From night to noon.
The passage rather implies than states a very sad condition in which Israel is found, and it suggests to us, as a starting-point—
I. DARK DAYS THROUGH WHICH A CHRISTIAN CHURCH MAY PASS, The evils and miseries which may then be endured may include, as with Israel at the time of this prophecy:
1. Reduced numbers, causing weakness and humiliation, perhaps approaching extinction.
2. Submission to some kind of bondage; either to the tyranny of some spiritual delusion, or to the despotism of some other master than the Lord of love and righteousness.
3. The actual withdrawal of Christ; a condition in which it is rightly called "the Forsaken," for "he does not many mighty works because of unbelief." He does not dwell there, but passes by; he does not manifest his presence and his power in regenerating, or renewing, or sustaining grace.
4. The appearance of utter forgetfulness on the part of its Divine Head. There is such an absence of all fruitfulness, all usefulness, all moral and spiritual beauty, that its most appropriate name is "The Desolate One."
II. THE DUTY OF ITS MINISTERS and its best friends in these dark days (Isaiah 62:1-6).
1. Pleading with God for his people. For Zion's sake not holding peace, for Jerusalem's sake not resting, but continually and earnestly interceding with God that he will pity, will interpose, will restore.
2. Pleading with his people in God's name. The function of the prophet was to speak for God, and especially when his truth was forgotten and his will neglected. The duty and privilege of the minister of Christ is to declare with all fearlessness and fidelity, and with all needful reiteration, the truth which has been forgotten, the commandment which is being disregarded. This duty is shared by any others, particularly by any other officers, to whom the Spirit of God may reveal his will.
III. THE FUTURE WHICH IT IS IN THE POWER AND IN THE HEART OF GOD TO CONFER.
1. Deliverance from these distressing evils. There shall be "salvation" (Isaiah 62:1). The bonds shall be broken, the delusions dispelled, the assumption of power removed, the "evil thing in the midst" which prevented the indwelling of Christ shall be cast out.
2. Manifestation of the Master's favour. Its "righteousness" in his sight shall "go forth as brightness:" there shall be such tokens of Divine favour that all who dwell around and observe shall "see its righteousness" asserted and behold its "glory" (Isaiah 62:2).
3. The possession of its Lord's regard. Its new name, "Hephzi-bah," shall indicate that its Lord delights in it, looks upon it with a glad approval, holds it in his right hand (Revelation 2:1) as a man holds a crown or diadem, as something of rare value, of great price in his esteem (Isaiah 62:3).
4. The outpouring of its Lord's affection. Its new name is also to be "Beulah:" for it is to be dear to his heart as is the bride to the bridegroom, the object of his fervent love. We may be so conscious of our shortcomings and of our departures from God's will that we may fail to realize the fulness of our privilege. But it is our sacred duty to be dissatisfied with ourselves, as portions of the Church of Christ, until we are such as he can regard with Divine love and affection, such as he can prize as very precious crowns or diadems. If this seems impossible as things are, it behoves us to humble ourselves before him, to plead with him in penitent prayer, to rededicate ourselves to his service, until the hour comes when not only will the darkness have given way to dawn, but the dawn to noontide brightness.—C.
The value of security, etc.
The principal lesson here is the inestimable advantage of national independence and consequent individual security. But other lessons also stand out from the passage, viz.—
I. THE REALITY OF NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY. It is very clearly implied that Israel had suffered grievously in the past as a nation, because of God's wrath. She had sinned and had been condemned, and she had paid the penalty of suffering from a cruel and rapacious invasion; so that her citizens ate not of the corn they had sown, and drank not of the wine they had planted. God makes nations as well as individuals to pay due penalty for their transgressions. Hence we have—
II. THE INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATION which this fact entails. It is impossible for any man to sever himself from the community of which he is a member; he is not at liberty to leave the national course, to be decided by other men, while he gives himself up to more congenial labours. No man can divest himself of his responsibilities as a citizen of his country; every man is bound to exert his influence on behalf of liberty, righteousness, peace, virtue, godliness.
III. THE VALUE OF SECURITY. If it be uncertain whether men will reap what they sow, if it is probable that strangers will partake of the fruit of men's toil, there will be a constantly and powerfully disturbing force at work. But security will promote:
1. Order and good government.
2. Industry—occupation, enterprise, the useful arts.
3. Benevolence—the origination and growth of philanthropic institutions.
4. Piety—the erection of sacred structures and the establishment of religious organizations.
1. Let the prosperity which is the fruit of security be consecrated by gratitude and benevolence. "Eat and praise the Lord," bring the wine "into the courts or his holiness." Beware of a selfish and complacent spirit (see Deuteronomy 6:12), and cultivate carefully and devoutly a spirit of gratitude toward God and kindness toward man.
2. Appreciate at its full worth and give God thanks for the national security which is enjoyed. It is not one of the smaller mercies we have received at his hand that we have no fear of being displaced by any "stranger," that we are so secure of the fruits of our toil. This sense of safety and stability has contributed largely to the resources at our command, and is adding incalculably to the best movements and measures of our time.
3. Rejoice in and bless God for the fact that even though we may not reap all that we sow here, there is a future in which the workman shall be amply and gloriously rewarded (Psalms 126:6; 1 Corinthians 15:58).—C.