Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them… I. THE PEOPLE OF GOD, SUCH AS FEAR HIM, ARE HIS JEWELS. The fear of God is often put for all religion. They that fear Him are such as have not only the form, but the power of godliness. Such may be styled "jewels" as rare, and comparatively few: on account of their excellency; by reason of the place they have in God's value and esteem; and in His care: as He esteems Himself honoured by them, and greatly delights in them. God calls them "My jewels," as He is the efficient or maker of them: the owner and disposer of them; and as they are set apart for Himself. II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN "MAKING THEM UP"? This may be considered with reference either to their being at present dispersed and mixed with others, or imperfect as to themselves. It may mean His taking them out from the company of all others. God will collect all His people into one body. Or God's making them up may imply, finishing what concerns either soul or body, and making them completely happy, as to both, to all eternity He will free them from all the imperfections of their present state. III. THERE IS A DAY COMING WHEREIN GOD WILL THUS MAKE UP HIS JEWELS. 1. The day of the saints' dissolution. 2. The day of the general resurrection. IV. HOW THEY SHALL BE THE LORD'S IN THAT DAY. Then they shall be proclaimed to be jewels — 1. To testify His knowledge and approbation of them. 2. To shame and silence the hard censures to which they were liable from a malignant world. 3. This will tend to the greater confusion of the prince of darkness. 4. Such a declaration will invite an universal regard to the faithfulness of God, in what He promised to them, and engaged to do for them. V. THE TITLE UNDER WHICH GOD IS REPRESENTED AS RESOLVING UPON THE HAPPINESS OF HIS PEOPLE. "Saith the Lord of hosts." A foundation of hope and comfort. As He has power enough to engage for them. As He hath an absolute sway over all their enemies. It shows that the number of the finally saved will be great, not small. (D. Wilcox.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. |
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