The history of this book is the accomplishment of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the return of the Jews out of Babylon. From its contents we especially learn, that every good work will meet with opposition from enemies, and be hurt by the misconduct of friends; but that God will make his cause to prevail, notwithstanding all obstacles and adversaries. The restoration of the Jews was an event of the highest consequence, tending to preserve religion in the world, and preparing the way for the appearance of the Great Deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ.
The proclamation of Cyrus for the rebuilding of the temple. (1-4) The people provide for their return. (5-11)
@Verses 1-4 The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus. The hearts of kings are in the hand of the Lord. God governs the world by his influence on the spirits of men; whatever good they do, God stirs up their spirits to do it. It was during the captivity of the Jews, that God principally employed them as the means of calling the attention of the heathen to him. Cyrus took it for granted, that those among the Jews who were able, would offer free-will offerings for the house of God. He would also have them supplied out of his kingdom. Well-wishers to the temple should be well-doers for it.
@Verses 5-11
The same God that raised up the spirit of Cyrus to
proclaim liberty to the Jews, raised up their spirits to take
the benefit. The temptation was to some to stay in Babylon; but
some feared not to return, and they were those whose spirits God
raised, by his Spirit and grace. Whatever good we do, is owing
to the grace of God. Our spirits naturally bow down to this
earth and the things of it; if they move upward in any good
affections or good actions, it is God who raises them. The calls
and offers of the gospel are like the proclamation of Cyrus.
Those bound under the power of sin, may be made free by Jesus
Christ. Whosoever will, by repentance and faith, return to God,
Jesus Christ has opened the way for him, and raises him out of
the slavery of sin into the glorious liberty of the children of
God. Many that hear this joyful sound, choose to sit still in
Babylon, are in love with their sins, and will not venture upon
a holy life; but some break through all discouragements,
whatever it cost them; they are those whose spirit God has
raised above the world and the flesh, whom he has made willing.
Thus will the heavenly Canaan be filled, though many perish in
Babylon; and the gospel offer will not have been made in vain.
The bringing back the Jews from captivity, represents the
redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ.
The numbers that returned. (1-35) The numbers of the priests
and Levites. (36-63) The offerings for the temple. (64-70)
@Verses 1-35
An account was kept of the families that came up out of
captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness
would exalt!
@Verses 36-63
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times
of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from
it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no
evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto
God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and
privileges of Christians.
@Verses 64-70
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their
religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his
glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their
offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the
princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability,
were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all
undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to
his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the
call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall
be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive
safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
The altar and festivals. (1-7) The foundations of the temple
laid. (8-13)
@Verses 1-7
From the proceedings of the Jews on their arrival, let us
learn to begin with God, and to do what we can in the worship of
God, when we cannot do what we would. They could not at once
have a temple, but they would not be without an altar. Fear of
danger should stir us to our duty. Have we many enemies? Then it
is good to have God our Friend, and to keep up communion with
him. Our fears should drive us to our knees. The sacrifices for
all these solemnities were a heavy expense for so poor a
company; yet besides those expressly appointed, many brought
free-will offerings to the Lord. And they made preparation for
the building of the temple without delay: whatever God calls us
to do, we may depend upon his providence to furnish us with the
needful means.
@Verses 8-13
There was a remarkable mixture of affections upon laying
the foundation of the temple. Those that only knew the misery of
having no temple at all, praised the Lord with shouts of joy. To
them, even this foundation seemed great. We ought to be thankful
for the beginnings of mercy, though it be not yet perfect. But
those who remembered the glory of the first temple, and
considered how far inferior this was likely to be, wept with a
loud voice. There was reason for it, and if they bewailed the
sin that was the cause of this melancholy change, they did well.
Yet it was wrong to cast a damp upon the common joys. They
despised the day of small things, and were unthankful for the
good they enjoyed. Let not the remembrance of former afflictions
drown the sense of present mercies.
The adversaries of the temple. (1-5) The building of the
temple is hindered. (6-24)
@Verses 1-5
Every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the
opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. The
adversaries were the Samaritans, who had been planted in the
@2 kings
unite in the worship of the Lord, according to his word. Let
those who discourage a good work, and weaken them that are
employed in it, see whose pattern they follow.
@Verses 6-24
It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church
would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more
false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our
sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and
the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man,
and patiently submit to the consequences. All who love the
gospel should avoid all appearance of evil, lest they should
encourage the adversaries of the church. The world is ever ready
to believe any accusation against the people of God, and refuses
to listen to them. The king suffered himself to be imposed upon
by these frauds and falsehoods. Princes see and hear with other
men's eyes and ears, and judge things as represented to them,
which are often done falsely. But God's judgment is just; he
sees things as they are.
The leaders forward the building of the temple. (1,2) letter
against the Jews. (3-17)
@Verses 1-2
The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years.
Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with
the work. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people,
when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of
God, as guides, overseers, and rulers. In Haggai, we see what
great things God does by his word, which he magnifies above all
his name, and by his Spirit working with it.
@Verses 3-17
While employed in God's work, we are under his special
protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to
our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever
so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an
account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness
and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us
rightly understand, and then readily declare, what we do in
God's service, and why we do it. And while in this world, we
always shall have to confess, that our sins have provoked the
wrath of God. All our sufferings spring from thence, and all our
comforts from his unmerited mercy. However the work may seem to
be hindered, yet the Lord Jesus Christ is carrying it on, his
people are growing unto a holy temple in the Lord, for a
habitation of God through the Spirit.
The decree for completing the temple. (1-12) The temple is
finished. (13-22)
@Verses 1-12
When God's time is come for fulfilling his gracious
purposes concerning his church, he will raise up instruments to
do it, from whom such good service was not expected. While our
thoughts are directed to this event, we are led by Zechariah to
fix our regard on a nobler, a spiritual building. The Lord Jesus
Christ continues to lay one stone upon another: let us assist
the great design. Difficulties delay the progress of this sacred
edifice. Yet let not opposition discourage us, for in due season
it will be completed to his abundant praise. He shall bring
forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace,
grace unto it.
@Verses 13-22
The gospel church, that spiritual temple, is long in the
building, but it will be finished at last, when the mystical
body is completed. Every believer is a living temple, building
up himself in his most holy faith: much opposition is given to
this work by Satan and our own corruptions. We trifle, and
proceed in it with many stops and pauses; but He that has begun
the good work, will see it performed. Then spirits of just men
will be made perfect. By getting their sins taken away, the Jews
would free themselves from the sting of their late troubles.
Their service was with joy. Let us welcome holy ordinances with
joy, and serve the Lord with gladness.
Ezra goes up to Jerusalem. (1-10) The commission to Ezra.
(11-26) Ezra blesses God for his favour. (27,28)
@Verses 1-10
Ezra went from Babylon to Jerusalem, for the good of his
country. The king was kind to him; he granted all his requests,
whatever Ezra desired to enable him to serve his country. When
he went, many went with him; he obtained favour from his king,
by the Divine favour. Every creature is that to us, which God
makes it to be. We must see the hand of God in the events that
befal us, and acknowledge him with thankfulness.
@Verses 11-26
The liberality of heathen kings to support the worship of
God, reproached the conduct of many kings of Judah, and will
rise up in judgment against the covetousness of wealthy
professed Christians, who will not promote the cause of God. But
the weapons of Christian ministers are not carnal. Faithful
preaching, holy lives, fervent prayers, and patient suffering
when called to it, are the means to bring men into obedience to
Christ.
@Verses 27-28
Two things Ezra blessed God for: 1. For his commission.
If any good appear in our hearts, or in the hearts of others, we
must own that God put it there, and bless him; it is he that
worketh in us, both to will and to do that which is good. 2. For
his encouragement: God has extended mercy to me. Ezra was a man
of courage, yet he ascribed this not to his own heart, but to
God's hand. If God give us his hand, we are bold and cheerful;
if he withdraw it, we are weak as water. Whatever we are enabled
to do for God and those around us, God must have all the glory.
The companions of Ezra. (1-20) Ezra implores God's blessing.
(21-23) Treasures committed to the priests. (24-30) Ezra arrives
at Jerusalem. (31-36)
@Verses 1-20
Ezra assembles the outcasts of Israel, and the dispersed
of Judah. God raised up the spirits of a small remnant to
accompany him. What a pity that good men should omit a good
work, for want of being spoken to!
@Verses 21-23
Ezra procured Levites to go with him; but what will that
avail, unless he have God with him? Those who seek God, are safe
under the shadow of his wings, even in their greatest dangers;
but those who forsake him, are always exposed. When entering
upon any new state of life, our care should be, to bring none of
the guilt of the sins of our former condition into it. When we
are in any peril, let us be at peace with God, and then nothing
can do us any real hurt. All our concerns about ourselves, our
families, and our estates, it is our wisdom and duty, by prayer
to commit to God, and to leave the care of them with him. And,
on some occasions, we should decline advantages which are within
our reach, lest we should cause others to stumble, and so our
God be dishonoured. Let us ask wisdom of God, that we may know
how to use or to refuse lawful things. We shall be no losers by
venturing, suffering, or giving up for the Lord's sake. Their
prayers were answered, and the event declared it. Never have any
that sought God in earnest, found that they sought him in vain.
In times of difficulty and danger, to set a season apart for
secret or for social prayer, is the best method for relief we
can take.
@Verses 24-30
Do we expect that God should, by his providence, keep
that which belongs to us, let us, by his grace, keep that which
belongs to him. Let God's honour and interest be our care; and
then we may expect that our lives and comforts will be his.
@Verses 31-36
Enemies laid wait for the Jews, but God protected them.
Even the common perils of journeys, call us to go out with
prayer, and to return with praise and thanksgiving. But what
shall we render when the Lord has led us safely through the
pilgrimage of life, through the gloomy vale of death, out of the
reach of all our enemies, into everlasting happiness! Among
their sacrifices they had a sin-offering. The atonement sweetens
and secures every mercy to us, which will not be truly
comfortable, unless sin be taken away, and our peace made with
God. Then had the church rest. The expressions here used, direct
us to the deliverance of sinners from spiritual bondage, and
their pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem, under the care and
protection of their God and Saviour.
Ezra mourns for the Jews' conduct. (1-4) Ezra's confession of
sins. (5-15)
@Verses 1-4
Many corruptions lurk out of the view of the most careful
rulers. Some of the people disobeyed the express command of God,
which forbade all marriages with the heathen,
@deuteronomy 7
. Disbelief
of God's all-sufficiency, is at the bottom of the sorry shifts
we make to help ourselves. They exposed themselves and their
children to the peril of idolatry, that had ruined their church
and nation. Carnal professors may make light of such connexions,
and try to explain away the exhortations to be separate; but
those who are best acquainted with the word of God, will treat
the subject in another manner. They must forebode the worst from
such unions. The evils excused, and even pleaded for; by many
professors, astonish and cause regret in the true believer. All
who profess to be God's people, ought to strengthen those that
appear and act against vice and profaneness.
@Verses 5-15
The sacrifice, especially the evening sacrifice, was a
type of the blessed Lamb of God, who in the evening of the
world, was to take away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Ezra's
address is a penitent confession of sin, the sin of his people.
But let this be the comfort of true penitents, that though their
sins reach to the heavens, God's mercy is in the heavens. Ezra,
speaking of sin, speaks as one much ashamed. Holy shame is as
necessary in true repentance as holy sorrow. Ezra speaks as much
amazed. The discoveries of guilt cause amazement; the more we
think of sin, the worse it looks. Say, God be merciful to me
sinner. Ezra speaks as one much afraid. There is not a surer or
saddler presage of ruin, than turning to sin, after great
judgments, and great deliverances. Every one in the church of
God, has to wonder that he has not wearied out the Lord's
patience, and brought destruction upon himself. What then must
be the case of the ungodly? But though the true penitent has
nothing to plead in his own behalf, the heavenly Advocate pleads
most powerfully for him.
Ezra encourages to reformation. (1-5) He assembles the people.
(6-14) Reformation effected. (15-44)
@Verses 1-5
Shechaniah owned the national guilt. The case is sad, but
it is not desperate; the disease threatening, but not incurable.
Now that the people begin to lament, a spirit of repentance
seems to be poured out; now there is hope that God will forgive,
and have mercy. The sin that rightly troubles us, shall not ruin
us. In melancholy times we must observe what makes for us, as
well as against us. And there may be good hopes through grace,
even where there is the sense of great guilt before God. The
case is plain; what has been done amiss, must be undone again as
far as possible; nothing less than this is true repentance. Sin
must be put away, with a resolution never to have any thing more
to do with it. What has been unjustly got, must be restored.
Arise, be of good courage. Weeping, in this case, is good, but
reforming is better. As to being unequally yoked with
unbelievers, such marriages, it is certain, are sinful, and
ought not to be made; but now they are not null, as they were
before the gospel did away the separation between Jews and
Gentiles.
@Verses 6-14
There is hope concerning people, when they are convinced,
not only that it is good to part with their sins, but that it is
necessary; we must do it, or we are undone. So rich is the
mercy, and so plenteous the redemption of God, that there is
hope for the vilest who hear the gospel, and are willing to
accept of free salvation. When sinners mourn for their sins, and
tremble at the word of God, there is hope that they will forsake
them. To affect others with godly sorrow or love to God, we must
ourselves be affected. It was carefully agreed how this affair
should be carried on. That which is hastily resolved on seldom
proves lasting.
@Verses 15-44
The best reformers can but do their endeavour; when the
Redeemer himself shall come to Zion, he shall effectually turn
away ungodliness from Jacob. And when sin is repented of and
forsaken, God will forgive it; but the blood of Christ, our
Sin-offering, is the only atonement which takes away our guilt.
No seeming repentance or amendment will benefit those who reject
Him, for self-dependence proves them still unhumbled. All the
names written in the book of life, are those of penitent
sinners, not of self-righteous persons, who think they have no
need of repentance.
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
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