Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ezra Ch.6 / 10 Ch.s
EZR:6
* The decree for completing the temple. (1-12) The temple is
finished. (13-22)
#1-12 When God's time is come for fulfilling his gracious
purposes concerning his church, he will raise up instruments to
do it, from whom such good service was not expected. While our
thoughts are directed to this event, we are led by Zechariah to
fix our regard on a nobler, a spiritual building. The Lord Jesus
Christ continues to lay one stone upon another: let us assist
the great design. Difficulties delay the progress of this sacred
edifice. Yet let not opposition discourage us, for in due season
it will be completed to his abundant praise. He shall bring
forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace,
grace unto it.
#13-22 The gospel church, that spiritual temple, is long in the
building, but it will be finished at last, when the mystical
body is completed. Every believer is a living temple, building
up himself in his most holy faith: much opposition is given to
this work by Satan and our own corruptions. We trifle, and
proceed in it with many stops and pauses; but He that has begun
the good work, will see it performed. Then spirits of just men
will be made perfect. By getting their sins taken away, the Jews
would free themselves from the sting of their late troubles.
Their service was with joy. Let us welcome holy ordinances with
joy, and serve the Lord with gladness.