For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Ver. 3. For the vision is yet for an appointed time] This he is commanded to write, that God's people may learn to wait. He that believeth maketh not haste, he can both wait (as knowing that many of God's promises bear a long date) and also want, go without the good he desireth; being well content that God is glorified, though himself be not gratified. And this is the work of effectual faith, which is herein like unto crystal, of which it is reported that the very touching of it quickens other stones, and puts a lustre and loveliness upon them.
But at the end it shall speak] Effabitur, It shall speak confidently, boldly, and freely, to the great comfort of those that antedate not God's promises, but patiently abide the accomplishment thereof. If any ask when this shall be? it is answered, In the end, that is, in God's good time. Shall he lose his right because he hath it not by the day set down in our calendar? Possibly the calendar of heaven hath a postdate to ours. Sure it is, that as God seldom comes at our time; so he never fails at his own. God's expectants shall shortly clap their hands for joy; and cry out with that holy martyr, He is come, Austin, he is come, he is come (Mr Glover. Act. and Mon.).
And not lie] That is, not disappoint; as the earth is said to lie when it yields not her expected increase. God is faithful, and cannot lie. Christ hath a rainbow on his head, Revelation 10:1, to show that be is faithful and constant in his promises, and that tempests which blow over the sky shall be cleared. He hath hitherto kept promise witb nights and days, that the one shall succeed the other, Jeremiah 33:20; Jeremiah 33:25, and shall he break with his people? How then should he be Amen, the faithful and true witness? Revelation 3:14. Every man is a liar either by imposture, and so in purpose, or by impotence, and so in the event deceiving those that rely upon him, Psalms 62:9. But God is "a God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he," Deuteronomy 32:4 .
Though it tarry wait for it] This is the duty, wait; and because it is a very difficult duty (the Hebrews found it easier to bear evil than to wait for the promised good, Heb 10:36), therefore is the promise here not delivered only, but doubled and trebled. It shall speak, it will come, it will surely come; nay, doubled again for more surety; It shall not lie, it will not tarry. It is as if God had said, Do but wait, and you shall be delivered, you shall be delivered, you shall be delivered, you shall, you shall. Oh the rhetoric of God! and oh the certainty of the promises!
It will not tarry] sc. Beyond the time appointed of God.
“ In se non tardat, carni tardare videtur. ”
God's help seems long, because we are short. A short walk is a long journey to feeble knees. But that God tarries not beyond his appointed time, see Exodus 12:40,41; at midnight were the firstborn slain, because then exactly the four hundred and thirty years were up. And Daniel 5:30, "In that night was Belshazzar slain"; because then exactly the seventy years were ended.