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The temple of Zerubbabel was inferior to the temple of Solomon in architectural beauty. Wherein, then, was its greater glory? The Kingdom of Christ rose out of the ruins of the old dispensation, and is become the eternal order of worship (see Hebrews 12:27, 28).

I. THE GREATER GLORY OF THE GOSPEL APPEARS IN THE WIDER AREA IT COVERS. The tabernacle and temple were objects of national interest. Palestine was the only bright spot among all the countries of the world, and so great was the exclusiveness that the light did not travel beyond its boundaries, as if a wall had been built round it as high as heaven. It was the partition wall which Jesus came to break down. There was a breadth in the teachings of Jesus diametrically opposed to the prejudices of His countrymen. We, whose lives have fallen in the nineteenth century, can now survey the area of the latter temple better than they could.

II. THE GREATER GLORY OF THE GOSPEL APPEARS IN THE GREATER STABILITY OF THE CHURCH. The temple of Solomon seemed a permanent building, but it was razed to the ground. The temple of Zerubbabel gave way to that of Herod. Three stages are visible in the development of the spiritual. God in creation was power and wisdom at some distance from us. God in the temple was nearer, and[assumed the personal living form which communed with the people from the Mercy-seat. The Spirit of God in us is the last stage, when all manifestations have given way to the real presence.

III. THE GREATER GLORY OF THE GOSPEL WILL APPEAR IN THE GREATER RESULTS. Our lot is fallen in the "last days." We see the march of intellect and civilisation. We see kingdoms bowing to the authority of the Messiah. A succession of revolutions has brought us forward to the Gospel dispensation. We see another temple looming in the promise, the temple of God and the Lamb.

(T. Davies, M. A.)

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KJV: The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

WEB: The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Armies.