The sphere of book 3
In the Third Book we get out into a larger sphere than the
state of the residue of the Jews in the last days, whether in
Jerusalem or driven out; and hence we find much less of the
personal circumstances and feelings and associations of the Lord
who, in His day, walked among them. The general interests of Israel
are in view, and thus Israel's history is entered into. The whole
national position is before us, still distinguishing a true-hearted
residue. Remark here that, save one, we have no psalms of David in
this book. Asaph, sons of Korah, Ethan, are the professed authors;
I know of no reason to reject the alleged authorship. It is still
the state of Israel in the last days: only that the general facts
are spoken of in reference to the whole nation, not the particular
details of the Jewish remnant, and of Christ as taking a place
among them. It is much more Israel and general principles; there is
more reference to their past history and God's dealings with them.
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