They that are far off; οἱ μακράν,; comp. Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:17. The Jews who had come from Babylon to Jerusalem are a figure of the conversion of distant nations and their offerings to the Church (see Haggai 2:7, and note there). Build in the temple of the Lord. They shall join in building up the spiritual temple, the universal Church of Christ. Ye shall know, etc. (Zechariah 2:9, Zechariah 2:11; Zechariah 4:9). The Angel of Jehovah is speaking in Jehovah's name (Ephesians 2:9). What takes place in the case of this material temple shall be a token and a prelude of the great fulfilment in Messianic times. If ye will diligently obey. Neither the restoration of the temple nor the advent of Messiah's kingdom was in itself doubtful; but the people's share in the former, and their participation in the blessings of the latter, depended on the preparation of the heart, obedience, zeal, and holiness (Daniel 12:10; Malachi 4:1, Malachi 4:2; John 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:11, 2 Timothy 2:12).
HOMILETICS