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under the New Testament, the overseers and leaders thereof both political and
ecclesiastic may be most emphatically called the governors of Judah. Now as that
the Gospel Church, particularly the Reformed, may be called Judah, you may
yourself easily conclude, if you please to remember (a) the first origin and nature
thereof, for she is sprung from Judah. The Jews, you know, were the first
members, nay, the mother of the Christian Church, Romans 11; 731 her head and
Lord is also from Judah, with whom they being united constitute but one mystical
body, 2 Corinthians 12:12, 732 and what is her proper business and employment - to
be a spiritual Judah, or confessor of God on earth, 2 Peter 2:9, 733 whilst the Jews
are degenerated from their fathers, and other nations are far from and without
God. The Church of Christ is His praise and for His glory in the world, Matthew
5:16. 734
2) But the Reformed Church may be more especially
compared to Judah, as it is here introduced by Zechariah after the deliverance and
return of the Jews from Babylon, for we know, the protestant Church is also
delivered from the mystical Babylon, and will be (when Israel is converted)
restored in Judea, but also free from gross idolatry and blessed like the returned
Jews, with governors; as the expression is in the text : םיבול 735 properly signifies
such persons who join together or unite others (compare verse 6 and Chapter 9,
Micah 7:5, 736 Genesis 36:15 737 etc.) Consequently leaders or governors; but it is
also used of such who are our friends, fellows, and acquaintances, Psalm 55:19, 738
on whom we trust and depend; whose advice we take, following their counsels,
and examples, and living under their protection and defense. Hence you may see
(MH) 739
2) With how much propriety the original word is applied to
governors; either in Church or State, for they, as the word intimates, ought to be x)
friends to the people of God, trusting fathers, Isaiah 66, 740 and nursing mothers, 1
Thessalonians 2, 741 procuring for them all necessary supply; at least affording unto
them a safe defense for their bodies or souls; each in his own station and office; as
731 In Romans 11, God has preserved a remnant; a warning to the Gentile Christians of Rome; the
metaphor of the olive tree [Israel being tree, root and branches]; the hardening of Israel.
732 “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders,
and mighty works.”
733 “then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under
punishment until the day of judgment
734 “In the same way, let Your light shine before others, so that they may see Your good works and
give glory to your Father in heaven.”
735 Lubim: a nation mentioned as contributing, together with Cushites and Sukkiim, to Shishak's army;
perhaps Libyans.
736 “Put no trust in a friend, have no confidence in a loved one; guard the doors of your mouth from her
who lies in your embrace.”
737 “These are the clans of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: the clans
Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz.”
738 “God, who is enthroned from of old, will hear, and will humble them – because they do not change,
and do not fear God.”
739 Possibly reference to Matthew Henry, whose Commentary on the Whole Bible was widely used,
also by Westerlo.
740 In Isaiah 66 we find: a community divided; the destiny of Jerusalem (“Jerusalem will be a mother to
those who now mourn”); homecoming, vindication, and final judgment.
741 The gospel’s effectiveness; separation and reunion.
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