§. 69. Of David Gods first-born.
Obj. 2. DAvid by a kinde of property and excellency is called Gods first-born, Psa. 89. 27. where God thus saith of him, I will make him my first-born, higher then the Kings of the earth.
Answ. Howsoever that may in some respects be applied to David, who was a true adopted childe of God, the first of Gods faithfull ones, that as King reigned over that ancient people of God, who was also the head of those Kings on whom the Kingdom over Israel was established, and more excellent then all the Kings of the earth in his time; yet those excellent prerogatives which are mentioned in that Psalm, were but poor and slender in comparison of what they are, if they should be no other then what rested in Davids person.
We are therefore to know, that David was an especiall type of Christ, and that many superexcellent prerogatives which are proper to the only begotten Sonne of God, are there applied to David, meerly as a type of that Sonne of God, and as a dark shadow of his incomparable and incomprehensible excellencies; that so Gods people who lived before Christ was exhibited, might have some representa∣tions (so far forth as in mortall men they could be set out) of Christs surpassing glory, and infinite blessings that in him were brought to men: That therefore which is promised Psa. 89. 27. is properly meant of Christ, and typically applied to David.
Thus we see that (albeit Sonnes of men in some improper respects are stiled Gods first-born,) properly Christ Iesus is only his first-born; even that first-born who only is worthy to have the honour intended in these words, Let all the Angels of God wor∣ship him.
Thus it may appear that that honour of being first-born is due unto him. It is confirmed by divine testimony in this phrase He saith, HE, that is God the Father. For it is the Father that taketh such and such care of the Sonne, and commandeth* 1.1 all to honour him.