Here the Jewish election rejoices in the anticipated blessing of their land and people, uttering their desire in the clay of their distress, but waiting in full assurance that it will be answered in mercy.
And they recognize the great result of this mercy truth springing out of the earth, and righteousness from heaven approving it—the Lord giving His blessing, and the land yielding her increase. And they seem also to apprehend the way in which this kingdom shall be introduced. And we know it is the same way as that by which we poor Gentiles get blessing now (Rom. 11:3131Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. (Romans 11:31)); that is, by the cross of Christ, where indeed “mercy and truth are met together, righteousness and peace kiss each other” (Rom. 3:2626To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:26)).
For “truth,” which required death (Gen. 2:1717But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17)), and “mercy,” which can think of nothing but life and blessing, are here together. Death is endured according to truth, and the culprit given life and liberty according to mercy. “Righteousness” also kisses “peace,” and “peace” kisses “righteousness.” Instead of being offended at each other’s presence, they welcome each other. For righteousness is more than honored by that which He who makes peace offers to it on the cross; and peace is deeply satisfied, when it sees that it can publish itself to sinners on so sure a title as honored and accomplished righteousness. And all these glories will shine in consistent beauty in that kingdom which this wondrous cross introduces. All is harmony where all was strife before.
In this present age of ours, instead of truth springing out of the earth and righteousness looking down from heaven, it is rebellion and sin here, and grace beaming from above.