Isaiah 4:5 And the LORD will create on every dwelling place of mount Zion, and on her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day… These words are a recapitulation of the whole verse, and are a Gospel promise given out in law terms, or a New Testament mercy under Old Testament expressions. 1. What is here expressed as to the type and figure. For the glory and defence two pairs of things seem to be intended: the ark and the mercy seat; the tabernacle and the pillar of fire. (1) The ark is oftentimes called the glory of God (Psalm 78:61; 1 Samuel 4:21). The word which we have rendered "a defence," properly, signifies "a covering"; as was the mercy seat the covering of the ark. So that "upon the glory shall be a defence," is as much as, unto you the "mercy seat shall be on the ark," or you shall have the mercy represented and intimated thereby. (2) The tabernacle and cloud, or pillar of fire, are also called to mind; so the words are expressive of that figure of God's gracious presence with His people, which we have recounted (Exodus 40:34). "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." 2. What is here intended, as to the substance of the mercy promised. All those things were typical of Christ. Apply, then, this promise to Gospel times, and the substance of it is comprehended in these two propositions: I. THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST WITH ANY PEOPLE IS THE GLORY OF ANY PEOPLE. This is the glory here spoken of, as is evident to anyone that will but read verse 2, and consider its influence unto these words. This is their glory, or they have none. Is it in their number, that they are great, many, and populous? God thinks not so (Deuteronomy 7:7; Psalm 105:12). You know what it cost David in being seduced by Satan into the contrary opinion. There is nothing more common in the Scripture than for the Lord to speak contempt of the multitude of any people, as a thing of nought. Is it in their wisdom and counsel, their understanding for the ordering of their affairs? Is that their glory? Why, see how God derides the prince of Tyrus, who was lifted up with an apprehension hereof; and counted himself as God, upon that account (Ezekiel 27; Jeremiah 9:23, 24). 1. Now, Christ may be said to be present with a people two ways. (1) In respect of the dispensation of His Gospel amongst them, the profession of it and subjection to the ordinances thereof. (2) In and by His Spirit, dwelling in their hearts by faith, uniting them to Himself. 2. This is the glory of any people upon a threefold account. (1) This alone makes them honourable and precious before God. (2) This presence of Christ makes men comely and excellent in themselves (Psalm 16:3) (3) This alone makes any truly useful unto others.Here lies the preservation of any nation from ruin. Prosperity is from hence also. (Micah 5:7) If you desire the glory of the nation, labour to promote the interest of Christ in the nation. Value, encourage and close with them in and with whom is the presence of Christ. II. THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN SPECIAL PROVIDENCE OVER A PEOPLE ATTENDS THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST IN GRACE WITH A PEOPLE. ( J. Owen, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. |
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