Zechariah 8:1-6 Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,… This declaration originally referred to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the reestablishment of true religion among the Jews after the Babylonish captivity. It had, however, a more particular and ultimate reference to the final conversion and restoration of Israel and Judah, when the glory of the latter days should arrive. I. THE CHARACTERISTICS BY WHICH THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, OR HIS GENUINE DISCIPLES, ARE DISTINGUISHED, AS HERE DENOMINATED, THE CITY OF TRUTH. 1. It may be called this, because it is founded on Christ, who is Himself the truth (Ephesians 2:19, 20). 2. Because in it, and by them, the truth is believed. Faith, in opposition to unbelief, is that which chiefly distinguishes the spiritual citizens of Zion, from the children of the world and sin. The children of Zion dwell in the city of truth. Truth is the object of their faith — the truth revealed by God for the salvation of sinners. 3. Because the truth is obeyed in it. Were true Christians distinguished from other men merely by their speculative opinions, it would be of little importance, comparatively, whether they believed the truth as it is in Jesus, or not. But Christians are characterised by the obedience of faith. Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, their hearts and consciences are made to bend to the authority of the Divine law, which is "holy and just and good." They are gradually purified more and more through obeying the truth. II. THE QUALITIES OF ITS WORSHIP, AS ENTITLING IT TO THE APPELLATION OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, OR THE MOUNTAIN OF HOLINESS. It was on Mount Moriah that the temple stood, so this mountain of the Lord may figuratively signify the worship of God as established there. With the most emphatic propriety, the worship of the Christian Church may be designated the mountain of the Lord of hosts, and the Holy Mountain, on account — 1. Of its exalted nature. In this respect it rises above every other kind of service, as the lofty mountain above the lowly plain. For, in worshipping God as the God of salvation, all the most elevated and noble faculties of the soul are brought into action, and made to bear on the sublimest and most perfect objects. 2. On account of its holy character. It is the service of God, and therefore must partake of qualities which correspond to His nature, which is the perfection of holiness. Likeness to God's image, to a certain extent, is indeed essential to the enjoyment of fellowship with Him. 3. On account of its purifying influence. Assimilation of character is one of the commonest and most natural effects of friendship. What a purifying effect, therefore, should not the exercise of Christian worship have on the character of the citizens of Zion. Christian devotion is the pure bulwark of Christian virtue. III. THE CHARACTERS OF CHRISTIANS AS THE CITY OF TRUTH, AND OF THEIR WORSHIP AS THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, MUST BE ASCRIBED TO THE EFFECT OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE IN THE MIDST OF THEM. While Israel was captive the city of Jerusalem was inhabited by the profane and idolatrous. The people returned with a better spirit, and the service of the temple was restored when its walls were rebuilt. The heart of man had become the seat of profaneness and sin. The spiritual descent of the God of grace and of mercy into the hearts of sinners has changed this scene, has emancipated the slaves of sin from their galling thraldom. The character of true Christians is the glorious work of Jehovah, the effect of His return to their hearts, Nor is it less true that the holiness of their worship is owing to His presence. It is the realised presence of His majesty that makes it solemn, and the actual manifestation and experience of His grace that renders it pure. (D. Dickson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, |
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