(Continued from p. 275.)

We have already seen that the first two psalms lay the basis for the whole collection, and these are part of a beautiful series comprising the first eight psalms, which subdivides as follows:Ps. 1 & 2, on the contents of which we have meditated already, and Ps. 3-7, which set forth the condition of the remnant consequent upon the rejection of Christ and the Spirit of Christ in association with them, in grace entering into their sorrows and forming faith in their hearts. This will be characteristic in the latter day, and while certain verses in the psalms mentioned seem to be the voice of Christ personally, they could not express His own personal feeling while on earth, though "having learned obedience through the things which He suffered" He is able to sympathize and speak a word in season to him that is weary. We must not conclude, that because a verse or portion of a psalm is quoted in the New Testament as applied to the Lord, therefore the whole psalm can be applied to Him. This is dangerous. The Spirit is one, and the same Holy Spirit that was upon Him is in His people now. But that speech which becomes the Master does not necessarily become the servant, nor that which becomes the Head of the Body become the members.

The eighth psalm ends this series, and stands uniquely alone. As closing the condition referred to in Ps. 3-7, and bringing in the counsels of God in connection with Jehovah's Anointed, the remnant is heard exclaiming:"O Jehovah our Adonim, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth, who hast set Thy glory above the heavens!"

In Psalm 2 the Lord is King in Zion, and kingdom power and glory is His, but in Ps. 8 His glory is above the heavens, the sphere of power and glory is enlarged, and universal dominion is predicated for Him. It is not the limited sphere of Messiah's rule, blessed as that kingdom will be, but as the Son of Man He is seen set over the work of His hands, not only over the human race, but over every created thing.

The eighth psalm is referred to several times in the New Testament. In John 1 Nathanael’s words are based on Ps. 2, but the Lord's reply is based on Ps. 8:"Hereafter thou shalt see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the San of Man." So also in Luke 9:18-23, the close of Ephesians 1, 1 Cor. 15, and Hebrews 2, all of which have reference to the larger title and glory of Ps. 8. The change of position is plainly seen in Matthew's Gospel where, as in Luke 9, our Lord "charged His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ," and henceforth speaks of Himself as Son of Man (chap. 16:27, 28, etc.).

Speaking of Ps. 1, 2, and 8, a comment by a departed brother is worthy of our careful meditation, He says, "At the close of John's Gospel we have the three characters noticed on which these psalms are founded. God vindicates in testimony His rejected Son. He raises Lazarus, and the Son of God is glorified thereby. He rides into Jerusalem as King of Israel. Then Greeks come up, and He says, 'The hour is come that the Son of Man should be glorified,' but has to take this place in God's purpose. He must suffer and die. In chapter 13 therefore He begins His heavenly place" (J.N.D.).

The remnant ascribes praise to Jehovah's name, His glory is set above the heavens, and in the midst of man's rage and relentless hatred God has taken up the weak things, and things that are despised, to perfect His praise. The second verse of our psalm, "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast ordained praise," is quoted by our Lord (Matt. 21:16) in answering the objection of the chief priests and scribes to the children's "Hosanna!" The very rejection of His glorious Person by the nation only resulted in the opening of a wider circle of glory, acquired as Son of Man.

In Hebrews 2 the psalm is quoted at length:the Spirit of God giving the answer to the question, "What is man that Thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that Thou visitest him?" The first question is asked as the glories of the heavens are contemplated. What a galaxy of glory and marvelous system the heavens present! How weak and puny man is in comparison therewith!

"Soon as the evening shades prevail,
The moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly, to the listening earth,
Repeats the story of her birth:
Whilst all the stars around her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.

Forever singing as they shine,
The Hand that made us is divine."

But great as are these glories, all must necessarily sink into insignificance in the presence of the One under whose feet all will yet be set. If man (Adam) in weakness failed in maintaining his God-given place of authority, all has been secured for God and the universe in the Son of Man. It is in the light of this blessed Man that Hebrews 2 interprets the remainder of the psalm:"Made a little lower than the angels" (Heb. 2:9 adds, "for the suffering of death"), He is crowned with glory and honor. This-to faith-is the earnest of that which is to come! All things are not, as yet, seen beneath the feet of the Son of Man; indeed, the usurper still wields the sceptre, but that glorious day of emancipation for the whole creation will soon arrive, and the blessed One who alone is worthy, shall be universally owned and praised. What a glorious day that will be when:

"Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Shall his successive journeys run,
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more."

"He must reign till He hath put all enemies under His feet" (1 Cor. 15:25), and His excellent name shall fill the whole earth (Ps. 8:9). J. W. H. Nichols

(To be continued, D. V.)