from Christ; therefore we are concerned to understand how much more worthy he is of our love.
By his word, his promise, his gospel, the good will of God is made known to us, and the good work
of God is begun and carried on in us. The psalmist, ver. #(3–5), joyfully foretells the progress and
success of the Messiah. The arrows of conviction are very terrible in the hearts of sinners, till they
are humbled and reconciled; but the arrows of vengeance will be more so to his enemies who refuse
to submit. All who have seen his glory and tasted his grace, rejoice to see him, by his word and
Spirit, bring enemies and strangers under his dominion.
Verses 6–9
The throne of this almighty King is established for ever. While the Holy Spirit leads Christ's
people to look to his cross, he teaches them to see the evil of sin and the beauty of holiness; so that
none of them can feel encouragement to continue in sin. The Mediator is God, else he had been
neither able to do the Mediator's work, nor fit to wear the Mediator's crown. God the Father, as his
God in respect to his human nature and mediatorial offices, has given to him the Holy Spirit without
measure. Thus anointed to be a Prophet, Priest, and King, Christ has pre-eminence in the gladdening
gifts and graces of the spirit, and from his fulness communicates them to his brethren in human
nature. The Spirit is called the oil of gladness, because of the delight wherewith Christ was filled,
in carrying on his undertakings. The salvation of sinners is the joy of angels, much more of the
Son. And in proportion as we are conformed to his holy image, we may expect the gladdening gifts
influences of the Comforter. The excellences of the Messiah, the suitableness of his offices, and
the sufficiency of his grace, seem to be intended by the fragrance of his garments. The church
formed of true believers, is here compared to the queen, whom, by an everlasting covenant, the
Lord Jesus has betrothed to himself. This is the bride, the Lamb's wife, whose graces are compared
to fine linen, for their purity; to gold, for their costliness: for as we owe our redemption, so we owe
our adorning, to the precious blood of the Son of God.
Verses 10–17
If we desire to share these blessings, we must hearken to Christ's word. We must forget our
carnal and sinful attachments and pursuits. He must be our Lord as well as our Saviour; all idols
must be thrown away, that we may give him our whole heart. And here is good encouragement,
thus to break off from former alliances. The beauty of holiness, both on the church and on particular
believers, is, in the sight of Christ, of great price, and very amiable. The work of grace is the
workmanship of the Spirit, it is the image of Christ upon the soul, a partaking of the Divine nature.
It is clear of all sin, there is none in it, nor any comes from it. There is nothing glorious in the old
man or corrupt nature; but in the new man, or work of grace upon the soul, every thing is glorious.
The robe of Christ's righteousness, which he has wrought out for his church, the Father imputes
unto her, and bestows upon her. None are brought to Christ, but those whom the Father brings.
This notes the conversion of souls to him. The robe of righteousness, and garments of salvation,
the change of raiment Christ has put upon her. Such as strictly cleave to Christ, loving him in
singleness of heart, are companions of the bride, who partake of the very same grace, enjoy the
same privileges, and share in one common salvation. These, every one, shall be brought to the
King; not one lost or left behind. Instead of the Old Testament church, there shall be a New