III. An extension of power and oloky. The exiles were scattered and their noalth and influence lost; the return at first promised liltlo satisfaction to tlie pooi and feeble band of patriots that attempted to rebuild the ruins of the ancient nation. But great promises encouraged the faithful to believe that ultimately their numbers would be multiplied, that they should have glury, and not " be lightly regardtd," and should be ruled by men of their own people ol noble and royal orders. The Christian Church began, like restored Israel, in a small and humble sphi,i-e. But she has grown marvel- lously, and is destined to grow in numbers, in power, and in glory. Redemption is a work worthy of God; no meagre saving of a few as "by the skin of their teeth," but a work of right royal magnificence, calling multitudes to its blessings, and giving them liberty and honour for their old shame and bondage. The Christian receives more than salvation ; he is an heir of glory.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORa
Vers. 1 — 3. — Written in a took ; or, words held over. The portion of these prophecies here referred to (probably ch. xxx., xxxi.) contains the most tender expressions of the Divine love. It is full of revelations of the deep unalterable affection and gracious purpose of God for his ] eople, even when they were as yet unrepentant. They are regarded in it as sorrowing for their sin, and returning spiritually to him who restored them to their land. Now, many of these statements it would have been inexpedient for the exiles to hear, whilst as yet they showed no sign of contrition. The prophet is therefore bidden to write them in a book, that they may be read at the fitting season. The words of Christ, " I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now," are strikingly parallel. This command impresses us with —
L The fulness of the Divine Word. It is not one communication but many, and under circumstances of the utmost conceivable variety. Not in one book but many — a library, representing every stage of human history and spiritual progress. No age or exigency of human nature has found God silent. How great is the multitude of his messages! How many words have been spoken and acted that have not been recorded (cf. John xxi. 25) I The written book is like a vessel let down into the great ecean of the unwritten words and deeds of the Eternal.
II. God'b care and adaptation with respect to it. This prophecy was to be preserved in a book, that no portion of it should be allowed to perish until its fitting time should arrive. The words it contained were all precious, and of pregnant significance in the future of the Church and the world. The adaptation of the prophecy is not less striking. It would not bear public announcement at the time of its communication to the prophet, and it might have imperilled his life ; but it occurred then in the natural order of God's thought and purpose ; by-and-by the people would be in a better mood and frame to consider it; therefore it was held ovei-. It is written in a book that it may present a faithful transcript of the Divine thought. The progress of revelation has been slow ; hut that is not the fault of the Revealer, but the necessity imposed by the conditions of human progress. "In the fulness of the time God sent forth his Son " (Gal. iv. 4 ; cf. 1 Pet. i. 20).
III. The reasons there mav be for the dark dispensations of Providence. Who in these stern times could tell the depth of the tenderness of God ? It is necessary on such occasions to appeal to the fears of transgressors. The most awful calamities that befall the Church and the individual Christian are inflicted in love; but that love cannot express itself until the requirements of righteousness have been satisfied. The soul that is afllicted ought, theiefore, to submit itself to the mighty hand cf God, and wait patiently ior light. The best wine is kept to the last ; tiie gospel intprprets all antecedent revelations.
OH. XXX. 1—24.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET JEREMIAH. 1
IV. The infinite rioheb of ebvelation that await the spiritual matdbitt OF THE SAINTS. There are educative, wayfaring truths ; and there are truths at which we are to arrive in the end of our growth and pilgrimage. Truth is not only pro- spective but reflective; not only directive to the feet of the Christian, but revealing the mind and heart of God. How much U held over until these earthly days are ended (of. lCor.:Kiii. 12)?— M.
Ver. 16.— The twofold vwnder of I$raePs tdlvation. L The punishment of its ENEMIES. 1. Because of their strength. The enemies of Israel, especially Babylon, were very strong. But they contained within themselves the elements of their own destruction. It is a property of the world, in all its aspects, to appear strong and real and stable. This illusion must be dissipated in order to the free spiritual development of Clod's children ; therefore Christ has said, " Be not afraid ; I have overcome the world." How many and how great have been the foes of the Church, and the Indi- vidtul saint ! yet has God reduced them to nothingness. 2. Because of the manner of their punishment. Evidently more than one nation is referred to here, and they are dealt with in sovereign autliority. "The nations are but as a drop in a bucket." (1) Their guilt towards Israel determines the measure of their requital. The Church is the centre and pivot of the world's destiny. In it and for its sake the world is judged (cf. Matt. xxv. 40, 45). (2) The degrees of punishment will correspond to tlie guilt. Even in vast concerns and through long time God observes an exact and equitable rule of award.