Here we have union of hope with the Jews. They indeed are looking for earthly glory: their city and temple being rebuilt, part of the future blessing (Zech. 14:8–11). And we also look forward to see the earth “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Hab. 2:14), while our own immediate portion in the heavenly glory is our peculiar hope. Both earthly and heavenly glories meet in Jesus, and will be manifested when He comes. He is the Head of both. “The counsel of peace” is between Jehovah and Jesus.

But where is Jesus now? As “the man whose name is The BRANCH,” the “priest on His throne,” an earthly throne He does not yet rule. Peace is not yet established upon the earth; for Satan is yet exercising his power. But there is a throne upon which He does sit. He has sat down upon the “Father’s throne,” “at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” and that “when He had by Himself purged our sins”; there He is as the High Priest of His people. And thus is given to us a plain revelation of “the counsel of peace.” Peace is our portion even now. We are set in the exercise of faith, by which we know and have this peace in our souls while waiting for its establishment on the earth and the time of the manifested glory.

There is a “counsel of peace” that belongs to us, an assured peace; peace indeed in the midst of present trouble, but still God’s peace. If it were not God’s peace, it would be good for nothing. I may, it is true, have my spirit much disturbed and know trial of heart, but still I have a title to perfect peace in the midst of it all, not only peace with God, but “the peace of God” to rule my heart in every trial (Phil. 4:6, 7).