Haggai 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, said the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace… Inquire — I. INTO THE NATURE OF THE PEACE HERE SPOKEN OF. It includes peace with God, i.e, forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation with Him. When this is witnessed to the soul by the Spirit of God the enmity is removed, or the will is subdued, and the affections are brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Peace of conscience, arising from pardon of past sin, and power over sin. A peaceful, serene, tranquil frame of mind; and peace with all men. II. THE AUTHOR OF THIS PEACE, AND THE WAY IN WHICH HE WILL GIVE IT. It is not ourselves. Our own works cannot purchase it, nor reconcile us to God. It is not others; not their absolutions, prayers, or advices. It is the gift of God. He is its Author, and it comes from Him as a free gift. III. WHO ARE THE SUBJECTS OF IT, OR THE PERSONS TO WHOM HE WILL GIVE IT? It is purchased by Christ for all, and offered to all. But it cannot be possessed by the wicked. It cannot be the portion of the unbeliever. Repentance and faith are both the gifts of God, and must be sought in the use of prescribed means, such as hearing the Word of God and prayer. IV. THE PLACE WHERE HE WILL GIVE IT, AND THE TIME WHEN. All times and places may be considered holy under the Gospel. Nevertheless, when and where the Gospel is preached, and prayer offered to God, repentance and faith are usually given, and Christ in His Word and Spirit is peculiarly present. (J. Benson.) Parallel Verses KJV: The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. |
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