The Blessedness of Heaven
B. Beddome, M. A. Isaiah 33:17 Your eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. These words may more immediately refer to the restoration of Hezekiah to his former splendour and dignity, by the destruction of Sennacherib's army, which would establish peace in the land of Judea, and enable the exiles to return home, without fear or danger. But the Holy Spirit in this passage seems also to refer to the initial happiness of all true believers in this world, and their complete felicity in the world to come. I. THE SOURCES OF HAPPINESS PROVIDED FOR TRUE BELIEVERS. These in general are two — 1. The King in His beauty. All that is to be seen of God with joy and satisfaction, is visible only in the Mediator. 2. The land that is very far off. In the present life our chief happiness arises from hope; hereafter it will consist in vision, and in full fruition. The heavenly glory is here compared to the land of promise, which abounded in population, and yet was so fruitful as to be well able to support all its inhabitants. (1) It is a land that is very far off from the earth, and farther still from hell. (2) The views which good people have of the Land of Promise are at present very distant and imperfect. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE SAINTS SHALL ENJOY THE BLISS THAT IS PREPARED FOR THEM. "They shall see and behold it." 1. This may either refer to the partial view which Christians have of future glory upon earth, or to the beatific vision of heaven. We see something of God in the works of creation and providence, and especially in the great work of human redemption. We have also seen the power and glory of God in the sanctuary, in the Word and ordinances, and have sometimes been filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory. But these views, however refreshing, are not only transient, but very narrow and contracted, in comparison of what they will be hereafter. Then the powers of perception will be raised to the highest pitch, our contracted minds will be enlarged and rendered more retentive, and we shall be able to "gaze in thought on what all thought transcends." 2. The sight which believers have of spiritual objects is essentially different from that of the unregenerate, either in this world or that which is to come. 3. There is an intuitive certainty in the knowledge which Christians have of invisible realities, and which is peculiar to themselves only. 4. A sight of the King in His beauty will be attended with a clearness and a comprehension far surpassing all that we have experienced in the present life. 5. The celestial vision will be ardent and intense. 6. Views of heaven will take place immediately after death, and more fully after the resurrection. 7. There will also be a possessive intuition, or such a sight as includes converse and enjoyment. 8. The vision will be perpetual and without end. There is an entrance into heaven, but no exit out of it. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off. WEB: Your eyes will see the king in his beauty. They will see a distant land.