1252
A.D.
Thomas Aquinas
Catholic
1225–1274
“Here is set forth the consolation as regards the kingdom and the priesthood: and first the restoration of both is promised; second, the confirmation of the promise is set forth, at the place, "and the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah." Concerning the first, two things. First he promises the restoration of the kingdom; second, of the priesthood, at the place, "and of the priests, and of the Levites there shall not fail a man." Concerning the first, three things. First he designates the fitness of the time: "behold, the days come," namely of grace, and "I will raise up," "I will fulfill," "the good word," which I promised concerning the restoration of the kingdom. Hosea 1: "and the children of Juda and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint themselves one head, and shall come up out of the land." Which was fulfilled in Christ. Second, the condition of the kingdom as regards the nobility of the rule: "in those days I will make to spring forth unto David a branch of justice," Christ, who is justice itself. Isaiah 11: "there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root." "And he shall do judgment": in the first coming, for the world; in the second, concerning the world; "and justice," teaching by word, fulfilling in himself by deed, and in others by the gift of grace. Psalm 118: "I have done judgment and justice." And as regards the usefulness of the rule unto the salvation of the people: "in those days Juda shall be saved," as regards those who believed at the first, and shall believe at the second coming. Hosea 1: "I will save them in the Lord their God." In the security of peace: "and Israel shall dwell confidently." Isaiah 32: "my people shall sit in the beauty of peace, in the tabernacles of confidence, and in wealthy rest." And in the confession of true faith: "and this is the name (...) the Lord our just one." Psalm 118: "thou art just, O Lord, and right is thy judgment." Third, he sets forth the duration of the kingdom: "for thus saith the Lord, there shall not fail of David a man," Christ, and his kingdom. Daniel 7: "his power is an everlasting power, which shall not be taken away, and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed."”