В¶ And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall light, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. 6 And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them again to place them: for I have mercy upon them: and they shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them. 7 And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the Lord.
Souls truly converted to Jesus are always mighty in the Lord, because the Lord puts their enemies under the soles of their feet. Malachi 4:3. But what wonderful blessings are here said to be in store for Judah? Well was it said by the dying Patriarch, such glorious events would take place in this tribe. Genesis 49:8-12. And Moses reiterated the same. Deuteronomy 33:7. And Reader, do observe the foundation of all this mercy; because of God's covenant engagements. And Ephraim also shall come in for a portion of the same grace, for there is enough in Christ for everyone, and for all. The house of Joseph, as well as the house of Judah, shall be thus blessed. The dying Jacob spake of this tribe also. And Moses, ages after, was commissioned to confirm it. Genesis 49:22-26; Deuteronomy 33:13-17. Now, in the prospect of the gospel, all these promises come to be fulfilled. And how strong and expressive the words are, their hearts shall rejoice as through wine; yea, their children shall see it and be glad. Both fathers and children shall join in the blessings; and all their rejoicing shall be, not in themselves, not in their attainments, but in the Lord. Isaiah 51:21-22.