Jeremiah 15:9 She that has borne seven languishes: she has given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day… I. THE SUN AS AN EMBLEM OF THE SAINTS OF GOD. When we contemplate the great orb of day we are impressed — 1. With his greatness and elevation. This greatness and elevation fitly represents the true character of the Christian, contrasted with what he was, with what others are around him. Knowledge makes a man great. Grace of God elevates and lifts up to heaven. "I will set him on high," etc. 2. Natural glory and magnificence. The most glorious of all the heavenly bodies. "The king's daughter," etc. (Psalm 45:13). See this strikingly set forth (2 Corinthians 3:18). 3. As the great diffuser of light and beauty. The Christian is first the recipient of light, and then he is called to shine. "Arise, shine," etc. "So let your light shine," etc. 4. As the chief source of fertility and fruitfulness. Where Christians live there is knowledge, benevolence, happiness, and life. Look at all our institutions of temporal and moral goodness. II. THE SETTING OF THE SUN AS A STRIKING REPRESENTATION OF THE MORALITY OF THE CHRISTIAN. 1. The going down of the sun is a usual and therefore expected event. So sure as he arises we know he will go down. Man is born to die, etc. "I know that Thou wilt bring me to death," etc. "The living know," etc. 2. The period of the going down of the sun is very diversified. Look at the short winter's day and the long summer's day. So in life, — every age is alike mortal, etc. But the text speaks of the sun going down while it is yet day — prematurely. How often is this the case. 3. The going down of the sun is often peculiarly splendid and beautiful. How characteristic of the good man's death! 4. The sun goes down to arise and shine on another horizon. (J. Burn, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD. |
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