In ver. 6 we have all the elements of personal power, social
well-being, and national greatness (Acts i. 8; Eph. v. 18). The
indwelling Spirit confers three benefits. 1. _A clear head._ "A
spirit of judgment." Solomon asked this blessing. It does not fall to
many of us to sit on the bench, but what is good for the judge is a
precious gift for all. When the Spirit pours His light upon the mind,
the eyes of our understanding are enlightened. A clear intellect, a
sound mind, an unwarped, unprejudiced judgment, is needed in all
walks of life. How appropriate is this part of the promise! How could
justice be rightly administered in such a state of society as that
described by the prophet? If there is one thing that saps the morals,
and muddles the understanding, it is intemperance. Men in positions
of responsibility need all their wits about them. 2. _A brave heart_
is promised "to them who turn the tide of battle to the gate." The
soldier as well as the judge is to participate in the gifts of God's
spirit. We have a spiritual warfare to wage (Eph. iv. 12), and we are
pledged to conquer the world for Christ. Beware lest we render
ourselves unfit for military service by luxurious habits, and sinful
indulgence. The drunkards of Ephraim could do nothing to oppose the
invaders of their country. We need the Spirit to fire our hearts with
courage and enterprise. Without His influence we shall prove
poltroons. 3. _A strong arm._ Self-denial is a source of moral
courage and of spiritual strength. Far from us be the dissoluteness
which enfeebles our powers, both of mind and body.
Such, then, are the contents of this precious promise. Oh, that we
were all invested with this crown of holiness, dignity, and beauty.
How many are content with the gilded coronets and fading chaplets of
the world. You remember the scene in the "Pilgrim's Progress," part
ii., which has been made the subject of a painting by Sir Noel
Paton--the man raking straw while one held a glittering crown over
his head. Make Christ your boast. The crown of pride shall be hurled
to the ground, the garlanded revellers shall sink in their own
corruption, the honours which men so eagerly seek are as a fading
flower, but the crown shall sparkle for ever on the believer's head
(Dan. xii. 3; Ps. xc. 17).--_William Guthrie, M.A._
God has said He would discrown Ephraim, remove his beauty, and strain
his pride. This was done when Samaria was overthrown by the
Assyrians. "In that day" He would do to the "residue of His
people"--apparently the kingdom of Judah--what is said in our present
text. It was done in the reign of Hezekiah, when the true worship was
re-established, reformation effected, and the nation defended against
its enemies.
The text may be regarded, however, as a description of the splendour
of the regenerated world.