These words are by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews applied to the Lord Jesus Christ, who was, in an especially and pre-eminent sense, the Son of God. Yet the context, and still more the parallel passage in the Second Book of Samuel, makes it evident that they were originally spoken with reference to Solomon. We are warranted, by the teaching of the New Testament, in applying them to all those who are children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, who have been adopted into the spiritual family, and made heirs of Divine promises. Of this glorious doctrine of the Divine Fatherhood, so clearly and powerfully revealed in the New Testament, there are intimations, such as the present, in various parts of the Old Testament Scriptures.

I. IN WHAT GOD'S FATHERHOOD CONSISTS. This is shown to some extent in the context, and in the narrative of Solomon's early life and reign. But generally speaking we may rejoice that the fatherhood of God is shown in:

1. His providential care. As a Father, our Creator supplies the wants, both temporal and spiritual, of his dependent family.

2. His tender love. There is more than goodness, more than bounty, in God's treatment of his children. They have a moral nature able to appreciate kindness, forbearance, sympathy, and love. And, in his treatment of them, he has adapted his communications and his conduct to their spiritual need.

3. His wise discipline. It is distinctive of a true father's sway, that it aims at the highest good of the children. God certainly appoints trials for his offspring, and he reveals to us the consolatory truth, "Whom he loveth he scourgeth, and chastensth every child whom he receiveth." When we suffer he is not insensible. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."

4. His purposes for his children's future. As a father looks forward, and trains his son for the duties and responsibilities of after-life, so the great Father in heaven is maturing us for other scenes, higher employments, purer joys.

II. WHAT HUMAN SONSHIP INVOLVES. A true son is sensible of his father's watchful care, thoughtful kindness, tender affection. And he renders a filial return. In worship there is involved:

1. Gratitude. From God's spiritual family there goes up to heaven a daily song of thanksgiving and praise, for favour and forbearance never failing.

2. Reverence and submission. The awful superiority of God must impress every just mind. The prayer offered will begin with the ascription, "Hallowed be thy Name."

3. Love. For, though so high, God is yet a Father, and "we love him, because he first loved us."

4. Obedience. This is the true test of filial reverence and of filial affection. There is no unfailing proof of love's sincerity save this.

5. Likeness. For, born anew by God's Spirit, God's children are imitators of God, resembling him in the moral features of his holy and amiable character. Admire the glorious work of the Divine and gracious Spirit. - T.

I. First of all, let us offer a word or two upon THE KINGDOM. Much is written in Scripture about kingdoms and empires.

1. That the "house" or the "kingdom" which Jehovah claims as His own is a kingdom which originated with the Lord. It rose not up in the mind of mortals first. It grew not up of Nature's materials. It was not brought forth, and set up, and established, by the arm of man, or by the conquests of warriors, as many other kingdoms are. It originated in the wisdom, grace, and power of the Most High. Moreover, not only does this kingdom originate with Him, but it is so formed and constituted as to glorify the Lord. "My glory," saith Jehovah, "will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images." In the formation and constitution of the kingdom which God calls His own — "Mine house and My kingdom" — the subjects are a royal seed; of royal blood; of royal birth; "kings and priests unto God." My hearer, of what kingdom art thou? If thou art not of the kingdom of God's grace, thou art of the kingdom of darkness, a slave of Satan, and on the highroad to destruction.

2. Yet further observe, the laws are immutable.

3. Then further, I notice the privileges, the high spiritual privileges of the kingdom. Pardon, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost.

II. I come to the INVESTITURE OF THE KING. — "I will settle him in Mine house and in My kingdom." Solomon was settled for a time, and reigned long and peacefully over Israel; but he is not reigning now. "A greater than Solomon is here." He is invested with sovereignty, absolute and universal: "I will settle Him in My kingdom." He is invested with sovereignty, absolute and universal. "I have set My King upon My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord has said unto Me, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance and uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession." Moreover, if we speak of His absolute sovereignty for a moment, you know it is written expressly, that "none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou?"

III. This NATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT; for there is that word in my text — "establish." There is a great deal said in Scripture about establishment. Immutable decrees are the basis of the establishment. Oh! I could bring out some twenty or thirty instances under my own notice in which all the schemes and powers and efforts of men have passed by; and God, in a moment and by a word, through some of His sent servants, has accomplished it all.

IV. THE GLORIOUS PERPETUITY — "I will settle Him in Mine house and in My kingdom for ever; and His throne shall be established for evermore."

(Joseph Irons.)