The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible
2. David and his Seed must Rule over Israel Religiously as well as Righteously, Ruling in the Fear of God. They must not Gallio -like, cast off all care of the affairs of God and Religion, but rather make these things their primary scope and intendment, and all Politicals subordinate and subservient thereunto.
The fear of God is used in Scripture in various Acceptations. Especially, as to our present purpose, it denotes; 1. The Object Feared, viz. God himself. Bring presents to the FEAR, Psal. 76. 11. So God is styled, The FEAR of Isaac, Gen. 31. 42, 53. 2. The Rule or Law prescribing and directing in the true Fear of God, Psal. 19. 9. 3. The whole Course and way of God's true Religion and Service, Eccles. 12. 13. Job 1. 9. Act. 9. 31. In this sense it is used very frequently. And these are the proper fruits▪ effects and acts of the true Fear of God implanted in man. 4. The Inward Habit or Principle of God's Fear engraven upon the Sanctified heart, whereby the heart is inclined and disposed to have an awful reverential respect to God, to his whole will and all his ways: to forbear what he forbids, to perform what he prescribes, &c. I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. 5. The Affection of Fear in the heart, whereby a man is disposed to be afraid of God's dreadful or terrible manifestation of his Majesty and Greatness. As Moses at Mount Sinai said; I exceedingly fear and quake, so terrible was the sight. Most of these acceptations, especially the four first, are of use here.
To Rule in the Fear of God therefore doth principally comprize in it these things: viz. I. To have the Heart and Spirit graciously and effectually principled with the Fear of God, whereby Rulers are inclined to have an awful eye and respect to God, his will, and ways in all their Government, and this with a good conscience, Gen. 42. 18. This Fear makes the Persons of Rulers religious, and consequently their Government religious, 2 Chron. 17. 3, 4, 5, 6. 2 Chron. 34. 3, &c. II. To Manage the whole Rule and Government according to the word of God, the Rule and measure of God's Fear: not according to carnal Rules of Policy inconsistent with God's word. Hence God appointed all the Kings of Israel to have a Copy of God's Law by them, to read therein continually, that they might manage their Government in God's Fear accordingly, Deut. 17. 18, 19, 20. III. To make it the Primary Scope, intent and End of all their Ruling, to advance the Glory of God, and of Jesus Christ, to advantage the Spiritual welfare of his Church, and to further every way the Prosperity of the Gospel and true Religion, Rom. 13. 3, 4. Isa. 60. 10, 16. 1 Tim. 2. 2. The Centuriators observe well Seeing Magistrates are in Holy Scriptures called God's, their first and chiefest care of all should be, in such sort to serve God, as that his Kingdom may appear, Grow and be Preserved in their Dominions. Common-wealths are for the Church, not the Church for Commonwealths: they are but Hospitia Ecclesiae, the Churches Inns. Rulers are for God: not God for Rulers. Rulers usually prosper no longer in their Civils, then they take care for the prosperity of Religion and Spirituals. I remember not that any Kings in Israel or Judah are commended by God in Scripture for ruling righteously, but only those who ruled Religiously. Their chief zeal and all their prime endeavors should run out this way: as Jehoshaphat's heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD. Oh! How many ways may, yea ought, the supreme Ruler to improve his Authority for advancing the Interest of God, of Jesus Christ, of his Church, of his Gospel, and of Christian Religion, by Ruling in the fear of God, As a Nursing Father of the Church! Isa. 49. 23. As; 1. By encouraging and countenancing the public use of all God's Ordinances and public exercise of all Duties of Religion within his Dominions, 2 Chron. 15. 9, to 16. and 20. 7, 8, 9. and 29, 30, 31, 34, and 35. Chapters. Deut. 17. 18, 19, 20, 2. By removing all external Impediments to true Religion in Doctrine, worship, Discipline, &c. as Heresy, Idolatry, Profaneness, Persecution, &c. Deut. 13. 1, to 6. Zech. 13. 3. 1 Kings 15. 14. with 2 Chro. 19. 17. 1 Kings 22. 44. 2 Kings 12. 3. 2 Chron. 15. 8, 16. and 17. 3, 4, 6, to 10. 2 Kings 23. 8, 13, 19, 20, 24, 25. 3. By Reforming the Church, when the Truth, worship or Ordinances of Jesus Christ are contemned, corrupted, polluted, &c. Exod. 32. Josh. 24. 2 Chron. 15. and 17. 2 Kings 18. and 23. as did Zerubbabel and Nehemiah in their days. 4. By calling together Councils and Synods to consult and conclude according to the Word, how the Church should be reformed, and all the Affairs of Religion duly managed, 1 Chron. 13. 1, 2. 1 Chron. 23. 1, 2. 1 Kings 8. 1. 2 Chron. 29. 4. 2 Kings 23. 1, 2. Rom. 13. 1, 2, 3. 1 Tim. 2. 2. which persons so convocated must be such as the Scriptures allow to consult and conclude in like cases. 5. By strengthening the Laws and Ordinances of God and Jesus Christ with his Civil Sanction, commanding them under Civil penalties to be duly observed, 2 Chron. 34. 33. Nehem. 12. 13, &c. Dan. 3. 28, 29. and 6. 26, 27. As Hezekiah took care that Priests, Levites and People should respectively perform their Duties, 2 Chron. 29. 5, 24. and 30. 1. 6. By furnishing and supplying the Church of Christ with all Outward Necessaries and helps to the greater Prosperity of Religion: as convenient Places for public worship, Honorable Maintenance for the Ministers of the Gospel, &c. 1 Chron. 22. 2 Chron. 3. 1, &c. and 34. 1 Tim. 5. 17, 18. 1 Cor. 9. 6, to 15. with 2 Chron. 31. 4. to 9. 7. Finally, By punishing offenders, as well against the First, as against the Second Table, with Civil Mulcts or Penalties, that the Sacred Ordinances and ways of God may be vindicated from Contempt and Prophanation, Deut. 13. 1, to 61. Zech. 13. 3. Deut. 21. 18, 19, 20, 21. Gen. 9. 6. with Numb. 35. 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. and Deut. 10. 11, 12, 13. Levite. 20. 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, to 25. Exod. 22. 1, to 15. Deut. 19. 16, &c.
Now David and his Seed were to Rule over Israel Righteously and Religiously, as hath been described, for these Reasons especially. 1. Because, David and his Seed, in their Rule over Israel, were God's Kings, Deputies, and Vice-gerents, over God's peculiar Common-wealth. 2. Because the Righteous and Religious Rule of Supreme Governors or Rulers is most pleasing to God. How exceedingly hath God commended the pious and religious Government of David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, &c. but condemned the contrary wicked reign of others! And how abundantly hath the Lord testified his approbation of righteous Judgment, Isa. 1. 17, 18, 19, 20. Ier. 5. 1. Hence Solomon said, To do Justice and Judgment, is more acceptable to the LORD then Sacrifice. 3. Because David and his Seed in their Religious and Righteous Ruling were to be special and Eminent Types of Jesus Christ the most Godly and Righteous Ruler in his Spiritual Kingdom.
This Covenant-Duty of Ruling Israel Righteously and Religiously, was performed, I. By David himself, who fed Israel according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. He Ruled them Religiously. This was his Primary Design and scope in his Government to advance God's true Religion. Hence, 1. He was most zealously affected to the Ark of God's Covenant, the Eminent token of God's presence, to prepare a place for it, and to bring it and settle it in his place, Psal. 132. 1, to 11. 1 Chron. 15, throughout, and 16. throughout, 2. He appointed certain Levites and Priests to Minister before the Ark continually, and delivered into the hand of Asaph on that day an excellent Psalm wherewith to thank the LORD, 1 Chron. 16. 4, to the end. 3. He had it in his heart to build a Resting-place for the Ark, a Temple for the Lord: with which the Lord was so pleased, that thereupon he revealed this Covenant by Nathan to David, 1 Chron. 17. 1, &c. although he would not suffer David to build the House. 4. He notwithstanding so set his heart to the House and worship of his God, that he prepared abundantly for the building of the Temple, 1 Chron. 22. 5. He appointed the Courses and Divisions of the Levites, of the Priests, of the Singers, and of the Porters, for the service of God in the Temple when it should be built, 1 Chron. chap. 23. 24, 25, 26. 6. He instructed and encouraged Solomon to the building of the Temple, giving him the Pattern thereof which he had from the Lord, •… Chron. 28. 7. And Finally, He by his own example notably excited the Princes of Israel to offer liberally towards the building of God's House: blessing God that had inclined him and them to offer so willingly, and praying for Solomon that he might be upright and perfect, and that he might build the House for which David had prepared, 1 Chron. 29. throughout. Thus David Ruled Religiously. He ruled also the people •… srael, Righteously. Psal. 101. throughout. II. By Solomon, and other Godly Kings of Judah after him, as Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, &c. who ruled righteously and religiously in the fear of God. King Solomon, He ruled Religiously: For, 1. He built the Temple on Mount Moriah at Jerusalem, most magnifically according to the Pattern given him, 2 Chron. 3. 1▪ &c. and 4. chap. throughout. 2. He most solemnly dedicated the Temple built, with Praises, Prayers and Sacrifices before all •… srael: The Lord most graciously answering his Prayers, and accepting his Sacrifices; 2 Chron. chap. 5, 6, 7. throughout. He Ruled also Righteously. For, 1. He caused Adonijah to be put to Death, Abiather the Priest to be deposed and turned out of the Priesthood, and Joab to be slain at the Horns of the Altar, for their Combination in Sedition and Treason against the Crown, and other offenses. 2. He confined Shimei for cursing and reviling his Father King David, and afterwards put him to death being found without the bounds of his Confinement. 3. He wisely, as well as justly, decided the Controversy betwixt the two Harlots about the living child▪ and gave it to the right Mother. III. By Jesus Christ especially, the Conditioned Duties of this Covenant had their fullest and exactest accomplishment. David and his Seed, even the most religious and righteous of them had their failings and miscarriages, as their Histories abundantly declare. But Jesus Christ the Primary Seed of David, fully kept God's Covenant and all his charge, walked most Religiously and Righteously in his Spiritual Kingdom over the House of Jacob: As the Prophets under the Old Testament Promised, and the Apostles with other Holy Penmen of the New Testament declare to be Performed by him.
This Aphorism, touching the Matter and Substance of this Covenant, I close up briefly with these ensuing Inferences.
Inferences.
I. Hence, The Goodness and bounty of God was singularly discovered and Testified in this Covenant to David and his Seed. What variety and excellency of Covenant-Mercies and Blessings are herein Assured to David, to his Seed, and to their Subjects with respect unto them. 1. God's subduing of all his enemies; 2. His Strengthening and Establishing him; 3. His Enlargement of his Glory and Dominion; 4. God's sweet Covenant-Relations to him; 5. His fulfilling of his days; 6. God's building him an House, by perpetuating and enthroning of his Seed forever; 7. God's Fatherly Relation unto his Seed; 8 The Honor cast upon his Seed to build God an House, 9. God's Establishment of his Seed in his Kingdom forever; 1 0. God's constancy of lovingkindness and faithfulness to his Seed, yet with chastisements for their Miscarriages; 1 1. God's Habitation in Zion forever; 1 2. Israel's secure establishment in Canaan thereupon, and 1 3. Their singular Prosperity both in Temporals and Spirituals. These, these are the Covenant-Mercies promised to David and his Seed in this Covenant. Any one, even the least of these, was a great fruit and evidence of God's bounty to them: How much more this whole Bundle and Heap of Blessings together.
Hereupon, when Nathan first revealed this Covenant from God to David, how was David affected and transported with joy and admiration of God's Goodness and his Grace! He presently went, and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I O Lord GOD? and what is my House, that thou hast brought me Hitherto? And this was yet a small thing in thy sight O Lord GOD: but thou hast spoken also of thy servants House for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? And what can David say more unto thee! For thou Lord GOD knowest thy servant. For thy Words sake, and according to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them, &c, Oh, how pathetically zealously and thankfully doth David herein express himself to God for all his Covenant-goodness! with what raised, ravished, and astonished affections! More particularly, In this his Address to God, note; I. His Praise. He Praiseth God for his Goodness, Partly to himself: And this 1. For time past. That God had brought him hitherto; to such victories, to such Preferment, to such a Throne and Kingdom. and this notwithstanding the Extream unworthiness both of David and his House, 2 Sam. 7. 18. 2. For time present and to come, That God had superadded this excellent Covenant over and above all former favors (as if they had been small matters,) therein assuring David of the Happiness of his House for all time to come. This is amplified, ( 1 ) By the superabounding bountifulness of God therein. ( 2 ) By the familiarity of God's dealing with David in such a Covenant-way. ver. 19. (3) By the unutterableness of this Mercy, silencing David himself. ver. 20. (4) By the Moving Causes inclining God both to do these Great-things for David, and to make them known in this sort to David: viz. His Word Christ, and His own heart, his meet Grace and good-pleasure of his will, ver. 21. (5) By his thankful acknowledgment of God's matchless greatness, ver. 22. Partly, to his people Israel, In Redeeming them out of Egypt, and making them his people, ver. 23, 24. II. His Prayer. He prays, That God would perform all his Covenanted Goodness, to him, and to his House forever, ver. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29. Thus David admired and extolled the rich bounty and goodness of the Lord to him and his Seed in this Covenant.
II. Hence, The Privileges of David and his Seed were greatly heightened and advanced by this Covenant. By the Sinai-Covenant or Old-Testament, The People of Israel, and with them David and his House, were Eminently privileged above all the People and Nations of the world: as the Scriptures often testify. But by this present Covenant David and his House were peculiarly Priviledged above all the House of Israel itself. To them it was peculiarly Directed; Upon them it was peculiarly fulfilled▪ and in reference unto them some Promises therein are extended to Israel their Subjects. In this regard, Israel was as the Jewel of God, his Segullah: David and his Seed, were as the Orient-sparks and precious Garnish of this Jewel: And Christ the Primary Seed of David, was the great and peerless Gemm in that Garnish.
III. Hence, As by this Covenant God settled and established Royal favors and dignities upon David and his Seed: So by this Covenanted▪ he expected and required Royal Returns of Duty and Homage to himself from David and his Seed. God hereby made them great Kings over men: but yet they must still remain Subjects to himself the King of Kings. They shall Rule over men: but so, as God will still Rule over them; They must remain still Subject to his Covenant-Commandments, Statutes and Judgments. They must so Rule: as yet to be Ruled. They must so be Kings: as yet to remain Subjects. They must so be in Authority: as yet to be under Authority. When this Loyalty and Covenant-Duty to God was forgotten by David or any of his Seed, how sadly and severely did God chastise those miscarriages?
IIII. Hence, The Nature of this Covenant with David and his Seed was partly Absolute and partly Conditional. Absolute in regard of the Perpetuity of the Covenant, The perpetuity of his Seed upon his Throne, and some other Promises as having only their full accomplishment in Jesus Christ. But Conditional in regard of other Promises more immediately applicable to David's ordinary Seed: which were to be performed, if they kept God's Covenant and Commandments. Therefore hence it came to pass, that David and his Seed sundry ways failing in their Covenant-Duty, God chastized them severely, and eclipsed the glory of their Kingdom often and sometimes extremely, as in a case of the 10. Tribes revolt, and Judah's captivity in Babylon, which seemed to be a sad violation of God's Covenant. But the Lord was still righteous and faithful in his Promises of absolute nature. The substance of the Covenant remained still inviolable, till at last it had its entire accomplishment in Jesus Christ. In what sense we are to understand Covenant-Conditions, and how such Conditions are no way inconsistent with God's free grace, hath been elsewhere already expounded.
V. Hence, The grand and most observable Occurrents under this Covenant with David, were, God's Establishing and Continuing of the Royal Government over Israel, His appropriating of the Throne to David's Seed of whom Christ should descend according to the flesh, The Glory of that Kingdom in the days of Solomon, and The most magnifical building of the Temple by Solomon at Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah.
VI. Hence, The fidelity of God to David and his Seed according to this Covenant was very conspicuous. For, How notably did God, (as hath been shown) perform all Covenanted-blessings, either upon David or his Ordinary Seed, or his extraordinary Seed Christ, or upon the subjects of his Kingdom. Not one Promise failed, or fell to the ground.
VII. Hence, The Primary scope and intent of this Covenant was to Reveal Jesus Christ as the chief Seed of David, and the Perpetuity of his Kingdom▪ over the Church of God for evermore. This is the Sea, whither all the streams of the Covenant flow: This is the Center where all the Promise-lines of the Covenant meet. Christ is the marrow and soul of this, as of all their Covenants of Faith. Those that do not intentively fix their eye upon Christ in this Covenant, they utterly miss the scope, and mistake the mystery of this Covenant.
Thus of the Subject, Matter or Substance of this Covenant, viz. The Covenant-Mercies Promised on the part of God, and The Covenant-Duties re-promised on the part of David and his Seed.
APHORISM V. 5. The Form of this Covenant with David and his Seed.
THE Form of God's Covenant with David and his Seed, was either, Inward and Essential, in the mutual obligation betwixt the Federates: Or Outward and Accidental, in the Manifestation, Confirmation and Administration of this Covenant. This Aphorism I briefly thus Explain.
I. The more Inward Essential and Constitutive Form of this Covenant with David consisted in the reciprocal Covenant-Obligation betwixt the Federates; viz. Betwixt God on the one hand, by his Promises of sundry Federal Mercies, and David and his Seed on the other hand, by their Re-stipulating of divers Covenant-Duties. Which Mercies Promised, and Duties re-promised, have been at large unfolded in the last fore-going Aphorism. Without such reciprocal Covenant-Obligation, plainly expressed, or at least necessarily implied, there can be properly no Covenant. This is that which makes the Specifical Difference betwixt Covenants and bare naked Promises. The Obligation of a bare Promise is Single and Personal, but the Obligation of a Covenant is double and reciprocal.
II. The more Outward and Accidental Form of this Covenant, Consisted in the ( 1 ) Manifestation, ( 2 ) Confirmation, and (3) Administration thereof.
1. The Manifestation of this Covenant to David from God was not Immediate, but Mediate. God Revealed it to the Prophet Nathan by vision, which vision is there at large recorded: And Nathan accordingly declared it unto David, upon Occasion of David's purpose to build God an House. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David— Then thou spakest in vision to thine Holy-one, &c. A vision, or Sight, is often mentioned in Scripture, It is of several sorts▪ viz. I. An afflicting vision: One sort of Job's Afflictions; Thou scarest me with Dreams, and terrifiest me with night-visions. Not here meant. II. An Instructing, Consolatory, or Prophetical vision. This was one of God's ways whereby he was wont both before and since Christ to Reveal unto men things Secret or Future, affecting their Senses and Intellectuals with certain Outward objects and sensible Species to that end. And such visions are usually represented to men in a Trance, Rapture, Deep sleep, &c. they usually fall down upon their faces to the ground, as stupid, senseless, and Dead men. So, A Trance, or Deep sleep fell upon Abraham; Daniel was afraid, and fell on his face, and was in a deep sleep with his face towards the ground: Ezekiel fell on his face: Ezek. 1. 28. and 3. 23. and 43. 3. and 44. 4. Thus, Peter fell into a Trance,, when he had that vision of a sheet from heaven, teaching him to go and preach to the Gentiles. John was ravished in Spirit, when he Received his Revelation from Christ, who when he saw him fell at his feet, as dead. Such this Vision of Nathan here, wherein God revealed to him this Covenant. In this sense vision is taken, 1. Properly, for the Act of Seeing that which God thus Reveals; or God's way of visional Manifestation of his will, Psal. 89. 19. 2. Metonymically for the Instruction, Prophecy, or Mystery thus Revealed and seen. Isa. 1. 1. 2 Chron. 32. 32. 2 Sam. 7. 17. 3. Synecdochically, for all manner of ways whereby God makes known his will; as 1 Sam. 3. 1. Lam. 2. 9. 2 King. 17. 3. Joel 2. 28. with Act. 2. 17. 4. Catachrestically, or abusively for false and counterfeit pretences of visions. Zach. 13. 4. vision of falsehood. Ier. 14. 14. vision of vanity. Ezek. 12. 24. and 13. 6, 7. vision of their own heart. Ier. 23. 16. But this vision of Nathan was a Real and purely Divine vision: and consequently this Covenant of infallible Divine Authority.
2. The Confirmation of this Covenant by God to David and his Seed, was various; Especially fourfold, viz. By Ratifying Promises: By God's Sacred Oath; By explanatory Repetitions thereof; and By actual accomplishments thereof in part.
( 1 ) By Ratifying Promises. Some Promises, appertaining to this Covenant, lead peculiarly to assure David of the Infallibility and Perpetuity of this Covenant: which may therefore be justly styled, Ratifying Promises. They are comprised in Psal. 89. 28, 29, 33, 34, 35. and have been formerly opened in the seventh Promised Mercy to David. Thus God adds Promise to Promise: and binds one Promise with another.
( 2 ) By God's Sacred Oath. God's Promise and Oath are two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lie; and God willing more abundantly to show to David and his Seed, the immutability of his Counsel, he confirmed this Covenant by these two, that David and his Seed might have strong Consolation thereby. I have sworn to David my servant, Once have I sworn by mine Holiness, that I will not lie unto David. The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David, he will not turn from it. But of this Oath I have spoken in the former Aphorism.
( 3 ) By Explanatory Repetitions of this Covenant. God caused this Covenant not only to be twice recorded in Terms at large: but also divers times Recites and explains the same in other Scriptures both of Old and New Testament; especially in those three observable places, which are a threefold Commentary upon this Covenant; viz. Psal. 89. throughout. Psal. 132. 11. to the end. and 2 Sam. 23. 1, to 8. Now in all such places as either Cite, Recite, or Expound this Covenant; it is notably confirmed and stablished. The Covenant is doubled, trebled, &c. for the greater certainty and unquestionable stability. These Scriptures have been opened in the matter of this Covenant. Aphorism 4.
( 4 ) Finally, by God's actual accomplishments of the Promises of this Covenant by degrees. Some were fulfilled in David's days: as God's subduing all his enemies, strengthening and stablishing him, His enlarging his Glory and Dominion, His sweet Covenant-Relation, Fulfilling of his days, Building up his House after him in raising up his Seed. Some were fulfilled in the days of his Seed: as, God's Fatherly Relation to his 〈◊〉 The building God an House, Establishment of his Seed upon 〈◊〉 Throne, Constancy of his faithfulness to them, &c. All which I have formerly unfolded. Now all these Gradual accomplishments of this Covenant upon David and his Seed, were as so many infallible seals to the Truth and faithfulness thereof, and as so many Earnests, handsels and first-fruits, assuring the like performances of all Promises for the future, till they all should have their grand and highest accomplishment in JESUS CHRIST the chief Son and Seed of DAVID.
3. The Administration of this Covenant with David and his Seed, was in effect the same with that of the Sinai- Covenant (which remained in force till the Death of Jesus Christ:) viz. 1. By the Levitical Priesthood as the fixed and standing Ministry of the Old-Testament. 2. By the Levitical Sacrifices and all other the Ceremonial and Typical Ordinances of God. 3. By the Typical and worldly Sanctuary; As also, 4. By the Ordinary Covenant-tokens, Circumcision and the Pass-over, Instituted under God's Covenant with Abraham, but continued under the Sinai Covenant even til the Death of Jesus Christ. Notwithstanding in some respects this Administration admitted of some Perfective Alterations under this Covenant with David. For, 1. The public place of God's solemn worship, which was formerly an Ambulatory and moving Tabernacle, during Israel's moving and unsettled Condition, was now a fixed and most magnifical Temple at Jerusalem, suitable to the fixed Condition of Israel now peaceably possessing their promised Rest. 2. The Priests, Levites, Singers and Porters, even all the Levitical Ministry, were more completely settled in their fixed Courses of Ministration. 3. The Promises of this Covenant run in a more Royal strain, touching the Kingdom and Kingly Seed of David: having more peculiar tendency to Jesus Christ the Son of David, that should be Lord of Lord's and King of Kings. 4. The Political Government of the Common-wealth of Israel, was now changed from that by Judges, to that by Kings.
Inferences.
1. Hence, When David or his Seed failed in their Covenant-Duty towards God, they sinned against the very Constitutive Form and Essence of this Covenant, viz. the Mutual obligation betwixt God and them. And offending against the very life and being of the Covenant, it was just with God to chastise them, and cut them short in such Covenant blessings as were only Conditional.
2. Hence, The unquestionable Divine Authority of this Covenant is Evident. For, It was first Revealed by Divine vision unto Nathan the Prophet, and by him to David: And afterwards confirmed by God in 〈◊〉 passages of Scripture, as hath been shown. So that 〈◊〉 the Faith, Hope and Comfort of David might securely rest and repose themselves upon the Promises of this Covenant, as upon an authentic Divine foundation.
3. Hence, The immutability of God's Counsel touching the Everlasting Kingdom of David's Seed (that absolute Promise of this Covenant, as relating to Christ) was clearly demonstrated. In that he stablished this Covenant by those two Immutable things, his Promises and Oath, in which it was impossible for God to lie, or fail. Hereupon David and his Seed might have strong Consolation, especially in reference to the Messiah Promised.
4. Hence, The Fidelity of God to David and his Seed in this Covenant, was very Conspicuous. The gradual accomplishments of the Promises thereof being daily discovered upon David and his Seed in their successive Generations.
Thus of the Form of God's Covenant with David and his Seed.
APHORISM VI. 6. The End or Scope of God's Covenant with David.
THE End, or intended Scope, of God in this Covenant was; Immediately, Some more peculiar Revelation of Jesus Christ: Mediately, The furtherance of the Happiness of David, of his Seed, and of their Subjects in Christ; As also the singular Advancement of the Glory of God.
This Aphorism I thus briefly explain;
1. The Immediate End or Scope herein intended was, A more peculiar Revealing of Jesus Christ. In all the fore-going Covenant-Expressures, The Revealing of Jesus Christ still more and more was Immediately intended: So in this. A more Peculiar Revelation of Christ in this Covenant, then in any of the former, was intended in two respects: viz. In regard of his Descent, and In regard of his Office. 1. In regard of his Descent. In the Covenant with Adam, Christ's Descent is revealed most Generally, That he should be the Seed of the woman. In the following Covenants his Descent is still more and more Particularly Revealed. As that he should be, The Seed of Noah, in Noah's Covenant; The Seed of Abraham, in Abraham's Covenant; The Seed of Israel, in the Sinai-Covenant. But in this Covenant with David, Christ's Descent is yet more peculiarly Revealed, and appropriated to one family of Israel; viz. To the House of David. That Christ should descend of David, and be the Seed of David. There being sundry Promises made in this Covenant, which (as hath been abundantly shown in the fourth Aphorism ) can have their proper and plenary accomplishment in none but only in Jesus Christ. So that the time of Christ is now more peculiarly limited, restrained, reduced and appropriated, then ever formerly: viz. to the House or Family of David. 2. In regard of his office. In this Covenant there is a more peculiar display of Christ's office, then in the former. Christ's office was described in former Covenants variously. viz. More Generally, under the three first Covenants; As, a bruiser of the Serpents head, under Adam's Covenant: As a Savior of an Elect Seed and remnant, in Noah's Covenant: As A Blesser of all the Kindreds of the Earth, in Abraham's Covenant. More Specially and Particularly, under the Sinai -Covenant; As A Prophet like unto Moses, to be hearkened to in all things; And As A Priest like Aaron, Christ's Priesthood being many ways typified in Aaron's Priesthood, as formerly it was shadowed out in Abraham's Covenant also by Melchizedek's more excellent Priesthood. And now under this Covenant; As An Everlasting King that should sit upon the Throne of his Father David, and Rule the House of Jacob, the Church, for evermore. I grant this Kingly office of Christ was somewhat dimly and briefly pointed at in Abraham's time, under that Covenant's dispensation to Abraham in the Type of Melchizedek King of Salem: first being, by interpretation King of Righteousness; and after that also King of Salem, which i •… , King of peace. But the Everlasting Kingdom of David's Seed, Christ, is the very Burden and main business of this Covenant with David, which is insisted upon again and again.
2. The Mediate End or Scope herein intended, is twofold; Subordinate, and Ultimate. 1. Subordinate, To further the Happiness of David, of his Seed, and of his Subjects in Christ. The three sorts of Covenant-blessings, Promised to David, His Seed and Subjects, as hath been evidenced, Eminently tend to advance their Happiness, and that in Christ, in whom most of them had their chief accomplishment. Judiciously Consider those Covenanted Mercies: and therein you may palpably read God's intention of furthering their Happiness in Christ. 2. Ultimate, To advance singularly the Glory of God. God intends primarily his own glory in all his Acts: and consequently in all his Covenant-discoveries. In this Covenant, the glory of God is variously intended. As, ( 1 ) The glory of his Free-grace and Rich Mercy in Jesus Christ. Mercy shall be built up — For his WORD's sake, (viz. his Essential Word Christ, called in the parallel place, His servant) and according to his own heart, God revealed this Covenant. ( 2 ) The Glory of his bounty. In promising such plenty of great blessings; called, Greatnesses. David was astonished thereat, 1 Chron. 17. 16, &c. ( 3 ) The glory of his Justice and severity against sin. That he would visit the iniquities even of David's Seed, with Rod and stripes. ( 4 ) The Glory of his Truth and faithfulness. That his Covenant should not be broken, nor his loving kindness should utterly be taken from him, nor his faithfulness fail, &c. Nay, their sins should not disannul his Covenant. ( 5 ) The Glory of his Holiness. In imposing such Covenant-Duties of Holiness, and Righteousness upon David and his Seed. ( 6 ) The Glory of his Power. In perpetuating the Seed and Throne of David against all evils and enemies for evermore.
Inferences.
1. Hence, As Christ in regard of his Descent and Royal office was more peculiarly Revealed in this Covenant: so David had answerably a more peculiar knowledge of Jesus Christ by this, then by former Covenants. And this was a fundamental additional to David's happiness, To know Jesus Christ, is life Eternal, in the foundation and inchoation thereof. David and his Seed had missed the End of this Covenant, if therein they had not eyed Christ.
2. Hence. How great Cause had David to place all his Salvation and delight upon this Covenant. the Happiness of him, his Seed, and Subjects being so eminently intended and provided for in this Covenant, in Christ.
3. Hence, No wonder that David so thankfully magnified and glorified God, for Revealing this Covenant, in which God so exceedingly manifested the riches of his Glory towards David and his Seed.
APHORISM VII. 7 lie . General Inferences from the whole of this Covenant with David.
THE mystery of God's Covenant with David (notably Amplifying the Sinai-Covenant ) being thus at large unfolded and described, according to 1. The Author and Nature of it. 2. The Federate Parties of it. 3. The Impulsive Cause and Occasion. 4. The Substance, or Subject-Matter. 5. The Form. 6. And the End thereof. It now remains, that I should close up this whole Discourse with some General Corollaries or Inferences clearly resulting from the whole: and I shall comprize them all in this concluding Aphorism. viz.
From this whole Discourse about God's Covenant with David and his Seed, we may plainly see, 1. That this Covenant was a very Princely and Royal Covenant. 2. That David, and his Seed, especially Solomon, were eminent Types of Jesus Christ: 3. What the Properties of this Covenant are: 4. What Agreement and Disagreement this Covenant hath with or from all foregoing Covenants: 5. And, That so much of Christ was revealed to David and his Seed in this Covenant, that he and Solomon knew and spake much of Christ in their writings.
I.
First, Hence its plain, That God's Covenant with David and his Seed was a very Princely and Royal Covenant. For the chief stream of Covenant-Mercies herein promised did run in the Royal channel, and singularly tended to advance the Royal Dignity and Authority of David and his Seed in Israel, especially the Spiritual and Everlasting Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST, the Primary Seed of David, in and over the Church. In their Temporal Kingdom over the literal Israel, was shadowed out Christ's Spiritual and Everlasting Kingdom over the Spiritual Israel of God. Under the Sinai -Covenant, Christ's Prophesy was shadowed out by Moses Prophesy; and Christ's Priesthood by the Levitical Priesthood: But under this Enlargement and Amplification of the Sinai -Covenant, Christ's Kingdom was represented in the Type of David's Kingdom. Under this Covenant only the Kingly Government over Israel, was settled and flourished: And under this Covenant chiefly the Spiritual Kingdom of Christ was typified and adumbrated.
How wisely hath God contrived to Reveal Christ's Person and▪ Office in his Covenant-Expressures! 1. His Person, To be God and Man, by his Covenant with Adam: ( 1 ) Man, as the Seed of the woman; ( 2 ) God, as the bruiser of the Serpents head, which mere man could never have done. 2. His office, ( 1 ) In General, To be a Savior of God's Elect Remnant and Family from the midst of the perishing world, in his Covenant with Noah: And to be a Blesser of all the Families of the Earth in his Covenant with Abraham. ( 2 ) But his Mediatory office in Particular, viz. His Prophesy under the Type of Moses, and Priesthood under the Type of Aaron, were set forth in the Sinai -Covenant with Israel; His Kingship and Royalty under the Type of David and his Seed in this Covenant with David. David's Covenant may therefore be deservedly styled, The Royal Covenant. This is an excellent Covenant-Mystery.
II.
Secondly, Hence its evident, That King David, and his Royal Seed, especially Solomon, were eminent Types of Jesus Christ. These Kings, were notable Types of this King of Kings: Their Kingdom, of his Kingdom; Their Subjects, of his Subjects. View a little the Correspondency betwixt the Types, and Anti-Type. 1. In David. 2. In Solomon.
DAVID was so eminent a Type of Christ, and especially in reference to his Kingdom, that after David's decease, Christ is ofttimes promised to be the King and Ruler of his Church, under the very name of David: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their King. — They shall serve the LORD their God, and David their King, whom I will raise up unto them. — And I will set up one Shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, my servant David: he shall feed them, and he shall be their Shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a Prince among them — And David my servant shall be King over them, and they all shall have one Shepherd, &c.— And my servant David shall be their Prince forever. In these and like Promises of Christ, Christ is called David, because he is God's true DAVID indeed, typified by King David of old. And the whole series of this Covenant implies thus much.
Now DAVID was a Type of Christ. In regard of his 1. Person. 2. Office. 3. Condition. 4. Acts done, or effects wrought by him.
I. In his Person; David was a type of Christ three ways: For, 1. He was (not without special Providence) called DAVID which in Hebrew is the same with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 DOD Beloved; Beloved, of God, A man after his own heart. Christ also is called DAVID, Ier. 30. 9. Hos. 3. 5. Ezek. 34. 23, 24. and 37. 24, 25. being his Beloved Son, Mat. 3. 17. The Beloved, Eph. 1. 6. The Son of his love, Col. 1. 13. so, both of them are, David's: Both Beloved. 2. Both of them Sons of Iess. David, 2 Sam. 23. 1, 2. Christ a Rod out of the stem of Jess, and a branch out of his roots. Both of them out of dry and despised roots? low and obscure Parentage. 3. Both of them Sons of God; yea God's First-born. David, Psal. 89. 26, 27. Christ, Heb. 1. 1, 6. Math. 1. 25. Christ is so God's First begotten, that he is his only begotten Son, John 1. 14. and 3. 16. David so by supernatural Adoption: Christ so, by eternal Generation, according to his Divine Person, Psal. 2. 7. John 1. 1. by extraordinary conception by the Holy-Ghost, according to his Human Nature Luke 1. 34, 35, 36.
II. In his office. For David was;
1. A Prophet, Acts 2. 30. He Penned by the inspiration of God's Spirit, that sweet part of Holy Scripture, the Psalms, for the greatest part of them at least. Hence styled, the sweet Psalmist of Israel. So Christ is the Great Prophet, Acts 7. 37. and 3. 32. Luke 24. 19. David did but Pen the Scripture: but Christ indicted it by his Spirit, 2 Tim. 3 16. 2 Pet. 1. 21. Hence the Scripture is called the word of Christ.
2. A Priest. David was a Priest somewhat extraordinarily, in his building an Altar in the threshing flour of Araunah the Jebusite, a Gentile, (the place where Isaac was offered in a Figure, and where afterwards Solomon built the Temple, 1 Chron. 3. 1. both Types of Christ,) and in his offering a Sacrifice there for the Land to stay the plague of pestilence; which God accepted, and the plague was stayed: So Jesus Christ was our great and most extraordinary High Priest, who upon the Altar of his God-head offered himself a Sacrifice at Jerusalem for the sins of Jews and Gentiles that God's wrath might be stayed which Sacrifice was most acceptable as an odour of a sweet smell to God, Heb. 10. 5. to 19. Eph. 5. 2.
3. A King. This was David's Primary and Ordinary office, wherein he was a most singular Type of Christ, the King of Kings. For,
(1) Both of them were Kings, Mat. 1. 6. John 18. 37.
(2) Both of them were Kings of Israel, 2 Sam. 6. 20. Psalm 78. 70, 71. John 1. 49. and 12, 13.
(3) Both of them Messiahs, that is, Anointed, yea both the Anointed of God unto their Kingly Office, hence called, God's Kings, Psal. 2. 2, 6. and 18. 15. David anointed with material Oil by Samuel, 1 Sam. 16. 13. Christ anointed with Immaterial Oil, the Oil of gladness above all his fellows, Psal. 45. 7. God having anointed him with the Holy-Ghost and with power, Act. 10. 38.
(4) Both of them furnished with the Spirit of God for their Royal Government, upon their annointing David, 1 Sam. 16. 13. Christ Act. 10. 38. Mat. 3. 16.
III. In his Condition and State. Herein David notably typified Christ: See the Agreement herein betwixt David the Type, and Christ the Anti-type.
1. Both of them were born of obscure and mean parents in Bethlehem, John. 7. 42. Mat. 2. 5, 6.
2. Both of them were advanced from a low and despicable state to their Royal dignity. David, a caula ad aulam, from a mean family to the Kingdom, 2 Sam. 7. 18. and 23. 1, 2. from the Shepherds staff to the Scepter, Psal. 78. 70, 71. 1 Sam. 16. 11, 12. So Christ from a mean Parentage to Kingly Dignity, born King of the Jews; from the Manger to the Throne, Isa. 53. 2. Luk. 2. 4, 5, 6, 7. Mat. 2. 2.
3. Both of them met with grievous Opposition when once it was known that they were ordained and appointed of God for the Kingdom. David was so persecuted by King Saul, that he fled to heathenish Nations, 2 Sam. 21. 40. & 22. 3. & 27. 2. Christ as soon as it was noised that he was born King of the Jews, was cruelly persecuted by King Herod, so that he fled to the Heathen Country Egypt.
4. Both of them having obtained the Kingdom, were deeply afflicted by variety of Adversaries, Psal. 2. 1, 2, &c. Act. •… . 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. For, 1. David, was oppugned by the Philistines, 2 Sam. 5. 17. & 8. 1, 2, 3, 5. & 10. 6. exiled from his Kingdom by Absalom, 2 Sam. 15. 12, 14. Psal. 3. 1. betrayed by Achitophel his familiar Counselor, 2 Sam. 16. 21. & 17. 1. cursed by Shimei, 2 Sam. 16. 5, 6, 7. Forsaken and mortally pursued by his own people, 2▪ Sam. 18. 6. and had as it were gall and vinegar given him to drink, Psal. 69. 21. 2. Christ in like manner, was rejected of his own, John 1. 11. & 9. 21. Traduced with horrid and blasphemous reproaches, Mat. 10. 25. & 12. 24. John 9. 24. Betrayed by Judas one of his own familiar Disciples, Psal. 14. 10. & 55. 14. John. 13. 18. Cast out of his Vineyard & Kingdom by the Scribes, Priests and Elders, Psal. 118. 22. Mat. 21. 42, 43. Persecuted by the Jews his own people, even to the death upon the Cross, John 19. 15. Act. 2. 23, 36. and 3. 13, 14. and Delivered to Death at last by Pilate, &c. Psal. 2. 1, 2. Act. 4. 24, 25, 26, 27. Having Gall and Vinegar given him to drink, Psal. 69▪ 22. Mat. 27. 34. John 19. 28, 29.
5. Both of them at last were Exalted to an high and glorious state. David after all his afflictions retained his Kingdom in peace and honor, having rest from his enemies-round about, 2 Sam. 7. 1. and 22. 31. 1 King. 1. 17. and at last was full of days; riches, and honor, 1 Chron. 29. 28. So Christ after all his Conflicts and Sufferings, having conquered his enemies on every side, and led captivity Captive, entered into his heavenly glory, Rom. 8. 3. Col. 2. 14, 15. Heb. 2. 9, 14, 15. Phil. 1. 8, &c. Luk. 24. 26.
6. Both of them had their Kingdom enlarged even over strangers. David became Head of the Heathens about him, so that strangers unknown served him, and he was higher then the Kings of the Earth, Psal. 18. 44. and 89▪ 27. Christ also became Head not only of Jews but of Gentiles also▪ having all power over them, being Lord of Lord's, and King of Kings, Eph. 2. 12. Psal. 2. 8. Mat. 28. 18, 19. Rev. 19. 16.
7. Both of them had an Everlasting Kingdom stablished upon them. David in some respects only, Psal. 89. 3, 4, 36, 37. Christ absolutely, Psal. 45. 6. Isa. 9. 6, 7. Dan. 2. 44.
IIII. Finally, In his Acts or Works done by him. Herein also David notably resembled and typified Jesus Christ, sundry ways. For,
1. Both of them Believed and Hoped in God, rolling themselves upon him by Faith and Prayer in their Distresses, David, Psal. 3. 4, 7. and 22. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. and 17. 6, 13. So also Christ, Psal. 22. 17, 2. John. 11. 42. Mat. 27. 46. Heb. 5. 7.
2. Both of them walked holily and religiously before God. David, though he had many frailties, yet walked sincerely, Psal. 18. 21, 22▪ 1 King. 15. 5. But Christ walked without all spot of sin, Isa. 53. 9. Heb. 7. 26.
3. Both of them were zealous for God, for his worship, Laws and Ordinances. David, Psal. 119. 72, 103. and 84. 11. and 122. 1. and 69. 10. and 101. 7, 8. Much more Christ, John. 4. 34. Mat. 6. 42▪ Psal. 69. 10. John. 2. 15, 17.
4. Both of them were universally obedient to God their heavenly Father. David obeyed him sincerely, 1 King. 9. 4. Act. 13. 22. 1 King. 15. 3, 5. But Christ obeyed him exactly in all things, doing always those things that pleased him, yea he was obedient to the Death, even the cursed, and shameful, and painful Death of the Cross, John 8. 29. Phil. 2. 8.
5. Both of them walked very wisely and prudently. David was wise in matters, 1 Sam. 16. 18. and behaved himself wisely in all his ways, 1 Sam. 18. 14. Christ had in him all treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col. 2. 2, 3▪ Isa. 11. 1, 2. made men astonished at his understanding and answers, Luk. 2. 47. by his Word and Spirit makes wise unto Salvation▪ 2 Tim. 3: 15, 16. Col. 3. 16. 1 Cor▪ 2. 9, 10, &c.
6. Both of them excelled in fortitude and valor; 1. In▪ Conquering and subduing their enemies. David subdued Goliath of Gath, 1 Sam. 17. slew Philistines and others, so that they sung of him▪ David hath slain his ten thousands, 1▪ Sam. 18. 10. But Christ subdued greater Enemies, spiritual Enemies, Sin, Satan, the world, &c. Rom. 8. 3. John. 16. 11. Col. 2. 14, 15. Heb. 2. 14, 15. John 16. ult. Psal. 110. 1, 2. 2. In Protecting and defending their Subjects. David, Psal. 101. 4, 5, 6, 8. Christ, Isa. 11. 4. he protected his Saints and subjects against Saul's persecution.
7. Both of them Ruled and Governed righteously in the fear of God. David, 2 Sam. 23. 3. Psalm 101. throughout. Yet with some intermixture of failings. Christ without all failings and miscarriages, Isa. 11. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. Psalm 45. 7, &c.
8. Finally, Both of them were loving and tender to their Parents. David in his trouble requests the King of Moab, that his Father and Mother might dwell by him, 1 Sam. 22. 3. Christ upon the Cross commends his Mother to the care of John his beloved Disciple, John. 19. 26, 27.
In these and many like respects David was an eminent Type of Christ.
SOLOMON the immediate Seed of David was also a notable Type of Jesus Christ, who was greater then Solomon, Mat. 12. 42. Luk. 11. 31. And this in his Person, Office, State and Acts.
I. In His Person. For, 1. Both of them were sons of David by Nature. Solomon in an ordinary way of Generation, Matth. 1. 6▪ Christ in an extraordinary way of Propagation, Mat. 1. 1. with Luk. 1. 32, 35. 2. Both of them, Beloved of God. Solomon named Iedid-jah, that is, Beloved-of-the-LORD, and this by God's appoinment, 2 Sam. 12. 24, 25. Christ, called God •… beloved Son, in whom he was well-pleased, Mat. 3. 17. and the son of: his Love, Col. 1. 13. 3. Both of them Sons of God, 2 Sam. 7. 14. with Heb. 1. 5.
II. In his Office. For,
1. Both of them were Prophets. 1. Solomon was, A Preacher in Jerusalem, Eccl. 1. 1, 12. And an Holy Penman of those three eminent Books of Scripture, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Thus he was a Prophet. 2. But Christ a greater Prophet, That Prophet, John. 6. 14. Act. 3. 23. The Spirit of Prophecy is from him, Rev. 19. 10. Eph. 4 11. He also was Preacher in Jerusalem, John 18. 19, 20. 21. And he indicted all the Holy Scriptures, Col. 3. 16. by his Spirit, 2 Pet. 1. 20, 21.
2. Both of them were Kings. viz. 1. Both Kings of Israel, Prov. 1. 1. John 1. 49. and 12. 13. 2. Both Kings in Jerusalem, Eccles. 1. 1. Luk. 19. 37, 38. Mat. 21. 5, 9. 3. Both Kings of Peace. Solomon▪ that is, Peaceable, Prosperous, &c. his very name had peace engraven upon it by God himself, 1 Chron. 22. 9. He was a man of rest: God gave him rest from all his enemies round about: And by this means Israel and Judah dwelt peaceably without fear under their Vine and Fig-tree; yea God gave peace and quietness to Israel in his days, 1 Chron. 22. 9. 1 King. 4. 25. But Jesus Christ procures his subjects an inward, spiritual, heavenly, everlasting Peace with God passing all understanding, Rom 5. 1. John 14. 27. and 16. 33. Phil. 4. 7. So that he is our peace, Eph. 2. 14. The Prince of Peace, Isa. 9. 6. His Scepter is the Gospel of Peace, Psal. 110. 2. Isa. 2. 3. Eph. 6. 15. His Kingdom consists in righteousness and peace, Rom. 14. 17. His subjects are subjects of Peace, Luke 1. 79. His birth and coming into the world was with a Song of Peace by the Angels, Luke 2. 14. And his Death and going out of the world was with a Blessing of Peace left with his Disciples, John 16. 33. and 14. 27. He makes the Wolf dwell with the Lamb; The Leopard lie down with the Kid; The Calf, the young Lyon, and the Fatling together, that a little child may lead them; The Cow and the Bear to feed, and their young ones to lie down together; The sucking child to play on the Hole of the Asp: and the weaned child to put his hand on the Cokatrice Den. 4. Both Kings of incomparable wisdom, 1 Kings 3. 9, 12. Col. 2. 2, 3. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Isa. 9. 6.
III. In his State and Condition. For,
1. Both of them were exceeding Rich. Solomon made Silver and Gold at Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and the Cedar-trees as the Sycomore trees that are in the vale for abundance. But Christ the true Solomon, is infinitely higher. He is heir of all things, Heb. 1. 2. hath unsearchable Riches, Ephes. 3. 8. All that the Father hath, is his, John 16. 15. His riche •… are Spiritual and Heavenly, far transcending all Solomon's outward wealth: Riches of Righteousness and pardons, Rom. 1. 17. 1 John 1. 7. and 2. 1, 2. Riches of Grace, John. 1. 14, 16. Riches of Truth, John 1. 14. Riches of life, John 15. 10. All fullness, Col. 1. 17.
2. Both of them full of Princely Glory and Royalty. Solomon surpassed in Princely glory all that were before and after him, 2 Chron. 9. throughout, and Eccles. 2. throughout. The daughters of Zion admire his Crown and Royalty, Cant. 3. 11. and the Queen of Sheha was so a •… o •… issied at it that there 〈◊〉 more spirit in her, 2 Chro. 9. 3, 4. Yet Solomon in all his Royalty and Gl •… ry wa •… not clothed like one of the •… ilies, Mat. 6. 29. But Christ is the brightness of his Fathers Glory, and the express image of his Person, Heb. 1. 3. having not one, but many Crowns up •… ishead, and the Ar •… s 〈◊〉 following him upon white Horses, and on his •… high and vestu •… Name •… itten, King of Kings and Lord of Lord •… , 〈◊〉 , to •… 7.
3. Both of them of great 〈◊〉 larges Domi •… , •… ot only over Jews, but also over Gentiles. That of 〈◊◊〉 concerns the •… both, but especially is true of Christ in whom it is primarily accomplished, Psalm 72. 8, 9, 10, 11. See 〈◊〉 , 2 Chron. 9. 24, 2 •… . Mat. 28. 18, 19.
IV. In his Acts, Solomon was a sing •… Type of Ies •… Christ. For,
1. Both of them were Builders of the House and Temple of God. Solomon built the Material 〈◊〉 dead Temple •… t 〈◊〉 of mater •… als fetched from both th •… 〈◊◊〉 an •… 〈◊◊〉 as, and that very magnifically. See 2 Chron. chap. 2, and 3, and 4. throughout. After which, he solemnly dedicated it by Prayer and Sacrifices, 2 Chron. chap. 5, and 6. And set in order the service of the Temple, 2 Chron. 8. 14, 15, 16. But Jesus Christ builds the Mystical, Spiritual and living Temple, the House and Church of God; of people both from among Jews and Gentiles, Heb. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, &c. Ephes. 2. 13, to the end: He also consecrated and solemnly dedicated his Spiritual Temple, both by Prayer, 〈◊〉 17. throughout, and by the Sacrifice of himself, John 17. 19. Heb. 10. 14. And set in Order most faithfully all the worship, Ordinances and Officers of his House, Heb. 3. 1, 2, &c. Acts 1. 2, 3. Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. and 26. 26, to 31. and 18. 15, to 21. 1 Cor. 5. throughout. 2 Cor. 2. 6, &c. Ephes 4. 8, to 17.
2. Both of them Ruled righteously, Psalm 72. 1, to 8, 12, 13, 14. As Solomon in punishing offenders after David's death, 1 King. 2. throughout. and in giving the child to the right mother, 1 Kings 3. 16, to the end. But Christ is the Lord our Righteousness, Ier. 33. 15, 16. He rules so righteously, that he makes all his subjects righteous, 1 Cor. 1. 30.
3. Both of them enriched their subjects abundantly. 〈◊〉 enriched his subjects with outward temporal wealth, 2 Chron. 1. 15. But Jesus Christ enricheth his subjects both with outward and inward, temporal, spiritual and eternal wealth. He alone gives the true and chief Riches, 2 Cor. 8, 9. 1 Cor. 1. 5. Ephes. 1. 3. 1 Cor. 2. 9, 10. 1 Tim. 4. 8. 1 Cor. 3. 20, 21, 22. Christ is heir of all things, Heb. 1. 2▪ and all true believers are heirs, co-heirs with Christ, Rom. 8. 15, 16, 17. Thus Jesus Christ is The DAVID, and The SOLOMON.
III.
Thirdly, Hence we may clearly take notice, What the Properties of this Covenant are. It is, 1. Grat •… tous; 2. Evangelical; 3. Mixt; 4. Ordered in all things; 5. Sure and faithful; 6. Everlasting; 7. And comfortable. Of these briefly.
I. Grat •… tous. Of mere free gra •… e to David and his Seed. And th •… , not only ex gratia fav •… s, from the grace of free fav •… r, for so God's Covenant and promise to, and blessings upon man in innoce •… y, were all of Grace, undeserved by man from his maker: But also ex gratia 〈◊〉 , from his Grace of Commiseration, whereby he in bowels of Compassion heaps Good upon his sinful Creatures, deserving all contrary Evil. Thus, of free favor without any desert of David, yea of free Commiseration contrary to his de •… ert, this Covenant was made with David. Hence David, wholly excluding himself and his House from being any Motive ground or Cause of this Covenant; ( •… ) who am I, and whats my H •… use, &c. ascri •… s 〈◊〉 God's 〈◊〉 grace, as the inward Impulsive Cause; and to Jesus Christ the Essential Word and servant of God, as the Outward Impulsive Cause thereof. For thy Word's sake, for thy servants sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this Greatness, in making known all these Greatnesses.
II. Evangelical. This is a pure Evangelical Covenant: Meer Gospel. For, 1. This Covenant is an Additional Enlargement to the Sinai-Covenant, which is purely Evangelical, as hath been proved, in Chap. 4. 2. The Moving Cause of this Covenant was the mere Commiserating Grace of God in Jesus Christ. And all Covenants which have their Original in such Grace, are purely Evangelical. 3. The foundation of this Covenant is Evangelical. viz. Jesus Christ the Word, and servant of God. 4. The Matter and Substance of this Covenant is wholly Evangelical: viz. Covenant-Mercies in Christ promised on God's part, and Covenant-Duties in Christ re-promised on David's part. This hath at large been unfolded. 5. The Scope and intended End of this Covenant was Evangelical also: viz. The further Revealing of Jesus Christ more peculiarly, for advancing the true Happiness of David and his Seed. Thus, God's Covenant with David, was God's Gospel preached to David and his Seed: setting forth the sweet tidings of their Restitution from the Kingdom of Sin, Satan and Death by the prevailing and everlasting Kingdom of Jesus Christ, shadowed out in the Kingdom of David and his Seed.
III. Mixt. This Covenant was a mixed Covenant. How? 1. Not only Mixt of Covenant-blessings promised by God, and Covenant-Duties re-promised by David: as all Covenants are proportionably in reference to the Federates. 2 But Mixt and made up of Promises, and Threats. Many eminent blessings are Promised to Covenant-keepers: And on the other hand, sundry chastisements by stripes and rods of men, are threatened in case of Iniquities and sinful miscarriages against the Covenant. 3. And mixed also even in regard of Covenant-blessings themselves, some of them being Absolutely promised, and which should notwithstanding the very sins of David's Seed be certainly and infallibly performed, as the Descent of Christ of David and his Seed according to the flesh. And the Everlasting Kingdom and Throne of Christ, &c. Some of of them being only promised Conditionally, upon Condition of their Covenant-keeping with God, &c. As, the sitting of his Seed upon his Throne forever; His making Zion his Habitation and Rest forever, &c. The Condition is as the Sinew of the Promise. They failing in the Condition, cut asunder the sinews of all such Conditional Promises, and (if I may so speak) disoblige God.
IV. Ordered in all things. This Property David notes in his last words, saying; yet he hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant, Ordered in all things. That is, Orderly-disposed, orderly-set, prepared, settled, &c. as the Hebrew word properly implies. Of this I have spoken Generally, in opening the properties of the Covenant of •… aith in General: Most of the particulars there are applicable to this Covenant in Particular. There see. This Covenant is Ordered in all things in divers respects. For, ( 1 ) The Occasion of this Royal Covenant touching God's building David an House, was when Israel's Governors were now changed from Judges into Kings, and God's first King, David, had it in his heart to build God an House.
2. The Federates, ( i ) God, on the One hand, David and his Seed, Especially Christ on the other hand. 3. The Impulsive causes, not any at all from David or his House: but, Inwardly God's own heart and good-pleasure: Outwardly Christ the Lord's Word and servant. 4 The blessings promised, were Orderly directed, First, to David himself Then, to his Seed Ordinary and extraordinary, And lastly to his and his Seeds subjects; and in like sort Orerly, performed, First to David, •… hen to his ordinary Seed and Subjects, lastly and chiefly to Christ and his Kingdom. 5. The Conditions required, are also orderly annexed to the Compleating of this Covenant-constitution. 6. The Form and Dispensation of it is so ordered, that it is subordinate to and comprised under the Sinai -Covenant-Administration: and yet the great Mystery of Christ and his Kingly Office is displayed with a clearer Revelation.
7. The Scope of it also, Immediate and Remote, Subordinate and Ultimate, as hath been explained, is all well Ordered. Thus this whole Covenant hath an Excellent Order, Disposal, Preparation, Symmetry and Proportion throughout.
V. Sure and Faithful. This David also acknowledged, — A Covenant Ordered in all things, and Sure. The Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Shemuroh, properly signifies, Kept Observed, Performed, and that, with care, solicitude and diligence. God made it every way Sure to David and his Seed; As, 1. By his Name JEHOVAH, denoting God's giving Subsistence actually to his Covenant and Promises. 2. By his immutable Promises whereupon this Covenant is established. Yea by Promises of special Ratification annexed, Psal. 89, 33, &c. 3. By the sacred inviolable Oath of God, of which he will not repent, and from which he will not turn. This is often mentioned, Psal. 89. 2, 3, 35. and 132▪ 11. Acts 2. 30. 4. By frequent recitals, allegations, expositions, enlargements of this Covenant in other Scriptures. See 2 Sam. 7. 1 Chron. 17. 2 Sam. 23. 1, to 10. Psal. 89. throughout. Psal. 132. throughout, Ier 33. 20, 21. Luke 1. 32, 33. Acts 2. 30, 31. 5. By gradual accomplishments thereof from time to time. 6. By Ascertaining and Ensuring Illustrations. That this Covenant shall be as inviolable, Sure and Unalterable, as The Heavens themselves, Psal. 89. 2, 29. As the Moon, Psal. 89. 37. As the Sun, Psal. 89. 36. As the Course of Day and Night, Ier 33. 20, 21. Yea, As God himself, Psal. 89. 35.
VI. Everlasting. This Property also David expresseth; Although my House be not so with God, yet he hath made with me an Everlasting Covenant. But of this enough hath been spoken formerly in Opening the Matter of this Covenant, in the second and third Covenant-Mercies promised to David's Seed. There see. And in the first Mercy to David's Subjects.
VII. Finally, This Covenant with David was a Comfortable Covenant. This Property necessarily results from all the former. For, In that this Covenant was Gentuitous, depending merely upon God, Evangelical, Mixt, having Promises absolute as well as conditional, Ordered in all things, Sure, and Everlasting; In all these regards it was exceeding Comfortable. And upon these Considerations David in his last words notably raised up his Consolations upon this Covenant, placing all his Salvation, and all his delight thereupon, although at present his house was not so with God as the Covenant promised. And this Covenant was his comfort to his last breath, to his dying day. Oh! the Covenant and Promises of God in Jesus Christ are the safest, surest, sweetest, and most immovable Comforts of Believers both in life and death. Let our last words, and last thoughts be all fixed upon God's Covenant, as David's were.
IV.
Fourthly, Hence see, What Agreement and Disagreement this Covenant with David hath, with, or from all former Covenants. For, This Covenant being an additional Covenant, annexed to, and comprised in the Sinai-Covenant, and in some respects expounding and enlarging the same, hath a sweet Agreement with the Sinai-Covenant, and very little difference from it: And consequently, As the Sinai-Covenant, so this Covenant Agrees with, or from the former Covenants.
I. It Agrees with the Sinai-Covenant, and so with former Covenants,
- 1. In the kind or sort of Covenant. This, as all the former being Covenants of Faith, not of Works; and Covenants of Promise, not of Performance.
- 2. In the Efficient and Impulsive cause. God being the Author of all: God's mere Grace being the Inward impulsive, Christ's Merit the Outward impulsive cause of them all.
- 3. In the general Consideration of the Federates. The LORD God being the one Party promising: Jesus Christ and his spiritual Seed being the other Party Restipulating in all.
- 4. In the general Summ and Substance of the Covenants. The Recovery and Happiness of lapsed and lost sinners by Christ being the Mercy promised: True fruitful obediential Faith in Christ being the Duty Restipulated in all. All other Covenant-Mercies and Duties may be reduced to these two.
- 5. In the mystery of sinners Justification revealed in them all: which is by Faith in Christ alone. David under this Covenant thus describes it.
- 6. In the common Foundation and Establishment of the Covenants. They all being founded upon Jesus Christ alone, and the inviolable Promises of God in him.
- 7. In the general sameness of End. The revealing of Jesus Christ, in order to lapsed sinners Recovery and Happiness, and God's glory, being the intendment of them all.
II. It Disagrees from the former Covenants, in such sort and accidental respects as the Sinai-Covenant (comprizing this Covenant) differs from them. Which differences of the Sinai-Covenant from them have been already explained.
And it somewhat disagrees from the very Sinai-Covenant itself. As,
1. In the peculiar Notion of the Federates. For, In that, God Covenanted, as JEHOVAH, Their Covenant-God, Redeemer, Law-giver, and Husband: In this, God Covenanted as, The LORD of Hosts, The God and Rock of Israel, A Father to David and his Seed, The God of David, And Rock of his Salvation. Again, In that, Israel Restipulated, as Abraham's Covenant-Seed, The Lord's Redeemed, His Espoused people, His Heirs under age, and as his own Common-wealth and National Church in the Wilderness: But in this, David himself Restipulated; As, A mighty-one, God's chosen, God's servant, God's anointed King, and God's First-born, higher then the Kings of the Earth. And David's Seed Restipulated, As, God's Son, and God's King for evermore.
2. In the Individual Mercies Promised, and Duties Restipulated. As may easily be discerned by making a Parallel betwixt them. But especially, the Mercies promised in this Covenant have their chief tendency to the advancement and establishment of the Kingly power and glory of David, of his Seed, and chiefly of Jesus Christ for evermore: And the Duties herein more peculiarly restipulated were the Religious and Righteous Rule of David, his Seed, and of Jesus Christ the primary Seed of David.
3. In the peculiar manner of Manifestation and Confirmation. That was manifested to all Israel immediately by God, in most dreadful fort, at Mount Sinai, God speaking to them out of the midst of the fire with a great voice: This to David Mediatly by the Prophet Nathan, according to the vision which he had from God. That being solemnly confirmed by Sacrifices at the skirt of Mount Sinai: This by God's sacred and immutable Oath especially.
4. In the peculiarity of Ends. That tending to reveal Jesus Christ the Mediator of the Covenant, Partly as a Prophet, under the Type of Moses; Partly and principally as a Priest, under the Types of the Levitical Priesthood, and the whole Levitical service of God. But this chiefly aiming to set Christ forth as a King (under the Type of David and his Royal Seed) that should Rule over the House of Jacob the Church for evermore.
V.
Fifthly and lastly, Hence it is evident, That in this Covenant much of Christ was revealed to David and his Seed: yea so much, that both David and Solomon knew and spake much of Christ in their sacred writings. Take a brief taste hereof▪
DAVID knew and prophesied much of JESUS CHRIST. viz. Of his 1. Person. 2. Office. 3. States. 4. Effects of his Offices.
I. Of his Person. 1. That he is God, Psal. 45. 6, 11. with Heb. 1. 8. The Son of God, Psal. 2. 7. with Heb. 1. 5. The Word of God, 2 Sam. 7. 21. 1 Chron. 17. 19. 2. That he should be Man, lower then Angels, Psal. 8. 4, 5, 6. with Heb. 2. 6. to 10. Of the Seed of David, the fruit of his loins, Psal. 132. 11. with Acts 2. 30. Luke 1. 32, 33.
II. Of his Mediatory Office, as the LORD's Servant therein, 1 Chron. 17. 19. with 2 Sam. 7. 21.
1. A Prophet. Preaching God's righteousness, loving kindness and truth in the great Church, Psal. 40. 8, 9, 10.
2. A Priest. An everlasting Priest of Melchizedecks order, above Aaron's, Psal. 110. 4. with Heb. 5. 6, 7. and 7. 17. See also Psal. 2. 7. with Heb. 2. 9. 1. Of his Satisfaction for us by his offering up himself, Psal. 40. 6, 7, 8. with Heb. 10. 5. to 15. 2. Of his Intercession for his people, Psal. 2. 8
3. A King. God's King in Zion, in his Church, Psal. 2. 6. and 132. 11. with Acts 2. 30. Luke 1. 32, 33. 1. That as God's Messiah, Psal. 2. 2. He should be anointed with the Holy Ghost, that Oil of gladness above all his fellows; Psal. 45. 7. with Heb. 1. 8, 9. Acts 10 38. John 3. 34. Ephes. 4. 7. 2. That he should rule his Subjects Religiously, and Righteously, and Gloriously, 2 Sam. 23. 3, 4. Psal. 45. 3, 4, 6, 7. with Heb. 1. 8, 9. 3. That he should subdue his enemies powerfully, Psal. 45. 5. ( 1 ) By Converting them to be his Subjects, Psal. 110. 2, 3. and 2. 8. ( 2 ) By Confounding of incurable rebels, Psal. 2. 9 and 1 •… 0. 5. 6. 4. That he should be an universal King over the Nations, Psal. 2. 8▪ 9 and 22. 27, 28, 29, 30. and 72. 8▪ 9, 10, 11. 5. That he should be an everlasting King upon the Throne of David for evermore, Psal. 45. 6. and 89. 4, 36, 37. with Luke 1. 32, 33.
III. Of his state of Humiliation and Exaltation, wherein he should execute this his Mediatory office.
Of his Humiliation; especially in four degrees, viz.
- 1. In his Incarnation; being made Man, lower then the Angels, Psal. 8. 5. with Heb. 2. 7, 8, 9.
- 2. In his Passion and Sufferings. 1. That he should be betrayed by his own familiar friend, one of his own family, Psal. 41. 9. with Joh. 13. 18. viz. Judas the Apostle. 2. That Heathen and people of the Jews, with the Kings and Rulers of the Earth; that is, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and people of Israel, should gather together, and confederate to destroy him, Psal. 2. 1, 2, 3. with Acts 4. 25, 26, 27, 28. 3. That, He should be Crucified, his Hands and Feet pierced, his Body so stretched that all his Bones might be told, and by-standers should look and stare upon him, Psal. 22. 16, 17. with Mat. 27. 35. Mark 1 •… . 24. Luke 23. 33. John. 19. 23, 27. 4. That his Garments should be parted, and Lots cast upon his Vesture, Psal. 22. 18. with Luk. 23. 34. John. 19. 24. 5. That he should be derided by his Enemies shooting out the Lip, and shaking the Head at him, for trusting in the Lord, Psal. 22. 6, 7, 8. with Mat. 27. 39, 43. 6. That, they should give him Gall and Vinegar to drink, Psal. 69. 21. with Mat. 27. 48. Mark 15. 23. John 19. 29. 7. That he should be under an heavy disertion upon the Cross, his God in some sense forsaking him, Psal. 22. 1. with Mat. 27. 46. and Mark 15. 34.
- 3. In his Death, Psal. 22. 15.
- 4. In his Burial, Psal. 16. 8, 9, 10. with Acts 2. 31. and 13. 35.
Of his Exaltation, especially in three degrees. viz.
- 1. In his Reviving and Resurrection from the Dead, Psal. 2. 7. with Acts 13. 33. Heb. 1. 5. Compare also Psal. 16. 8, 9, 10, 11. with Acts 2. 25. 31. and 13. 35.
- 2. In his Ascension into Heaven, leading Captivity Captive, and giving gifts to men, Psal. 68. 18. with Ephes. 4. 8, 9.
- 3. In his Session at God's right hand, till all his foes become his footstool, Psal. 110. 1. with Mat. 22. 44. Mark 12. 36. Luke 20. 42. Acts 2. 34. 1 Cor. 15. 25. Heb. 1. 13.
IIII. Of the happy Fruits and Effects of his Offices. As,
- 1. The Captivating of our spiritual Captivity, Psal. 68. 18. with Ephes. 4. 8.
- 2. The Receiving and giving gifts for men, even for the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell among them, Psal. 68. 18. with Ephes. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11, &c.
- 3. The Converting of a numerous company (like the morning dew) even of the Gentiles unto himself, as his Seed that shall serve him, and be his willing people, his spiritual volunteers, Psal. 22. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. and 110. 2, 3.
- 4. The true and saving Blessedness of all Believers that truly trust in him, Psal. 2. 12. with Rom. 9▪ 33. and 10. 11. and 1 Pet. 2. 6.
These things spake DAVID of CHRIST, having an eminent Prophetical knowledge of him, and that particularly by means of this excellent Covenant with him, Acts 2. 29, 30, 31. So that in David's writings much of Christ is revealed: and out of them an excellent GOSPEL may be extracted.
SOLOMON also the immediate Seed and Son of David, Knew much, and Prophesied much of JESUS CHRIST in his writings which he penned by Inspiration of the Holy Ghost. As,
1 Of his Godhead. That he is the Everlasting Wisdom of God, that makes wise to salvation, &c. Prov. 8. throughout.
2. Of his Man-hood. Fervently desired and longed for by his Church, Cant. 1. 1. and 8. 1.
3. Of his sufficient plentiful Gospel-provisions which he hath made, that sinners may have life and refreshment by him, Prov. 9. 1. to 7.
4. Of his Holy endeared rich ravishing and saving Communion with his Church under the continued Metaphor or Allegory of two Lovers under Contract, and not yet married. In the whole Song of Songs.
5 Of his Calling and Conversion of the little Sister of the Gentiles; that she should be in his eyes as one that finds favor: and therefore, As on a wall, he would build upon her a Palace of Silver; And as a Door, he would enclose her with boards of Cedar. That is, In Spirituals she should be precious, fragrant and acceptable to God, and durable, as Silver, or Cedar of which the Temple was built, Cant. 8. 8, 9, 10.
6. Finally, Of Christ's hastening to Compleat his Churches sweetest Glory with himself in Heaven, She longing for his second coming, Make haste my beloved, and be thou like to a Roe, or to a young Hart upon the Mountains of Spices, Cant. 8. 14.
APHORISM I. 1. The Author, and Nature, of the Covenant with DAVID.
THe COVENANT which God made with DAVID and his SEED, was a Covenant of Faith in Jesus Christ Promised.
For clearing of this Aphorism, three things are especially to be explained; 1. Who this DAVID was, with whom this Covenant was made. 2. That God made a Covenant with this DAVID and his SEED. 3. That the Covenant made by God with DAVID and his Seed, was a Covenant of Faith in Jesus Christ Promised.
I. Who this DAVID was, with whom this Covenant was made▪ Here I shall briefly describe him by, 1. His Name, 2. Descent, 3. Qualifications, 4. Offices Regal and Prophetical, 5. Renowned Acts, 6. Failings or Miscarriages, 7. Poenitential Recoveries, 8. Afflictions and 9 Death.
1. His name is thought to be at first imposed by God's special Providence, as by the signification and event thereof may be collected. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 DAVID an Hebrew Name, derived from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 DOD. Beloved. Whence DAVID signifies BELOVED. He was so beloved of God, that God counted him, A man after his own Heart. God calls him; My Chosen, My Servant, My King, My First-born higher then the Kings of the Earth. He is styled The man who was raised upon High, The Anointed of the God of Jacob, and The sweet Psalmist of Israel.
2. His Descent or Pedigree, was, Immediately from Jesse, of the tribe of Judah; Mediately from Abraham, in the fourteenth Generation. He was Jesse's seventh and youngest son. He was born in Beth-lehem a Town in the tribe of Judah within the Land of Can •… an: Whereupon it is called The City of David and the town of Bethlehem where David was. His birth was in about the 2915 or 2917 year of the world and 366 years after Israel's entering into Canaan. And being the youngest, and least esteemed of his brethren, he was set to keep his fathers sheep, and follow the Ewes great with young.
3. His Qualifications were eminent: whether Natural, Artificial or Spiritual. He was Ruddy, and withal of a beautiful Countenance, and goodly to look to. — Cunning in Playing on the Harp, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in Matters (or in Speech) and a comely person, and the LORD was with him. But above all, his spiritual Endowments and Qualifications excelled; He was effectually acquainted with God in his youth; He had much knowledge of Jesus Christ's Incarnation, of the fruit of his Loins, Office, Prophetical, Priestly and Kingly, Sufferings and afflictions, Death, Burial, Resurrection Ascension into Heaven, and Session at God's right hand in highest Majesty, till all his foes become his footstool; He had much sweet fellowship with the Holy Ghost raising up his spirit to such sweet Contemplations about spirituals, heavenly ejaculations, fervent Prayers, Seraphical Prayses and ravished affections, towards his God and all his ways; His Faith was victorious over all worldly difficulties and oppositions; His Love to his God was wholly transcendent, prizing nothing in earth, no nor in Heaven like unto him alone▪ His panting 〈◊〉 , thirstings and longings after him were 〈◊〉 and unsatisfied; His Zeal to him, his House, to his word and Law, to his worship and Ordinances, to his Churches Prosperity, and to the whole welfare of true Religion, was most ardent and intensive; His affection to all God's people and sincere servants was very large and lively, In the Saints the excellent upon earth was all his delight, though he was a mighty King, yet was he a Companion of all them that feared the Lord and kept his statutes; His obediential disposition was such towards God and all his commands, that God counted him a man after his own heart, who should fulfill all his will; His integrity and uprightness such before the Lord, in the whole course of his life, that God gives this testimony of him, David did that, which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from anything that he comanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite, 1 Kings 15. 5▪ He was upright in his personal Domestical Ecclesiastical and Political capacity; He was a sincere lover of his very enemies, though a vehement hater of the Enemies of God; In a word, he was of an holy heavenly disposition in his whole Conversation; having Heaven in his heart, and his heart in Heaven.
4. His Offices, which God cast upon him, were two high Offices. 1. He was an holy Prophet in the Church, A Penman of most of those sweet heart-ravishing Psalms by the inscription of the Holy-Ghost. He said: The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. He prophetically foretold many things very punctually touching Jesus Christ as hath been shown. 2. He was a godly King in the Common-wealth. Yet have I set (or Anointed my King upon my holy Hill of Zion. God anointed him King by Samuel the Prophet, more privately in the presence of his father and brethren at Beth-lehem, when he was about twenty three years old▪ and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. The men of Judah upon the death of King Saul •… ▪ came and anointed him King the second time over Judah in Hebron, when he was thirty years old: and he reigned over Judah seven years and six months. All the Elders of Israel▪ anointed him the third time King over all Israel in Hebron, over whom he reigned in Jerusalem thirty three years. In all, forty years. David in this his Kingly Office was a singular Type of Christ: as after, will appear.
5. His renowned Acts are most observable after his Royal Unction, when the Spirit of God came eminently upon him. I. After his first and more Private Annointing by Samuel; 1▪ He appeared and repelled the evil Spirit from Saul. 2. He slew Goliath of, Gath, with a sling and a stone, so discomfiting the whole host of the Philistines. Whereupon, Jonathan's heart was 〈◊〉 to him, and he made a league with him. But King •… aul his father, though he advanced him, yet secretly hated him, because the Lord was with him, and because the woman of Israel sang of him; Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. So that 〈◊〉 Persecuted the life of David, who was forced to fly and escape from him for his life 9. or 10 times. 3. He being by, singular Providence preserved from assisting the Philistines against Israel in the battle wherein Saul and Jonathan were slain) rescued Ziklag, the Captives and Spoil thereof from the Amalekites: 3. He lamented for Israel's overthrow, and for the death of Saul and Jonathan. II. After his second Annointing, He prevailed against Abner's Opposition, who set up Is •… bosheth Saul's Son King over Israel for two years. III. After his third Annointing▪ 1. He took the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, and called it The City of David: 2. He subdued the Philistines, and other Enemies. 3. He brought up the Ark of God, first to the house of Obed-Edom, and afterwards into The City of David. 4. He purposed to build God an House, acquainting Nathan the Prophet therewith: upon which God took Occasion to Reveal his Covenant to him and to his Seed by Nathan, telling him, That not be but his son should build the House of the LORD, yea that the LORD would build David's House. 5. He prepared abundantly all sorts of Materials for the Temple. 6. He instructs Solomon about the Building. 7. He commanded▪ all the Princes of Israel to assist Solomon herein. 8. He ordered all the sorts of officers for the House of the Lord. 9. He gave Solomon the Pattern of the House, encouraging him to the work, and charging him sincerely to serve the Lord 10. He inviteth the Princes and People to offer willingly towards the building, greatly blessing God for their readiness and liberalness therein. 11. He appointed Solomon his son to sit on his Throne after him.
6. Sundry his failings, and miscarriages are notwithstanding recorded very impartially, which were great blemishes to his renowned Acts, both Civil, Military and Sacred. As, 1. He feigned himself mad before Achish King of Gath, changing his behavior before him: being surprised with base slavish fears. 2. He easily vowed the destruction of Nabal's House, because of his churlish unkindness in denying some food to his soldiers. 3. He ( • ) distrusted God's Providence and Promises touching the throne, even despairing of life, because of Saul's uncessant persecuting of him. And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul. And elsewhere; I said in my haste, All men are liars. All, that have promised me the crown, are liars, &c. 4. He Lyed to Achish▪ pretending, that he and his men had made a rode against the South of Judah, &c. when they had been slaying the Amalekites, &c. 5. He was too prone to go with Achish and the Philistines to Battle against K. Saul and Israel: in which battle Saul and Jonathan fell, and Israel was worsted. But God by special providence disengaged him. 6. He defiled Bath▪shebah, and murdered Uriah her Husband by the sword of the children of Ammon. By these two great sins, he gave great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to Blaspheme: and hereby also his uprightness was most shaken, and his obedience most shattered. 7. He was too indulgent to his son Absalom though a murderer of his brother Amnon, and a Traitor against his own father, David himself. 8. He too hastily gave credit to Ziba's slander of Mephibosheth, giving Ziba half his land, but very injuriously. 9. He hearkening too much to Satan's provocation, caused Jacob to number the people, placeing too much carnal confidence in the arm of flesh: whereupon God broke the reed of carnal trust, slaying with the pestilence 70000. men. 10. Finally, He was too fondly indulgent to Adonijah, for he had not displeased him at any time, in saying, why hast thou done so?
7. His •… oenitential Recoveries nevertheless out of these failings, yea out of the grossest miscarriages, are storyed. His failings are written for our Caution and Admonition, that we fall not: His Recoveries for our Instruction and Consolation, that if we fall, we may rise again. But, as Augustine hath well noted; Many will fall with David, but they will not rise again with David; &c. He acknowledged his base fears, and error in changing his behavior before Achish, Psalm 34. Title and verse 4. He blessed God, blessed Abigail, Nabal's wife, and blessed her advice, whereby he was kept from shedding of blood and avenging himself with his own hand 1 Sam. 25. 32, 33, 34. He acknowledged it was in his haste, that he said all men are liars, questioning God's Promises, Ps. 116. 11. He habitually hated and abhorred lying: resolving, that he that telleth lies should not tarry in his sight, Psal. 119. 163, & 101. 7. He lamented the worsting of Israel by the Philistines and the death of Saul and Jonathan mourning weeping and fasting, 2 Sam. 1. 11, 12, &c. He deeply repented of his murder and adultery, witnessing the same to all Israel and all succeeding ages of the Church of God, by the 51 Psalm, purposely penned upon that occasion. His heart smote him for numbering the people, so that he acknowledged his sin, begged pardon, accepted the punishment, and offered burnt offerings and Peace offerings, 2 Sam 24. 10, 17, 25. Thus David alling, is a caution against Relapsing: David rising again, is a Pattern of Repenting.
8. His afflictions and chastisements wherewith the Lord excercised him (notwithstanding his Repentance) for his failings were very many. Besides the persecutions of Saul probably ordered to him upon some other account, He had many troubles, In his Family, in his Kingdom, and with foreign adversaries of several sorts. I. In his own family. 1. The child begotten in adultery was smitten with Death. 2. Tamar was incestuously forced and defiled by Amnon her brother. 3. Amnon is bloodily murdered thereupon by the command of his brother Absalom. 4. Absalom ( n ) treasonably rebelled against his father David, seeking his Crown. Defiling his fathers Concubines. At which time, Achithophel fell from David to Absalom. And Shimei reviled and cursed David: being forced to flee from Jerusalem to escape the Conspiracy. Upon which flight he penned the 3. Psalm. 5. Adonijah also mutually sought his fathers Crown contrary to David's appointment of it to Solomon. II. In his Kingdom and without, he was excercised with many troubles. As, 1. With the Insurrection of Sheba the son of Bichri, a wicked Benjamite. 2. With the three years famine in the Land for Saul and his bloody house. 3. With several battles against the Philistines and other enemies in one of which, David's Life was in extreme hazard. 4. With three days pestilence for his numbering the people: by which stroke of God he lost 70000 men, thus God breaking the Staff or Reed of his Carnal Confidence. By these and like afflictions his sorrows grew so great, that His life was spent with grief, his years with sighing, his strength failed, and his bones were consumed. The pangs of Death compassed him about, the floods of Belial (ungodly yokeless men) made him afraid, the lords of hell compassed him, the snares of Death prevented him. His heart was sore pained within him, and the terror of Death fell upon him: fearfulness and trembling came upon him, and horror ever-whelmed him. But what time he was afraid, he trusted in God; his shield about him his glory, and the uplifter of his head. In his distress he called upon the Lord, and he delivered him from all his fears, drew him out of many waters, rescued and freed him from all his enemies, and brought him forth into a large place. So that he loved the LORD his strength most dearly; awakened up himself, his glory, his Psaltery and harp, and all within him, to bless the Lord and triumph in his praises, resolving to call upon him as long as he lived, &c.
9. Finally, When he had served the will of God in his generation, and the time of his departure approached, In his last words he singularly comforted himself, by the Everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things and sure, which the Lord had made with him, although his house were not so with God. And after he had settled his Kingdom in the hand of Solomon his son, and given him godly Instructions about his Conversation and the Structure of the Temple; He fell asleep and was gathered to his fathers, dying in a good old age, full of Days, Riches and Honor.
This was that Renowned DAVID, with whom the Covenant was made.
II. That, God made a Covenant with this DAVID and his Seed: is evident divers ways. As,
1. By the vision which Nathan the Prophet had from God, and imparted unto David, when he entertained that pious Resolution in his heart of building God an House, when the Lord had given him Rest from all his Enemies round about. In which vision the Occasion and Substance of God's Covenant with David and his Seed, touching the establishment of his Throne and Kingdom forever, &c. is expressed: which elsewhere is styled A COVENANT.
2. By the Express Testimony of God himself, in the Recital, Exposition and Enlargement of his Covenant with David and his Seed. Saying; I have made a COVENANT with my chosen: I have sworn unto David my servant. Thy Seed will I establish forever, and build up thy Throne to all Generations, Selah.—My mercy will I keep for him forever: and my COVENANT shall stand fast with him. His Seed also will I make to endure forever, &c.— My COVENANT will I not break: nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips, &c. Where God calls his Promises to David, His Covenant, three several times, and those Promises, that Covenant, extended to David and to his Seed. And elsewhere further Reciting and explaining this Covenant, he said; The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David, he will not turn from it: of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy Throne. If thy children will keep my COVENANT and my Testimony, that I shall teach them: their children also shall sit upon thy Throne for evermore.
3. By David's own acknowledgement in express terms; when in his last words he Comforted himself in God's faithful Promises: Saying; Although my House be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting COVENANT, ordered in all things, and sure: for (or, Therefore) this is all my Salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
By these three Particulars it is clear, That God made A Covenant with David and his Seed: and that God was the sole efficient Cause and Author of this Covenant.
III. That, This Covenant made by God with David and his Seed, was a Covenant of Faith in JESUS CHRIST Promised. This Covenant, for the Nature and Kind of it, was not a Covenant of Works holding forth Righteousness and life upon Condition of perfect and exact Doing: but A Covenant of Faith in Christ tendering Righteousness and Life upon terms of sincere Believing in Christ. And that Believing in Christ, As Promised, and to be Performed afterwards in fullness of time: Not as Performed, and Exhibited already. That this is the Nature and Kind of God's Covenant with David and his Seed, may be thus evinced, viz.
1. Because, David remained still under the Duty, Obligation and Authority of the Sinai-Covenant, after this present Covenant was made with him, as well as before. I. Before this Covenant was made with David, he was under the Duty and Obligation of the Sinai -Covenant. This is plain, 1. By David's Enquiring of the LORD by the Levitical Ephod and Abiathar the Priest, and the LORD's Answer; 2. By his zeal and diligence in bringing up the Ark of God (the chiefest of the Holy things in the Tabernacle) into its place prepared for it in the City of David; 3. By his Offering of Levitical Sacrifices, viz. Burntofferings, and Peace-offerings, &c. 4. By his zealous purposes for building an House to the LORD, even an Habitation for him to put his Name there, as God had promised by Moses. II. After God had made this Covenant with David, he was also under the Obligation and Authority of the Sinai-Covenant. For, 1. As soon as Nathan had revealed God's Covenant to David and his house, David, presently went to the Tabernacle before the Ark to perform his Praise and Prayer before the Lord; 2. After his sin in the Matter of Uriah the Hittite, he went into the Levitical House of the LORD and worshipped; He begged pardon of his sin in that phrase, Purge me with Hyssop and I shall be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter then snow, alluding to the Ceremonial Purgations and washings; And he promised Burnt-offerings, whole-burnt-offerings, and Bullocks to be offered on God's Altar; 3. In his flight from Absalom his son, David had Zadok the Priest, and all the Levites with him bearing the Ark of the Covenant of God, &c. 4. When he had carnally numbered the people, trusting in the Arm of flesh, whereupon the Lord slew in three days 70000 men with the Pestilence, he built an Altar, and offered Burnt-offerings and Peace-offerings, as the Lord commanded him, for the staying of the plague; 5. Finally, before his Death he made great Preparations for the building of the Temple, Received the Pattern of it from God, gave it to Solomon, Instructing and Encouraging him unto the work. III. Both Before and After this Covenant David was under the full Obligation and Authority of the Sinai -Covenant, because the Sinai-Covenant remained in full force from the Giving of it at Mount Sinai, till the Death of Christ at Jerusalem: As hath formerly been manifested. Now David both before and after this Covenant was made with him, remaining still under the Duty and Force of the Sinai-Covenant, This Covenant with David must needs be Symbolical to, and of like Nature with the Sinai-Covenant, viz. A Covenant of Faith in Christ Promised, and not as then Performed: for David could not at one and the same time be under the Duty and Obligation of two such opposite Covenants, as of Works and Faith.
2. Because, Jesus Christ, to be performed and exhibited long after the times of David, was one of the Great Covenant-blessings promised to David in this Covenant. The Perpetuity of David's Seed, and of his Kingdom to his Seed, having its fullest accomplishment in Jesus Christ and his everlasting Kingdom. And Jesus Christ was never Revealed or tendered in the Covenant of Works, wherein is no need of a Mediator, but only in the Covenant of Faith. And that Covenant of Faith, which Revealeth and Promiseth Christ as to be Performed afterwards, is properly to be referred to the COVENANTS of PROMISE.
3. Because, David, even under this Covenant which God made with him, Describes and sets forth the Righteousness of Faith without our own works of the Law, as Paul shows. Therefore this Covenant with David was a Covenant of Faith, not of Works: The righteousness of Faith without Works being the peculiar Terms, condition and tenor of the Covenant of Faith.
4. Because, David and his Seed (with whom this Covenant was made,) were (as hath been shown) special Types of Jesus Christ the true David and of his Seed, principally intended in this Covenant. Consequently this Covenant was a Covenant of Faith in Christ promised, the very foundation of this Covenant.
Inferences.
1. Hence, The Authority of this Covenant with David was wholly Divine. Animmediate Vision from God to Nathan the Prophet, and by Nathan to David. Hence Nathan thus began the Narrative thereof to David; Thus saith the LORD: and went on therein with these words; Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, 2 Sam. 7. 5, 8. And therefore, All the Promises therein propounded were most Infallible, Sure, well-ordered, and Comfortable to David, as himself testifies in his last words most emphatically. And all the Conditions required on the part of David and his Seed: were their unquestionable Duties towards God.
2, Hence, God's Covenant with David, was his Gospel to David. For, this was a Covenant of Faith, preaching the glad-tidings of Life and Salvation by Jesus Christ to all that believe in him, and particularly to David and all his believing Seed: And this is pure Gospel. Oh how sweet was this Gospel-Covenant to blessed David, saying of it; This is all my Salvation, and all my delight! As it was said of Jacob; That his life was bound up in his son's life: so it might be much more said of David; That his Life, Salvation and delight was bound up in this Covenant, and in Jesus Christ his chief promised Seed that should sit upon his Throne forever. When therefore we read God's Covenant with David, or the Explanation thereof, in Old or New Testament, we should still remember we are reading the Gospel of God in Jesus Christ: and that should allure us to read on, and meditate therein with great delight.
3. Hence, God's Covenant with David was one of the Covenants of Promise. The Covenant of Faith (as hath been already shown) compriseth in it, 1. The Covenants of Promise, in Christ Promised from the foundation of the world, and to be Performed in Human flesh in the fullness of time. 2. The Covenant of Performance, in Christ actually Performed and Manifested in the flesh already. And this is only The New Covenant. Now this Covenant with David had reference to Christ that should be performed in the flesh afterwards; of the house and linage of David: and therefore it was not the Covenant of Performance, but only one of the Covenants of Promise; yet an Eminent Covenant of Promise, in some regards surpassing all that went before, as after will appear. Therefore David, his House, and the whole Church of the Jews, had their Hopes and Expectations sweetly raised towards Christ, and their longing desires exceedingly inflamed and incited after Christ, by this Covenant. So that in King Solomon's days, The Church thus expressed her panting desires after Christ's Incarnation, Let him Kiss me with the Kisses of his Mouth; for thy Love is better then wine. As if she had said; The Kisses of Christ in the Patriarchs mouths by their Doctrines of Christ, are sweet to me: The Kisses of Christ in the Prophets mouths by their fuller Doctrines of Christ, are much sweeter: But oh, the Kisses of Christ's own mouth manifested in the flesh, by his own Personal Doctrines and Consolations, will be far sweetest of all. Oh let him kiss me with the kisses of his Mouth, his own Mouth. And again; Oh that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother; [that is, Oh that thou wert as mine own Natural brother in the flesh! Oh that thou wert incarnate already! The words are a Periphrasis of a Natural brother:] When I should find thee without, I would kiss thee, yet I should not be despised. I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mothers House, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine, of the juice of my Pomegranat. His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.
APHORISM II. 2. The Federate-Parties to this Covenant.
THe Federates, or Parties to this Covenant were; On the one hand GOD, As the LORD of Hosts, The God of Israel, The Rock of Israel, A father to David and his Seed, His God, and The Rock of his Salvation: On the other hand DAVID and his SEED; David, As One that was mighty, God's chosen, God's servant, God's annointed King, God's First-born higher then the Kings of the Earth, David's Seed, As God's Son, and King forever▪
For Evidencing and Explaining of this Aphorism, Consider especially these two particulars. 1. That God, on the one hand, David and his Seed on the other, were Parties to this Covenant. 2. In what peculiar Notions, God, David and his Seed, were such Federate-Parties. Both which are briefly comprised in this Aphorism.
I. That GOD on the One hand, DAVID and his SEED on the other, were Parties to this Covenant, is evident sufficiently, 1. By God's vision to Nathan, 2. By God's own Testimony, and 3. By David's acknowledgement, All opened in the former Aphorism.
II. In what Notions and Considerations, GOD, DAVID and his SEED were such Federate-Parties to this Covenant; I thus further explain.
First, GOD was the chief Federate-Party to and Author of this Covenant in these notions and respects especially, viz.
1. As The Lord of Hosts. When God first revealed this Covenant to David by Nathan's vision, God commanded Nathan to speak unto David in this style, — Thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, &c. God is LORD of Hosts, Partly, Because All creatures in Heaven and Earth are his Hosts or Armies, to execute his will at his Command As Angels, Sun, Moon, and Stars, Fire, Hail, Snow, Wind, Dragons and all Deeps, Mountains, Trees, Beasts, creeping things, flying fowl, Kings of the Earth and all People. He is sole supreme LORD and absolute Commander of them all. Partly, Because his Providence is eminently interested in all Matters of war in the world. As, 1. In Raysing and stirring up war, Ier. 25. 29. Isai. 5. 26. & 7. 18. & 13. 4. Ier. 50. 25. 2. In giving Instruction and Encouragement to the Battle, 2 Sam. 22. 55. Psal. 144▪ 1. 3. In assisting his people in Battle by his presence and power, &c. Deut. 20. 4. Zech. 10. 5. Josh. 5. 13, &c. In Prospering Armies with success, or dashing them with disappointment, Zach. 10. 3, •… . Eccles. 9. 11. Psal. 33. 17. Isai. 54. 17. Psal. 76. 5, 12. Isai. 19. 16. 5. In continuing wars so long as he pleaseth, Ier. 47. 6, 7. Hos. 11. 6. 6. In making wars to cease when he listeth, Psal. 46. 9. Thus God had manifested himself singularly a LORD of hosts to David, by his peculiar Providence to him in all his expeditions, having brought all his Enemies under his feet, and cut them off from before him. And in this Notion, As the LORD of Hosts, he revealed his Covenant to David, A man of war: intimating his Presence, Providence, Power and Alsufficiency for David against all his Enemies for future, as for time past; So that no Enemies, nor Difficulties could hinder the accomplishment of his Covenant to David and his Seed.
2. As the God of Israel, and the Rock of Israel. When David in his last words comforted himself with the Mention of God's Covenant the ground of his faith and hope, he thus Prefaced to it; The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: that is, Israel's Covenant-God, who hath accepted them as his Peculiar-Treasure, as his special-people, who dwelt in the midst of them, & walked amongst them, and is nigh unto them in all things that they call upon him for, &c. This God of Israel became David's Covenant-God, spake to him many things by Inspiration, and this Covenant in vision. Again The Rock of Israel; that is, The Rock, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , The only Rock in the world; For who is God save the LORD? or who is a Rock save our God? Psal. 18. 31. He is the only sure immovable, immutable, Everlasting and All-sufficient foundation, fortress, and refuge of his people flying to him and trusting in him▪ He is their Rock of Salvation, Deut. 32. 15. Rock and Salvation, Psal. 62. 7. Rock and Redeemer, Psal. 19. 15. Rock of Refuge, Psal. 94. 22. Rock of their strength, Psal. 62. 7, 8. & 31. 3. Isai. 17. He became the Rock of David's Heart, and his portion forever, Psal. 73. 26.
3. As A Father to David and his Seed. The Lord said touching David; I have found David my servant: — He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father. This is spoken in reference to God's Covenant with David there explained, yea this is one clause of the Covenant. Father, is a term of most loving, sweet, comfortable and Familiar Relation. And no Father in the world, is such a Father: in whom alone all fatherly Perfections and Properties, are Al-sufficient, Immutable, Eternal, Infinite. This heavenly Father, this matchless Father, became David's Covenant-Father. How confidently, comfortably, prevailingly, might David look up by Faith and Prayer to this Father! The Lord also said touching his Seed; And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy Fathers, I will set up thy Seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, — I will be his Father. David's Seed was 1. Mediate and less principal: as Solomon, and others of his Race. 2. Mediate and most Principal, as Christ Jesus who according to the flesh came from David's loins. God was a Covenant-Father to both these sorts of Seeds: To his Immediate Seed, A Father by Adoption; To his Mediate Seed, Christ, A Father by peculiar Creation and Generation of his Human Nature. Christ said I go to my Father, and your Father: To my God, and your God.
4. As a God to David. He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, My God: said the Lord, in his Recital of his Covenant with David. By this Covenant, God intended to enable David to plead his interest in God as his God. To have the Lord for our Covenant-God in Christ, and to be able in assurance of Faith to say, Thou art our God; is an high degree of Happiness: yea, this is the highest Covenant-blessing, as hath been at large expounded.
5. As the Rock of David's Salvation. In the Lord's recital of his Covenant with David, he represents himself to David in this Consideration; He shall cry unto me, Thou art my Father, My God, and The Rock of my Salvation. Of what Salvation? Of all Salvation, Temporal, Spiritual, and Eternal. The whole stress of all his Salvation should rest and be founded on God alone, As the Rock thereof: And upon him David's Salvation should be strong, sure, unshaken, and constant. Hence David, casting his Eye upon God's Covenant with him, comforted himself against all the adversaries of his Family, saying; Therefore this is all my Salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
But of these things more hereafter, in Opening the Matter of this Covenant.
Secondly, DAVID and his SEED were the other Federate-Party to this Covenant: with whom God made this Covenant in these respects and Notions, viz.
1. With DAVID himself; 1. As one that was Mighty. Then thou spakest in vision to thy Holy-one (viz. to Nathan the Prophet, 2 Sam. 7. 4. to 18.) and saidst, I have laid help upon a mighty one. A Worthy, A Champion, viz. David, who was a mighty man of war, and who helped God's people Israel in fighting the Lord's battles against their Enemies, with mighty Resolution and Mighty Success. In this Covenant also God promised to David; His enemies will I clothe with shame, but upon himself shall his Crown flourish. 2. As God's Elect or chosen one. I have made a Covenant with my chosen. I have exalted one chosen out of the people. David was Electus chosen: Consequently Dilectus, beloved. As Christ is called, God's Elect in whom his Soul delighted: Matthew hath it; My servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well-pleased. David was chosen of God, To the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us: As also, To the Throne of Israel. This later is here specially intended. As David was Chosen, He was designed to the Kingly Office. As he was A Mighty one, he was Qualified for that Office. 3. As God's servant, I have sworn unto David my servant, I have found David my servant, with whom my hand shall be established, &c. God Covenanted with David as his servant: yea by his Covenant he encouraged and established him in his service. David is often styled God's servant; And he was God's Servant, Not only Generally as all are his servants, Psal. 119. 91. Nor only specially, as all true believers and godly persons are his servants, improving his Talents to his glory, Math. 25. 14. &c. Luke 19. 13, &c. Rev. 22. 3. But also particularly by his peculiar office, in Church as a Prophet, in Commonwealth as a King, wherein he did singularly serve the Lord: and in which respect he is frequently styled, The Servant of the Lord, as Psal. 18. 1. & 78. 70, 71, 72. 2 Sam 7. 8, &c. And in this notion God had particular respect unto him in this Covenant 4. As God's Anointed King. I have found David my servant, with mine holy Oil have I anointed him, with whom my hand shall be established, &c. In this Covenant God had special respect to David's Kingdom, to settle stablish and perpetuate it by his Covenant, as after will appear in the matter of this Covenant. 5. As God's firstborn, higher then the Kings of the earth. Also I will make him my first-born, higher then the Kings of the Earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my Covenant shall stand fast with him. The Chaldee adds; The first-born of the Kings of the house of Judah. First-born, or First-begotten. viz. The chief or principal King: as the following phrase exegetically explaineth it. The First-born had a fourfold Prerogative: As, The Prophecy, for instructing the Family; The ( n ) Priesthood, for Sacrificing; The Kingship, for Government, as chieftains and principal Rulers thereof; And the double portion for bearing up their dignity, and encouraging them in all.
Now in all these Particulars Jesus Christ is primarily intended and shadowed out. For, 1. Christ is a mighty one indeed, on whom our help and salvation is laid. The mighty God: Having all power; able to save to the uttermost, &c. 2. Christ is God's chosen and beloved one above all other they being accepted of God only in the beloved. 3. Christ is God's most eminent and faithful servant in the great work and service of sinners Redemption, for Salvation of both Jews and Gentiles. 4. Christ is God's anointed King. Anointed, not with material Oil from the Tabernacle, but with the Oil of gladness above his fellows, even with the Spirit of God from heaven above measure. 5. Finally, Christ is Cods First-born higher then the Kings of the Earth. For, Christ is the First-born of every Creature,—and the first-born of the Dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. Lord of Lord's, and King of Kings. whom all the Kings of the earth, and Angels of God in heaven, are to fear serve and worship. This Covenant therefore God made with David in Christ. Christ was the prime foundation and intention of it. Christ with David and his Seed was the other Federate party to it.
2. With David's SEED, 1. As God's son. and when thy days shall be fulfilled,—I will set up thy Seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels,—I will be his father and he shall be my son. This was Immediately intended of Solomon, who should build the Material and Typical Temple at Jerusalem, who was God's son by gratuitous Adoption; But Mediately and primarily of him that was greater then Solomon Jesus Christ, who should build the true living Temple of God, the Church, of living stones from among both Jews and Gentiles, who was God's son by eternal Generation, according to his God-head, by miraculous Creation and Procreation according to his man-hood. 2. As God's King for evermore. I will raise up thy Seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his Kingdom. He shall build an House for my name, and I will establish the Throne of his Kingdom forever. This had its Immediate and Secondary accomplishment in Solomon and the Successive Seed of David which continued forever, that is, for a long time, till the great year of Jubilee, the time of Jesus Christ: but its Mediate and Primary accomplishment in the person of Christ Jesus of the Seed of David, who should reign over the Israel of God, the Church, forever and ever.
Inferences by way of Application.
1. Hence, God's Condescension to David was wonderful, in becoming a Covenant-Party under such Notions and Considerations, in this Covenant with David. God stooped to David exceedingly in making Covenant with him; and therein he dealt familiarly with him, as man with man, as a man with his familiar friend. For betwixt God and David was as great disparity, as betwixt Light and Darkness Life and Deadness, The Creator and the Creature, Finite and Infinite. And yet God stooped and Condescended to David in this Covenant so much the more, that he would be A Covenant-Party herein with David, As The LORD of Hosts, As the God and Rock of Israel, As a Father to David and his Seed, As his God, And as the Rock of his Salvation. Well might David hereupon burst out; Who am I O LORD God, and what is mine House, that thou hast brought me Hitherto? [viz. that thou hast brought me from the sheepcote to the Throne and Scepter; hast cut of all mine enemies; hast made me a name like the name of the great men of the Earth; and hast been with me whithersoever I went; as 1 Chron. 17. 7, 8.] And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes O God, for thou hast also spoken of thy servants House for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree O LORD God. Or as the parallel place expresseth it; and is this the Manner (or Law) of man O LORD God. Or as Junius reads it; And that after the manner of men, O LORD God. That is, (faith one; Thou dealest familiarly with me as a man dealeth with man.) Now in these former expressions David intimateth, That though God's former kindnesses were so admirable that he was astonished at them, yet this familiar Covenant-kindness as it were struck him dumb; And what can David say more unto thee? As if all the former mercies had been a small thing in God's sight, he superadded this familiar Covenant, and herein made known all these Greatnesses. O LORD there is none like, neither is there any God besides thee.
2. Hence, The Privilege of David and his Seed was exceeding great, to be the other Covenant-party with God, and that under such Notions and Considerations. In this Covenant God Descended and Condescended to David; but David & his Seed Ascended towards God. God stooped below himself: but David is herein lifted up above himself. What? shall David, the youngest and most despised of Jesse's sons, the late keeper of his fathers sheep▪ shall he be particularly taken into a special Covenant with God? And this under such advantageous and Comfortable-Notions? As A mighty one; As God's chosen: As God's servant: As God's Anointed King; As God's First-born higher then the Kings of the Earth? What manner of Privileges are these: and how many Privileges? Surely all the Notions under which the Lord became a Covenant-party with him and his Seed, and all the Notions under which he and his Seed became a Covenant-party with God, are so many eminent Privileges and Covenant-advantages devolved upon David and his Seed.
3. Hence David and his Seed in this Covenant Typically Sustained and represented the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Especially David and his son Solomon were eminent Types of Christ, the true David most entirely beloved of God, and the true Solomon and Prince of Peace to his Church and people. They were the Types: Christ the Anty-Type. They were the Shadows Christ the Substance. All the Notions and Considerations under which David and his Seed, were Federate-Parties with God in this Covenant had a more special tendency to and accomplishment in Jesus Christ then either in David or in Solomon. But in what regards David and his Seed Solomon were such Types of Christ shall more particularly be unfolded in the General Inferences from Consideration of this whole Covenant.
APHORISM III. 3. The Impulsive Cause and Occasion of this Covenant.
THE Impulsive Cause moving God to make this Covenant with David and his Seed was his rich grace and mercy in Jesus Christ; upon Occasion of God's changing Israel's Governors from Judges to Kings and of King David's holy Purposes of building an house or Temple for the Lord his God at Jerusalem. In this Aphorism are two things chiefly to be opened and cleared; 1. The Impulsive Cause, 2. The Occasion of this Covenant. Of both briefly.
I. The Impulsive or Moving Cause, inclining the Lord to make this Covenant with David and his Seed, and therein to Condescend so familiarly unto them in such liberal and bountiful Promises, is twofold: 1. Inward, 2. Outward.
1. The Inward Moving Cause of this Covenant, Causa 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was only God's own rich Grace and Mercy. As appears, 1. By David's thankful acknowledgements presently upon God's revealing of this Covenant to David by Nathan, saying; According to thine own heart (of thy mere grace, not of any merit of mine) hast thou done all these great things, (viz. These great things of this Covenant now revealed by Nathan,) to make thy servant know them. Or, as it is elsewhere; According to thine own heart hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these Greatnesses. That is, According to the mere good pleasure of thine own will, hast thou revealed this Covenant to me. Thou hast fetched all motives and impulsives from within thyself only, from thine own mere grace goodness and mercy. Hence Pet. Martyr; According to thine heart] For God is so good, that he expects not our merits, but is moved by his own sole will and mere mercy. Therefore Paul to the Ephesians saith, God worketh all things according to the Counsel of his own will, Eph. 1. 11. 2. By God's own Testimony, styling the Substance of this Covenant, Mercy: Not only Materially, because the blessings covenanted therein were Mercies, a Compound of Mercy: Nor only formally, because they were promised and performed as Mercies; But also Efficiently Originally and Fundamentally, because they were the peculiar fruits and effects of Divine Mercy and Grace. — My faithfulness and my Mercy shall be with him, (viz. with David:) and in my Name shall his horn be exalted.—My mercy will I keep for him for evermore: and my Covenant shall stand fast with him. Ethan also the Ezrahite, speaking of this Covenant, stiles it by way of Emphasis, Mercy; for I have said Mercy shall be built up forever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
2. The Outward moving cause of this Covenant, the Causa 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , was only Christ Jesus the Messiah and his merit, in whom alone The Lord so accepted