universal peace, and when there was a general expectation of Him; and while the second

temple was standing, seventy weeks (of years, i.e., 490 years) after the rebuilding of

Jerusalem. See Hag. 2: 6-9; Dan. 9: 24, 25; Mal. 3: 1.

Fulfilment.--When the Messiah came, the sceptre had departed from Judah; for the

Jews, though governed by their own rulers and magistrates, yet were subject to the

paramount authority of the Roman emperors; as was evinced by their being subject to the

enrolment of Augustus, paying tribute to Cæsar, and not having the power of life and

death.  Compare Luke 2: 1, 3-5; Matt. 22: 20, 21; and the parallel passages; and

John 18: 31. When Jesus Christ came into the world, the Roman wars were terminated,

the temple of Janus was shut, and peace reigned throughout the Roman empire; and all

nations, both Jews and Gentiles, were expecting the coming of some extraordinary

person. See Matt. 2: 1-10; Mark 15: 43; Luke 2: 25, 38; and John 1: 19-45, for the

expectation of the Jews. The two Roman historians, Suetonius and Tacitus, confirm the

fulfillment of the prediction, as to the expectation of the Gentiles.

Prophecy.--Psa. 2: 7. Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee.--Psa. 110: 1.

The Lord said unto my Lord.  Isa. 9: 6. The mighty God, the everlasting Father.

Mic. 5: 2. Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Fulfilment.--Heb. 1: 8. Unto the Son he saith, thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever.

Compare Matt. 22: 42-45; I Cor. 15: 25; Heb. 1: 3. Matt. 1: 23. They shall call His

name Emmanuel, that is, God with us. John 1: 1, 14. The Word was with God, and the

Word was God. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Rom. 9: 5. Of whom

(the fathers) as concerning the flesh Christ came, Who is God over all, blessed for ever.

See also Col. 2: 9; I John 5: 20.

Prophecy.--From the first woman (Gen. 3: 15). From Abraham and his descendants

(Gen. 12: 3, 17: 18); viz., Isaac (Gen. 26: 4);  Jacob (Gen. 27: 14);  Judah

(Gen. 49: 10); Jesse (Isa. 11: 1); David (Psa. 132: 11; 89: 4, 27; Isa. 9: 7;

Jer. 23: 5; 33: 15).

Fulfilment.--Gal. 4: 4. When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son,

made of a woman.

Acts 3: 25. The covenant, which God made with out fathers, saying unto Abraham,

And in thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed. (See Matt. 1: 1). Heb. 7: 14.

It is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah. Rom. 15: 12. Isaiah saith there shall be a

root of Jesse. John 7: 42. Hath not the Scripture said, that Christ cometh of the seed of

David? See also Acts 2: 30; 13: 23; Luke 1: 32.