A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

And again, I will trust in him.] Verse 13 Seeing this sentence is contained in the 18. Psalm, vers. 2. we need not doubt but it is taken out thence. For besides that verse which S. Paul allegeth, Rom. 15.9. applying it to the kingdom of Christ, touching the vocation of the Gentiles, ¹the order of the argument thereof sufficiently shows that David there speaks under the person of another. For we shall scarcely see the ⟨p. 24⟩least shadow of that great and excellent majesty in David, which is there set forth with most magnificent terms. He boasts himself to have been placed the head over the nations: and that even strangers, and such as knew him not should of themselves submit their necks under him at the only hearing of his renown. Now David indeed with force of arms conquered some people which were neighbours & very well known, and made them tributaries unto him: but what is this in regard of the conquests of many other Kings besides? Moreover, where is that voluntary subjection? where are the people so far off, that he should not know them? In a word, where is that solemn publishing of the grace of God among the Gentiles, whereof the conclusion of the Psalm makes mention? It is Christ then undoubtedly who is ordained to be the head over divers nations, to whom strangers should submit themselves even from the ends of the earth, and that only by being moved with the report of him, that is to say, being touched with the hearing of the word. For they are not constrained to receive his yoke by force of arms, but being subjected by force of the doctrine, they willingly offer themselves to obey him. We do also see in the Church that same feigned and dissembling profession, whereof the Psalm speaketh. For many in all times do profess themselves to be of Christ; but it is not from the heart. Let us hold this then as a thing certain, that the text of this Psalm which the Apostle allegeth is fitly and properly expounded of Christ. But what is all this to the present purpose? Objection. For although Christ do trust in God, it seems it should not therefore follow that we and Christ are one. Answer. I answer, the argument is good: for if so be he had not been a man subject to humane necessities, he should have had no need of such trust. Seeing therefore that himself depends upon the help of God, he hath the same condition with us.