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WITHOUT GRACE THERE MAY BE SEEMING KNOWLEDGE; BUT WITHOUT GRACE THERE CAN BE NO SAVING KNOWLEDGE.

SECTION 6.-THE RESIDUE OF THE HISTORY OF JESUS, BEFORE HIS APPEARANCE IN PUBLIC, FROM THE CLOSE OF THE FIRST YEAR OF HIS AGE TO THE MIDDLE OF HIS THIRTIETH.

40

(G. 15.) Luke ii. 40-52. At Jerusalem and Nazareth.

And the child grew, and waxed-strong in-spirit, filled with-wisdom: and the-grace of41 God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at-the feast of42 the passover. And when he-was twelve years-old, they went-up to Jerusalem after the 43 custom of-the feast. And when-they-had-fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

41. went to Jerusalem-this rejoiced in, Ps. cxxii.predicted as to both Israel and Judah, when to be joined to the Lord in an everlasting covenant, Je. 1. 4, 5-let us go speedily... many people and strong nations,' Zec. viii. 19-22-true worship of God at Jerusalem was for a time to cease, Jno. iv. 21, § 13Paul went thither bound in the spirit, knowing that bonds and imprisonments awaited him there, Ac. xx.

22-.4.

40. strong in spirit-'a wise man is strong,' Pr. | smelling savour,' Ep. v. 1, 2-' whatsoever things are xxiv. 5-the Spirit of the Lord was upon Samson, lovely,' Ph. iv. 8. Ju. xiii.-xvi.-not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord,' Zec. iv. 6-given to John, Lu. i. 15-7, § 1, p. 4-spirit of counsel and might to rest upon Christ, Is. xi. 2-5-out of whose fulness we all receive, and grace for grace, Jno. i. 16, §7-the disciples to receive power, after that the Holy Ghost was come upon them, Ac. i. 8-were made strong, accordingly, iv. 33-prayer for the being strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man, Ep. iii. 16. wisdom-given to Bezaleel for the work of the tabernacle, Ex. xxxi. 2-6; xxxv. 30-.5- shewn in keeping God's commandments, De. iv. 6-possessed by David, 2 Sa. xiv. 20-by Solomon, 1 Ki. iii. 28; iv. 29-34-granted in answer to his prayer, 2 Ch. i. 10-2-his description of wisdom, Pr. viii.-the principal thing, ch. iv. 5-9-wisdom of Christ foretold, Is. xi. 2-8; lii. 13-.5-confirm., Luke ii. 47, 52; Mt. xiii. 54, § 37-in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col. ii. 3. Wisdom from above, even of Christ crucified, contrasted with worldly wisdom, 1 Co. i. 17-31; Ja. iii. 15-7-the first of spiritual gifts, 1 Co. xii. 8-comp. with Is. xi. 2; see also astonished,' p. 41; and comp Prov. iv. 5-9. grace of God was upon him-represented by the anointing of Aaron and his sons, Ex. xxx. 30; Le. viii. 12-comp. with Ps. cxxxiii. 1, 2; Is. xlii. 1-4; Ixi. 1-3-his people to be found as having his grace upon them, ver. 9, 10-and manifesting the same in their conduct, Is. lviii. 7-9-this, after the example of the grace of our Lord, 2 Co. viii. 9-'a sweet

passover-instituted upon the escape of Israel, the Lord's firstborn, out of Egypt, Ex. xii.-the paschal lamb, ver. 3-6-the blood to be sprinkled upon the door-posts, ver. 7, 13, 22-the lamb to be eaten roast, and with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, ver. 8, 9 -and by Israel, as equipped for a journey, ver. 11why called the Lord's passover, ver. 11-3-see also xxiii. 15; De. xvi. 1-8, 16-kept in the wilderness, Nu. ix. 5-in the land, Jos. v. 10-by Hezekiah, 2 Ch. xxx. 13-27-Josiah, xxxv. 1-9-our Lord's observance of it: first, Jno. ii. 13, § 12; second, v. 1, § 23; the next passover, about the time of the feeding of the 5,000, Jno. vi. 4, 10, § 40, in the desert of Bethsaida, Jesus does not appear to have attended; fourth, xi. 55, § 81; Mt. xxvi. 17-30, § 87-Christ our Passover, 1 Co. v. 7, 8-besides these Jesus attended the feast of Tabernacles, Jno. vii. 10--x. 21, § 55-and the feast of Dedication, Jno. x. 22-39, § 56, both in the last year of his ministry.

NOTES

40. Waxed strong in spirit. More and more manifested spiritual perception and power.

Filled with wisdom. Acquaintance with the word and works of God, see Nazarene,' p. 35.

And the grace of God, &c. Great kindness; tenderness; love; the favour of God. It is remarkable that this is all that is recorded of the infancy of Jesus. And this, with the short account that follows of his going to Jerusalem, is all that we know of him for thirty years of his life. The design of the Evangelists was to give an account of his public ministry, and not his private life. Hence they say little of him in regard to his first years. What they do say, however, corresponds entirely with what we might expect. He was wise, pure, and deeply skilled in the knowledge of the divine law. He set a lovely example for all children; was subject to his parents, and increased in favour with God and man. 41. Every year. Men went three times a year to Jerusalem, viz., at the feasts of the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, De. xvi. 16; but women were not obliged to go to the passover; this was quite a voluntary thing in Mary, which discovers her piety.

At the feast of the passover. It was instituted to be observed every year, to preserve the memory among the children of Israel, of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, where they had sojourned, according to God's word, 400 years.-See Ge. xv. 13, .4. The name passover was given to the feast, because the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites without slaying their first-born, while those of the Egyptians were cut off, Ex. xii. 21-30.-See ADDENDA, Passover, p. 43.

42. Twelve years old. It is probabie that this was the age at which males at first went up to Jerusalem. They were commanded to appear three times a year before God, to attend on the ordinances of religion, in the temple; which they commenced to do at the age of twelve years, Ex. xxiii. 14-.7; De. xvi. 16.See ADDENDA, Twelve years old,' p. 43.

To Jerusalem. Where the feasts of the Jews were all held. This was a journey from Nazareth of about seventy miles. After the custom of the feast. According to the usual manner of the feast. The way in which it was properly observed

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[40 ver. We should not only seek to cultivate, enlarge, and strengthen the natural powers of our minds, but, ever remembering the word, Not by migni, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord, Zec. iv. 6; we should especially seek to be strong in the Spirit.]

We should not only endeavour to be acquainted with the deep things of God, so as to be able to speak of them, but we should seek to be so filled with the wisdom that cometh from above, as to be ever led by the Spirit in all the ways of wisdom, deriving practical instruction from all God is pleased to say to us, or do with us.

40]

Whilst we seek to be strong and wise, let us at the same time earnestly desire that the grace of God may be upon us. Let us be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us, Eph. iv. 32.

[41 ver. However individually favoured of God, as to communion with Him in knowledge and grace, let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, for the more public observance of religious ordinances.]

42 ver. Children should be early accustomed to the public as well as family worship of God with their parents.

THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND THESE THINGS.-HOS. xiv. 9.

HAPPY IS THE MAN THAT FINDETH WISDOM, AND THE MAN THAT GETTETH UNDERSTANDING.-Prov. iii. 13.

[Continued from page 39.] of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my 31 people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

35

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is 36 his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease 37 from being a nation before me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

38

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel 39 unto the gate of the corner. And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, 40 and shall compass about to Goath. And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.

40. STRONG IN SPIRIT.

a wise man is strong:-Pr. xxiv. 5, A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.' the Spirit... on Samson :-Ju. xiii.-xvi.

not by might, &c. :-Zec. iv. 6, Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.'

given to John:-Lu. i. 15-7, § 1, p. 4. [p. (48). spirit... to rest upon Christ:-Is. xi. 2-5-see ch. xí. of whose fulness we all receive:-Jno. i. 16, .7, p. 48. the disciples to receive power, &c. :-Ac. i. 8-see p. (1) were made strong accordingly-Ac. iv. 33.-see p. (35). prayer for being strengthened:-Ep. iii. 16, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.' WISDOM.

not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 12, wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.'

his description of wisdom-Pr. viii.-see p. (51). the principal thing:- Pr. iv. 5-9-see ch. iv. p. (42). wisdom of Christ foretold:-Is. xi. 2-8-see ch. xi. p. (48); lii. 13-5-see ch. lii. p. (45).

confirmation:-Lu. ii. 47, 52, pp. 41..2; Mt. xiii. 54, § 37. in whom are hid, &c. :-Col. ii. 3, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.'

wisdom from above... contrasted-1 Co. i. 17-31see p. (26), ver. 34, SIGN SPOKEN AGAINST,' under both Jews and Greeks.'-Ja iii. 15-.7. 15, This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16, For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17, But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.'

the first of spiritual gifts:-1 Co. xii. 8, For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit.' compare with Is. xi. 2-see ch. xi. p. (48).

GRACE OF GOD WAS UPON HIM.

represented by... Aaron, &c. :-Ex. xxx. 30, And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.'-See Le. viii. 12-see p. (24), ver. 26, THE LORD'S CHRIST.' compare with Ps. exxxiii. 1. 2-see ibid.; Is. xlii. 1-4 -see ch. xlii. p. (16); Ixi. 1-3-see ch. 1xi. p. (44). his people having grace, &c. -ver. 9, 10-sée ibid. and manifesting the same:-Is. Iviii. 7-9. 7, Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh ? 8, Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. 9, Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.'

this after our Lord's example:-2 Co. viii. 9, 'For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.'

given to Bezaleel:-Ex. xxxi. 2-6. 2, 'See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3, and I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in a sweet smelling savour:-Ep. v. 1, 2. 1, 'Be ye thereknowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4, to defore followers of God, as dear children; 2, and walk in vise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himin brass, 5, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in self for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet carving of timber, to work in all manner of workman-smelling savour.'-Ph. iv. 8, Finally, brethren, whatsoship. 6, And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, ever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatthe son of Abisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good soever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatthat they may make all that I have commanded thee.' report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, -And xxxv. 30-.5. think on these things.'

shewn in keeping God's commandments :-De. iv. 6, 'Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'

possessed by David:-2 Sa. xiv. 20, To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing:

and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel

41. WENT TO JERUSALEM.

this rejoiced in:-Ps. cxxii.-see p. (43).

predicted of Judah and Israel :-Je. 1. 4, 5-see p. (18), ver. 79, GUIDE,' under they shall ask this guidance,' &c. let us go speedily:-Zec. viii. 19-22-see ch. viii. p. (57). true worship there... to cease:-Jno. iv. 21, § 13, p. 93. 22, And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto JePaul went thither bound... spirit:-Ac. xx. 22-4. rusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23, save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.'

of God, to know all things that are in the earth.' by Solomon-1 Ki. iii. 28, And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.'-iv. 29-34. 29, And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 30, And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the PASSOVER:-Ex. xii.-see ch. xii. p. (44).-See also wisdom of Egypt. 31, For he was wiser than all men; xxiii. 15, Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I comDarda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in ail na-manded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; tions round about. 32, And he spake three thousand for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five. 33, appear before me empty.)'-De. xvi. 1-8, 16-see ch. xvi. And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in p. (45). Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes. 34, And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.'

granted in answer to his prayer:-2 Ch. i. 10-.2. 10, Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? 11, And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast

the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at kept in the wilderness:-Nu. ix. 5, And they kept even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that

the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.'

in the land-Jos. v. 10, And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.' See page opposite.

42. CUSTOM.

Paul went up :-Ac. xviii. 21, 'But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.'-xxiv. 11, Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.' the apostles... daily, &c. -Ac. ii. 46, And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.'-iii. 1, Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour."

45. TURNED BACK.

so there is yet to be :-Je. iii. 12, .4-.7-see p. (39). SEEKING HIM.

the promised return is to be of a people seeking the Lord: -Is. Îi. 1, Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.'-Zech. viii. 22-see p. (57). [see p. (23). the character of the generation, &c.-Ps. xxiv. 36 the earnest manner, &c. :-Joel ii. 12-.7-see p. (57). the success:-ver. 18-27, ibid.-See Is. xxx. 18, And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.'

46. AFTER THREE DAYS.

with regard to his seeking people :-Ho. vi. 2, 3. 2, 'After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. 3, Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.'

compare with 2 Pe. iii. 8, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.'

as to the commencement of the time :-Is. viii. 8, And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, Ö Immanuel.'

Jesus spake of his resurrection, &c.:-see page opposite.

MIDST OF THE DOCTORS.

who is wise-Pr. xiii. 20, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.'-Ps. cxix. 63, I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.'

15 deemer, the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, 16 and shalt make the hills as chaff. Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the LORD, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel. 17 When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. 18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool 19 of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the 20 fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: that they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, 21 and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong 22 reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us 23 things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold 21 it together. Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work 25 of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you. I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name : and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and 26 as the potter treadeth clay. Who hath declared from the beginning, that we may know? and beforetime, that we may say, He is righteous? yea, there is none that sheweth, yea, there is none that declareth, yea, 27 there is none that heareth your words. The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to 28 Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings. For I beheld, and there was no man; even among them, and there was no counsellor, that, when I asked of them, 29 could answer a word. Behold, they are all vanity; their works are nothing: their molten images are wind and confusion.

xliii. 8-12, 26-see ch. xliii. p. (27); xlv. 19-21-see ch. xlv. p. (22). [see ch. vii. p. (28).

so also one of the twenty-four elders:-Rev. vii. 13—7— 47. ASTONISHED AT HIS UNDERSTANDING, &c. how the scholar, &c.:-Ps. cxix. 99, 100. 99,⚫ I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testiHEARING THEM:-Pr. xviii. 13, He that answereth a monies are my meditation. 100, I understand more than matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.' the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.' Elihu's conduct:-Job xxxii. 6,And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.'

AND ASKING THEM QUESTIONS.
so on their return, &c :-Is. xli. 21, .2.

ISAIAH XLI. Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together 2 to judgment. Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow. 3 He pursued them, and passed safely; even by the way 4 that he had not gone with his feet. Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the 5 last; I am he. The isles saw it, and feared; the ends 6 of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came. They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to 7 his brother, Be of good courage. So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smoothed with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, 8 that it should not be moved. But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abra9 ham my friend. Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand 11 of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with 12 thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as 13 a thing of nought. For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help 14 thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy re

See also Ps. viii. 2, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.'-Is. xxix. 14, .7-24. 14, Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this peo. ple, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.' 17, Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18, And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. 19, The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20, For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: 21, that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought. 22, Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale. 23, But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. 24, They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.'

as to Jesus:-Mt. vii. 28, § 19; Jno. vii. 15, 46, § 55.-See also 1 Co. i. 20-4-see p. (26), ver. 34, SIGN SPOKEN AGAINST, under both Jews and Greeks.' 49. How... THAT YE SOUGHT ME.

Christ to be found in the sanctuary:-Ps. Ixviii. 24, They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.'-Rev. i. 12, .3-see ch. i. p. (25).

FATHER'S BUSINESS.

this had been foretold :-Ps. xl. 7-10. 7, Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me. 8, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. 9, I have preached righteousness,' &c. my meat, &c. :-see page opposite.

I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS: FOR THY TESTIMONIES ARE MY MEDITATION.-Psalm cxix. 99.

Lu. ii. Jesus tarried-behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to-have-been in the company, went a-day's journey; and 45 they-sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when-they-found him 46 not, they-turned-back-again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it-came-to-pass, that after three days they-found him in the temple, sitting in the-midst of-the doctors, both 47 hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were-astonished at 48 his understanding and answers. And when-they-saw him, they-were-amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast-thou- thus-dealt with-us? behold, thy father 49 and-I have-sought thee sorrowing. And he-said unto them, How is it that ye-sought

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

42. custom-so Paul went up to worship at Jerusalem, Ac. xviii. 21; xxiv. 11-the apostles were daily in the temple, ii. 46-went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, iii. 1.

45. turned back-there is yet to be a turning back to Jerusalem, as Je. iii. 12, .4-.7-unto the Lord, iv. 1. seeking him-the promised return is to be of a people seeking the Lord, Is. li. 1; Zec. viii. 22-the character of the generation who shall seek him successfully, is described Ps. xxiv. 3-6-the earnest manner in which he is to be sought, Joel ii. 12—.7— the success of this seeking, ver. 18-27; Is. xxx. 18.

46. after three days-so in Ho. vi. 2, 3-with regard to his seeking people: In the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know,... we follow on to know the Lord,' ver. 1-3comp. with 2 Pe. iii. 8-as to the commencement of the time, see Is. viii. 8-Jesus spake of his resurrection, Jno. ii. 19, § 12-to the Pharisees, Mt. xii. 39, 40, §31; xvi. 21, § 50; Mk. ix. 31, § 52; Mt. xx. 19, § 77. midst of the doctors- He that walketh with wise men shall be wise,' Pr. xiii. 20; Ps. cxix. 63.

over.

hearing them, Pr. xviii. 13-see Elihu's conduct, Job xxxii. 6.

and asking them questions-so, upon their return, the Lord will, by catechizing, instruct his people, and all the nations around-as in Is. xli., Produce your cause,' &c., ver. 21, .2-6; xliii. 8-12, 26; xlv. 19-21-so also one of the twenty four elders excited. attention to the subject, upon which he afterwards gave the required information, Rev. vii. 13-.7.

47. astonished at his understanding and answershow the scholar may become wiser than his teachers, Ps. cxix. 99, 100-see also Ps. viii. 2; Is. xxix. 14, .7-24-as to Jesus, Mt. vii. 28, § 19; Jno. vii. 15, 46, § 55-see also 1 Co. i. 20-.4.

49. how... that ye sought me?-Christ to be found in the sanctuary, Ps. lxviii. 24; Rev. i. 12, .3. Father's business--this had been foretold, Ps. xl. 7-10- my meat is to do the will of him that sent me,' Jno. iv. 34, § 13-see also vi. 38, § 43- finished. the work' the Father appointed, xvii. 4, § 87.

NOTES.

[43. Had fulfilled the days. The days of the passEight days in all-one day for killing the paschal lamb, viz. the fourteenth of the month Abib, or Nisan (April), Ex. xii. 1, 3-6; and seven days for the observance of the feast of unleavened bread, viz. from the fifteenth to the twenty-first, xii. 15; Le. xxiii. 5, 6. 5, In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover. 6, And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.']

44. Supposing him to have been in the company. evry avrodia, means, properly, a company of travellers.' Those who came from a distance to attend the festivals at Jerusalem, usually travelled in large companies, for greater safety against the attacks of robbers. They carried tents for their lodging at night. In the daytime, as circumstances might lead them, the travellers would probably mingle with their friends and acquaintance; but in the evening, when they were about to encamp, every one would join the family to which he belonged. As Jesus did not appear, his parents first sought him where they supposed he would most probably be, among his relations and acquaintance. 46. After three days. The first day spent in their journey homeward; the second, in their return to Jerusalem; and the third, in searching after Christ

there.

In the temple. In the court of the temple. For Jesus, not being a Levitical priest, could not enter into the temple itself. In the midst. The doctors, teachers, and rabbis; they were the instructors of the people in matters of religion. They sat on benches of a semi-circular form, raised above their auditors and disciples, the learners sitting at their feet.-See Ac. xxii. 3. Asking them questions. Proposing questions to The them respecting the law and the prophets. questions were doubtless proposed in a respectful manner, and the answers listened to with proper deference to their age and rank. Jesus was a child; and religion does not teach a child to be rude or uncivil, even though he may really know much more than more aged persons. Religion teaches all-and especially the young-to treat others with respect; to shew them the honour that is their due; to venerate age; and to speak kindly of and to all. 48. Why hast thou thus dealt with us? Why hast thou given us all this trouble and anxiety, in going so far, and returning with so much solicitude? [Thy father. Joseph was legally so; and as the secret of Jesus' birth was not commonly known, Joseph was called his father. Mary, in accordance with that usage, also called him so.] Sorrowing. Anxious, lest in the multitude he might not be found; or lest some accident might have happened to him.

PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

[43 ver. We should not be unnecessarily singular in the public worship of God, but observe the custom of the feast, so far as is allowed of God, whilst at the same time our trust is only in Him who hath fulfilled for us all righteousness.]

was, when a child, among the doctors, 'both hearing them, and asking them questions.'

[Our first duty is to hear, and then clearly to elicit the truth of what has been spoken, so as to ascertain whether we, and those with whom we converse, un44 ver. Had the parents of Jesus sought for him at derstand the terms of discourse: otherwise we can the proper time, they would have been saved much scarcely expect to attain to a satisfactory conclusion. trouble and anxiety; let us hence learn to do every-When we have excited the spirit of inquiry in thing at the right season, taking nothing for granted others, we should endeavour to gratify it, by the that may be easily ascertained. communication of knowledge to them, according as 45 ver. As soon as we perceive our error, let us they are able to bear it.We should especially encouinstantly seek to remedy it; grudging no necessary rage the young in their searching after truth; thus labour for the purpose. may we expect to be ourselves the more taught, as doubtless were the doctors in their conversing with Jesus.]

We should not expect our godly relations to love us and our company, more than they love God, and his more immediate service.

We should, with Jesus, choose the society of those who make it their business to obtain and communicate the knowledge of God's holy will.

46 ver. We should speak and act with becoming modesty, according to our station in life, as did Jesus, who, although the Teacher sent from God,

48 ver. Let us not be rash or severe in our judg ments or reproofs:-the fault we condemn may be occasioned by our own mistake or negligence.

May our conduct ever be such, as that, when we are missing from our families, it may be taken for granted that we are about our heavenly Father's business. [41

GRIEVE FOR THEM WHO CANNOT GRIEVE FOR THEMSELVES.

I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS, BECAUSE I KEEP THY PRECEPTS.-Psalm cxix. 100.

AS THE MOUNTAINS ARE ROUND ABOUT JERUSALEM, SO THE LORD IS

42

Lu. ii. me? wist-ye not that I must be about my Father's business? EV TOIS TOU ПATρOS 50 μov. And they understood not the saying which he-spake unto-them.

51

And he-went-down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject-unto them: 52 but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in-wisdom and stature, and in-favour with God and man.

MARGINAL READING:- Age.
SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS.

50. understood not-so, afterwards, the Jews, when he spake of his Father, Jno. viii. 26, .7, § 55-and his disciples, when he spake to them of his death, the first time, Lu. ix. 41, .5, § 52; and the third, xviii. 34, § 77-the commandment he had received of the Father, Jno. x. 17, 20, § 55.

51. subject unto them-according to the fifth commandment, Ex. xx. 12- the first commandment with promise,' Ep. vi. 1, 2- well pleasing unto the Lord,' Col. iii. 20.

kept all these sayings-' cast in her mind,' Lu. i. 29, § 2, p. 9-kept all these things, and pondered them,'

&c., Lu. ii. 19, § 4, p. 22-marvelled at those things which were spoken of him,' ver. 33, § 4, p. 26-see as to another Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, Lu. x. 39, 42, § 61-Thy word have I hid in mine heart,' Ps. cxix. 11-so the exhortation, Pr. iv. 4-10, 20-.2.

52. increased in wisdom-comp. with ver. 40, p. 40and pray for the same in Christ's mystical body, as described Ep. iv. 13-.6.

in favour with God-witnessed to at his baptism, Mt. iii. 17, § 8-at his transfiguration, xvii. 5, § 51at the last passover, Jno. xii. 28, § 82.

NOTES.

49. Wist ye not. Know ye not. [You knew my design in coming into the world; and that design was superior to the duty of obeying earthly parents, who should ever be willing to give me up to the proper business for which I live.]

[My Father's business. Some think that this should be translated in my Father's house,' that is, in the temple.]

50. They understood not, &c. It is remarkable that they did not understand Jesus in this; but it shews how slow persons are to believe.

penter. Every Jew was required to learn some trade; and there is good reason to think that our Saviour followed that of his reputed father.

52. In favour with God. That is, in proportion to his advance in wisdom. This does not imply that he ever lacked the favour of God, but that God regarded him with favour in proportion as he shewed an understanding and spirit like his own. In obeying his parents he fulfilled the fifth commandment, and God loved him; and men probably took notice of him. Happy are those children who imitate the example of Jesus-who are obedient to parents-who increase in wisdom-are sober, temperate, and industrious; and who thus increase in favour with God and man. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS.

51. Was subject unto them. Performed the duty of a faithful and obedient child; and not improbably was engaged in the trade of Joseph-that of a car

49 ver. Let the work of God be the delightful business of our lives, and not merely our occasional occupation.

[Mary had spoken of his supposed earthly father, but Jesus gently corrected her, by referring to Him who was really his Father-his Father in heaven. Men miss the meaning of the sayings of Christ by regarding that which merely seems to be, in place of apprehending that which is spiritual and true.]

51 ver. Although Jesus recognised his high relationship, yet did he not neglect the humblest duties belonging to his meaner relationships. Let us learn obedience from Him who was Lord of all.

[Let us not suppose that our natural relationship to those who are highly favoured with divine wisdom or grace, will be any substitute for personal application to study; even the mother of Jesus had to ponder over his sayings.]

51 ver. Let us, after the example of Mary, observe, remember, and reflect upon the sayings of cur dear Lord, keeping them in our hearts.

[52 ver. May we grow up unto the stature of a full man in Christ Jesus, increasing in wisdom and in grace: so as to have greater access to God for blessing; and to men, for the distribution thereof among them.]

for her. The reason assigned for this change of the queen's residence seems to intimate that Zion, up out of which she was brought, was henceforth to be devoted to religious uses, it having in a manner been consecrated by the presence of the ark. It would thus most likely be given to the priests to dwell in ; and it is worthy of observation, that the part of the city which they did inhabit exactly answers to the description, and was called Ophel, or the stronghold. It lay directly south of the temple, and between the highest portion of the city, and the mount of Corruption. It lay between the Tyropaan valley and the valley of Jehoshaphat, and where these meet with the valley of the son of Hinnom.

GEOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. JERUSALEM.-See § v. p. 36. The antiquity of the Holy City some have traced to Melchisedek king of Salem, who brought forth bread and wine to entertain the patriarch Abraham, Ge. xiv. 18. It is not, how ever, clear that this was the 'Salem' of which the priest of the most high God' was king. With regard to David, it is said, 2 Sa. v. 5, In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah." He brought the ark of God into it see 1 Ch. xv. 1, 'And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. And of Solomon, 2 Ch. iii. 1, Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.' This was on the east of Jerusalem, north of the stronghold of Zion, 'the city of David,' and which, as well as the Temple mount, appears to have been devoted to sacred purposes-see 2 Ch. viii. 11, And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David unto the house that he had built for her: for he said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places are holy, whereunto the ark of the LORD hath come. From this passage, and ch. v. 2, it would appear that Zion was not the higher part of the city, as is now by many supposed; it was lower than the Temple mount, so that the ark had to be brought up out of it, into its place. It was lower also than the less sacred part of the city, for Pharaoh's daughter was brought up out of the city of David,' otherwise called Zion, into the house that Solomon had built

Ophel, or the stronghold of Zion, was at Jerusa lem, and given to the priests; but it does not very clearly appear that this was called the mount Sion.' Mount Sion, which is Hermon, lay at the northern extremity of the land as promised under the law, De. iv. 48, and very nearly in the centre of the land as promised to Abraham, and to be possessed by his posterity according to the gospel covenant, Ge. xv. 18.-Comp. with Eze. xlvii.,.viii., pp. (43, 111), where it may be seen that the house and city of the Lord are to occupy a central portion, and not to be placed in one of the most inaccessible corners of the land, as before.

Multitudes of passages in the Old Testament foretold the ruin of the old Jerusalem. The Lord said by his servant Isaiah, ch. iii. 8, For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.' And by Jeremiah, ch. xix. 8, 9.

And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and

TAKE FAST HOLD OF INSTRUCTION; LET HER NOT GO.-Prov. iv. 13.

ROUND ABOUT HIS PEOPLE FROM HENCEFORTH EVEN FOR EVER.-Psalm cxxv. 2.

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