ABOUT THIS EPISODE
John Calvin reconciles Psalm 8:2 with infant capabilities by asserting that the "strength" mentioned is not the infants' own ability to articulate praise, but rather God's power manifested through His providential care for them. He explicitly rejects the idea of infants speaking with eloquence or formed language. Instead, Calvin emphasizes that the very existence and sustenance of infants from birth demonstrate God's "liberality towards the human race". The readily available nourishment and the innate instinct to suckle are clear signs of God's providential care.
Calvin interprets "out of the mouth" not as articulate speech, but as the visible reality of God's care being displayed through infants. Their very being and the provision they receive serve as a powerful, albeit silent, testimony to God's goodness. This demonstration of God's care through seemingly helpless infants serves a specific purpose: to confound and silence God's adversaries, the "ungodly" who despise Him. By showcasing His providence through weakness, God demonstrates that He does not need powerful human instruments to manifest His glory.
Calvin highlights that God chooses the "speechless mouth of infants" to be "sufficiently able to celebrate the praise of God," emphasizing God's power being made evident in apparent weakness. He considers infants "invincible champions of God" precisely because their utter dependence underscores God's undeniable and powerful provision, a reality that His enemies cannot truly overthrow. Thus, Calvin sees the strength founded in infants as God's own power effectively silencing His despisers through the undeniable evidence of His care for the most vulnerable.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
Patreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed
