Remarks on context. Consider, 1. The Parties.
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The Spouse. Every true believer, and as such married to the Lord. But by nature (1) In a state of degradation, a child of Satan, a slave. (2) Drowned in debt—of obedience to the law, suffering to the justice of God; unable to pay, and therefore a prisoner. (3) Without spiritual beauty; but on the contrary, altogether defiled, deformed, loathsome (Is. i. 7; Rev. iii. 17, 18; Ezek. xvi. 6). (4) Dead—spiritually (Ezek. xxx. vii.; Eph. ii. 1, 2). (5) In a helpless condition. None else would or could look after her or release her, nor had she any strength in her self. (6) With all this she was full of enmity and rebellion against her husband, waged constant war with Him, thrust the sword into His side.
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The Husband. Thy Maker, the Lord of Hosts, the Holy One of Israel. God, God in our nature. Consider (1) His rank. The Lord, Lord of lords and King of kings; the Son, honoured by all the heavenly host, adored by the redeemed, the source of all created rank and greatness. (2) His riches. The God of the whole earth, heir of all things, all fulness in Him, rich in what the spouse needs. Rich in merit to pay her debts, rich in grace to make her rich—inheritance that fadeth not away. (3) His beauty (Ps. xlv. 2; Cant. ii.; Hebs. i. 2, 3). All created beauty from Him; He can beautify His spouse; He can attract and ravish sinners with His beauty. (4) His power (Is. ix. 6, 7). As God, His power is infinite, manifested in creation, providence, and redemption. Power to quicken, to deliver, to subdue, to protect, to preserve, etc. (Ps. cx. 3). (5) His love. Oh, what shall we say of this! See Prov. viii. 30, 31. He died for His spouse, she was formed out of His side; waters cannot drown His love, manifested in rescuing her in a day of power out of her wretched condition; and, after her espousal, in abiding with her, in compassion towards her, in holding communion with her, etc. And, oh, what shall its exercise be throughout eternity! (6) His faithfulness—in removing her faults, in never forsaking her, in not receiving accusers’ reports of her. Oh, how faithful is he!
II. The Connection. Marriage. “Thy Husband.”
A relation is established which is called union. This is variously represented in Scripture; and subsists between every believer and Christ. Here consider, 1. Christ offers Himself in marriage to the soul, by the Gospel, in which He reveals His excellent properties, and offers Himself to the soul as involved in the ruin described. This is the design of the glorious doctrines and invitations of the Gospel (Is. lv. 1-4; Matt. xi. 28; Rev. xxii. 17). 2. Gospel means and ministers are employed for the purpose of representing this proposal (Gen. xxiv.). The Apostle espoused Corinthians to Christ. Oh, what an honourable work! How faithful should ministers be! 3. The Spirit is sent forth, to make the soul sensible of his condition, to reveal Christ in His properties and proposals, to make him willing to receive Him, and to loose him from every other attachment (Rom. viii. 4, 9; Ps. xlv. 10; John xvi. 9-15). 4. The soul, in consequence, under a sense of need and unworthiness, and having a view of the object, approving of the terms and accepting of the offer, casts himself at Christ’s feet resigns himself to the Redeemer and follows Him. This is the act of faith and closes the union, and is the foundation of all future intercourse and communion. “My Beloved is mine.”
Here is a, 1. A marriage with the consent of all the parties—Father, Son, and Spirit; law and justice; angels and saints. 2. A wonderful marriage. 3. A joyful marriage. 4. A sure marriage. 5. An honourable marriage. 6. An everlasting marriage.
III. The happy results of this marriage.
The spouse has from her husband, in consequence, 1. A change of nature (John iii. 6; Ezek. xvi.), in order to love, obey, and enjoy Him. 2. A glorious robe as a wedding garment—His own righteousness for covering, shelter, and ornament (Ps. xlv. 13; Rev. iii. 18). 3. Beauty. Graces of the Spirit (Ps. xlv. 13). 4. Provision—food, drink, light, life, liberty, joy, etc. 5. Protection—from enemies, sin, Satan, and the world. 6. Communion. The enjoyment of His presence. 7. Riches. 8. Introduction to heaven at last, and eternal residence there (Ps. xlv. 14, 15).
Hence, 1. Self-examination. Marks of those who are not, and of those who are, married to this Husband. 2. Sinners, consider your condition—accept of the proposal (Matt. xxii. 5). Different classes. 3. Saints. Draw nigh this day, behold what your Husband did and suffered for you.