In the presence of the Holy One.
The great question which, in a somewhat different form from that of the text, Balak proposed to Balaam (Micah 6:6) is one that has always stirred the hearts of men everywhere and in all ages. We must find an answer to it if we are to enjoy any "rest unto our souls."
I. THE THRICE-HOLY LORD OUR GOD. That which makes God's intervening purpose (Isaiah 33:10) so serious to his creatures is that when he arises he will be found to be as "the devouring Fire," as "everlasting Burnings;" i.e. he will prove himself to be the Holy One of Israel:
(a) placing limits to its temporary success (Isaiah 33:11);
(b) bringing its decrees and its achievements to nothing, as the lime-kiln reduces everything to ashes;
(c) consuming the strength of the impious and the rebellious as easily and as swiftly as the fiery flames burn up the thorns (Isaiah 33:12). To fallen, guilty man, whose character has been depraved and whose life has been stained by sin, God is obliged to make himself known, and to make himself feared as "the devouring fire," as "the everlasting ['the continual'] burnings," consuming iniquity in the holy ardor of his unquenchable purity.
II. THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY ONE. Who among us shall dwell with this Holy One, this consuming Fire? Who shall abide in his presence and dwell in his holy hill? (Psalms 15:1; Psalms 24:3)? There are different senses in which we are before God, or stand in his presence.
1. His observant presence, which is constant, of which we do well to remind ourselves often, with the thought of which our minds and hearts may well be filled.
2. His interposing presence. Those times and occasions in particular when he arises to judgment (Isaiah 33:10); when he stretches forth his hand in punishment or in reward; when he sends back the Assyrian monarch in humiliating flight, and at the same time lifts up the head of bowed and trembling Jerusalem; when he breaks the arm of the oppressor and the chains of the captive; when he scatters his enemies and redeems his people.
3. His presence in the sanctuary. When he manifests himself to his waiting ones as he does not unto the world.
4. His nearer presence in another world. When in a most solemn sense we shall "stand before" him, and when in a most blessed sense we shall "dwell with" him.
III. THOSE WHO CAN ABIDE IN HIS PRESENCE. The answer is negative and positive.
1. Negative.
2. Positive. They can dwell with the Holy One who are possessed of moral because of spiritual integrity. "He that walketh righteously," etc.; i.e. he that is of sound heart, and therefore of a pure life. With us, in this Christian era, it may be said of spiritual integrity
IV. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THOSE WHO DWELL WITH GOD. Whether here or hereafter, but in a higher degree and more perfect form hereafter, there are promised these two great blessings.
1. Security. "He shall dwell on high: his place of defense," etc. Nothing shall harm him, no sin shall have dominion over him; in the arms of God's protecting care his home shall be impregnable to assault.
2. Sufficiency. "Bread shall be given him," etc. He may not have all he would desire, but he shall have everything he needs for his real welfare and his true joy.—C.