xxxiii. 20. _Look upon Zion, &c._
It is probable that when this prophecy was delivered the city of
Jerusalem was threatened with an immediate siege; but Jehovah engages
to defend it from the attacks of its enemies, the Assyrians, and to
render it at once quiet and secure. But yet the text appears to have
a direct reference to the privileges and stability of the Gospel
Church, for Jerusalem, after this period, was never long preserved
from hostile invasions; therefore our attention is turned from it to
that glorious city against which the gates of hell shall never
prevail. (See THE DUTY OF GLADNESS, pp. 228, 229.)
I. The Church of Christ is "the city of our solemnities." Jerusalem
was thus described because of the solemn assemblies that were there
held, the solemn feasts that were there celebrated, and the solemn
sacrifices that were there offered. And it is in the Church that
individual believers come together, and unite in the enjoyment of
Divine grace, and in the presentation of "sacrifices" with which "God
is well pleased" (Heb. xiii. 15, 16).[1]
II. The Church of Christ is "a quiet habitation."[2] All genuine
believers dwell in it, and peace is at once the bequest of Christ
(John xiv. 27) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. v. 22).
III. The Church of Christ is "a tabernacle that shall not be taken
down." "A tabernacle" in contrast with the superior glories of the
New Jerusalem in heaven. A tabernacle, because it may often change
its place, as in fact it has already done. But it shall never be
"taken down" in the sense of being destroyed (H. E. I. 1246-1251).
IV. Such a contemplation of Zion as our text calls for will
awaken--1. In _angels_ complacency and delight; 2. In _sinners_
astonishment at its wondrous preservation, in spite of all their
efforts to destroy it, and desire to share in its privileges; and
3. In _Christians_ wonder, love, and praise.--_Thomas Spencer:
Twenty-one Sermons,_ pp. 196-206.