This gives great completeness to the subject of these parables. The top-stone is here laid on the magnificent superstructure. It is, in good truth, grace and glory. In the first parable, we see the absolute separation of the people; in the second, their perfect justification; in the third, their moral beauty and fruitfulness; and now, in the fourth, we stand on the very summit of the hills—on the loftiest crag of the rocks, and survey the wide plains of glory in all their length and breadth, stretching away into a boundless future. We see the Lion of the tribe of Judah crouching; we hear His roar; we see Him seizing upon all His enemies, and crushing them to atoms. The Star of Jacob rises to set no more. The true David ascends the throne of His Father, Israel is pre-eminent in the earth, and all his enemies are covered with shame and everlasting contempt. It is impossible to conceive any thing more magnificent than these parables, and they are all the more remarkable as coming at the very close of Israel’s desert wanderings, during which they had given such ample proof of what they were—of what materials they were made, and what their capabilities and tendencies were. But God was above all, and nothing changeth His affection. Whom He loves, and as He loves, He loves to the end; and hence the league between the typical “beast and false prophet” proved abortive. Israel was blessed of God and not to be cursed of any. “And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place; and Balak also went his way.” CHAPTER XXV. Here a new scene opens upon our view. We have been on the top of Pisgah, hearkening to God’s testimony respecting Israel, and there, all was bright and fair—without a cloud, without a spot; but now we find ourselves in the plains of Moab, and all is changed. There, we had to do with God and His thoughts; here, we have to do with the people and their ways. What a contrast! It reminds us of the opening and the close of 2 Corinthians xii. In the former, we have the _positive standing_ of the Christian; in the latter, the _possible state_ into which he may fall if not watchful. That shows us “a man in Christ” capable of being caught up into paradise at any moment; this shows us saints of God capable of plunging into all manner of sin and folly.