The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 73

-1,hould constantly come true is incredible. The ratio of probabilities is mathematically determinable. (3) That guesses should constantly come truo when hazarded in rela- tion to things extra.ordinary and supernatural is next thing to impossible. But tho subjects of Scripture prophecy are these very things. II. TRE PROPHEOIES OF SCRIPTURE, WHILE THEY CONCERN TIIINGR UNIQUE, ARl!I MI1''UTELY CIRCUMSTANTIAL, 1. Those concerning Messiah answer this description. (1) Never before his appearance was there any person to compare with him. Never since. He was unique in all points. (2) Yet was he very fully described in prophecy. As the stream of time flowed on since the first utterance (Gen. iii. 15), feature became added to feature by successive seers, until the collective testimony presents a proto- biography wonderfully complete. 2. Witness the sample respecting his infancy here given. (1) His incarnation by a virgin mother of the family of David (cf. eh. i. 22- 24 with Isa. vii. 13, 14). (2) The occurrence of this stupendous event in the town of Bethlehem of Judah (cf. vers. 5, 6 with Micah v. 2). (3) The appearance of a star by whlch the Magi were guided in accordance with Balsam's paraole (see Numb. xxiv. 15 -19). (4) The slaughter of the innocents (cf. vers. 16-18 with Jer. :xxxi. 15-17). (5) The deliverance of Jesus from that slaughter, which prophecy required, as he had to fulfil many predictions there written (see Luke xxiv. 44-48). (6) The flight into Egypt (cf. vers. 13-15, 19-21, with Exod. iv. 22, 23; Hos. xi.1). (7) The residence in Nazareth of Galilee, in connection with which he came to be called a Nazarene. W onderfnl is the credulity of that unbelief whlch can see nothing in such a tissue of evidence. 3. But where in prophecy u he ducribed a, a Nazarene1 (1) We may find this in the law of the Naza.rite ta.ken a.s a prophecy. (2) Therefore also in those Na.za.rites, such as Samson, who must be viewed as typical persons (see Judg. xiii. 5- 7; xvi. 17). Note: Jesus was in spirit, not in the letter, a Nazarite (see eh. xi. 18, 19). (3) We may also find it in those prophecies which set forth the humiliation and odium to which Messiah was to be subjected. For the name "Nazarene" became a term of reproach (cf. John i 14; see also Ps. x.x:ii. 6; lxix. 6-10; Isa. !iii. 3, 12). (4) If" Nazarene" be derived from ,n, this word signifies not only "to separate," but also "to crown." When Pilate in scorn set over Jesus the inscription," Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," Jesus was then in derision also crowned, viz. with thorns. God makes the very derision of his enemies to praise him. III. THINoB NOT FORETOLD ARE YET FOREKNOWN. 1. The knowledge of things fore- told implies a foreknowl,edge also of things to be historically interwoven with them. (1) Thua a foreknowledge of the slaughter of the innocents implies a foreknowledge also of Herod, his character, and resources. (2) The time of Herod's death also must have been foreknown, since the return of Jesus from Egypt, a thing foretold, was historically made contingent upon it. (3) The succession of Archelaus to the throne of Herod must likewise have been foreknown, for the retirement of Jesus into Nazareth of Gali- lee, a thing foretold, was historically made contingent upon this. Archelaus, as Ethna.rch (by courtesy called King) of J nwea, would be likely to inherit bis f~ther's jealousy and caution, as he was well known to have inherited bis cruelty and tyranny (see Josephus,' Ant.,' xvii. c. 10). 2. Thu., the foreknowl,edge of things interwoven with things foretold implies a correspunding foreknowledge of things interwoven with these. (1) This follows by the same rnle. Bo in turn of things interwoven with these. Thus a perfect knowledge of anything must involve a perfect knowledge of everything. (2) Buch, therefore, is the intelligence of Divine providence as witnessed in the evidence of prophecy. Such intelligence may be imvlicitly trusted for guidance. Such guidance should be earnestly sought. IV. THERE IB A PROVIDENCE OF HISTORY AB WELL AB OF PllOPREOY, 1. God la not tsimply an Omniscient Spectator. (1) He was more than a Spectator when he inspired his prophets. (2) He is also a Worker in history. 2. Jnstcuncu of his direct interference with the factors of history are here rooorded. He interfered: (1) To pre- vent the Magi from returning to Herod. (2) To prompt Joseph to fly into Egypt. (3) To direct the return of the holy family from Egypt. (4) '£0 instruct their retirement into Galilee. (5) To provide, viz. in the gifts of the Magi, for their subsistence. 3. This intervention was neassary to the fulfilment of prophecy. (1) 'l'he same Being who inspired the predictions wrought in their accomplishment. He let none of the words of his prophets fa.11 to_ the ground {cf. 1 Sam. iii. 19; ix, 6). (2) If prophecy CH, u. 1-23.J THE ·GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTIIEW. 61-