[1] The Authorised Version, upon which these outlines are
founded, is supported by Mr. Cheyne, who translates: _"And
though the Lord give you bread in short measure and water
in scant quantity,"_ &c. But Delitzsch, Kay, and Birks
render the first clause: "And the Lord will give you bread
in your adversity and water in your affliction." Mr. Birks
adds: "These words form part of a promise, not its
limitation. Here they are assured that, although besieged,
they will not be given over to famine. The path of duty
will be made plain by God's prophets, and speedy
deliverance be given."
[2] H. E. I., 56-115.
[3] The Christian Church requires a teaching ministry. Not only
must the Gospel be proclaimed to the world, the Church must
be trained into knowledge, experience, holiness, activity.
Individual study of Scripture is largely useful. But
regularly recurring religious services, of which careful
instruction is a part, are universally necessary. Godly men
must be released from secular business, trained, set apart
to the study and ministry of the Word. The living voice of
the preacher helps, guides, confirms, and gives greater
practical influence to the private reading of Christians.
Even under the old dispensation, large use was made of this
method. There were schools of the prophets. A few were so
eminent that they have left their words behind them. But
there were many whose names have not survived their time.
Jesus trained His disciples for their future work. After
His Ascension, He gave various gifts to men for the work of
the ministry. He continues them. While one could wish that
all the Lord's people were prophets, and that He would put
His Spirit upon them, so that they would work to the full
extent of their ability for the world's salvation, it
remains true that the strength of the Church is an able,
well-instructed, godly, and earnest ministry.
Among the blessings here promised to the ancient Church is
the restoration of the silenced teachers to their work
after its period of discipline.--_Rawlinson._