5. Their procedure, as to whether it is good or bad.— W. J.
Verse 14.
1. The position of believers his people.
2. The discipline of God's family.
3. The tenderness of the Lord to them.
4. The safety of believers: they are still the Lord's.
Verse 15. Silver and gold. These are idols in our own land, among worldlings, and with some professors. Show the folly and wickedness of loving riches, and the evils which come of it.
Verses 16-17. The Portrait of many,
1. "Mouths, but they speak not." No prayer, praise, confession.
2. "Eyes, but they see not." Discern not, understand not, take no warning; do not look to Christ.
3. "Ears, but they hear not." Attend no ministry, or are present but unaffected; hear not God.
4. "Neither is there any breath in their mouths." No life, no tokens of life, no prayer and praise which are the breath of spiritual life.
Verse 18.
1. Men make idols like themselves.
2. The idols make their makers like themselves. Describe both processes.
Verse 19. House of Israel. The Lord's great goodness to all his people, perceived and proclaimed, and the Lord praised for it.
Verse 19. House of Aaron. God's blessing on Aaron's house typical of his grace to those who are priests unto God.
Verses 19-21.
1. The Exhortation.
a) To bless the Lord.
b) To bless him in his own house.
2. To whom it is addressed.
a) To the house of Israel, or the whole church.
b) To the house of Aaron, or ministers of the sanctuary.
c) To the house of Levi, or the attendants upon ministers, and assistants in the services.
d) To all who fear God, wherever they may be. Even they who fear God are invited to praise him, which is a sure sign that he delighteth in mercy.— G. R.
Verse 20. The Levites, their history, duties, rewards, and obligations to bless God.
Verse 20. ( second clause ).
1. The fear of God includes all religion.
2. The fear of the Lord suggests praise.
3. The fear of the Lord renders praise acceptable.
Verse 21.
1. The double fact.
a) Blessing perpetually ascending from Zion to God.
b) God perpetually blessing his people by dwelling with them in Zion.
2. The double reason for praise, which is found in the double fact, and concerns every member of the church.