For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem.
The year of recompense
I. It shall be the year of the redeemed. Though the bondage of God’s people may be grievous and long, it shall not be everlasting. That in Egypt ended at length in their deliverance into the glorious liberty of the children of God. That in Babylon shall likewise end well.
II. It shall be the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion. Though God may suffer the enemies of His people to prevail against them very far, and for a long time, yet He will call them to an account for it, and will lead those captive that led His people captive.
1. Who those are that shall be reckoned with. “All nations.” This intimates--
(1) That all the nations had made themselves liable to the judgment of God for wrong done to His people. But the neighbouring nations should be particularly dealt with.
(2) That whatsoever nation injured God’s nation, they should not go unpunished. Little persecutors shall be taken account of as well as great ones.
2. The sitting of this court for judgment.
3. The plaintiff called, on whose behalf this prosecution is set on foot.
4. The charge exhibited against them, which is very particular.
(1) They had been very abusive to the children of Israel.
(2) They had unjustly seized God’s silver and gold.
5. The sentence passed upon them. “Return your recompence upon your own head.”
(1) They shall not gain their end in the mischief they designed.
(2) They shall be paid in their own coin. (Matthew Henry.)
The persecution of good men
I. There have ever been good men on earth.
1. “My people.” They are His--
(1) They have surrendered themselves to His will.
(2) He has pledged them His loving guardianship.
2. “My heritage” (Exodus 19:5). He who owns the universe, esteems holy souls as the most valuable of His possessions.
II. These good men on earth have generally been subject to persecution. “Whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted My land.” There is a persecution that, whilst it does not involve bonds, imprisonments, and physical violences, involves the malice of hell, and inflicts grievous injury. There is social calumny, scorn, degradation, and various disabilities.
III. Their persecution will be avenged by heaven. “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there, for My people and for My heritage Israel.” Ah! the time hastens when persecutors of all types and ages will have full retribution dealt out to them in some great valley of Jehoshaphat. (Homilist.)