CONTENTS
The Prophet is here opening to the Church some precious views of the Lord Jesus Christ, in description of his person, glory, majesty and grace; as he was to appear in the days of his flesh to his people. The sad events of his coming to his enemies are also described. The Chapter closeth in sweet and gracious promises to the Church.
The Prophet in the name of the Lord, opens with a blessed proclamation to the Church. The Lord Jesus had said by one of his servants, behold me! behold me! Isaiah 65:1. And now, by another, the Church is called upon to say, he is at the door. It is a blessed confirmation to this scripture, that when the Lord Jesus Christ was come, one of the Evangelists begins his gospel with saying, that this was to fulfil this very writing of this Prophet, as well as Isaiah's prophecy. See Mark 1:2. See also Isaiah 11:8. There can be no doubt to whom both Prophets, Isaiah and Malachi referred. John the Baptist was the herald, and forerunner of Christ. I beg, the Reader to be very particular in marking the characters here given of Christ, and as he looks upon the account, to keep his eye stedfastly fixed on the person and offices of the Lord Jesus, and he will discover their beautiful correspondence. He is said to be the Lord whom they seek. Now we are told in the Gospel, that when John the Baptist came, all men mused in their heart, whether he was the Christ or not, until John totally disclaimed it. See Luke 3:15; John 1:19-27. And so great was the expectation of the people for Christ's coming, at the time he did, (because by the calculation of the books of the Prophets, the time was arrived), that we are told, Simeon was waiting constantly for the consolation of Israel. And Anna, an aged woman, departed not night and day from the temple on this account. See Luke 2:25-38. By suddenly coming to his temple, implies the certainty and swiftness of his approach. And when it is expressly called his temple, nothing surely could more decidedly prove his Godhead. For who but the Lord of Hosts can be the Lord of the temple? To ascribe a temple to any but God, would be the highest blasphemy. The word Lord, in this place, is Adonai; meaning the bottom and foundation of it. See Isaiah 28:16. And it is no dimination of this glory of the Godhead, to call Christ both the messenger or angel of the covenant, as well as the covenant itself; for the Lord Jesus sustains all characters, as Mediator; and is both Lord of all, and Servant of all. Philippians 2:5-11. One feature more must be attended to, in this sweet verse. He is said not only to be the Lord whom his people seek, but whom his people delight in. Yes! he was truly described by the Prophet to be the desire of all nations. And so he is indeed, in the hearts of all his redeemed, in all kingdoms, nations, and climates of the earth. Every poor sinner, once made sensible of his own wants and miseries, and Christ's ability to deliver from them, will have his whole affections centre in Jesus, and Jesus only. Such then was the Prophet's account of Christ; and such the correspondence of Christ to his prediction. Jesus proved his right to the Temple by the power he exercised there, when making a scourge of cords, and driving the buyers and sellers out of it. John 2:14-17. Some have thought, and justly thought, that this act of Christ in the Temple, was as striking a miracle as any he performed.