Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 2:14

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace▪ good will towards men.

The Nativity of our Saviour was published first by one Angel, but it must be Celebrated by a Multitude of Angels, who appear praising God upon this occasion. These are called the Lords host, Psal. 103.20.21. not only because he useth them as his Arms, to destroy his Enemies, but also because of the order which is amongst them. How they Praised God is expressed, v. 14. they Sang, Glory to God in the Highest. On Earth Peace and Good-will towards Men. The Words may be taken either Iudicatively, as signifying, That was come to pass that Day, by which God would have Glory, Men would have Peace, and the Good-will of God to the Sons of Men, w[illegible: 1 letter]s unspeakably declared: Or Precatorily the Angels desiring Go[illegible: 1 letter] might have Glory, and that Peace might be on Earth ▪ and the Good-will of God published to the Sons of Men. But the Vulg[illegible: 1 letter]r Latin is most corrupt that rendereth these words, Peace to M[illegible: 1 letter]n of Good-will; when we consider that the Heavenly Host was here praising God, it will appear very reasonable, to interpret these Words I[illegible: 1 letter]dicatively. The Angelshereby declaring their apprehensions, and the truth concerning this Act of Providence, no Act more declaring the Glory of Gods Power, Wisdom, or Goodness: nor more declaring his good will towards Men, and more conducing to Peace upon the Earth, whether by it we understand the Union of the Jews, and Gentiles, or that Peace of particular Souls, which [illegible: 2 letters]oweth from a justification by Faith in Christ, for tho the Text seemeth to speak of three things, Glory to God, Peace on Earth, and Good-will toward Men, yet indeed they are but two; the two latter differing only as the Cause, and the Effect? The Good will of God is the cause, Peace with, or amongst Men is the Effect, Rom. 5.1. Eph. 2.14, 15, 17.