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§. 4. Of the High-priests being for men.
THe third branch of the description of an High-priest, is, that he is for men; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their use, for their good.
The phrase translated [for] is used in a double sense:
- 1. It being joyned with an Accusative case, signifieth a 1.1 above, as the Disciple 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not above his Master, nor the servant above his Lord, Mat. 10. 24.
- 2. Joyned with a Genitive case it importeth the end or good of a thing, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 where Christ saith of his body given, and of his bloud shed, b 1.2 for you, Luk. 22. 19, 20. So here, God appointed an High-priest for the good of men. This may be exemplified in all the parts of his function. The gifts, Sacrifices, incense, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manner of oblations which he offered, were for the good of the people: So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his entring into the holy place, and carrying their names before the Mercy-sea•…•…, to∣gether with other sacred duties.
The grounds hereof were, mans need, and Gods tender respect to man.
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1. This sheweth, that they who sought the Priesthood for their own advance∣ment and advantage, clean perverted the end thereof: as they did against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Prophets much cried out: and they who in Christs, and in his Apostles 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thrust themselves into that function, though they were not of the poster•…•…ty of A•…•…∣ron. Likewise they who abused the Priesthood for their own emolument, as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Eli, 1 Sam. 2. 13. and Eliashib, Neh. 13. 4, &c.
This may be applied to false prophets, false Ministers of the Gospel: and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prophets and Ministers as do all for filthy lucre sake.
- 2. This warranteth us to apply what Christ did as an High-priest to our selves: for he was an High-priest for men, even for their salvation.
- 3. This sheweth, that who have charge over others must seek their •…•…∣tuall good. See Chap. 7. vers. 27. §. 114.