The sun is an emblem, not of the just, but of the Justifier. Christ alone is the light of the world. The just are those whom the Sun of Righteousness shines upon. . . . When any portion of the earth's surface begins to experience a dawn diminishing its darkness, it is because that portion is gradually turning round towards the sun, the centre of light fixed in the heavens. When any part of the earth lies away from the sun, and in proportion to the measure of its aversion, it is dark and cold, in proportion as it turns to him again its atmosphere grows clearer, until in its gradual progress it comes in sight of the sun, and its day is perfect then. So is the path of the just. Day is not perfect here in the believer's heart . . . but the machinery of the everlasting covenant is meantime going softly and silently as the motion of the spheres; and they that are Christ's here, whatever clouds dim their present prospect, are wearing every moment farther from the night, and nearer to the day.--_Arnot._ There is a day to be which shall be a day indeed, without cloud, without night, without morning, without evening. Unto this day leadeth the path of the righteous, and which going on, shineth more and more, until at last when it seemeth to go out, it shall be received into that light which never goeth out.--_Jermin._ Light is emblematical of _knowledge, holiness_, and _joy._ The three bear invariable proportion to each other--holiness springing from knowledge, and joy from both. . . . "The entrance of God's word gives light." But the entrance of this light into the mind is often, like the early dawn, feeble, glimmering, uncertain. . . . But it does not abide so. . . . He who is enlightened from above is eager for more of the blessed light. He thirsts for knowledge, and is on the alert to obtain it. . . . With growth in knowledge there is growth in holiness. At the first dawn of spiritual light some faint desires are felt after God and sanctity. These progressively increase, and they show their influence in the increase of practical godliness. . . . And joy is the natural attendant of spiritual illumination and inward sanctity. It, too, is progressive. Like the sun in every stage of his diurnal course, it may be overcast by occasional clouds. But as the sun appears the brighter on his emerging from the cloudy veil, so the trials of the just serve to give lustre to their virtues.--_Wardlaw._ Verse 19. It is interesting to note the resemblance between these words and those of our Lord (John xi. 10; xii. 35).--_Plumptre._