§. 155. Of the transition betwixt Christs Princely and Priestly Function.
For verily he took not on him the nature of Angels: but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
THis verse is here inserted as a fit transition betwixt the Princely and Priestly Office of Christ. It hath reference to them both as an especiall reason of the one and of the other. In reference to the former it sheweth a reason of the two forementioned acts of Christs Kingly Office. Why he destroyed the devil, and why he delivered man that was in bondage: even because he took not on him the nature of Angels: but the seed of Abraham. The first particle FOR intendeth as* 1.1 much: In reference to the later which is Christs Priestly Function, this verse lay∣eth down the ground of all the particulars following, ver. 17, 18. He was made like to his brethren: he was a mercifull and faithfull High priest, &c. Even because he took on him the seed of Abraham.
The a 1.2 Greek conjunction translated, verily, is a compound. The simple is a note of asseveration or ratification: It is translated doubtlesse, (2 Cor. 12. 1.) which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all one as this word verily. The b 1.3 particle with which it is here compounded point∣eth at some place. In that respect it may here be thus translated, he no where took* 1.4 on him: So the Vulgar Latine, and our ancient notes. Thus it may have reference to the Old Testament; whereunto the Apostle hath oft reference, as Chap. 1. 5, &c. and in this Chapter, ver. 6. 12, 13. In this sense it may imply that the Scripture no where testifieth of Christ that he took on him the nature of Angels, &c. and therefore it may be inferred that he did not take the nature of Angels on him.
Whether we take this word as a note of asseveration, or as pointing to the Old Testament, the same sense remaineth: for both waies it addeth emphasis to this ne∣gative, he took not.