169. ZEC 9:11, ZEC 9:12. GOD’S ADDRESS TO THE PRISONERS OF HOPE

Zec_9:11, Zec_9:12. God’s Address To The Prisoners Of Hope

"As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Turn you to the stronghold, ye prison era of hope."’97Zec_9:11, Zec_9:12.

Many parts of the chapter evidently relate to the bestowment of emporal blessing’s upon God’s ancient church and people. The text, too, may have a similar application. It is found, however, in connection with a very beautiful prediction concerning the Messiah; see ver. 9. And therefore we shall consider it as applicable and as addressed to all men. Observe,

I. A true Representation of the fallen Condition of Mankind.

This is evidently implied. where they are represented as being "in a pit wherein was no water." This shows,

1. The degradation of our state.

Once possessing power, and dominion, and glory. Now crown fallen from our head’97gold changed’97fine gold dim. No longer a lord; but a toiling slave; our honor and dignity in the dust.

2. The pollution of our state.

In a pit of pollution and defilement. Once holy; now unholy. Once free; now the captive of sin and Satan. Soul diseased; no health nor soundness in it. "The whole head sick; whole heart faint," &c.; Isa_1:5.

3. The misery of our state.

Prisoners in a deep and horrible pit. Holiness and happiness inseparable; so sin and misery. Restless, agitated, full of fear, and dread, and anxiety; light extinguished’97joy fled’97peace destroyed, &c. A dark, dreary, loathsome pit.

4. The hopelessness of our state.

"A pit wherein was no water." No source of comfort and happiness left. Death seemed inevitable. Man possessed no power to escape; no eye to pity; no hand to deliver. The prey of Satan, and the sport of the malignant spirits of darkness.

Observe,

II. A striking Exhibition of the Means of our Salvation.

"As for thee, also, by the blood of the covenant, I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit." Now observe,

1. God is the Author of redemption.

"I have sent forth," &c. God so pitied, so deeply and so intensely compassioned our state, as to engage his infinite wisdom in devising, and his unbounded power in effecting, our redemption. Redemption is always attributed to the blessed God. "The Lord is thy Redeemer; the Holy One of Israel," &c.; Isa_41:14; Isa_47:4; Isa_48:26.

2 Redemption was effected by the blood of the covenant.

"By the blood of the covenant I have sent forth," &c. God engaged his Son to be the ransom for the world. He made an agreement or covenant with him to this end. And it was stipulated, that he should give his life or blood for the redemption of the world. "Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ;" 1Pe_1:19. "Redeemed us by his blood;" Rev_5:9. "In whom we have redemption through his blood;" Col_1:14; Mat_26:28.

3. By this blood of the covenant the circumstances of men are completely altered.

The poor, perishing, hopeless prisoners of the pit, may now "go forth." The claims of law and justice have been fully met. The curse and full penalty of sin have been borne by Christ. Now the light of mercy and of gospel day visits the children of men. Now, God can be "just, and yet the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus;" Rom_3:26. Now, there is a way to the holiest of all. Now, a mercy-seat to which the sinner can come, and a plea which he may use, with the full assurance, that he shall obtain mercy, &c. Now, men need not perish: "For as Moses lifted up the serpent," &c.; Joh_3:14-17.

What claims has God upon us! "Herein is love," &c. How precious is Christ’s blood! Let us not undervalue it, despise it, or trample it under our feet, &c. See Heb_11:19-29

Autor: JABEZ BURNS