379. ISA 33:16. THE GODLY MAN’S DWELLING AND DEFENCE

Isa_33:16. The Godly Man’s Dwelling and Defence

"He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; bread shall be given him; his water shall be sure."’97Isa_33:16.

This chapter contains the denunciation of God against the enemies of his church; and it also contains the delightful engagements of God to deliver, and bless, and prosper his people. However the prophecies might relate to God’s ancient people the Jews, there is much which is instructive and edifying for his church and people in all generations. Were God’s ancient people but as a handful, compared with the nations around them?’97so now the church of Christ is only as a small garden in the wide-spread wilderness of the earth. Were they subject to many enemies and perils?’97so is it now; the whole world is in arms against God’s church, and his Anointed. Helpless and insufficient as Israel was for its own defence, so even is it now: without God’s aid, his cause would become the prey of the adversary. But as God never did forsake his people, but was their shield, and help, and defence, so now he is the confidence of his saints, and they "who trust in him shall be as Mount Zion," &c. Ob serve,

I. The godly Man’s Residence.

"He shall dwell on high." I observe,

1. The godly man is born from on high.

Christ said to Nicodemus, "except a man be born again," (literally it is, born from above,) "he cannot see," &c., Joh_3:3. Our first nature and birth are of the first Adam earthy, our second birth and spiritual mature, are of the second, the Lord from heaven. Now the light which illumines, and the grace which changes the soul, are from on high. The spirit, too, imparted, is heavenly and divine.

2. His communion is on high.

Being a heavenly citizen, he holds intercourse with the skies. His thoughts and affections ascend on high; his wishes are on high; by prayer and meditation he soars on high as on eagles’ wings; his conversation is on high, Php_3:20. "Being risen with Christ," &c. See Heb_12:22.

3. His treasure and eternal home are on high.

Here he has no enduring substance, his treasure is in heaven; he is a traveller, his rest is beyond the skies; a mariner, his haven is the celestial Canaan; he is an heir, his inheritance is reserved in heaven for him; he is a prince, but his dominion is the glorious kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice,

II. The godly Man’s Security.

"His place of defence," &c. He is liable to be besieged by the powers of darkness; storms and tempests may surround him. Now, his security is the "munition of rocks." God is the defence, the fortress and refuge of his people. Now, when his security is described as in the text, it denotes that,

1. It is complete security.

The word munition signifies fortification. Now, this fortification surrounds the good man, and all that he has. Every part of the Christian and all his concerns are in the Lord’s hands, and all secure. What Satan said in reference to Job, is true of all the Lord’s people: "Thou hast made an hedge," &c., Job_1:10.

2. It is invulnerable security.

"Munition of rocks;" not one of stone, made by the art of man, but one of rocks. Nature’s massive defence, strong and high, defying alike the weapons of war, the desolating wind, and the roaring waters of he tempestuous sea. Within this defence,

"The saints securely sing

Defiance to the gates of hell."

3. It is everlasting.

Hence, we are exhorted to trust in the Lord, for "in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting." Now, storms and tempests may affect the mountains, and wear away the face of rocks but the security of the Christian, his munition of rocks, is the everlasting God, the same in time, and death, and eternity "The gates of hell shall never," &c, see Deu_33:27.

III. The godly Man’s Provision.

"Bread shall," &c.

1. Now, this includes both temporal and spiritual supplies.

Body needs food and clothing. God will provide. Soul needs the spiritual provision, the bread of heaven, &c. Neither shall lack. This supply,

2. Is only of things necessary.

"Bread shall be given," &c. God can give more, may give more, and generally does so; but he only engages to do this. Hence, our moderation must be known unto all men. "Having food and raiment," &c.

3. The needful supply is certain.

"Shall be given." Think of his power goodness, truth; think of his tender love &c; think of his past kindness, &c.

Application

1. Ascertain if you are the characters specified, ver. 15.

2. Rejoice in your privileges 3. Honor and magnify God.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS