Matthew 2:6 And you Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of you shall come a Governor… I. The CHARACTER of the Governor, 1. His dignity (Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Jeremiah 33:6; Isaiah 45:18, 24; Romans 14:11, 12; John 1:1, and others). Suitably sustained by His attributes. 2. His condescension (Philippians 2:5-8). 3. His fidelity — to Him by whom He was appointed (Matthew 22:37, 38; Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 2:49; Matthew 3:15; John 4:31-34); to them for whom He was appointed (John 16:12, 13, 33; Ephesians 4:7-13; Luke 12:50; Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 7:25). 4. His clemency. Ever ready to pardon, etc. II. THE CHARACTER OF HIS SUBJECTS. III. THE CHARACTER OF HIS GOVERNMENT. 1. Divine and spiritual (Luke 10:18; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 1:14; Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 2:2, 3). 2. Mild and equitable. Rules without coercion (Psalm 119:32). 3. Vigorous and effective (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 11:4-7; Psalm 24:7-10; Psalm 103:19-21; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; Romans 8:34-39). 4. Staple, prosperous, everlasting (Hebrews 12:28; Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 7:27; Hebrews 1:8). Application: Let the enemies of this government tremble (1 Corinthians 15:15; Psalm 2:9; Romans 2:4, 8, 9); submit and find peace (Psalm 2:10-12). Let the subjects of this government rejoice in anticipation of its progressive and rapid conquests, and its final triumph (Psalm 2:7, 8; Revelation 7:9-12). (Zeta.) Parallel Verses KJV: And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. |