The new Jerusalem.
The law or condition of the spiritual life of the future having been referred to, the organized embodiment or community to which they will give rise is next described. This will be—
I. THE ANTITYPE OF THE OLD JERUSALEM.
1. An organized community. With permanent constitution and laws, and subject to a central authority. Comprehending and unifying the manifold relations of human life. A true "city of God" on earth.
2. With an earthly manifestation. It would not be a mere idea, but would realize itself, in part at least, in sensible forms and external manifestations. It would be the incarnation of spiritual principles and their practical realization.
3. And a sacred character. This would be its distinguishing characteristic, as it had been that of the former city. There would be a wall of consecration, and a special aim and direction given to the life, of which it would be the dwelling place and home. It would be built "to the Lord," and would in its entirety be "holy to the Lord."
II. CONTRASTED WITH IT.
1. More complete in its surroundings and defences. Jehoash had destroyed the wall in the north and northeast, in the reign of Amaziah. On this side, therefore, the old city was most defenceless. A large portion of this was rebuilt by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:1), but probably not the whole. The new city will be entirely rebuilt and thoroughly defended, "a city compact and built together."
2. More comprehensive. Outlying places would be included, and the bounds of the city vastly extended. The whole earth will be included in the city of salvation.
3. More inclusively consecrated. The hill Gareb (perhaps that of the lepers), and the hill Goath (possibly Golgotha), and the valley of Hinnom, the foul Gehenna—even these which had confronted the old city as a reproach, would be cleansed, transformed, and included. The sources of disease and the occasions of defilement would thus be entirely removed.
4. More permanent in its duration. It is to be preserved from all injury, and is to stand forever.
III. WHOLLY DISTINCT FROM IT. At no time in the history of Israel were these predictions fulfilled with regard to the earthly Jerusalem. Portions of the description might appear to correspond with what took place in the time of Nehemiah and others, but in its entirety it is evident that the city here spoken of is utterly distinct from the geographical and historical Jerusalem. It is associated with it according to the law of Divine continuity, but in itself it is a new creation. The "wall great and high" is of no earthly material; the extension is not one of yards or miles, but of nations and ages; the consecration of the unclean places is but typical of the regenerative force of Christianity, which reclaims the moral wastes of the world, and purifies the carnal affections and sinful tendencies of human nature; and no material city could ever "stand for aye." Only the kingdom and Church of Christ could satisfy the conditions of such a prophecy.—M.
HOMILIES BY S. CONWAY