Proverbs 9:1-6, Wisdom’s Feast

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April 7, Proverbs 9:1-6

1 Peter 2:1-12 “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love” (SofS 2:4).

Wisdom’s Feast

This House of Wisdom rests on the surest foundation. It rests on the Triune Godhead, the Perfections of God, and the all-sufficient righteousness of the Incarnate One. It stands on the Rock of Ages, which time cannot shatter or shift.

1. The Perfect Shelter: Wisdom hath builded her house. Is this a picture of every man’s life, or is it referring to the household of faith, or both? God is still building His Church, and the foundation is both sure and steadfast. The saved are living stones, hewn and fitted into every several building (Eph. 2:21, Salmond, Exp. Gk.NT.) by the Master Builder. It is God’s Impregnable Fortress, His Strong Tower, and our House of Defense.

2. The Perfect School: Hewn her seven pillars. It is a spacious, beautiful, and enduring House for the instruction of the saints. Every pillar, buttress, and support needed to fulfill the Divine purpose, Wisdom has provided. The pillars are founded upon God’s revealed truth. The famed schools of Egypt, Greece and Rome are no more. Noted philosophers were their teachers. Kings and princes were their pupils, but they are all gone. They could not stand before The Truth proclaimed by men dubbed as unlearned and ignorant. This school provided the best lessons; gave the best teaching, and taught by the best of all Teachers. Truly, the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men.

3. The Perfect Sacrifice: Killed her killings (marg) and mingled her wine. The animals are slain. “It is in reality a feast upon a sacrifice, and what is that sacrifice but the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (S. Waller)? By the mingled wine old Bp. Lowth (quoted by Bridges) understands the Hebrews to mean wine diluted with water, not the adding of spices to make it stronger, as others did. “It is the blood of the New Testament,” says George Lawson. The Christian feast is likened to the necessities of the physical body. Christ is the Bread of Life and the Wine of Heaven, and the Saviour from sin’s curse. It is truly bounteous fare that is offered. The provisions are wholesome, various and plentiful. All that is needful and delightful is found there.

4. The Perfect Supply: She also has furnished her table. The items named here were the essential diet among Eastern peoples. Thus the Gospel feast is spread. One is reminded of the words, Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, and, I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever (Ps. 23). The Word, preaching, prayer, ordinances, praise, provided a feast of fat things (Is. 25:6). All the spiritual wants of man are met. Here is variety suited to every need. Here is Divine truth to make you free and prepare you for heaven. In your Father’s House there is bread enough and to spare. Why will you still perish with hunger? Arise at once, and come Home and Dine!

Praise: “How vast the treasures we possess! How rich thy bounty, King of grace!”

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the Banqueting House of Thy Love.