7. All mountain-like obstacles
(Isa 40:4; 49:11)
in Zerubbabel's way shall be removed, so that the crowning
top-stone shall be put on, and the completion of the work be
acknowledged as wholly of "grace." Antitypically, the antichristian
last foe of Israel, the obstacle preventing her establishment in
Palestine, about to be crushed before Messiah, is probably meant
(Jer 51:25;
Da 2:34, 44;
Mt 21:44).
bring forth the head-stone--Primarily, bring it forth from the place
where it was chiselled and give it to the workmen to put on the top of
the building. It was customary for chief magistrates to lay the
foundation, and also the crowning top-stone (compare
Ezr 3:10).
Antitypically, the reference is to the time when the full number of the
spiritual Church shall be completed, and also when "all Israel shall be
saved" (compare
Ro 11:26;
Heb 11:40; 12:22, 23;
Re 7:4-9).
Grace, grace--The repetition expresses, Grace from first to last
(Isa 26:3,
Margin). Thus the Jews are urged to pray perseveringly and
earnestly that the same grace which completed it may always preserve
it. "Shoutings" of acclamation accompanied the foundation of the
literal temple
(Ezr 3:11, 13).
So shoutings of "Hosanna" greeted the Saviour in entering Jerusalem
(Mt 21:9),
when about to complete the purchase of salvation by His death: His Body
being the second temple, or place of God's inhabitation
(Joh 2:20, 21).
So when the full number of the saints and of Israel is complete, and
God shall say, "It is done," then again shall "a great voice of much
people in heaven" attribute all to the "grace" of God, saying,
"Alleluia! Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord
our God"
(Re 19:1, 6).
Ps 118:22
regards Him as "the head-stone of the corner," that is, the
foundation-stone. Compare the angels acclamations at His birth,
Lu 2:14.
Here it is the top-stone. Messiah is not only the "Author," but
also the Finisher
(Heb 12:2).
"Grace" is ascribed "unto it," that is, the stone, Messiah. Hence the
benediction begins, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ"
(2Co 13:14).
JFB.
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