John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. Thus saith the Lord of hosts , etc.] These words are used at every consolatory promise given, as Kimchi observes, for the confirmation of it: there shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem ; signifying that the inhabitants should be very healthful; no sweeping disease or calamity should be among them, but they should live to a good old age, as follows: and every man with his staff in his hand for very age ; or “because of multitude of days” f154 ; the length of time they should have lived in the world, being worn out, not with diseases, but with old age, and therefore obliged to use a staff when they walk the streets for their support; all which is an emblem of the healthfulness of the inhabitants of Zion, who have no reason to complain of sickness, because their sins are forgiven them; and of that spiritual and eternal life, which they that are written among the living in Jerusalem do enjoy; who are in understanding men, fathers in Christ, and are growing up to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; (see Isaiah 65:20).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - The sins of Zion were her worst enemies. God will take away her sins and then no other enemies shall hurt her. Those who profess religio must adorn their profession by godliness and honesty. When become city of truth and a mountain of holiness, Jerusalem is peaceable an prosperous. Verses #(4, 5), beautifully describe a state of grea outward peace, attended with plenty, temperance, and contentment. The scattered Israelites shall be brought together from all parts. God wil never leave nor forsake them in a way of mercy, for this he ha promised them; and they shall never leave nor forsake him in a way of duty, as they have promised him. These promises were partly fulfille in the Jewish church, betwixt the captivity and the time of Christ' coming; and they had fuller accomplishment in the gospel church; but the full import must be as to the future times of the Christian church or the future restoration of the Jews. With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible; so far are God's thoughts and way above ours. In the present low state of vital godliness, we can hardl conceive that so complete a change can be made; but a change thu extensive and glorious, can be brought to pass by the almighty power of the new-creating Spirit, in less time than he was pleased to employ in creating the world. Let the hands of all who labour in the cause of the gospel be strong, serving the Lord in true holiness, assured that their labour shall not be in vain.
Original Hebrew כה3541 אמר559 יהוה3068 צבאות6635 עד5750 ישׁבו3427 זקנים2205 וזקנות2205 ברחבות7339 ירושׁלם3389 ואישׁ376 משׁענתו4938 בידו3027 מרב7230 ימים׃3117
