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…

Again, I will be his father, &c.] In this second testimony, that which we have noted ought also to have place: that is, howsoever Solomon is here chiefly meant (who otherwise was less than the Angels) yet notwithstanding he is now separated from the common order of all men, in that God promiseth him that he will be his Father: for God was not reckoned his father, as being one of the sons of Abraham, or as to some of the Princes, but to him which was more excellent than any other. So that look by what privilege he is established Gods son, by the same privilege all others are shut out from having equal degree of honour with him. Now it appears by the whole text, that this is no otherwise said of Solomon, but as he was a figure of Christ: for the rule and government of the whole world is destinate to this Son, of whom he there speaks: and a perpetuity of government is promised unto him. On the contrary, we may see that Solomons kingdom was bounded ⟨p. 19⟩within strait limits: and so far was it off from enduring long, that by and by after his death it was divided; and a little after that fell to ruin. Yet in the Psalm, the Sun and the Moon are called forth for witnesses; and the Lord himself sweareth that this kingdom shall remain safe and unmoveable, as long as they shall shine in the firmament. Contrariwise the kingdom of David fell to decay not long after, and in the end was clean abolished. Moreover, it may be gathered from many places of the Prophets, that this promise was never otherwise meant than of Christ. So as none can cavil, that we have coined a new exposition: for this kind of speech where they call Christ the son of David, was usually received among the Jews.

Againe, I will be his father, &c.] In this second testimonie, that which we haue noted ought also to haue place: that is, howsoeuer Salomon is here chiefly meant (who otherwise was lesse than the Angels) yet notwithstanding he is now separated from the common order of all men, in that God promiseth him that he will be his Father: for God was not reckoned his father, as being one of the sonnes of Abraham, or as to some of the Princes, but to him which was more excellent than any other. So that looke by what priuiledge hee is established Gods sonne, by the same priuiledge all others are shut out from hauing equall degree of honour with him. Now it appeares by the whole text, that this is no otherwise said of Salomon, but as he was a figure of Christ: for the rule and gouernment of the whole world is destinate to this Sonne, of whom hee there speakes: and a perpetuitie of gouernment is promised vnto him. On the contrarie, wee may see that Salomons kingdome was bounded