Homilist Isaiah 30:29 You shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart… I. A GLORIOUS ANTICIPATION. This is represented under two figures. 1. A holy service. "The night when a holy solemnity is kept."(1) Observe the time, the "night." It is not until the day of life is past and the turmoil of earth is done, that the great and solemn assembly shall be convened. (2) Observe the character, "holy." Impurity is done away. There shall nothing enter which can pollute or mar or injure. (3) Observe the proceedings, "a solemnity." Our meetings with God lack proper solemnity. But how great and solemn will be the eternal service! A joyous meeting. "As when one goeth forth with a pipe to come to the mountain of the Lord." Here are subjects going forth to meet their King, who is good and great. Here are friends going forth to meet their Brother, whom they have long desired to embrace. Here are guests going forth to the banquet of their Beloved. II. A SUITABLE STATE OF MIND. "Ye shall have a song and gladness of heart." 1. Ye shall have a song. There are two things, revolved "in" this. (1) There is a subject to sing of. He hath put a new song in my mouth."(2) There shall be a disposition to sing. The redeemed soul will be filled with praise. 2. Ye shall have gladness of heart. It will be caused by — (1) The presence of God. (2) Happy surroundings. (3) Blessed reunions. III. A PRESENT ENCOURAGEMENT. This future promise may be now realised by faith. And what a different aspect will this give to the present life! We may not sing the full chorus of the songs of Heaven, but we can hear the echo. We cannot see our Lord, but we can feel His arms and hear His voice. IV. A DESIRABLE CONDITION. The text affords a most urgent stimulus to our present life. It speaks of a song which the people of God will be enabled to sing with confidence when their Lord's judgments are abroad. Let us endeavour to realise the confidence, the peace, the happiness of that future time. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. |
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