But seek first the kingdom of God
Meaning either the Gospel, and the ministration of it; in which
sense this phrase is often used, see ( Matthew
21:43 ) ( Mark 1:14 ) ( Luke 4:43 Luke
9:2-60 Luke 16:16 ) and which
is diligently to be sought after, and into; to be constantly
attended on, and to be preferred to our necessary food, to
raiment, or riches, or any enjoyment of life: or else the kingdom
of glory, which is prepared by God, and is his gift; for which he
makes his people meet here, and will introduce them into it
hereafter.
And his righteousness;
the righteousness of God, which is revealed in the Gospel, and is
what gives a right and title to the kingdom of heaven. This is
not the righteousness of man, but of God; and is no other than
the righteousness of Christ; so called, because he is God who has
wrought it; it is what God approves of, accepts, and imputes, and
which only can justify in his sight, and give an abundant
entrance into his kingdom and glory. Heaven is to be sought for
in the first place, as the perfection of the saints' happiness;
and Christ's righteousness is to be sought for, and laid hold on
by faith, as the way and means of enjoying that happiness;
without which, there will be no entering into the kingdom of
heaven.
And all these things shall be added unto you:
of the free bounty, goodness, and liberality of God, without your
thought and care, and much less merit; even "all these things",
meat, drink, clothing, or whatsoever worldly sustenance else is
necessary for you: which are not parts of the happiness of
saints, only appendages thereunto; which they have over and above
what they are, or should be chiefly seeking after. The Hebrews
F18 say,
``that no good sign will be shown to Israel, until they return and "seek" three things: "afterwards the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord"; (Mymv twklm) (wz) , "this is the kingdom of heaven"; and "David their king", according to its literal sense; "and shall fear the Lord and his goodness"; this is the house of the sanctuary, as it is said, "this goodly mountain", and Lebanon.''