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9.Wherefore God has appointed him, etc. This was indeed truly said of Solomon, who was made a king, because God had preferred him to his brethren, who were otherwise his equals, being the sons of the king. But this applies more suitably to Christ, who has adopted us as his joint heirs, though not so in our own right. But he was anointed above us all, as it was beyond measure, while we, each of us, according to a limited portion, as he has divided to each of us. Besides, he was anointed for our sake, in order that we may all draw out of his fatness. Hence he is the Christ, we are Christians proceeding from him, as rivulet from a fountain. But as Christ received this unction when in the flesh, he is said to have been anointed by his God; for it would be inconsistent to suppose him inferior to God, except in his human nature. (25)
(25) He is evidently throughout spoken of in his mediatorial character. To keep this in view will enable us more fully to understand the chapter. It is more agreeable to this passage, to regard “ anointing,” not that of consecration, but that of refreshment to guests according to a prevailing custom, see Luk_7:46. The word “” favors this, and also the previous words of the passage; Christ is addressed as already on his throne, and his administration is referred to; and it is on account of his just administration, that he is said to have been anointed with the perfuming oil of gladness, see Act_10:38.
The words, “ thy fellows,” are rendered by Calvin, “ thy partners,” and by Doddridge and Macknight, “ thine associates.” Christ is spoken of as king, and his associates are those in the same office; but he is so much above them that he is the “ of kings;” and yet his superior excellencies are here represented as entitling him to higher honors. — Ed.