Verse 7
7. Unto which promise That is, unto the fulfilment of which promise.
Twelve tribes A single word, δωδεκαφυλον , the twelve-tribedom. From the time of the rending of the robe of Jeroboam into twelve parts by the prophet Ahijah, and the fulfilment of its symbol in the separation of the ten tribes (1 Kings 11:29-39) from the two, there never was a united yet distinct twelve-tribedom restored. The truth seems to be, first, that a remnant was left of the ten in Northern Palestine; and second, that no distinct traces of a distinct ten tribes are to be found anywhere else. In the time of Paul tribe divisions existed in much confusion, and after the destruction of Jerusalem pedigrees were lost, and the authentic distinctions of hereditary tribeship were obliterated. Yet Israelites still loved to view themselves, ideally at least, as the twelve tribes. James, who of all the apostles may be supposed to have retained the strongest Jewish feeling, addressed his epistle to the twelve tribes scattered abroad, (Acts 1:1.)
Instantly Intensely.
Serving God With prayers, and sacrifices and good works.
Day and night Like the prophetess Anna, (Luke 2:37.) Reversing the order of clauses, we may paraphrase the sentence thus: Our twelve tribes, worshipping intensely day and night, hope to come to the fulfilled promise of the Messiah.
Hope’s sake… accused It was touching this Messianic hope (supposed by him to be fulfilled in Jesus) that Paul was accused by the Jews.
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