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§. 61. Of Dominion given to Christ.
GOD contented not himself that he had advanced the foresaid man to a royall Dignity, and that to the most excellent that could be, but also added Domi∣nion and Jurisdiction unto him. For it is further said, in the Apostrophe to God, and didst set him over the works of thine hands.
This copulative AND, here joyneth together the distinct parts of Christs ad∣vancement.
In this phrase, Thou didst set (which is the interpretation of one a 1.1 Greek word) there is some difference from the Hebrew; which is thus translated, b 1.2 Thou madest him to have Dominion.
The Greek word is somewhat more generall then the Hebrew. It signifieth to appoint, or to set, or place, as Heb. 5. 1. Every High-Priest is c 1.3 ordained or appoint∣ed. And Iames 3. 6. The tongue is SET in our members, or among our members.
But the Hebrew word more specially signifieth to rule, as Gen. 4. 7. d 1.4 Thou shal•…•… rule over him. And in the third Conjugation, to make to rule, or to give power to rule, as Dan 11. 39 e 1.5 He shall cause them to rule. This Conjugation is in the text in hand used by the Psaln•…•…st. When the Preposition which signifieth f 1.6 over, is added to the Verb that signifieth to set, (as in this text it is) it intendeth as much as the Hebrew word doth; namely to be •…•…et over others to rule them; or to be appoint∣ed to rule, or to be made to rule. So it is oft translated, Matth. 25. 21, 23. g 1.7 •…•… will make thee ruler over many. This then implieth a•…•… higher degree o•…•… advancement▪ which is Authority and Rule.
This point is further amplified by the extent thereof, in this phrase, Over the works of thy hands.
Of the meaning of this phrase, See chap. 1. §. 132, 134.
The difference betwixt this phrase, Works of thy hands, in this place, and the for∣mer, is this, that here it is taken in a larger extent then there. There it compre∣hended only the heavens: but here, all manner of creatures, both above and be∣low: not any at all accepted. The indefinite expression of the works of Gods hands, intends as much.
This is further confirmed in the next verse by this generall particle ALL, all* 1.8 things: whereof See §. 67, 68.