Zechariah 3:2 And the LORD said to Satan, The LORD rebuke you, O Satan; even the LORD that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you… Under the form of an interrogation, the language of the text is capable of being differently understood. 1. It may be considered as conveying a seasonable reproof to an insulting enemy. It is as if God said, Amidst all his imperfections and failings, thou hast nothing to do with him. I claim a property in him, and will assert it. 2. As expressive of exultation and triumph. "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" I rejoice in him as such. He is a pattern of My long suffering, a monument of My grace. 3. The expression carries with it the force of an affirmation. It is a brand plucked out of the fire. I. TO WHOM MAY THIS LANGUAGE BE APPLIED? To all Who are finally saved. There are some to whom it is more immediately applicable. 1. Such as great and heinous transgressions, when converted from the error of their way and turned effectually to God. 2. Old and accustomed sinners may be viewed in the same light, when they are brought to repentance and to believe in Jesus. 3. There are some whose cases were despaired of by their friends. 4. Pardoning mercy has in some instances followed upon an overwhelming sense of guilt and distressing apprehensions of Divine wrath. II. NOTICE THE PROPRIETY OF THE DESCRIPTION. 1. A brand plucked out of the fire was once a brand fit for the fire. 2. A brand plucked out of the fire was very near being consumed. 3. A brand plucked out of the fire retains some evidence of the dangerous situation. 4. The brand plucked out of the fire is no way instrumental to its own deliverance. There it must lie and burn if some kind hand do not snatch it thence. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? |
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