The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 213

h_im w?o ie now eet over the house of ~od. Thi? latter type will reappear for further d1ecues1on, and therefore we rest upon this declarat10n of the eternal will which appoint~ tho Redeemer to be the High Priest for the race of mankind. It is the will of God which ie declared in solemn prophecy; and if he speaks, it is done;" he commands, a.nd tt stands fast." Ill. THE CONSECRATION OF CHRIST TO BIB DIVINE OFFICE AB A PRIEST. The consecra- tion of Aaron a.nd the priests of the Mosaic Law was very elaborate and impressive but was unaccompanied with any distress of mind and suffering of the flesh. The so~ship of our Lord was eternal, and ae a Son he came from heaven to assume our nature and pass through a career of sorrow and bitter experience, that he might learn and prove his obedience to his Father. "He took upon him the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death." Ae he approached the close of his public ministry the agonies of his soul began to multiply in number and increase in intensity. His prayer m Geth• semane was probably present to the mind of the writer, where he was sorrowful even unto death, and implored, if it were possible," that the cup might pass from him." He nttered his prayers with strong crying and tears. The usual manner of 011r Lord's teaching was quiet and gentle, for be did not lift up his voice nor cause it to be beard in the streets; but in the dire and inscrutable distress which came upon him, like Jacob in bis mysterious wrestling, he wept and made supplication. He was heard on account of his godly fear or piety. It may be-for we would be cautious and reverential -that he was saved from death in Gethsemane, where he sweat "as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground," by the ministry of a mighty angel like Gabriel or Michael; or that he was delivered from the insupportable fear of the death of shame .and agony which lay before him on Calvary. He was heard for his piety, and came off more than a conqueror. Whatever mystery surrounds this solemn fact, the lesson is obvious that disciples must learn obedience in imitation of their Master; that, having overcome, they may sit down with him in hie throne. "Through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom." Having borne the sorrow, he has obtained the joy that was set before him, and being now consecrated by his sufferings and death, he is perfectly :fitted for his mediatorial office, and becomes the Author of eternal salvation to all his obedient followers, and leads them onward to the glory of an immortal life. This is the highest and most glorious illustration of the methods of that grace which was seen in the life of Joseph, into whose soul the iron entered, whom the word of the Lord tried; but afterwards he shone in the light of wisdom, became the saviour of millions from the pangs of famine and death, kept alive the chosen seed, and prepared for the higher revelations of Horeb and Calvary. To obviate any doubts which might arise from so profound a humiliation on the part of Jesus Christ, it is repeated that he was" called of God e. High Priest after the order of Melchizedek."-B.