Page:Visions and Prophecies of Zechariah (Baron, David).djvu/102

 this fourth vision is shown to the prophet, from which he might learn for himself and communicate to the people (isf) the blessed fact that the fulfilment of the exceeding great and precious promises in reference to Israel's future, rests, not on their own merits or worthiness, but on the immutable purpose of Jehovah, who in His sovereign grace hath "chosen Jerusalem"; and (2nd} how the moral problem will be solved, and the sinful, defiled people be yet made, not only fit to be the sanctuary of the Holy One, but to be "the priests of Jehovah" and "the ministers of our God " in relation to the other nations, in accordance with His original purpose in their call and election: " Ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation"

(Ex. xix. 6; Isa. Ixi. 6). In brief, this vision depicts in a symbolic but very graphic manner the inner salvation of Israel from sin and moral defilement, answering to their outward deliverance from captivity and oppression set forth in the preceding three visions.

A somewhat similar thought is expressed in the 3rd chapter of Jeremiah, where, after a series of sublime promises of the restoration and conversion of " backsliding Israel," and how " at that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah, and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah to Jerusalem," the question is asked: " But I said, How shall I put thee among the children (who art so unchildlike) and give thee a pleasant (or delightsome ) land, the goodliest heritage of the nations? " (who hast forfeited all claims on God's favour). Then there follows the answer: " And I said, Ye shall call Me my Father} and shall not turn away from following Me." "I said . . . ye shall": for what in His eternal counsels He has purposed, that His grace and power shall yet accomplish in His people, and Israel shall yet, not only be blessed, but be fitted to be the instrument in God's hand to spread abroad the blessings of their Messiah's gospel throughout the earth.

But now to come to the exposition of the fourth vision;