Verse 2
For none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
Death must be encountered
Since the last enemy must be encountered by the greatest as well as the least of our race, is it not far better to be prepared for meeting him, than to banish him from our thoughts? (G. Lawson.)
Death a visitor that cannot be stopped at the gate
And is Death included in this prohibition? Have you given orders to your porters and guards to stop this visitor at the gate, and to say to him, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further”? Or will they be able to persuade him, and his train of ghastly attendants, gout, fever, consumption, and other diseases, to lay aside their sable dress, together with their darts and spears and scorpions? (T. McCrie.)
We cannot keep trouble from our hearts by banishing the signs of mourning from our dwellings
It is the height of folly, therefore, for us to try to surround ourselves with the appearance of security, and make believe that no change can come upon us. That is to do like the ostrich, which buries its head in the sand, and thinks itself safe from its pursuers because it can no longer see them. Trouble, sorrow, trial, death are inevitable, and the wise course is to prepare to meet them. We cannot shut our homes against these things; but we can open them to Christ, and when He enters He says, “My grace is sufficient for thee; My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (W. M. Taylor, D. D.)
Be the first to react on this!
