I. The distinctive appellation here given to the persons addressed--“the house of Israel.”
1. They were a people closely connected with each other. They belonged to the same house, or family. As the descendants from the same progenitor, they were, in a peculiar sense, brethren. The same is the case, though in a different sense, with those to whom the promises in the text are now made, in regard to their spiritual import. These persons, as genuine believers, are of the same house, or what the Apostle calls--“the household of faith.” They are brethren; and God Himself is their Father.
2. As “the house of Israel,” the persons to whom the promises in the text were originally addressed were a people highly privileged. But the people of God, under the present dispensation, are more highly favoured still. They too have been chosen by Him to be His peculiar people. They have a fuller and a far more glorious revelation of His will, and, both as it respects their present position and their future prospects, they have indeed “a goodly heritage”
3. As “the house of Israel,” they were bound to the discharge of peculiar and very important duties. More still has been given to us; and therefore are our obligations to duty, if possible, more imperative. The Israelites were bound to love, to worship, and, in every other view, to serve the Lord; and so unquestionably are we.
4. Notwithstanding all this, “the house of Israel” had, previously to the time here referred to, departed grievously from the Lord, and wrought great abominations. Alas! the parallel here in regard to ourselves holds in a way that may and ought to fill us with shame and confusion of face. But where sin abounded, grace is often made much more to abound.
II. The import of these promises as made to the persons so characterised.
1. There is here a promise of the continued presence of the Lord to be with them as their God.
2. It is here promised that the Lord will recognise the people addressed as being in reality His own people. The people of God are His peculiar property in consequence of the price paid for their purchase (1Pe_1:18-19). They are further God’s people, in consequence of being closely, vitally, and immutably united to the person of His Son (Joh_17:21). They are His people, besides, in consequence of having been subdued and won to Him by the powerful and gracious operations of His Holy Spirit (Psa_110:3). But, on the other hand, they are characterised and treated as the people of God in consequence of their own voluntary choice and covenant engagement to be “for Him, and not for another.” They are accordingly blessed with all needful blessings as the people of God (Eph_1:3).
3. It is here promised, that they shall have a pleasing conviction of their peculiar blessedness in enjoying the presence of the Lord, and being recognised by Him as His people.
4. The accomplishment of this promise, implying, as it does, such honour and blessedness, is as certain as the truth of God can make it.
Application--
1. Inquire to what description of people we belong.
2. Well may the saints of God “be joyful in glory.”
3. All must be wretched and miserable who are not the people of God (Isa_57:20-21).
4. Those who are not now the people of God may yet have that honour (Hos_1:10). (A. Thompson, D. D.)
