Zechariah 9:11 As for you also, by the blood of your covenant I have sent forth your prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Though this passage may refer to many temporal blessings bestowed upon God's ancient Church; yet its spiritual significance is immediately connected with the kingdom of Messiah. I. THE RUINED STATE OF THE CHURCH. "Prisoners in a pit wherein is no water." 1. The degradation of this state. 2. The pollution of this state. 3. The misery of this state. 4. The hopelessness of our state. II. THE MEANS OF ACCOMPLISHING OUR SALVATION. 1. God is the Author of redemption. 2. Redemption was effected by the blood of the covenant. 3. By the covenant blood the circumstances of the Church are altered. III. THE PRESENT STATE OF GOD'S REDEEMED PEOPLE ACCORDING TO THEIR NAMES. "Prisoners of hope." 1. Until delivered they are actually prisoners — to sin, Satan, the law; and they are delivered also from the bondage of a corrupt and stubborn will. Under the Gospel dispensation every vessel of mercy is delivered by the Lord Jesus Christ, and is brought into a lively hope of eternal glory by faith of the operation of the Spirit. 2. Then this hope is in Christ. 3. This hope is according to the Word. 4. It is a sure hope of eternal life. 5. It is a present security to the soul. IV. CHRIST IS A STRONGHOLD TO ALL HIS PEOPLE. 1. From error and unbelief. 2. From sin and Satan. 3. To God they turn generally. 4. To God in Christ especially. "I will render unto thee double." (1) Pardon and righteousness. (2) Great peace of mind. (3) Full assurance of understanding. (4) Joy here, and certainty of glory hereafter. (5) Salvation of soul and body, from sin, death, and hell. (T. B. Baker.) Parallel Verses KJV: As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. |
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