Psalm 22:31

Verse 31. And shall declare his righteousness. The occupation of the seed is to "declare", to testify from their own experience, from their own knowledge and convictions, that grand subject, theme, or lesson, which they have learned... They will declare the righteousness of God the Holy Ghost in his convictions of sin, in his reproofs of conscience, in his forsaking of the impenitent, and in his abiding with the believer. And in a special manner, they will declare the righteousness of God the Son, during his human life, in his sufferings, and death, as man's surety, by which he "magnified the law, and made it honourable" ( Isaiah 42:21 ), and on account of which they are able to address him by this name, "The Lord our Righteousness." ( Jeremiah 23:6 .) John Stevenson.

Verse 31. A people that shall be born. What is this? What people is there that is not born? According to my apprehensions I think this is said for this reason -- because the people of other kings are formed by laws, by customs, and by manners; by which, however, you can never move a man to true righteousness: it is only a fable of righteousness, and a mere theatrical scene or representation. For even the law of Moses could form the people of the Jews unto nothing but unto hypocrisy. But the people of this King are not formed by laws to make up an external appearance, but they are begotten by water and by the Spirit unto a new creature of truth. Martin Luther.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 31. Future prospects for the church.