Section 569
III. We now proceed to consider the guard about this bed
Which are either the angels of God[3699] who are ministering spirits to the church, and "encamp round about them that fear the Lord; who, as they are always ready, so they are able and mighty to do the pleasure of Christ, and to defend his church; who are as valiant and courageous in doing their master's work and will, as they are faithful and trusty: or rather, by this guard about the. church, we are to understand the ministers of the gospel;[3700] who, "by night stand in the house of the Lord," and act the part of watchmen there; defend the truths of the gospel, and vindicate the cause of Christ against all opposers. These are described,
1st, By their number, threescore; which perhaps was just the number of guards which Solomon had every night about his bed; and that not only for the safety and security of his royal person, but as an indication of his majesty and greatness: and it may be observed, that these are just double the number of David's worthies, Solomon excelling his father in glory and majesty; though perhaps here is a certain number mentioned for an uncertain, which may be particularly mentioned, because it is a competent and sufficient one.
2dly, By their qualifications, "valiant or mighty men:" they are such who are strong in Christ, in his grace, and in the power of his might; and so indeed they had need to be, to discharge the work they are called unto: they are capable of digesting the word of God themselves, and of dividing it to others; they have courage enough to defend the gospel against all its enemies, and are "valiant for the truth upon earth;" they quit themselves like men, being strong; and stand fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith of the gospel."
3dly, By their original, or descent, they are "the valiant of Israel:" the Israelites were noted for valiant men, and were a terror to their enemies; and these were the choicest, the very flower of them; these were Israelites indeed, who had something of the spirit of old Israel in them; who, as a prince, had power both with God and men, and prevailed.
4thly, By their posture; they stood round about the bed, on all sides: which shews not only their diligence in their work, and how careful they were that nothing might prejudice the church, nor disturb its rest and repose; but also the safety and security of it: not that this is all the security the church has; for besides the angels, and these ministers of the gospel, who attend it, the Lord himself is round about it; "for as the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so is the Lord round about his people, but yet it is a great mercy and blessing that the Lord is pleased to set such a guard as this about his bed, or set such watchmen as these upon the walls of his Jerusalem.