§. 58. Of Christs being made lower then Angels.
THat the humiliation of Christ might not be stretched farre, two limitations are here annexed.
One of the Persons. The other of the time or degree.
The persons below whom Christ was put, are here stiled Angels.
The Hebrew word, is one of Gods Titles: and by many thus translated, Thou madest him lower then GOD. But that title is also frequently attributed to men, and to Angels, as hath been shewed before, Chap. 1. §. 70.
The main scope of the Apostle, and his particular application of these persons to Angels, vers. 9. plainly sheweth, that that Hebrew title here belongeth to Angels. Much hath been spoken in the former Chapter, and in the beginning of this Chap∣ter, about the excellency of Christ above Angels. Wherefore to prevent what might be objected against that excellency, by reason of Christs humane nature, of the infirmities thereof, and of his sufferings therein, it is granted, that indeed he was made lower then Angels: yet so, as that mean condition which he underwent, might be a means of his advancement, even in his humane nature, above Angels: to demonstrate thereby, that that means was so farre from impeaching his great∣ness, as it made way thereto, and amplified the same.
Besides, in mentioning Angels who are spirituall substances, he implieth that his humane nature only was so humbled and made low: so as he was not made lower then any other creatures, besides Angels. This is one limitation of Christs humi∣liation.
Yet if we consider, that he who is the head of all principality and power (Col. 2. 10) infinitely better than Angels (as hath been shewed, Chap. 1. §. 41.) was made lower than Angels, and became such a man, such a Sonne of man, as is intended in the former verse, we shall finde, that this degree of Christs humiliation, is a matter of the greatest admiration that ever was given. Never was the like, never shall, ne∣ver can there be the like pattern given: Angels and men may stand amazed hereat.