Post by Lee on Oct 21, 2014 23:25:57 GMT
If “the Prince” of Ezekiel 46. be the Lord Jesus, tell me how, as at verses 16–18, he can have SONS?—(O.C.)
ANSWER.—The word “son” was anciently used (as it still is in Oriental countries) in a much wider than the strictly literal sense of western usage. While applied to a begotten child, it also extends not only to children, adopted, but to all sustaining a filial relation, though not adopted. Friendship, or moral affinity, or resemblance, is even found justifying the use of “father” and “son,” according to the relation existing. The inventor of musical instruments, for example, is styled the father of all such as use them. So in the case of other inventors.—(See Gen. 4:20.) “Sons of Belial” is a frequent illustration; “son of Wickedness” (Psalm 89:22), “son of Sorrow” (Gen. 35:18), “son of Perdition” (2 Thess. 2:3.) also occur. “My son,” continually addressed in the Proverbs to anyone disposed to listen (Eccles. 12:9; Prov. 1:3–7) is a prominent example.
Now, it is testified of the Messiah that notwithstanding that he should be “cut off” and natural generation prevented, he should see his seed (Isaiah 53:10.) That is, that he should have a family of children, though natural pedigree would be cut off. Paul leaves no doubt on this point in applying the sign-words of Isaiah to Christ: “Behold, I and the children that God hath given me.”—(Heb. 2:13.) He is the captain of their salvation, leading many sons unto glory.”—(Heb. 2:10.) Doubtless, they are sons of God, but in the sense that they are His seed, they are also his sons, as they are the sons of Abraham, than whom, Christ is higher.
Now Christ as “the Prince” of the Age to come, “Messiah the Prince,”—(Dan. 9:25.); the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, ) will give of his inheritance to his sons. He will also give to “his servants,” that is, such of mortal Israel as walk acceptably before Him; but the difference between the two is apparent in the fact, that while land given to “the servants” returns to the Prince at the year of jubilee, the inheritance given to his sons—immortal saints—is a perpetual possession.—(Ezek. 4:16–17.)
. Vol. 10: The Christadelphian: Volume 10. 2001 (electronic ed.) (87–88). Birmingham: Christadelphian Magazine & Publishing Association.
ANSWER.—The word “son” was anciently used (as it still is in Oriental countries) in a much wider than the strictly literal sense of western usage. While applied to a begotten child, it also extends not only to children, adopted, but to all sustaining a filial relation, though not adopted. Friendship, or moral affinity, or resemblance, is even found justifying the use of “father” and “son,” according to the relation existing. The inventor of musical instruments, for example, is styled the father of all such as use them. So in the case of other inventors.—(See Gen. 4:20.) “Sons of Belial” is a frequent illustration; “son of Wickedness” (Psalm 89:22), “son of Sorrow” (Gen. 35:18), “son of Perdition” (2 Thess. 2:3.) also occur. “My son,” continually addressed in the Proverbs to anyone disposed to listen (Eccles. 12:9; Prov. 1:3–7) is a prominent example.
Now, it is testified of the Messiah that notwithstanding that he should be “cut off” and natural generation prevented, he should see his seed (Isaiah 53:10.) That is, that he should have a family of children, though natural pedigree would be cut off. Paul leaves no doubt on this point in applying the sign-words of Isaiah to Christ: “Behold, I and the children that God hath given me.”—(Heb. 2:13.) He is the captain of their salvation, leading many sons unto glory.”—(Heb. 2:10.) Doubtless, they are sons of God, but in the sense that they are His seed, they are also his sons, as they are the sons of Abraham, than whom, Christ is higher.
Now Christ as “the Prince” of the Age to come, “Messiah the Prince,”—(Dan. 9:25.); the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, ) will give of his inheritance to his sons. He will also give to “his servants,” that is, such of mortal Israel as walk acceptably before Him; but the difference between the two is apparent in the fact, that while land given to “the servants” returns to the Prince at the year of jubilee, the inheritance given to his sons—immortal saints—is a perpetual possession.—(Ezek. 4:16–17.)
. Vol. 10: The Christadelphian: Volume 10. 2001 (electronic ed.) (87–88). Birmingham: Christadelphian Magazine & Publishing Association.