The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-02-18

pie whence the deliverer would come.
This promise involved also the blessing
of the world through the seed of Abra-
ham: "And in thee shall all families
of the earth be blessed" 1t was a
promise not only to the Hebrew nation
but to all people, through the seed of
Abraham. "Still," says the careful
writer, not anticipating the climax of
his argument, this clear and consoling
promise, read merely in the light of the
past and present, and away from the
light of its future fulfllment, speaks
generally of the seed of Abram and not
of any distinct person of his posterity.
Yet it would enable believing Abrsm
and all kindred believers to see through
the vista of the ages blessed day of
redemption afar off, and to rejoice ex-
ceedingly."
4. Another step is taken in this pro-
gressive unfolding of revelation when
the royal tribe of Judah is announced
as the progenitor of the promised deliv-
erer. 1.-THE scepter shall not depart
from Judah, nor a law giver from be-
tween his feet, until Shiloh come. To
him shall the obedience of the peoples
be" (Gen. xix. 10Y. In the exegesis of
this passage DR.. Scott is very candid,
yet reaches conclusions which are in
line with his entire argument. This"
says he, " is no doubt very difficult
and debatable passage. The term Shi-
lob has been the cross Of interpreters
in all ages. The ancient versions take
it to be a compound of asher and lob,
meaning to 'ohom the scepter shall be. In
the Vulgate the derivation of the word
is peculiar, and the Interpretation is
the Sent or servant of God, Ancient
and modern critics who agree in re-
garding it as simple and not a COM
posite word, yet differ as to its signif-
cation" Examples are given of vari-
GUS interpretations, and the authors
own conclusion is stated as follows:
We consider Shiloh, as our version does,
as we'll as most commentators, to be the
name of person, the proper subject of the
verb, signifying not mere peace, but the man
Of peace, the pacihcator or peace bringer,
and as CORE spending to Prince of Peace
which forms the climax and the crown of
Mess'ah's titles. In this view we have here
not merely an indirect prophecy involving
the mystery of the Messiah and Messianic
times, which most commentators, both Jew
ish and Christian, acknowledge, but direct
and designed prophecy by Jacob of Messiah
as the coming seed of promise, or the victo-
rious Prince.
5. The fifth division of the article
considers the royal family of David as
the next stage in development. The
substance of the prophecy inheres in
these words: I" L have found David my
servant; with my holy oil have 1 an-e
nointed him. His seed shall
endure forever, and his throne as the
sun before me" (see Luke i. 33).
This is not direct Messianic prophecy, in
which the prophet speaks of Christ and none
else, but an indirect one, in which he is
type of the Messiah. 1t declares both the
personality and the sovereignty of the Seed
of David, who is at once his Son and his Lord,
Ps. OK l. Not only the gradual development
of Messiah's personality, but the experience
of the people under the leadership of Moses
and Joshua. the rule of the judges and the
reign of the kings, combine to form clearer
and fuller Messianic consciousness. Hence
forth the national expectation, or at least the
hope of the spiritual Israel, of a personal
Messiah, the servant of the Lord, became
clear, complete and continuous. They ex-
pected the Messiah to spring not only from
the royal tribe of Judah, but from the royal
family of David, and had a clearer conscious
ness of his personality than of his divinity
and work. Instead of looking for a spiritual
Saviour from sin and sorrow, carnal Israel
merely expected a conquering king, who
would deliver them from the hand of their
enemies, and reign over them in righteous
ness and peace. This minor hope they never
lost in the days of their greatest 1arkr ess,
degradation and dependency.
6. AS the time for the appearance
of Christ approaches it is noted that
prophecy becomes more direct and
special. The particular birthplace of
the coming deliverer is announced.
but thou Bethlehem, Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thous-
ands of Judah, yet out of thee shall
one come forth, who is to be ruler
in Israel mic. v. p. We know how
this prophecy was fulfilled. Christ was
born in Bethlehem of Judea.
7. Finally, the announcement of the
parentage and birth of Jesus: And
she shall bring forth son, and thou
shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall
save his people from their sins'' Matt.
i. 20 25). With the birth of Jesus the
Christ was divulged, and the Messianic
idea fully evolved and made known.
GAN the scattered rays of prophecy were
concentrated in Jesus as their focus
all the continent streams of grace and
truth had met and merged in Him." He
was the end and fulfllment of ancient
prophecies, dimly apprehended I'M
doubtedly in their time, but pointing
Enthusiastically forward to the one who