enemies in derision'. " His dominion is an everlasting domi- nion, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed*^."]
II. In the benefits resulting from his administration — ■
[A wise and righteous governor is a rich blessing, as well to the prince who appoints him, as to the people whom he governs. Such was Eliakim ; who was most probably of the royal seed ; since it would not otherwise have been any virtue in him to seek with so much diligence the exaltation of his father's house.
But in what an infinitely higher degree do the benefits of Christ's administration appear !
Was Eliakim " a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah ? " What a blessing is Christ also to the world at large ! As, in a state, all are benefited by a wise administration, though many are insensible to the bless- ings they enjoy ; so the world is much indebted to the reve- lation which Christ has given us, and to his wise government of the universe, though they deny his providence, and despise his grace
Was Eliakim " a nail, on which all the vessels of his father's house hung " in safety ? What security does Christ afford to his dependants in particular ! The various orders and degrees of Christians are elsewhere compared to vessels of various kinds'; and every one of them, from the greatest to the least, hangs upon him : were He to fall, they would perish ; but as long as He stands, they shall be upheld : " because He liveth they shall live also™"
Was Eliakim "a glorious throne to his father's house?" Jesus also, by his righteous administration, advances the glory of his heavenly Father. In ascribing to Jesus the power and dominion over all, we do not derogate from the Father's honour, but add to it". His mediatorial office he holds from the Father, and improves it, in every instance, for his glory. Whether he open or shut, whether he kill or save alive, every perfection of
the Deity receives blighter lustre from the dispensation
and gives reason for unbounded thankfulness to God, for having *' committed all judgment to his Son," and " laid our help upon One so Mighty"."]
We cannot improve this subject better, than by learning from it,
1. To renounce all creature-dependence —
[Great as the power of Shebna was, both he, and all his dependants, were brought down in God's appointed time ; and
i Ps. ii. 1—4. k Dan. vii. 14. ' 2 Tim. ii. 20, 21.
m John xiv. 19. " Phil. ii. 1 1 . « Ps. Ixxxix. 19.