Break forth into joy
The return of the Jewish nation
I. CONSIDER CERTAIN CHANGES WHICH SHALL HAVE TAKEN PLACE AMONG THE GENTILES OF CHRISTENDOM, AT, OR ABOUT, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
THE JEWISH NATION IN THEIR OWN LAND (Matthew 13:24-30). The signal destruction of all false, hypocritical, unbelieving professors of religion, here called “the children of the wicked one” or “the tares;” and, secondly, the gathering in of the elect members of Christ’s mystical body, or the gathering of “the wheat into the barn.”
II. THE BLESSING WHICH THE JEWISH NATION WILL PROVE TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH. It appears that the plan and purpose of God, as revealed in His Word, is, after having finished the dispensation of the Gentiles as He finished the dispensation of the Jews, and having “concluded all in unbelief,” the period will then arrive when, according to the language of Paul, “He will have mercy upon all.”
III. THE NATURE AND DURATION OF THIS BLESSING.
1. As to the nature of the blessing. This is nothing more nor less than a true and saving conversion, terminating in salvation. Not a bringing of them back to the state in which Adam was before his fall; not a grafting them into the mystical body of Christ; but a true, a sound conversion from all that is evil, and the full enjoyment of God s great salvation.
2. As to the duration of this blessing. With reference to converted individuals the effect will be eternal: but there will be a limit to this state of things as to the nations of the earth. (H. McNeile, M. A.)
Matter for joy and praise
Those that share in mercies ought to join in praises. Here is matter for joy and praise.
I. GOD’S PEOPLE WILL HAVE THE COMFORT OF THIS SALVATION; and what is the matter of our rejoicing ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving.
II. GOD WILL HAVE THE GLORY OF IT (Isaiah 52:10).
III. ALL THE WORLD WILL HAVE THE BENEFIT OF IT. “All the ends of the earth,” etc. (M. Henry.)