John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 1:10

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands:" — Hebrews 1:10 (ASV)

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning, etc. This testimony at first sight may seem to be inappropriately applied to Christ, especially in a doubtful matter, such as is handled here; for the subject in dispute is not concerning the glory of God, but what may be appropriately applied to Christ.

Now, there is no mention made of Christ in this passage, but the majesty of God alone is set forth. I indeed allow that Christ is not named in any part of the Psalm; but it is nevertheless plain that he is so pointed out, that no one can doubt that his kingdom is there explicitly recommended to us.

Hence all the things which are found there are to be applied to his person; for in none have they been fulfilled but in Christ, such as the following: Thou shalt arise and have mercy on Sion, that the heathens may fear the name, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. Again: When the nations shall be gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord. Doubtless, in vain shall we seek to find this God through whom the whole world has united in one faith and worship of God, except in Christ.

All the other parts of the Psalm exactly suit the person of Christ, such as the following: that he is the eternal God, the creator of heaven and earth; that perpetuity belongs to him without any change, by which his majesty is raised to the highest elevation, and he himself is set apart from the rank of all created beings.

What David says about the heavens perishing, some explain by adding, “Were such a thing to happen,” as though nothing was affirmed. But what need is there for such a strained explanation, since we know that all creatures are subjected to vanity? For to what purpose is that renovation promised, which even the heavens wait for with the strong desire as of those in travail, except that they are now verging towards destruction?

But the perpetuity of Christ which is mentioned here brings no ordinary comfort to the godly; as the Psalm ultimately teaches us, they shall be partakers of it, since Christ communicates himself and what he possesses to his own body.