Jeremiah 23:5,6 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Here are two verses, which contain an epitome of the whole Bible; Christ and his offices; Christ and his work; Christ and his character: all that refers to his glorious Person and finished salvation, is implied in what is here said. The passage opens with a behold! regard, take notice, as a thing of immense consequence: and of immense con sequence indeed it is. The day here spoken of, is as similar to all the other like phrases in the Prophet, the gospel day, the day of salvation. Jesus, under the similitude of a Branch is pointed at, and most divinely proclaimed. Several of the Prophets described Christ by this same representation. Isaiah 4:2; Zechariah 6:12; Zechariah 6:12. And in express allusion to the house of David, from whom Christ after the flesh was to arise, the Prophet described him, Isaiah 11:1-2. How plainly these representations, refer to the Lord Jesus, and in him were completed, and in no other the beloved Apostle shows, Revelation 22:16. His royal office is also strongly spoken of. And how fully is Christ shown to be King in Zion, King of Nations, King of Saints; the Church's head and husband, the smallest reference to the scriptures will prove. Psalms 2:6; Ephesians 1:20-21, &c, Revelation 19:16. And what a volume of blessings and mercies are summed up all in one, in that comprehensive account the Prophet gives of the properties of his royal grace and power. Both Israel and Judah, both Jew and Gentile, shall be alike interested in his salvation. His name shall be the full redemption of his people: And this, not only from what he is in himself, and in his own glorious and Almighty character, but, in the relationship in which he hath put himself to his people, and in which by grace they stand in him. Jehovah in himself eternal; and Jehovah perfect righteousness, and Jehovah our righteousness. For what he is, he is to them, and for them, and his righteousness, by virtue of this union with him is to all intents and purposes theirs; for he is made of God to them all these, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; so that they stand in the sight of God, one with him, and as a part of himself: And Jehovah declares, that this shall not only be the case; but that the people shall know it, and proclaim it, as those who rejoice in it, and take delight: they shall call him so: and live in the enjoyment of it. Was there ever anything more blessed, or ever anything more gracious. Reader! if our hearts take no interest in this most precious scripture, they must be cold indeed!