Ezra 7:15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered to the God of Israel… I. THIS HOLY ALLIANCE: "The God of Israel." We have here — 1. A description of God and His Church. The "God of Israel" includes both. Israel His Church; and the God that claims it; a living God amidst a living people. 2. Infinitude associated with a royal seed. Israel signifies a prevailing prince before God. 3. A veritable portion on both sides. "The Lord's portion is His people'; "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul. 4. The living connection between God and His people constitutes the stronghold of faith. II. HIS HABITATION. He dwells — 1. In "the Jerusalem which is above." 2. In the living Church of God which was typified by Jerusalem. 3. In the Jerusalem of every regenerated soul. (J. Irons.) Parallel Verses KJV: And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, |