CONTENTS.
We have in this Chapter a most sublime account of some ancient events in eternity, and which, under the character of wisdom, the great speaker is calling upon the church to attend to. From beginning to end the subject is carried on by one and the same person. The chapter closeth with an exhortation.
Proverbs 8:1-4 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
The chapter opens with the cry of wisdom, and both the earnestness of the subject, and the earnestness with which it is enforced, recommend the whole to our attention. I do not presume to speak with a positiveness of determination; the general design of this Commentary being more to enquire than assert; more to seek the teaching of the Spirit, to be led by him into all truth, than to lead the Reader's mind concerning truth. But with all humbleness of soul while going over this most sublime chapter, I would venture to say, that as it appears to me the whole contents of it are concerning Christ as God-man Mediator, set up from everlasting. And under this one well known title, and office character of wisdom, Christ is here calling upon His church to attend to some things spoken respecting himself, and the Father's appointment of him to this office, which, if he had not communicated to the church, and by his Holy Spirit given an understanding to know, never could have been known or believed. Hence the chapter begins with the cry of' this glorious person, and the subject is proposed in a way of question, Doth not wisdom cry? Is it not plain enough to be heard in the numberless ways by which Christ as Mediator is proclaimed, throughout the whole book of God? What indeed doth the Bible treat of beside? There is nothing in it from beginning to end but Jehovah's love, and mercy and grace, and favour, in the gift of his Son for the salvation of sinners; and the glories of Christ's person, and the grace, and love of his heart in voluntarily standing up their great surety, and Saviour in redemption. Is not the whole voice of wisdom lifted up to proclaim these things? And to whom is salvation thus proclaimed, and the Lord Jesus the great author of it set forth, but to you O ye sons of men, that need both Christ and His salvation so very highly!