117 God Exhorts the Jews

God describes them as those that follow after righteousness. This is not the righteousness of fearful obedience to the law. This is the imputed righteousness of Christ. It is best described as that which consists of His active and passive obedience wherein He is the author and provider. This is the righteousness of faith, and it is that which brings salvation. These saved persons are now called to hearken to the Lord. They will be provided comfort in the coming Messianic Kingdom. The Promise of Future Blessing for Zion is found in the first three verses of this chapter. This comforting prophecy of Israel's destiny is directed toward the faithful of the nation, who addressed by the Lord when He says, "Listen to Me" as those who follow after Him. They cultivate God's will which is a manifestation of the imputed inward righteousness. They then obey God in an outward manifestation of that righteousness before others, and earnestly seek the Lord, striving to do His will in all things. They are the faithful remnant that made it through the Tribulation are saved by the Lord Christ, for life and salvation, which will result in membership in the Kingdom of God on the earth.