin of" false swearing," what evidences we find (as in Rom. ii. 17, 23, 24, and elsewhere) of their falsely profr,~~ing supreme reverence for the very Name of Jehovah, even using a periphrasis inst<'nd of it, ns in Mark xiv. 61; but how few evidence8, if any-so different from pre- Capti,·ity times-of open violations of the first and second commandments; and what an extreme solicitude, if to some extent a blind one, as to the outward observance of tho fourth (Luke xiii. 14; John v. 16; ix. 16, etc.). Note also, in the second table of the Law, with regard to the sin of "stealing," how many evidences we have, after the return from Babylon, of the special prevalence of that cruel spirit of covetousness which lies at the root of all theft (see Neh. v. 1-13; Mai. iii. 6, 8-10; Luke xii. 15 • xvi. 14; xx. 46, 47; to say nothing of the modem history of the J ewe since the destruc: tion of JerusalP-m). 2. Jn the speci,al pitnishment here threatened, viz. just that which persons prone to such transgressions would be afraid of the most. The great objects aimed at by such in their lip-worship and fraud (observe connection of thought in beginning of Luke xx. 47) would be the establishment and enrichment of themselves and their "houses." Instead of this, the very 9pposite, viz. the total destruction thereof, is described figuratively, but most graphically, as being the result. God himself should "bring forth" the appointed evil or II curse," which should reach its appointed place; and stay there its appoi11ted time; and thoroughly perform there its appointed work, destroying not the house only but its very materials (ver. 4). How strikingly suitable, how emphatic a method of re-enacting his Law! See, in conclusion, from this view of the passage: 1. The imm'll,tability of God's Law. In every successive dispensation alike, obedience to it is demanded. In the patriarchal, under Noah. In the legal, under Moses. Here, also after the Captivity; and that in closest connection, as just seen, with prophecies about the priesthood of Christ, and the work of his Spirit. And not less so, finally, in the gospel itself, with its blaze of mercy and love (Matt. v. 17-20, etc.; Rom. iii. 31; viii. 4; Titus ii. 12, 13; iii. 8). 2. 'lhe elasticity of its applic.ation. In each several case God ea.uses those parts of it which are most needed to be most emphasized too. So in the instance before us, as we think we have shown. So also, under Noah, as shown by comparing Gen. vi. 13; ix. 5, 6. Compare, again, as to Moses, the length and emphasis of the second command- ment with Exod. mii. 1-6, and the subsequent history of the nation. And see, finally, under the gospel, how specially suited such language as that in Matt. xxii. 36-40 was to the mere formalism of those times. Vere. 5-11.-.77ie vindic.ation of Law. "Then the angel that talked with me went forth, and said unto me, Lift up now thine eyes," etc. The last vision was one of warning. This, as we take it, is one of jndgment. The subject appears, however, to be the same. What the prophet previously dreaded and threatened he now describes as fulfilled. In other words, in a mystical fashion, and in language (it may be) only partially under- stood by himself, he foretells how the warning just uttered by him would be, on the one hand. completely despised by the Jewish people and Church; and, on the other hand. completely vindicat,ed, by the course of events. I. THE WARNING DESPISED. This is predicted, in vision, by certain similitudes, which convey to our minds: 1. .77ie idea of measure. An "ephah," a common measure, sometimes put (according to some, see Deut. xxv. 14, margin) as a representative of all measures, is seen "going forth." What for, except to be used? And how used, unless for measuring? As also-if Dr. Pusey is right in speaking of it as the largest measure in use-for measuring something of very unusual magnitude. 2. The idea of national si11. Of sin, by what is said of the contents of this ephah, viz. (ver. 8), "This is wickedness." Of nationality, by its being presented to us under the figure of a woman (;;ee Isa. xxxvii. 22; Ezek. xvi. 2, 4; and other Scriptures; and comp. Isa. iii. 26 with the figure and legend of "Judiea Capta" on the coin struck in commemoration uf the destruction of Jerusalem), a.nd perhaps, also, by the remarkable declaration in end c,1 ver. 6. 3. The idea of repl.etion. This large measure being so filled up as only to reg uire the closing up of its mouth; and that with so hea.vy a closiug &ij 11, " talent of Olt,V.1-11.] THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH.