Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Ezra
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 6
Overview:
The decree for completing the
Temple.
(1-12) The
Temple is
finished.
(13-22)
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.
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.