Chapter 3
Verses 1-5 – Here is the judgment
on Jerusalem. The judgment on Israel is in ratio to her privilege. Her favored
position among nations caused more to be expected of her.
Verses 6-8 – God’s judgment extends
to all nations. "But they rose early, and
corrupted all their doings": They were diligent, industrious eager and
early in the commission of sins, in doing corrupt and abominable works;
receiving and tenaciously adhering to the traditions of the elders; seeking to
establish their own righteousness, not submitting to God's.
The rejected the true Messiah;
blaspheming His doctrines, despising His ordinances, and persecuting His
people; besides other vices, which abounded among them; for which the wrath of
God came upon them to the uttermost.
These verses (6-8) speak of Armageddon,
which ends with the return of Christ to the earth.
Verse 9 - This does not mean
there will be one language for the entire world. The thought here is “pure” in
the sense of the removal of the filthy, profane, and nasty language. A remnant of the nations, converted to the Lord, will
worship Him in righteousness and truth (Zech. 8:20-23; 14:16). Pure speech will
come from purified hearts. (Luke 6:45).The “four letter words” will
disappear.
Verses 10-12 – These are the conditions that will be
found in the Kingdom. The Lord will purge the proud
and ungodly from among them. (Zech. 13:1-6), leaving a meek and humble people. These
were an "afflicted" people, as the Lord's people in all ages are
afflicted with a body of sin; with the temptations of Satan; with the hidings
of God's face; with bodily infirmities, and with the reproaches and
persecutions of men.
The first Christians, both among Jews and
Gentiles, justly bore this characteristic. They were "poor", for the most part, referring to the poor of
this world, being stripped of their worldly enjoyments for the sake of Christ.
But they were especially poor in spirit, broken
hearted, contrite, lowly ones. they had a "mean" opinion of themselves, modest,
meek, and humble; sensible of their spiritual poverty, and seeking after the
true riches of grace and glory.
Material prosperity and peace will
accompany them as well, allowing them to enjoy the rich blessings of God
undisturbed (Joel 3:18-20; Mica 4:4).
Verses 13-16 – Here we see the remnant of Israel entering
the kingdom. Their attitude and speech are changed. Fear is removed. The remnant of Israel, throughout the Bible, is the group
who has never bowed their knee to Baal. This just means they have never worshiped false gods. They have always remained faithful to God. These are
those people who are holy, because He is holy. They are not interested in sin.
They are interested in pleasing God.
Christians have all the
good habits of Christ, because Christ lives in them. These are speaking of
those who have made Christ their Lord. 1 John 3:9
"Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in
him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God."
The Lord Jesus Christ reigns over them
personally. This refers to the second coming of Christ.
Verse 17 – This is the key of the book. This is the
white light in a black background. The purpose of judgment is not vindictive,
but to cleanse and purify in order that blessing and goodness might ensue from
the ordeal. As
a bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isa. 62:4), the Lord will exult over His
people with gladness and song, resting in quiet ecstasy over His people in whom
is all His delight (Deut. 30:9; Isaiah chapter 54).
The might of man cannot be compared to that
of God. God created the world, and all that is in it. He controls everything. Acts
4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Verses 18-20 – Once again we
see the kingdom conditions. Being converted, they
shall be spoken well of everywhere; they shall be praised for their acknowledgment of their sins; for their sincere repentance of them; and for
their faith in Messiah.
No comments:
Post a Comment