Their teachers had been removed. The prophets were persecuted (verses
9, 10). Jeremiah, Zedekiah, under Jezebel's persecution. Obadiah had
hid a hundred in caves. Persecution usually fastens on the teachers
as most prominent. Thus Apostles. Thus the Nonconforming clergy in
England. Thus the missionaries were driven from Madagascar. But the
promise here in that they shall regain their liberty. And this will
be not only a relief to themselves, but an antidote to the people's
calamities. It will secure: 1. _Instruction._ "Thy teachers." Truth
is the basis of everything in experience or practice. It is their
business carefully to unfold and apply the truth.[3]
2. _Consolation._ Christian ordinances are consolatory. There are
truths that bear on troubles. The views of the Divine character and
of the course of Providence exhibited in the Gospel sustain and
comfort. 3. _Direction._ There is danger of turning to right or left.
So many allurements, from ignorance, misguidance, temptation. By the
ministry you hear the voice which points out the way, invites
steadfastness, warns against divergence.
God provides guidance in the journey to the better land. Value the
ministry of the Word. Attend it. Follow its teaching.--_J. Rawlinson._