Zechariah 9:12 Turn you to the strong hold, you prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double to you; I. THE PERSONS WHOM HE COMES TO REDEEM. The description is of a mixed nature: it represents a state in the main bad, yet not so wholly bad as to be past recovery. Though this "pit" doth not yield any water, yet water may be brought to it. The description points at those who feel their misery, and earnestly look and long for deliverance. By "prisoners of hope" we understand all sinners who are within reach of Divine mercy, and more especially those who are suing for mercy, under the felt burden of sin and misery. And even they who have obtained mercy may come under this description. The present condition of believers upon earth is neither a state of perfect liberty nor of uninterrupted peace. These are the blessed ingredients which constitute the happiness of the Zion above, but whilst they sojourn in this strange land they are liable to various and painful distresses. There are other prisons besides the pit of an unconverted state; prisons where those who are dear to God may suffer a temporary confinement. There they are "prisoners of hope." II. THE ADVICE OR COMMAND ADDRESSED TO THEM. By the "stronghold" is meant "the blood of the covenant," or rather the new covenant itself, ratified and sealed by the blood of Christ. It is an impregnable defence to all who flee to it for refuge. How are we to turn to this stronghold? 1. We must turn our back upon everything else, and abandon all other means of deliverance, as refuges of lies, which will miserably disappoint those who expect relief from them. 2. That we turn our eyes to this stronghold, and narrowly examine the security it affords. 3. That we actually flee to it, and improve it for all the purposes for which it was intended. III. A GRACIOUS AND ENCOURAGING PROMISE. 1. The promise itself is most gracious. "I will render double unto you." 2. The comfort of this promise is greatly heightened by the manner of publishing it. "Even today do I declare." (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; |
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