27. know that I am in the midst of Israel--As in the Old Testament
dispensation God was present by the Shekinah, so in the New Testament
first, for a brief time by the Word made flesh dwelling among us
(Joh 1:14),
and to the close of this dispensation by the Holy Spirit in the Church
(Mt 28:20),
and probably in a more perceptible manner with Israel when restored
(Eze 37:26-28).
never be ashamed--not an unmeaning repetition from
Joe 2:26.
The twice-asserted truth enforces its unfailing certainty. As the
"shame" in
Joe 2:26
refers to temporal blessings, so in this verse it refers to the
spiritual blessings flowing from the presence of God with His people
(compare
Jer 3:16, 17;
Re 21:3).
JFB.
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