572. PSA 132:18. MESSIAH’S TRIUMPHS

Psa_132:18. Messiah’s Triumphs

"His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown Sourish."’97Psa_132:18.

It is evident, that from the 11th verse of this Psalm, there is a distinct prophecy relative to the Lord Jesus Christ. By comparing this portion of the Psalm with Luk_1:31, &c., and Act_2:30, &c., we have the true key to the signification of the Psalmist, and thus we are infallibly delivered from the possibility of error. In all cases, Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture. It is equally evident, that this prophecy has not yet been fully accomplished. It has been in the course of accomplishment for more than eighteen centuries, and it will finally receive its complete realization in the universal establishment of the reign of the Messiah. Our text contains a twofold declaration,

I. As to his enemies. And,

II. As to his regal triumphs and glory. Observe the declaration,

I. As to his enemies. The enemies of the Redeemer are vast and various. Among these we notice,

(1.) The powers of darkness. The apostate angels leagued under Satan, the prince of the power of the air. Now these are all united in one compact of evil against God, and holiness, and against the happiness of his creatures.

(2.) The wicked rulers of earthly dominions. In all ages there have been such. Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Balak, and the kings of Canaan. Belshazzar and Herod, and the early Roman emperors. Pagan and infidel rulers. All who have lent their influence to tyranny and oppression, and irreligion. The cruel persecutors of the people of God, in all ages and countries.

(3.) Infidel and blasphemous scoffers. Men who have written against the religion of heaven. Porphyry, Julian, and Bolingbroke, and Hume, and Paine, and Hobbes, &c. Men whose intellects and genius have been consecrated to works of evil. Wandering stars. Founts of corruption and death.

(4.) False teachers and antichrists. Corrupters of the truth. The inventors and supporters of worldly systems of religion. Enemies of the cross of Christ. Seducers from the gospel. In this rank we must place all religious impostors and deceivers. From the false Christs of the apostles’ days down to Mahomet, and from Mahomet to Joanna Southcot, and Smith, the degraded Mormonite.

(5.) All pagan priests and worshippers of idols. This is a public poring of contempt on God. Every pagan temple,’97altar,’97sacrifice and ceremony,’97are in open war with the kingdom of Jesus.

(6.) All obstinate and unbelieving Jews. They have had the true light. They have in their possession the very oracles which speak of Christ. But they have closed their eyes, and shut their ears, and hardened their hearts. They are still doing over again, the work of their fathers, in despising the Messiah, and putting away from them the only Christ.

(7.) All wicked violators of the laws of heaven, and such as are in unbelief. The unconverted in our own land. Those who do not receive the grace of God in faith. All who refuse their allegiance, and love, and obedience to the Saviour. Such are his enemies, and such shall be clothed with shame. See Psa_109:29. They are often so,

(1.) In the depths of their mental and moral wretchedness. When their resources fail them, in the day of affliction, or sorrow, or death. It is said that Julian, after a most bitter and persevering opposition to Christ and his cause, exclaimed, gnashing with his teeth and biting the earth, "O Galilean, thou hast overcome!" This is often the end of the ungodly.

(2.) This will be so, by the utter ruin of all the obstinate foes of Jesus. We cannot tell how this will be effected on the nations, &c., which will not bow to Christ, but it is clear such shall be destroyed, and leave this earth ultimately to be the residence and portion of the meek followers of Christ. See Psa_37:9; Psa_12:13; Psa_35:36. See especially Psa_2:6, &c.

(3.) It will be fully realized in the last great day. Then the wicked shall arise to everlasting contempt. Then be disowned, and convicted, and condemned, and punished. 2Th_1:7, &c. Now consider,

II. The declaration concerning Christ. "But upon himself shall his crown," &c. Now here,

I. The monarchical dignity of Christ is assumed. The kingdom of Christ is everywhere attested. He is King of Zion. King of the whole earth. King of kings. His kingdom is a universal kingdom, &c. A righteous sceptre is the sceptre of his kingdom. He is the Supreme Governor. He is appointed "Heir of all things." Observe,

2. His crown is adverted to. "His crown." Now confining the subject to Christ’s spiritual and mediatorial kingdom: Observe,

(1.) His crown was obtained by conflict. He fought for it. He encountered all the hosts of hell. The legion of evil. He gained the conflict,’97obtained the victory. See Col_2:15. Psa_68:17, &c.

(2.) By suffering. His kingdom and people he had to redeem by his own blood. This is an important view of Christ’s crown. It is vividly described, Php_2:6, &c.; Heb_2:10-11; and Rev_4:6, &c.

3. The glory and prosperity of Christ’s royal character is affirmed. "Upon himself," &c. This shall be realized in

(1.) The extension of his dominion. "From the rivers," &c.

(2.) In the multitude of his subjects. As numerous as the dew-drops of the morning. "In him shall all the families," &c.

(3.) In the discomfiture of his enemies, &c. "He will overturn," &c. His enemies shall become his footstool, &c.

(4.) In the felicity of his people. Abundance of peace and joy. Universal harmony and blessedness, &c. Nothing shall vex, &c.

"Blessings abound where’er he reigns," &c.

(5.) In the consummation of his kingdom and glory. All enlightened, sanctified, and saved in him. His soul satisfied. All united in Christ. All blessed in him, and all proclaiming him blessed, &c. Now this declaration of the text is certain. It mist be,

From the superior power of good over evil.

From the very essentials of the covenant.

From the affirmations of God’s mouth.

From the glory of both the Father and the Son,

Application

1. Does the subject interest you? Your minds; hearts, &c.

2. Does it engage your energies? Are you with Christ, and against his enemies?’97Interested, devoted, praying, laboring, conflicting. All such shall reign with him, and sit on his throne, &c.

3. To the enemies of Christ. Persevere not. O, bow down,’97sue for mercy. Kiss the Son, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS