And here it is worthy of notice, that we see in this appeal what was the interpretation which the Jews of that day put upon the psalm before us. They all understood it as relating to the Messiah : and all the attempts of modern Jews to put any other construction upon it are futile in the extreme.
But by comparing the parallel passage in St. Mark, we see what the Jews of that day thought of the doctrine of the Trinity*^. Our Lord speaks of the Holy Ghost as inspiring David, (which none but Jehovah could do,) to declare what Jehovah the Father had said to Jehovah the Son. If the doctrine of the Trinity had not been received among them, would they have been silent, and not known what to answer him ? And would they from this time have been deterred by it from asking him any more ques- tions ?
Be it known then, that Christ is very God, and very man : he is that " Word, who was in the beginning with God, and was God*^;" " God manifest in the flesh*." He is, as the prophet calls him, " the Mighty God V or as St. Paul calls him, " the Great God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ^," " God over all blessed for ever^."]
The Psalmist now addressing himself to the Messiah, proclaims to him the success that should attend him in the execution of all,
II. His offices —
The second and third verses may undoubtedly be applied to his regal office, because they speak of his *' ruling in the midst of his enemies :" but, if we con- sider
*■ Matt. xxii. 41—46. "^ Mark xii. 35—37. "^ John i. 1, 14.
• 1 Tim. iii. l6. ' Isai. ix. 6. « Tit. ii. 13. " Rom. ix. 5.