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I. THE IMPORTANT FACT IMPLIED. "The Lord loveth the dwellings of Jacob," i.e. the righteous in their personal and domestic capacities.

1. He loves them in their individual character as His people.

2. He loves them in their domestic capacity (Psalm 128.; Proverbs 20:7; Jeremiah 31:1.),

3. He loves them in all their religious services.

II. THE GLORIOUS DECLARATION GIVEN. "He loveth the gates of Zion better," etc. That is, He greatly prefers the public assemblies of His people over all the dwellings of Jacob.

1. The evidences of this preference.

(1) The special promises given. One of the most ancient promises is, "Wherever My name is recorded," etc. Then the one given to Solomon, "My eyes, and Mine heart shall be there continually." "Wherever two or three," etc.

(2) The Divine manifestations afforded. In His house He reveals His truth, and faithfulness, and goodness, and grace, etc.

(3) The invaluable blessings communicated. Here He says to the benighted chaotic minds. "Let there be light," etc. Here He speaks to heavy-laden, sin-sick souls, "Go in peace — thy sins are forgiven thee."(4) By perpetuating the public assemblies of His saints despite of all opposition.

2. What reasons can be assigned for this affectionate preference. It is in Zion, or the public assemblies of His saints,

(1) That the graces and holy feelings of God's people are most fully displayed.

(2) On account of the holy and happy harmony which is exhibited. Here men are brought together, to hear, and love, and pray.

(3) Because it is the pillar and ground of truth.

(4) Because of its resemblance to heaven.Application. —

1. Do we love the gates of Zion? What evidences do we give? Speak for it; think of it; pray for it; labour for it.

2. What advantages have we derived from it? Justification, comfort, holiness, longing for heaven.

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.

WEB: Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.