§. 81. Of Angels inferiority to Christ.
THese three words, made, Angels, Ministers, import inferiority.
In that they are said to be made, they are declared to be creatures: and al∣so to be ordered to be such as they are, by him that made them; which was the Sonne of God; So as this relative who, hath reference to this clause in the second verse, By whom he made the worlds.
This phrase * 1.1 who maketh, being of the present tense, leadeth us to a considera∣tion of that primary work of creation, as if it were still in doing; that so it might be the better heeded. For things in their first doing are most regarded. In like man∣ner are the * 1.2 other phrases of the Psalmist, in the verses going before, all set down in the present tense.* 1.3
The word maketh, having relation to God intimateth two things.
- 1. Creation; For where God is said to have rested from all his works which he had made, Gen. 2. 2. and to have made the heaven and the earth, Rev. 14. 7. it is meant created. Express mention is made of the creation of Angels, Col. 1. 16.
- 2. Ordination▪ or disposing things to this or that use; Thus God is said to have made his Annointed the Head of the heathen, Psa. 18. 43. and to have made his Saints Kings and Priests, Rev. 1. 6. that is, to have ordered and disposed them to such and such dignities.
In both these senses is this phrase, he maketh, here used. He maketh them spirits, that is, he createth them spiritual substances; He maketh them a flame of fire, that is, he ordereth and disposeth them to be as a flame of fire in doing his will.
•…•…hat this word is here in both these senses to be taken, is evident by that which in the verses following is spoken of Christ in opposition to Angels. Here they are sti∣led messengers and Ministers; But he, God and King v. 8. They made; but he the Lord and Maker v. 10. So as there is here noted as great a difference betwixt Christ and Angels, as betwixt King and Ministers, Creator and creatures. The inferiority therefore of Angels to Christ is very great.