(27) My tabernacle also.--Compare the whole promise of this verse with 2Corinthians 6:16 : "Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." This promise of "a sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore" was in type and shadow set before the eyes of the people with the restoration of the Temple of Zerubbabel; but in its reality began to be fulfilled at the incarnation of the Son of God, of whom it is said by St. John (John 1:14) that "He dwelt (literally, tabernacled) among us," and is continued by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers (1Corinthians 3:16; 1Corinthians 6:19); while it is to receive its final consummation in that future when the tabernacle of God shall be with men, and "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple" of the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:3-22). See Excursus F at end of this book.37:15-28 This emblem was to show the people, that the Lord would unite Judah and Israel. Christ is the true David, Israel's King of old; and those whom he makes willing in the day of his power, he makes to walk in his judgments, and to keep his statutes. Events yet to come will further explain this prophecy. Nothing has more hindered the success of the gospel than divisions. Let us study to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; let us seek for Divine grace to keep us from detestable things; and let us pray that all nations may be obedient and happy subjects of the Son of David, that the Lord may be our God, and we may be his people for evermore.My tabernacle also shall be with them,.... The symbol of his presence: the meaning is, that he shall dwell in them by his Spirit and grace; and everyone of them shall be the temple of the living God, in whom he will walk and dwell: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people; which is repeated for the confirmation of it; see Ezekiel 37:23. |