which was the whole breadth of the Oracle Their two inward wings touched each other and the two ends of their outward wings touched the wall of the house Under their two inward wings stood Moses's Ark and Cherubims These Cherubims were so made as the parts of them might be taken asunder See 2 Chron. 3.10 and they were the most splendid ornament of the whole Temple and carried away as 't is probable by the rapacious Babylonians at the taking of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar 1 King 6. from 23. to 29. 2 Chron. 3. from 10. to the 14. These four Cherubims in the 1 Chron. 28.18 are likened to a Chariot of four wheels whereon the Divine Majesty did sit or ride and uttered intelligibly his Sacred Oracles See Psal 99.1 Thirdly Besides the Ark and these glorious Cherubims it appears from Heb. 9.4 that within the Holy of Holies was placed Aaron's Rod that budded and the pot of Manna * See the Apostolical History on Heb. 9.4 Numb 17.10 and the Golden Censer of Aaron Lastly In the time of Moses there was also the Book of the Law call'd by some Deuteronomion laid on the side of the Ark see Deut. 31.26 But whither it was placed there in Solomon's days we do not yet we find in Josiah's reign when the Temple was purged the Book of the Law was found in the Temple by Hilkiah the Priest though no express mention is made that it was found in the Oracle So that by the side of the Ark or before the Testimony in Solomon's Temple were placed as it seems the pot of Manna Aaron's Rod the Golden Censer and the Book of the Law as they had formerly been in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle 4. Of the Vessels in the Priests Court 1. There we find the Altar of Brass which was twenty cubits in length twenty in breadth and ten in height 2 Chron. 4.1 It s situation was before the Porch whereon the Sacrifices were daily offered to God 2 Chron. 8.12 As for the Sacrifices we read of many instruments that were used about them as flesh-hooks of Gold 1 Chron. 28.17 also pots shovels and basons of bright brass 1 King 7.45 2. The next vessel to be considered was the molten Sea a most rare and admirable piece of solid brass cast in the clay ground in the plains of Jordan It was five cubits high and ten over from side to side being round and thirty cubits in compass containing two thousand baths * A Bath contained about 8 gallons 4 baths made a barrel so that there were usually put into this Sea 500 barrels of water and if filled up to the brim it would contain 750. namely as they usually filled it for ordinary use but if it had been filled up to the brim it would then contain three thousand viz. a third part more 1 King 7.23.26 2 Chron. 4.5 therefore 't was called a Sea for the largeness thereof It 's brim was wrought about with Lilly-work under the brim thereof were brazen knobs round about resembling the heads of oxen These were cast together with the vessel It stood upon twelve brazen oxen which by four several Threes respected the four quarters of the world The use of this vessel was for the Priests to wash in 2 Chron. 4.6 10. that is by water derived to them by a pipe and cock out of it they did wash their hands and feet for that they did wash their whole bodies in it seems not very probable (a) See Mr. Lee pag. 86 'T is like the Gibeonites or Nethinims whose office it was to be drawers of water for the Congregation Josh 9.27 did out of the fountain of Siloam or pool of Bethesda hard by fill this Sea and furnished all other Lavatories with water about the Temple 3. In this Court also were placed ten lavers appointed for the washing of the Sacrifices in the Tabernacle there were none of these that single laver made by Moses for the Priests service answering only to the molten Sea These lavers of brass contained forty haths apiece each set op his basis with wheels for their more convenient removal if need were though generally their station was five on the one side and five on the other in the Court of the Priests and East of the covered Temple they were adorn'd with brazen borders engraven with Lions Oxen Cherubims and Palm-trees had pillars and wheels and other curiosities which we cannot well here describe 1 King 7. from v. 27 to 40. 5. Of the Furniture Utensils and Chambers in the outward Court In the outward Court or Court of Israel many no doubt were the utensils there used Tremellius thinks the brazen scaffold made by Solomon for himself to stand and pray upon 2 Chron. 6.12 13. with the Kings pillar was placed in this Court. Also Pulpits and Desks wherein the Priests expounded the Law to the people The Chambers in the outward Courts were severally imployed for sundry uses as for laying up of Tythes First-fruits Wood Salt and other requisites for the Sacrifices Of Salt a mass was spent in the Temple seeing no Offering was acceptable without it Mark 9.49 Some rooms 't is like were imployed to contain the Musical Instruments whereof thirteen sorts are mentioned and explained by Mr. Fuller Ch. 10. Book 3. In other Chambers undoubtedly the standards of all measures were carefully kept for we find that the inferiour Levites among other services had a superintendency over all manner of measures and sizes 1 Chron. 23.29 It belonged to their office to set out the pars quota the exact quantity of the meal oyl and wine that was to be used in their several sacrifices therefore they were highly concerned to be skilful in measures 'T is likely that the Book of the description of the land into several parts by lot as being of publick concernment and use was preserved in some room of the Temple See Josh 18.9 Some Chambers 't is like were for lodgings for the Priests and Levites that attendded on the holy service in the Temple and others for refectories and rooms wherein the Priests had their repast or hallowed food as on shew-bread c. which though shifted but once a week by Gods command Lev. 24.8 yet by his Providence was doubtless preserved that it lost nothing of its goodness There was also as it seems an Armory in the Temple furnished with weapons to guard the Treasure there kept David provided Spears and Bucklers and Shields for that purpose and Joash by the assistance of those weapons recovered the Crown Many other Vtensils were added to the Temple after Solomon's death by succeeding Kings as occasion did require as particularly that Chest which in the reign of King Jehoash was made by Jehoiada to receive the peoples free offerings for the repair of the Temple A Chest with an hole in the lid thereof 2 King 12.9 In after ages it was called Corban which signifies sometimes the gift it self sometimes the vessel
Araunah's floor Sect. 206. David receives the pattern of the Temple makes great preparations for the building of it Sect. 207. Officers appointed for the Temple Sect. 208. Rehoboam born to Solomon Sect. 209. Abishag brought to David Sect. 210. Adonijah aspires to the Crown Solomon anointed Adonijah's submission Sect. 211. David's charge to Solomon Sect. 212. Davids farewell Exhortation to the people His Prayer Solomon's prosperity Sect. 213. David's last words to Solomon His death Sect. 214. The Book of the Psalms Sect. 215. Solomon upon the Throne Adonijah slain Joab slain Shimei's Oath not to pass over Kidron Sect. 216. Hadad the Edomite returns Sect. 217. Solomon's marriage with Pharaoh's daughter Sect. 218. Solomon setled in the Kingdom Gods appearing to him in a dream and asking him what he should give him and Solomon's choosing wisdom Sect. 219. Solomon's judgment on the two Harlots Sect. 220. Hiram's Embassie to Solomon A League between them Sect. 221. Solomon's levy for the Temple Sect. 222. Shimei put to death Chap. V. The fifth Age from the building of the Temple to the destruction of it and Captivity of Judah Sect. 1. THE Temple described with all its parts The Temple-Officers Sect. 2. The Temple finished Solomon's solemn dedication of it Sect. 3. The Lord appears to Solomon again in a dream Sect. 4. Solomon's Palace His stately Throne The house of Lebanon His Golden Targets and Shields Sect. 5. Gezer taken by Pharaoh and given to his daughter Solomon's wife Sect. 6. Hiram dislikes the Cities which Solomon offered him Sect. 7. Solomon removes his Queen to the House built for her The Song of Solomon Sect. 8. Solomon's Navy Sect. 9. Solomon's other buildings Sect. 10. Hamath taken by Solomon's forces Sect. 11. Solomon's care in matters of Religion Sect. 12. Solomon's greatness splendor and glory Sect. 13. Solomon's Wisdom His Proverbs Sect. 14. The Queen of Sheba comes to hear his Wisdom Sect. 15. Solomon's many wives and defection from God Ahijah the Prophet sent to him with a sad Message Sect. 16. Solomon writes his Ecclesiastes Sect. 17. Solomon's Adversaries Ahijah sent to Jeroboam to acquaint him that he should be King of the Ten Tribes Sect. 18. Solomon dies Sect. 19. The division of the Kingdom Kings of Judah 1. Rehoboam is petitioned for ease of Taxes Ten Tribes revolt His Buildings and Wives Shishak King of Egypt plunders the Temple 2. Abijah reigns p. 505. His army and speech to Jeroboam Israel routed 3. Asa reigns pag. 509. His Grandmothers Grove Zerah invades him and is subdued Asa's league with Benhadad and death 4. Jehoshaphat reigns p. 515. Removes all high places used for false Gods His reformation His greatness and riches His affinity with Ahab He goes to Samaria Jehu the Prophet reproves him His care of the Kingdom His Fleet broken His victory and death 5. Jehoram succeeds p. 525. His Idolatry Slays his six Brethren Elijah's Letter to him Edom revolts Libnah revolts Philistines invade him His sad end 6. Ahaziah p. 529. His wickedness Is slain by Jehu 7. Athaliah p. 532. Her Idolatry and cruelty 8. Joash p. 533 He is set up by Jehoiada Athaliah slain Baal's house pull'd down Jehoiada's good instruction of him Collection for the Temple Jehoiada dies Joash's Idolatry Zachariah ston'd The Syrians vanquish him His death 9. Amaziah p. 541. He begins well His war with Edom and victory His Idolatry Joash King of Israel defeats him Amaziah slain 10. Vzziah p. 546. His Coronation He recovers Elath Conquers the Philistines His herds and husbandry Isaiah Prophesies Also Joel Vzziah's pride leprosie and death 11. Jotham p. 554. He subdues the Ammonites Micah Prophesies Jotham dies 12. Ahaz p. 555. His wickedness Syria and Israel invade him Isaiah sent to him Jerusalem's siege rais'd Ahaz forsakes the Lord. His calamities His league with Assyria and death 13. Hezekiah p. 563. His goodness and reformation He shakes off the Assyrian yoke Jerusalem besieged Rabshakeh's blasphemy Hezekiah's prayer Isaiah's message to him Hezekiah's sickness His thanksgiving The Assyrians destroyed Ambassadors from Babylon come to him Manasses born Nahum's Prophesie Hezekiah dies 14. Manasses p. 595. His great Idolatry He is taken captive shortly after is restored His reformation Habakkuk's Prophesie Manasseh dies 15. Amon p. 600. His Idolatry and death 16. Josiah p. 601. His piety Jeremiah Prophesies The Book of the Law found Huldah the Prophetess Josiah throws down Idolatry He goes to Bethel and other places His solemn Passover His death greatly lamented Zephany's Prophesie 17. Shallum or Jehoahaz pag. 611. His Idolatry Jeremy's admonition to him Pharaoh Necho carries him away 18. Jehoiakim p. 612. His Idolatry and oppression Jeremy exhorts him to repentance Vriah's Prophesie Jeremy's bonds and yokes Baruch's roll Nebuchadnezzar conquers the Egyptians Jehoiakim taken prisoner Daniel and others carried to Babylon Jehoiakim burns the roll Nebuchadnezzar returns home His dream of the great Image made of four metals Jehoiakim revolts The Golden Image set up by Nebuchadnezzar to be worshipped Jehoiakim dies 19. Jehoiakin p. 617. His Captivity Cyrus born 20. Zedekiah reigns p. 618. His wickedness Jeremy Prophesies Several Ambassadors come to Zedekiah Hananiah a false Prophet Jeremy's Letter to the Captives in Babylon Shemaiah a false Prophet inveighs against him Jeremy prophesies his death Ezekel's first vision Jerusalem besieged His other visions His Types Zedekiah revolts Judea is invaded Ezekiel's wife dies for whom he is commanded not to mourn Jeremy imprisoned Jerusalem's siege raised The Egyptians are overthrown and the siege renew'd Jeremy put into the dungeon Ezekiel prophesies again Jerusalem taken The Temple burnt The Kingdom of Judah come to an end Kings of Israel 1. Jeroboam chosen by the ten Tribes he fortifies Shechem Sets up the Golden Calves A Prophet sent to him who declares against his Altar His hand withers The Prophet being seduced a Lion slays him Jeroboam's son falls sick and dies His own death 2. Nadab an evil King slain by Baasha p. 508. 3. Baasha reigns p. 509. He doth evil He builds Ramah Jehu's message to him Baasha dies 4. Elah reigns two years p. 511. Zimri slays him 5. Zimri burnt p. 511. 6. Omri made King His Idolatry and burial p. 512. 7. Ahab p. 512. He marries Jezabel Jericho rebuilt Obadiah hides the Prophets Elijah's miracles Elisha called Benhadad conquered A Prophet reproves Ahab Naboth's Vineyard Elijah meets Ahab Ahab slain at Ramoth-Gilead Moab revolts 8. Ahaziah p. 543. His fall His message to Baalzebub Elijah brings down fire upon two companies of fifty He dies 9. Jehoram p. 545. He maintains the Golden Calves Elijah's Translation Elisha takes up his Mantle Elisha's Miracles The Moabites destroy one another The King of Edom sacrifices his Son Elisha works more Miracles A sore famine in Samaria It s miraculous relief The Shunamite returns Benhadad sends to Elisha Hazael stifles Benhadad Jehoram recovers Ramoth-Gilead Jehu anointed Joram slain Ahaziah slain Jezabel's death 10. Jehu made King p. 585. The slaughter of Ahab's off-spring
inferiour Priests were afterwards admitted as appears Luke 1. when he had dressed and trimmed the Lamps of the golden Candlestick in the Morning (c) Manè mundabantur vesperi accendebantur Vatab. and made them ready to be lighted again at Night to burn sweet Incense upon this Altar and when he lighted the Lamps at Night to burn Incense again upon it (d) Luke 1.9 10. when Zachary burned Incense in the Temple the whole multitude were without at prayer while the Incense was ascending possibly to intimate to them how God's people should daily and constantly pray unto the Lord and that the prayers of his faithful people are very acceptable unto him while Jesus Christ doth incense them by his Merits and Intercession And this Ordinance was to be perpetually observed by (e) The Incense seems to be burnt in Chasing-dishes upon this Altar Numb 29.7 them in their Generations while that Dispensation lasted Further they were injoyned to offer no strange Incense thereon that is made of any other materials than what is injoyned vers 34 35 c. where the Ingredients are prescribed to be sweet Spices with pure Frankincense beaten small and mixed together and to be applied by the Priest only to this holy use and no other They were not to make any like to it to smell to or for their own private use Whosoever should contemptuously offend against this Ordinance are threatn'd to be cut off by Divine Vengeance And Aaron once a year as High Priest viz. on the great day of Expiation on the tenth day of the seventh month see Levit. 16.18 was appointed to put the bloud of the Sin-Offering upon the Horns of this Altar to make Expiation for such Errours and Failings as might have been committed in the administration about it And this Rite was to be religiously observed by them in their Generations till Christ the Substance of these Ceremonial shadows should appear Exod. 30. from 1. to 11. and from vers 34. to the end 7ly He gives Directions concerning framing the Tabernacle Now the Tabernacle taken in the largest sense contained two parts one that was covered which was properly called the Tabernacle and one that was open viz. the Court belonging thereunto Concerning the first these Directions are given It was to be 30 Cubits long accounting a Cubit a Yard ten Cubits high and ten broad The walls of it were to be 20 boards of Shittim-wood gilt all over standing upright each a Cubit and half in breadth so that the breadth of the boards joyned together made the length of the Tabernacle the height thereof being the length of the boards that is ten Cubits and the breadth thereof of the same proportion Each board was to have two Tenons fastned in silver Sockets or moveable Footstalls having hollow Mortaises for the Tenons of the boards to fall into These boards were also to have gilded Bars of the same wood running along their breadth in an even proportion through golden Rings to strengthen their Conjunction And these boards were to be as the walls of it But the Tabernacle it self was to consist of curious Curtains of fine twined Linnen Blue Purple and Scarlet with Cherubims curiously embroidered in them representing the Ministry of Angels in the Church and a three-fold Covering over it one of Goats hair spun and woven into Stuff possibly like our Chamlet another of Ram Skins died red a third of Badgers Skins This covered Tabernacle was to consist of two parts The one to be called the Holy of Holies at the upper end of it taking up ten Cubits or one third part of it In this were to be placed the Ark with the two Tables of the Law in it and by the Ark the Pot of Manna before the Testimony Exod. 16.33 34. and Aarons Rod Numb 17.10 and the golden Censer Levit. 16.12 * See Apost Hist on Heb. 9.4 And the Book of the Law (f) This seems to be the Book that was found in Josiah's time and to be lost in the days of wicked Manesseh and Amon The matters of that Book when read to Josiah and the people seemed so strange unto them as if no Copy of it at all or wondrous rare had been extant among them in the outside of the Ark Deut. 31.26 that is the whole Law Writings and inspired Books of Moses Into this Holy of Holies none but the High Priest and He but once a year was to enter Levit. 16. The other part of the Sanctuary was called the Holy containing 20 Cubits In this was to be placed the Altar of Incense on the right side whereof was to stand the golden Candlestick and on the left the Table of Shew-bread Into this part of the Sanctuary the ordinary Priests were to enter and there to Minister These two parts were to be divided by a Veil to be made of Blue Purple and Scarlet with embroidered Cherubims and 't was to be a partition between the Holy and Holy of Holies and this was the inner Veil There was also an hanging to be made for a door or entrance into the Tabernacle or holy Place to be made of Blue Purple and Scarlet and hung on Pillars of Shittim-wood overlaid with Gold which was to be the outward Veil Exod. 26. whole Chapter And so much of the covered Tabernacle now for the outward Court belonging thereunto It was to be in length an 100 Cubits and in breadth 50 and to be inclosed with Hangings of fine twined Linnen hung upon Pillars of Shittim-wood five Cubits high and filleted with Silver and set in Sockets of Brass and moveable Footstalls And for the Gate of this Court Eastward was to be an Hanging of 20 Cubits of Blue Purple and Scarlet and fine twined Linnen wrought with Needle-work and to be hung on four Pillars 8ly Concerning the Altar of Burnt-Offering which was to be made of Shittim-wood five Cubits long and five broad and so to be four square and three Cubits high It was to have Horns or little Pyramids on the four Corners thereof to which they were to bind their Sacrifices see Psal 118.27 They were to make for it a Grate of Net-work all of Brass with four brasen Rings in the corners thereof to take it out upon occasion It was to be overlaid with Brass to defend it against the heat of the fire the widness and length being such that the fire might be kept within the compass of the Grate which was to be set even to the midst of it They were also to make several Instruments belonging to this Altar as Panns to receive ashes Shovels Basons Flesh-hooks Fire-panns all of Brass * There was no Iron to be used about the Tabernacle and Staves of Shittim-wood overlaid with brass to be put into the Rings on the sides of the Altar to bear it withall And it was to be made hollow with boards without either bottom or cover according to the Pattern shewed to Moses in the Mount Exod. 27. from 1. to
ei authoritatem coram populo Conciliet and I will be with thee Moses now commands the Priests the Sons of Levi to put this Book of the Law which he had written in some safe Repository or Chest on the outside of the Ark where was the Pot of Manna and Aaron's Rod see Heb. 9.4 Indeed in the Ark it self were only the two Tables 1 Kings 8.9 but on the outside of it and by it was this Volume of the Law to be kept This Book was many years after found in the Treasury of the Temple in Josiah's Reign 2 Kings 22.8 2 Chron. 34.14 and therefore it seems it had been removed from the Ark and kept elsewhere wherein seeing they transgressed the directions that God here gave to the Priests no marvel if this precious Treasure was for some years lost and not looked after Moses having commanded them to place this Book on the outside of the Ark He said to them O Israel if thou art disobedient this Book shall be a witness against thee wherein thou art sufficiently warned to the contrary and shewed the Judgments that will thereupon insue But alas I know thy rebellious Disposition and thy stiff Neck Ye have been rebellious against the Lord while I was with you how much more will ye be so when I am dead Gather therefore unto me all the Elders of your Tribes and your Officers that I may speak unto them and call Heaven and Earth to witness against them For I know that after my death you will corrupt your selves and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you and evil will befal you in the latter days because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord and thereby provoke Him to anger The Elders and Officers of the people being met Moses spake in the ears of all the Congregation of Israel the words of this following Song Ch. XXXII Give Ear O ye Heavens * See Isa 1.2 and I will speak and hear O Earth the words of my mouth He beginneth this Prophetical Song with a Rhetorical Scheme calling the Heavens and Earth and all the Creatures in them to be witnesses of his word the more to affect the hearts of the people to reprove their hardness and to excite their attention I wish says He my Doctrine which I have received from God might so fall upon your hearts as the sweet and gentle Showers and fruitful Dew falleth upon the Herbs and Flowers and Grass of the Earth and causeth them to spring forth and flourish Isa 55.10 Hear therefore for I will now publish unto you the Name of the Lord that is his glorious Excellencies viz. his infinite Power Wisdom and Goodness and therefore see that ye ascribe Greatness and Majesty to Him and that ye magnifie Him as ye ought to do saying Thine O Jehovah is the Greatness and the Power and the Glory 1 Chron. 29.11 and that ye attend to what is spoken with all humility and lay it to heart and yield Obedience thereunto Know ye therefore that God is the Rock * In times of danger men use to fly to Rocks to shelter themselves 1 Sam. 13.6 He is an All-sufficient stable and sure Refuge for all those that fly to Him neither is there any sure Shelter any where else but in Him His Work is perfect for all his ways are Judgment All his Works are perfect (z) Even in those works of God that seem to have some imperfection in them as Children that are born blind or lame c. yet as they are acts of Providence there is a perfection of Wisdom Holiness and Justice in them and there is nothing at all in them for which God can justly be blamed and without any blemish there is no defect or fault to be found in any of them All his ways are Judgment his dealings with his people have been always right and just He is a God of truth and without Iniquity just and right is He. But as for this people they have corrupted themselves by their Idolatry their spot is not the spot of his Children for it proceedeth not of weakness and infirmity to which all are subject but of wilfulness and perverseness and an impenitent heart They are a perverse and crooked Generation for both their hearts and ways are evil and turned aside from the right Rule of Gods Law Do you thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is not God thy Father that made thee Is not He thy Father that hath bought thee that is ransomed and brought thee forth out of Egypt with a mighty Hand and the power of Miracles Hath not He made thee his people and established thee by Covenant to continue so if thou art not wanting to thy self and thy duty Remember the days of old and consider the years of many Generations ask thy Father and he will shew thee thy Elders and they will tell thee how God when by his Providence He disposed the several Nations that came out of the Loins of Adam into several parts of the Earth allotting to one Nation one Country and another to another did then set the bounds of the people according to the number of the Children of Israel that is did then chuse the Children of Israel to be his peculiar people and Inheritance and where they were there it might be said was his people and where their bounds ended there was the end and utmost bound of his people and the bounds of the Heathen then began and according to his secret purpose he gave and allotted to the Canaanites such bounds and limits as he knew would serve for the number of the Israelites For the Lords portion is his people Jacob is the lot of his Inheritance that is the Israelites are that portion of Mankind whom he was pleased to make his peculiar people they are his Inheritance and therefore dear to Him as Inheritances use to be to men which are divided to them by lot and they were to acknowledge no other Lord over them but Himself and they and their Children after them were to be His successively He found them in a desart Land in a wast howling Wilderness inhabited only by wild howling Beasts of Prey He found them there in desperate danger but came in seasonably to their succour when they were ready to perish He led them about he instructed them both by his Word and Works by his Spirit and the several Dispensations of his Providence He kept them as the apple of his eye with tender care and love As an Eagle stirreth up her nest that is awaketh her brood or young ones in her nest rousing them up with the Cry that she maketh to signifie to them that she intends to teach them to fly and spreading abroad her wings taketh them up and beareth them thereon so did the Lord carry Israel towards Canaan leading them Himself thither and there was no strange god with him that is no strange God had any hand in
was given to Phineas his Son with whom 't is probable his Father lived For though the Priests had their Cities by lot in other Tribes namely Judah Simeon and Benjamin see Ch. 21.4 yet that the High Priest might be near to Joshua the Governour who dwelt in Mount Ephraim and that he might enquire of the Lord for him upon any special occasion and that he might be near to the Tabernacle which at this time was in Shiloh 't is like Eleazar (y) Donarunt forsan hunc locum honorarium Eleazaro ut Joshuae contiguus habitaret qui tamen est a Filio cognominatus in posterum Anonym in loc here lived and was now here buried Josh Ch. 24. whole Chapter SECT CXXII WE are now come to the Book of Judges The Book of Iudges which comprehends an History of the Common-wealth of Israel from the death of Joshua to the days of Eli containing the space of 299 years during which time they lived under the Government of certain Judges whom God successively and extraordinarily raised up and endowed with a Spirit of Wisdom and Courage to Rule over them as His Deputies and Vicegerents There are twelve of these mentioned in this Book viz. 1. Othniel whose Government from the death of Joshua is reckoned to be 40 years 2. Ehud 80 3. Deborath 40 4. Gideon 40 5. Abimelech 3 6. Thola 23 7. Jair 22 8. Jephtha 6 9. Ibzan 7 10. Elon 10 11. Abdon 8 12. Sampson 20 299 Within which space of time we are to comprehend the Six Oppressions of the Israelites mentioned in this Book and not to reckon them apart but as included within the years of the Judges and the Rest of the Land viz. Under Cushan 8 years Eglon 18 Jabin 20 Midian 7 Ammonites 18 Philistines 20 To the twelve Judges before-mentioned Eli and Samuel succeeded whose Acts are not here set down but in the First Book of Samuel Now there being 480 to be reckoned from the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt to the building of Solomon's Temple 1 Kings 6.1 we may compute them thus 40 years spent in the Wilderness 17 in Joshua's Government 299 in the times of the twelve Judges 40 in Eli's time 40 in Samuel and Saul's 40 in David's 4 in Solomon's in the Fourth Year of whose Reign the Foundation of the Temple was laid 480 As to the Pen-man of this Book of Judges 't is very uncertain who it was But it seems to be gathered by some Prophet of God out of the Publick Records and Registers that were kept of their Affairs Some think Samuel was the Compiler of it SECT CXXIII JOshua being now dead and having a little before his death encouraged the people to expel the Canaanites that remained out of the Land though they had no man at present chosen of God and set over them to Command them in chief as Moses and Joshua did and finding that it was fit for them to go on with the War they assembled together as it seems at Shiloh to consult about this matter And because the success of their first Attempts would be of great consequence either to encourage or dishearten their Enemies they thought fit that Phineas the High Priest should enquire of the Lord for them by Vrim and Thummim which of their Tribes should first begin and set upon the Canaanites that still remained among them and the Lord appointed that the Tribe of Judah the Royal Tribe and the strongest and most populous of them all should begin the War and first clear his portion of the Enemy Caleb the Son of Jephunneh is chosen General for the Tribe and the Simeonites who had their lot within theirs being invited to joyn with them they readily agreed to it the Tribe of Judah promising to assist them afterwards in clearing their lot In this Expedition they took the City of Bezek * Bezek a City in the Tribe of Judah not far from Jerusalem and after they had taken it in the pursuit when the King thereof with many of his people fled to save his life they killed ten thousand men They also took their King Adonibezek and cut off his Thumbs and his great Toes having as it seems when they took the City found some of those poor Captive Kings that had been thus inhumanely used by him or else had heard of the Tyranny he had exercised upon them in that kind and therefore thought fit according to the Law of Retaliation Exod. 21.24 to serve him after the same manner Adonibezek could not but acknowledge the justice of God upon him herein For says He threescore and ten Kings (z) Reguli diversarum urbium Ante Ninum teste Justino quisque Rex terminis civitatis suae contentus erat Petty Kings of particular Cities not that he had so many at once under this base slavery but in the whole course of his life some after others 't is like he did it in a base sporting cruelty or else thereby to unfit them for War unde homines viles defides Italis Gallis Poltroni vocantur id est pollice trunci having their Thumbs and great Toes cut off gathered their meat under my Table as I have done to them so God hath requited me Then the men of Judah carried this great Tyrant and shewed him before Jerusalem to strike the greater terrour into the Jebusites and there they killed him and then sacked and burnt that City viz. that part of it which was in their Tribe For though the former King of it had been slain in the Field Josh 10. yet was not the City taken nor it nor any other City fired in Joshua's time but only Jericho Ai and Hazor and therefore the eighth verse should be read And the Children of Judah warred against Jerusalem and took it and smote it c. not as if it had been taken before Judges 1. from 1. to 9. * For these Verses from v. 9. to 16. see Sect. 108. because the Author of this History was here to relate the memorable Exploits that were done by the men of Judah therefore together with those noble Acts which they did after the death of Joshua He repeats also those which were done by them whilst Joshua lived under the command of Caleb both against Hebron and Debir that He might set forth the glory of this Tribe more fully SECT CXXIV JEthro's Family call'd Kenites that had come up with Joshua and Israel into the Land of Canaan and dwelt in their Tents which was ever their way of living about Jericho the City of Palm-Trees among the people of the Tribe of Judah and Judah having now cleared his portion in so good a measure that they began to spread into new Plantations These Kenites went along with them and setled themselves with them in the South upon the Coasts of the Amalekites and so in Saul's time were mingled among them see 1 Sam. 15.6 These Kenites were the root of the Rechabites of whom more is
coming to Bethshan took and carried away their dead bodies and brought them to Jabesh and burnt them there that is burnt the flesh of them which having hung some days in the Sun was putrified and stinking and so could not be embalmed and the flesh being burnt from the bones they gathered up their bones and solemnly buried them under a Tree in Jabesh and there they continued till towards the end of Davids reign when he took them up and buried them in the Sepulchre of Kish the father of Saul 2 Sam. 21.12 14. Then the men of Jabesh-Gilead to express their sorrow for the death of Saul and his Sons and that they might implore mercy from God in behalf of the whole land which was now in a very sad condition they afflicted themselves with fasting for seven days together only taking still at night some small refreshment 1 Sam. Ch. 31. whole Chapter SECT CLXXIII MEphibosheth the Son of Jonathan being five years old at this time upon the dismal tidings of these disasters his Nurse catching him up and flying away with him in that great fright and consternation she let him fall out of her arms and he became lame of his feet ever after 2 Sam. 4.4 SECT CLXXIV WE are now come to the Second Book of Samuel The Second Book of Samuel so called because it containeth the History of David's reign who was chosen of God to succeed Saul in the Kingdom and anointed thereunto by Samuel and because it relates how those things which Samuel promised unto him from God were really made good unto him It contains an History of forty years from the death of Saul to the death of David As for the Author of it some think it was the office of the High-Priest to register the History of the Jewish Church and the remarkable occurrences that hapned in his time Others think it was pen'd by Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer as is intimated in the first of Chron. 29.29 Now the Acts of David the King first and last behold they are written in the Book of Samuel the Seer and in the Book of Nathan the Prophet and in the Book of Gad the Seer * See more concerning the Title of this Book Sect. 149. The first thing here related is how the tidings of the death of Saul and his Sons were brought to David whilst he was yet at Ziklag (a) Which was not as it seems so totally burnt down but that some of it was standing in which David thought better to remain with his men than to go to any other Town of the Philistines whether he was newly returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites and had been preparing and sending away presents to his friends in Judah of the spoils he had taken in that Expedition on the third day after a young man came out of the Camp with his clothes rent and earth upon his head to testifie the dismalness of the tidings he brought and when he came to David he fell on the earth and did obeisance David understanding he came out of the Camp of Israel askt him how matters went He told him the Israelites were vanquished many of them killed and Saul and his Son Jonathan slain David astonisht at this askt him how he knew it to be so This young man to ingratiate himself with David who was by general fame known to be the man whom Samuel had anointed to succeed Saul and apprehending that if he should carry the first tidings of Saul's death to him he should not miss of a great reward he tells him that being on mount Gilboa he found Saul leaning on his Spear * The Reader may compare this whole narration with that he will find 1 Sam. 31 4. and then judg what truth there is in the thing as not being able to stand because of the deadly wounds the Archers had given him and the Chariots and Horsemen pursuing him so fast he call'd unto him and desired him to stand over him and slay him for he was in great anguish and trouble that his life was yet whole and intire in him and accordingly he dispatcht him as Saul desired of him for he was sure he could not live after he was fallen And he took off the Coronet he wore on his head and the Bracelets which he wore on his arm and here says he I present them unto my Lord the King David then took hold of his Clothes and rent them and so did all the men that were with him and they mourned and wept and fasted unto the evening for Saul and Jonathan his Son and for the people of the Lord that were fallen in the battel and that by the hands of the Uncircumcised Philistines which was an evidence of Gods wrath against the Land David angrily askt this young man how he durst presume to stretch forth his hand against the Lords anointed 'T is like the Amalekite thought David would have been highly pleas'd with him for doing it but David upon Saul's death being come into the actual possession of the Regal rights and this man having confest the crime himself David bad one of the young men about him to fall upon him and kill him which he accordingly did and David said thy blood be upon thy own head * See Josh 2.19 for thy own mouth hath testified against thee that thou hast slain the Lords Anointed 2 Sam. Ch. 1. from v. 1. to 17. SECT CLXXV DAvid now laments the death of Saul and Jonathan and the men of Israel in a Funeral Song having first given order that the children of Judah should be taught the use of the bow and the rather because Saul and Jonathan had been overcome by the Archers among the Philistines therefore he desired they should be expert in that Art that they might match their enemies in that military skill for time to come Which order is further recorded in the Civil Annals or the General Chronicle of the Memorable Acts of the Nation called the Book of Jasher * Which Book with divers others particularly some composed by Solomon were burnt in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans which was continued as is probable from time to time by the Prophets See Note on Josh 10.13 David begins his Funeral Elegy thus O how are Saul Jonathan and many other valiant men of Israel who were the beauty ornament and glory of the land fallen on the mountains of Gilboa O tell it not in Gath publish it not in the streets of Askalon lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph as they us'd to do in their dances and songs see Note on 1 Sam. 18.6 O if it were possible that this thing might be conceal'd from the enemies of God and his people lest they triumph and insult over them see Judg. 16.23 Mich. 1.10 ascribing the glory of this victory to their Idol-gods to the great dishonour of the only true God
and valour 4. Four thousand to be Singers and Players on Instruments therewith to praise the Lord whereof two hundred eighty eight were eminent men for skill and possibly Teachers of the rest These also were divided into twenty four courses and so served about eightscore in every course and the twenty four Sons of Asaph Jeduthun and Heman three great Masters of Musick were to be the chief Heads of their Courses or Companies and to Prophesie with Cymbals See 1 Sam. 10.5 So for every Course of the Priests there was also appointed a Course of Levite-Singers and these were assign'd to their several Courses by lot also And as David appointed their Courses so he gave them also Psalmes penned by himself to sing assigning some for the Sons of Asaph others for the Sons of Jeduthun and Heman as by the Titles of many Psalmes does appear (a) 1 Chron. 25.5 All these were the words of Heman the Kings Seer in the words of the Lord to lift up the Horn. He was call'd the Kings Seer in the words of God because employed in that Prophetical work of setting forth the praises of God and singing Psalmes composed by men inspir'd by God and therefore call'd thence the words of God And to lift up the Horn whereby some Musical Instrument seems to be meant as the Cornet c. These Singers are said to Prophesie because in their Musick they were acted with an holy zeal such as Prophets in their Prophesies us'd to be acted with 1 Chron. Ch. 23. from v. 2 to the end 1 Chron. Ch. 24. whole Chapter 1 Chron. Ch. 25. whole Chapter 1 Chron. Ch. 26. whole Chapter SECT CCVII. SOlomon being now about twenty years of age Rehoboam is born to him of Naamah an Ammonitish woman as appears by Rehoboam's age at the beginning of his reign 1 King 14.21 where 't is said He was forty one when be began to reign We are now come to the first Book of Kings The united State of the Kingdom of Israel as it began under King Saul and increased under King David hath been described in the two Books of Samuel and how it came to its height under King Solomon is described in the Eleven first Chapters of the first Book of Kings and how it came to be divided and upon that division decreased and came to ruin at last we shall find described in the remaining Chapters of these two Books The first Book of the Kings contains an History of 126 years viz. forty years of Solomon's reign over all Israel after him the Kingdom being divided we have from Chap. 12. to the end the Lives and Acts of four Kings of Judah and eight Kings of Israel according to this following Scheme Solomon reigned forty years over all Israel Kings of Judah Kings of Israel  Years  Years Rehoboam 17 Jeroboam 22. Abijam 3. Nadab 2. Asa 41. Baasha 24. Jehoshaphat 25. Elah 2.   Zimri seven days    Omri 12.   Ahab 22.   Ahaziah 2. SECT CCVIII DAvid being now seventy years of age and broken with continual cares wars and troubles was grown so weak and feeble that applying warm clothes would hardly keep any heat in him whereupon by the advice of his Physicians a well-complexioned-young-Virgin was sought out for him who being taken by him as a wife or concubine might lye in his bosom and cherish him And such an one was found out viz. Abishag the Shunamite who did accordingly lye in his bosom and cherish him and ministred unto him but he knew her not 2 King Ch. 1. from v. 1. to 5. SECT CCIX. A Donijah David's Eldest Son now living seeing his Father decline so fast began to have aspiring thoughts after the Crown and understanding that Solomon was designed to succeed his Father he resolved to prevent it if he could by making himself King before his Fathers death In order hereunto he provides himself chariots and horses and fifty men for a guard as his brother Absalom had done before him And 't is like his Fathers former over great indulgence to him did the more embolden him though it also aggravated his fault that he durst do a thing so contrary to his Fathers mind who had been so kind to him He was also a goodly man of person and as that might be one cause that made David so much to dote on him and Absalom so it made him the more acceptable to the people In order therefore to the carrying on of his design he consulted with Joab the General of the Army and with Abiathar the High-Priest about it who it seems encouraged him in it and promised him their best assistance But Zadok and Nathan and Benaiah Captain of the Kings guard with the mighty men that were under his command joined not with him Adonijah having the General of the Army and the High-Priest on his side he now thus contrives his matters He makes a great Feast near Enrogel on the East-side of Jerusalem to which he invites all his Brothers the Kings Sons except Solomon and all the Officers and people of the Court that he thought would join with him intending there to be Installed King Nathan hearing of this went immediately to Bathsheba and asked her if she did not hear that Adonijah reigned and took upon him to be King She was strangely surpriz'd at this having heard nothing of it He advises her if she intended to save her own and her Sons life to go presently to the King and to ask him whither he did not swear solemnly to her that Solomon should reign after him And if he did how was it that Adonijah took upon him to be King surely it is without the Kings privity and consent And says Nathan while thou art speaking to him I will come in and confirm thy words and further add what I conceive requisite to be added Bathsheba accordingly went to the King and making a very low reverence to him she told him that he had solemnly sworn to her that Solomon her Son should reign after him but behold says she Adonijah has at this very time made a great Feast to which he has invited the Kings Sons and Joab and Abiathar in order to be by them Installed King And my Lord O King the eyes of all Israel are upon thee to observe whom thou wilt declare for thy Successor in the Kingdom and the people are generally inclined to yield to that which thou shalt determine therein and if thou dost not confirm what thou didst formerly swear concerning Solomon when thou diest I and my Son shall be counted Traytors and accus'd for endeavouring to get the Kingdom from Adonijah While she was speaking Nathan came in who bowing himself before the King with his face to the ground in a respectful manner askt the King whither he had appointed that Adonijah should succeed him in the Throne I do assure thee says he he hath made a great Feast this day and to it hath invited
Sepulcher is with us unto this day and this was above a thousand years after David was buried Now as to the Acts of David first and last behold they are written in the Book of Samuel the Seer and in the Book of Nathan the Prophet and in the Book of Gad the Seer that is the Acts of David were related in the History or Books of Samuel which were written by Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer who set down all the passages of his reign and his valiant acts and the victories obtained by him or his commanders and the prosperities and adversities of his time and reign either in his own Kingdom or the Kingdoms adjoining to him which he subdued and conquered * David was a glorious type of Christ in his birth at Bethlem in his victory over Goliah in his power over Sauls divel in his persecutions in his Royalty and victoriousness over his enemies 2 King Ch. 2. from v. 1. to 12. 1 Chron. Ch. 29. from v. 26 to the end SECT CCXIII. DAvid was stiled the sweet Psalmist of Israel 2 Sam. 23.1 for he composed many Divine Hymns and Psalmes for the benefit of the Church which we have in the great Volum of the Psalmes but he was not the Author of them all The Jews anciently divided this great Volum or Book of the Psalmes into five lesser According to which division the first Book of the Psalmes reached from Psalm the first to the end of Psalm the 41 and concludes thus Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting Amen and Amen All these by their Titles are declared to be Davids excepting 1 2 10 33. and as for the 2d that is declared to be Davids in Act. 4.25 26. Hereupon it s probably conceived that the other three were his also and that this first Book was all written by him and by him disposed into this order in which now it is The second Book begins at Psalm 42 and reaches to the end of Psalm 72 containing 31 Psalmes and closes thus Blessed be his glorious name for ever and let all the earth be filled with his glory Amen and Amen The prayers of David the Son of Jesse are ended Nineteen of these were composed by David as the Titles of them do evince Probably David collected and disposed in order this Book also The third Book begins at Psal 73 and reaches to the end of Psalm 89 comprehending 17 Psalmes and concludes thus Blessed be Jehovah for ever Amen and Amen Of these seventeen only one is ascribed to David one to Heman one to Ethan three are directed to the Sons of Corah no Penman being named eleven are ascribed to Asaph * Possibly Asaph might collect and dispose in order this Book The fourth Book begins at Psalm 90 and reaches to the end of Psal 106 comprehending also 17 Psalms and concludes thus Blessed be the God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting and let all the people say Amen Hallelujah Of these one is ascribed to Moses two to David fourteen have no author mentioned in their Titles The fifth Book begins at Psalm 107 and reaches to the end of Psalm 150 comprehending 44 Psalmes and concludes thus Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah Of these fifteen are in their Titles ascribed to David and not one of all the rest ascribed to any particular Author So that of all the Psalmes we reckon to David only seventy eight Many of these Psalmes viz. 125 have Titles and 25 of them have none One of these Psalmes viz. the 90th was composed before David was born and some of them long after he was dead as Psalm 45.74.83.126.137 Some think this Book of Psalmes was put into this form and order it now has by Ezra others think it was thus dispos'd after the return of the Jews from Babylon But of these things seeing we have no certain foundation to build upon we shall not peremptorily determine SECT CCXIV. SOlomon now sat upon the Throne of his Father David and his Kingdom was greatly established for the people were generally well pleased with his advancement to the Crown But it seems Adonijah being assisted by Joab and Abiathar had still a design to wrest the Kingdom from him And for the better carrying on of that design he resolved if possible to marry Abishag his Fathers late wife or concubine thinking thereby to inlarge his interest and gain a fairer pretence for what he designed In order hereunto he addresses himself to Bathsheba the Kings mother she was at first a little startled at his coming to her considering his former design to get the Crown and therefore asked him whether he came peaceably He answered very peaceably for he came humbly to request a favour of her which was this Thou knowest says he that I being the Eldest Son surviving of my Father by birthright the Throne of the Kingdom belonged unto me and the people looked upon me as heir apparent to it but now by Gods own appointment the Soveraignty is diverted another way and become my Brother Solomons (a) 'T is like he did not sincerely make this acknowledgment but only to dispose Bathsheba the more readily to grant his desire And seeing I am now fallen from so great an expectation I hope thou wilt compassionate my condition and wilt please to beg one favour of the King for me which I question not but he will readily grant unto thee which is this viz. that he would please to permit me to marry Abishag the Shunamite Bathsheba though a wise woman as appears by the counsel she gave her Son Prov. 31. yet not diving into the bottom of the design readily undertakes to speak to the King in his behalf Accordingly she went to the King who being set upon his Throne as soon as he saw her he rose up and bowed himself with great reverence unto her and then conducting her to his Throne caused a seat to be set for her on his right hand where being set she told him she had one small request to make to him which she desired him not to deny her He told her he would not provided that what she desired were just and safe for him to grant Then she said I pray thee let Abishag the Shunamite be given to thy brother Adonijah to wife Solomon startled at this replies Ask for him the Kingdom also for he is my Elder Brother yea for him and for Abiathar and for Joab that they may share it among them He seems to wonder at the strangeness of the request to wit that Adonijah should desire her for his wife that had lain in his Fathers bosom which was plain incest And probably the intention of Adonijah was discovered to him either by some special instinct of the Spirit of God or some secret intelligence which he had gotten and therefore he said Ask for him the Kingdom also c. As if he should have said He has already
and Ministers of Justice The number and order of them is here recorded to set forth his great wisdom 1. Azariah the Son of Zadok was his principal Minister of State * Cohan signifies sometimes a secular Prince as well as a Priest and 't is probable he was the Son of another Zadok and not of Zadok the High-Priest 2. Eliphoreph and Ahiah the Sons of Shisha his Secretaries We read but of one Secretary of State that David had 2 Sam. 20.25 whose name was Sheva and possibly this is the same man with Shisha and that he trained up his two Sons in his own way and made them so expert therein that Solomon took them both for his Secretaries and living in greater splendour than his Father he had two Secretaries whereas his Father had but one 3. Jehoshaphat the Son of Ahitub the Recorder or Master of Requests whose office was to put the King in mind of Petitions and possibly to record the memorable Acts of State he had this place in David's time and it seems held it still under Solomon See 2 Sam. 20.24 and so must needs be very ancient 4. Benaiah was Captain-General of the host in Joab's place 5. Zadok and Abiathar were the chief Priests for though Abiathar was removed from the place of High Priest Ch. 2.27 yet it seems he retained the Title though he executed not the Office 6. Azariah the Son of Nathan the Prophet was over the twelve Officers or Purveyers which are named v. 7 to 19. 7. Zabud his brother was a principal Officer and possibly President of the Kings Council he was the Kings friend and favourite as Hushai was to David 2 Sam. 15.27 and had on all occasions free access to him from hence it appears that Solomon had Nathan in very high esteem in that he put two of his Sons in the highest Offices of the Kingdom and made one of them his especial favourite Nathan had indeed been a faithful Prophet and servant to David and discovered to him Adonijah's conspiracy and gave advice for the setling Solomon on the Throne Ch. 1.11 And 't is probable that Nathan's Sons were trained up with Solomon under their Fathers Tuition 8. Abishai who was either Governour of the Kings Houshold or Treasurer of it 9. Adoniram who was over the Tribute and chief receiver of the Kings revenues Ch. 4. from 1 to 7. 2. Solomon appointed twelve Officers over all Israel to take care to furnish his House with a set quantity of provisions of meat and drink for all the twelve months of the year Had these great stores that were needful for the Kings houshold been to be gathered out of one place only near the Court the people thereabouts might have been overburdened therefore these store-gatherers were scattered all over the land and had Treasure-houses to store up their provisions in which in their several months they brought forth and furnished the Kings house therewith These Officers were it seems the sons of men of note and therefore their names and their fathers names are here set down Their divisions were not exactly made according to the Tribes for so there might have been some inequality but according to the Commodities of the soil The son of Abinadab was over the Region of Dor in Manassehs portion and it seems he was a man of great worth for he married Taphath one of the daughters of Solomon Ahimaaz's Province was in Naphtali he also seems to be some great man for he married Basmath the other daughter of Solomon Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flower and threescore measures of meal The word translated measure is in the Hebrew Cor now one Cor contained about ten Ephas and one Epha about three pecks of our measure so that by this account Solomon had for every day a very great quantity both of flower and meal Also ten oxen fatted in the stalls and twenty out of the pastures also an hundred sheep besides Harts Robucks fallow Deer and fatted fowls This store shews that Solomon's houshold was very great but possibly under it are to be comprized his wives housholds and such Companies of Soldiers as attended about the Court yea and such foreign Princes and Ambassadours as came from other Countries to his Court and their retinues Thus those Officers provided victuals for King Solomon and for all that came to his Table every man in his mouth and by this means sufficient provision was made for them all 1 King Ch. 4. from 1 to 26. 3. That wherein Solomon more especially discovered his wisdom was in the Proverbs or wise and acute sentences he spake which were three thousand and in the Divine Songs or Odes he composed which were a thousand and five He spake also of trees from the Cedar in Lebanon to the Hysop that springs out of the wall and of beasts and of fowl and of creeping things and of fishes So that he read Lectures of natural and moral Philosophy yea and of Divinity too to those that were about him or came to hear his wisdom He was also an excellent Poet as appears by those many Songs and Odes (b) Liber odarum quam ediderat complectebatur mille quinque odas Non Theologus tantum Philosophus sed insignis Poëta Sunt qui dicunt ex Canticis Proverblis Solomonis solum utiliora Spiritus Sancti instinctu reservata esse in libellos illos coacta qui hodie extant Munsterus he composed 'T is like he did dictate his Proverbs and Philosophical instructions in familiar discourse which those about him wrote down and some of them are lost But let us be thankeful to God for those that remain and labour to make a good use of them 1 King 4.32 33. As for the Book of Proverbs it contains the chief of those three thousand wise sentences which he spake The first nine Chapters contain instructions of piety and praises of wisdom with exhortations to get it all which may serve as a large Preface to the whole Book Then follow his Proverbs or choice sentences or wise Apothegmes There is sometimes a repetition of the same things which might easily happen by reason of the several collections of these Proverbs The verity of some of them consists in such a generality of truth as stands good and is for the most part so and yet admits of alteration by the change of circumstances Throughout this Book Solomon speaks one while in his own name another while in his Fathers then in Wisdom's elsewhere in his Mothers and sometimes in Gods name 1. He seems to speak in his own name in Ch. 1st 2d 3d. 2. He sets down the summ of his Father David's instructions Ch. 4.5 6 7. 3. He brings in wisdom speaking Ch. 8.9 4. He sets down those Proverbs of his own which he had set in order in his life time from Ch. 10. to Ch. 25. 5. Then others are added which were gathered by the servants of King Hezekiah
from Ch. 25. to Ch. 30. 6. Then follows the Prophesie of Agur Ch. 30. 7. And lastly the instructions which his mother gave him Ch. 31. so that the collection seems made by sundry persons and at sundry times If we duly consider the Book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes we may out of them extract a System of Ethicks Oeconomicks Politicks 1. Let us consider Solomon's Ethicks wherein he teaches a man how he may become a good man and so be happy In order hereunto he instructs him in the first place to get wisdom whereby he will be directed how to perform all other duties required of him Prov. 2.10 * See Job 28. from v. 12 to the end 11 12 20. Prov. 3.13 14 15 16 17 18 23. Ch. 4.7 Ch. 8.11 12 17 18 19 33 34 36. Ch. 9.12 Ch. 13.14 Ch. 14.8 16. Ch. 15.24 Ch. 16.16 22 23. Ch. 19.8 Ch. 23.23 Eccles 2.13 14. Eccles 10.2 2ly He instructs him in the particular duties he owes 1. To God 2. To his Neighbour 3. To himself 1. His duties towards God he shews him are these 1. To remember his Creator in the days of his youth Eccles 12.1 2. To trust †Job 5.8 12. 13. Ch. 13.15 in God Prov. 3.5 26. Ch. 14.26 Ch. 16.3 20 33. Ch. 18.10 11. Ch. 19.21 Ch. 21.30 Ch. 28.26 Ch. 29.25 3. To fear * Job 28.28 him Prov. 1.7 Ch. 8.13 Ch. 9.10 Ch. 10.27 Ch. 14.27 Ch. 15.33 Ch. 16.6 Ch. 19.23 Ch. 23.17 Eccles 12.13 4. To obey him and walk uprightly before him Ch. 12.28 Ch. 13.6 21 22. Ch. 14.11 14. Ch. 15.6 9 29. Ch. 16.8 31. Ch. 20.7 Ch. 21.15 21 27. Ch. 28.9 13 20. 2ly His duties towards man he shews him are these 1. He must be just and righteous in all his dealings with men Prov. 3.33 Ch. 4.18 Ch. 10.6 7. Ch. 11.1 18 19 20 21. Ch. 14.34 Ch. 20.10 23. 2. Faithful in admonishing and reproving him when there is occasion and he is called to it Prov. 9.8 9. Ch. 11.30 Ch. 12.1 15. Ch. 13.18 Ch. 15.5 32. Ch. 17.10 Ch. 19.25 Ch. 24.24 25. Ch. 25.12 Ch. 27.6 Ch. 28.23 Ch. 29.1 3. Must be true to him 1. He must be no lyar Prov. 4.24 Ch. 12.22 Ch. 19.15 2. No slanderer nor tale-bearer Ch. 10.18 Ch. 11.13 Ch. 16.28 Ch. 17.9 Ch. 18.8 Ch. 20.19 Ch. 25.18 23. Ch. 26.18 19 20 21 22 24 25. 3. No Flatterer Prov. 29.5 4. Loving Prov. 10.12 Ch. 17.17 Ch. 18.24 Ch. 19.22 Ch. 24.17 18. 5. Merciful †Job 29. from 12 to 18. Ch. 30.25 Ch. 31. from 16 to 33. Ch. 3.3 27 28. Ch. 11.17 24 25 26. Ch. 12.10 Ch. 14.21 31. Ch. 17.5 Ch. 18.23 Ch. 25.21 22. Ch. 21.13 Ch. 19.17 Ch. 28.27 Ch. 29.7 Eccles 11.1 2. 6. Peaceable Prov. 17.14 Ch. 26.17 Ch. 16.17 7. Friendly Prov. 27.9 10 17. 3ly The duties he must perform and the graces and vertues he must exercise in the government of himself he shews him are these 1. Prudence and watchfulness Particularly 1. Over his heart Prov. 4.23 2. Over his tongue Prov. 12.13 16 18 25. Ch. 17.20 27. Ch. 15.7 Ch. 18.4 Ch. 14.3 23. Ch. 21.23 Ch. 13.3 Ch. 15.2 4 23. Ch. 10.19 20 21. Ch. 11.12 Ch. 18.21 Ch. 29.11 Eccles 3.7 3. To keep himself from being insnared by Suretiship Prov. 6.1 2 3. Ch. 11.15 Ch. 17.18 Ch. 22.18 2. Temperance Prov. 23.2 6 7. Ch. 20.1 Ch. 21.17 Ch. 23.20 21 29 30. 3. Chastity Prov. 2.16 17 18 19. Ch. 5. from 3 to 14. Ch. 6. from 24 to 34. Ch. 7. from 5 to 11 26. Ch. 9.16 17 18. Prov. 22.14 Ch. 23.27 28. 4. Humility Prov. 3.7 34. Ch. 6.16 17 18. Ch. 11.2 Ch. 13.10 Ch. 15.25 Ch. 16.5 18 19. Ch. 18.12 Ch. 21.4 24. Ch. 22.4 Ch. 26.12 Ch. 27.2 Ch. 28.14 Ch. 29.23 5. Sincerity Prov. 15.8 Ch. 14.14 Ch. 21.27 6. Meekness Prov. 14.17 29. Ch. 15.1 Ch. 25.15 28. Ch. 15.18 Ch. 26.4 5. Ch. 29.20 Ch. 16.32 Ch. 18.19 Ch. 19.11 Ch. 22.24 25. Ch. 20.3 22. Ch. 29.22 Eccles 7.9 7. Diligence in his calling Eccles 9.10 Prov. 13.11 Ch. 22.13 Ch. 6. from 6 to 12. Ch. 10.4 5 22. Ch. 19.24 Ch. 20.4 Ch. 12.27 Ch. 18.9 Ch. 27.23 Ch. 26. from 13 to 17. 8. Patience Prov. 3.11 12. Ch. 24.10 9. Moderation of affection to the things of the world Eccles 1.8 14. Eccles 2.1 2 11 12. Eccles 9.11 Prov. 30.7 8. 10. Chearfulness and contentedness with his condition Prov. 17.22 Prov. 15.15 Ch. 12.25 Eccles 2.24 Eccles 3.12 13 22. Eccles 4.6 Eccles 5.18 19. Eccles 6.1 2. Eccles 8.15 Eccles 9.7 Eccles 11.8 9 10. Lastly He must associate himself with those that are good Prov. 13.20 Ch. 14.7 9. Ch. 28.19 Ch. 12.26 2. Let us consider Solomon's Oeconomicks wherein he instructs a man how righly to order and govern his family A Family usually consists of these Relations Husband Wife Parents Children Masters Servants Solomon instructs all these in their particular duties 1. He teaches the Husband to be very thankful to God if he hath blessed him with a good wife Prov. 18.22 Ch. 19.14 Ch. 11.16 Ch. 12.4 Ch. 31. from 10 to the end 2. He teaches him how he should carry himself towards his Wife viz. 1. Wisely as the guide of her youth Prov. 2.17 2. Faithfully Prov. 5.15 20. Eccles 9.9 3. Lovingly and chearfully Prov. 5.17 18 19. Prov. 17.1 Prov. 15.17 2. He teaches the Wife 1. To be faithful to her Husband remembring she is tyed to him by the Covenant of God Prov. 2.17 2. Not to be brawling and contentious Prov. 27.15 Prov. 21.9 19. Ch. 19.13 3. To be prudent and discreet in ordering her domestick affairs Prov. 11.22 Ch. 14.1 3. He instructs Parents in their duties he shews them that they owe to their Children 1. Instruction Prov. 1.8 9 10 15. Ch. 22.6 2. Provision Prov. 13.22 3. Correction Prov. 13.24 Ch. 19.18 Ch. 22.15 Ch. 23.13 14. Ch. 29.17 4. He shews Children that they owe to their Parents obedience and care to please them that so they may be a comfort to them Prov. 10.1 Ch. 13.1 Ch. 20.20 Ch. 23.22 24 25. Ch. 28.7 Ch. 30.17 Ch. 15.20 Ch. 17.25 Ch. 19.13 Ch. 27.11 5. He teaches Masters to carry themselves wisely towards their servants Prov. 29.12.21 6. He shews Servants that they owe to their Masters 1. Faithfulness Prov. 25.13 Ch. 13.17 2. Diligence Prov. 10.26 Ch. 22.29 3ly We come now to his Politicks wherein he directs a man how he may be a good Magistrate The qualifications of a good Magistrate he sets down 1. Negatively shewing what he must not be 1. Not lascivious Prov. 31.3 2. Not riotous Prov. 31.4 5. Eccles 10.16 17. 3. Not false Prov. 17.7 4. Not an oppressor Prov. 22.22 23. Ch. 23.10 11. 5. Not a rejecter of good counsel Eccles 4.13 6. Not a taker of bribes Prov. 15.27 Ch. 18.16 Ch. 19.6 7. Not hearkning to lyes Prov. 29.12 2. Affirmatively shewing what he ought to be 1. Truly pious and
much of the Book of Ecclesiastes SECT XVII GOD threatned Solomon 2 Sam. 7.13 14 15. That if he committed iniquity he would chasten him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the children of men but his mercy should not depart from him And accordingly he now stirred up three Adversaries (a) Though Solomon's enemies had herein their own ends yet the Lord us'd them as instruments of his Justice to punish his revolt against him 1. Hadad the Edomite When David subdued the Edomites 't is said 2 Sam. 8.14 He put Garrisons through all Edom and they became his servants And at this time as it seems whilst Joab pursued his victory slaying all the males where he came Hadad then being very young was hid and afterwards secretly carried away by some of his Fathers servants who also took some out of Paran that lay in the way to attend him into Egypt where he was kindly entertained by Pharaoh who gave him an house and lands and appointed him victuals and a constant Table and in time he came to be in so great favour with him that he gave him to wife his own Queens sister who bare him a Son that was educated in Pharaoh's house When this Hadad heard in Egypt that David and Joab were dead he desired leave of Pharaoh to return into his own Country Pharaoh askt him what he lacked there He said nothing However I desire to return to my own Country that I may recover my Kingdom again Pharaoh hearing this kindly dismissed him and he came to his own Country where he was received for their King Yet 't is manifest he attempted nothing against Solomon for a long time after this For till Solomon's fall in his old age his enemies stirred not see 1 King 5.4 so that 't is like Hadad at first made some Covenant with Solomon and was his Tributary for his Kingdom but at last he stirred against him and created him much trouble yet he was not able quite to shake off his yoke for the Edomites continued Tributaries to the Kings of Judah till Jehoram's reign 2 Chron. 21.10 2ly God stirred up another enemy against Solomon viz. Rezon who when David had gotten the better of his Master in battel and had vanquished the Syrians see 2 Sam. 10.18 he gathered together such of them as were put to flight ande made himself Captain over them and for some time t is like lived by robbing and pillaging till Solomon's declining days And though 't is not like that Solomon lost any thing of that which his Father had gotten till himself fell from God yet then it seems Rezon took courage to set upon Damascus into which David had put a Garrison 2 Sam. 8.6 and took it from Solomon and there reigned as King So that Solomon had now one enemy in the North and another in the South 3ly A third enemy whom God stirred up against him was Jeroboam his own servant of the Tribe of Ephraim who had been raised and preferred by him And the occasion of his rise was this Solomon when he built Millo of which see Ch. 9.15 and repaired the breaches in Zion the City of David going out often to see * The Masters eye they say makes the horse fat and the servant to sweat his workmen and to encourage them to diligence he observed Jeroboam who was then but a young man to be very active and industrious in those labours and services he was set about whereupon Solomon taking a liking to him preferred him and in time made him Receiver or Treasurer for all the Kings revenue in the two Tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh Upon a time when he went out of Jerusalem to execute his Office it happened that the Prophet Ahijah †He who with some others penned the Acts of Solomon 2 Chron. 9.29 the Shilonite who had clad himself with a new garment met him and desired some private conference with him and when they were alone he took off his new garment and rent it into twelve pieces according to the number of the Tribes of Israel and gave ten of them to Jeroboam saying Thus saith the Lord I will rend the Kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten Tribes to thee because they (b) Solomon giving way to his wives Idolatry proved a snare to the people and occasioned their revolt from God and in this rent the people suffered as well as Rehoboam the rent in the Kingdom proving an occasion of continual Wars between Judah and Israel which brought in many miseries from foreign Nations upon both Kingdoms have forsaken me and worshipped Ashtaroth and Chemosh and Moloch and have not walked in my ways to do that which was right in mine eyes and to keep my statutes and judgments as did David my servant Howbeit I will not take the Kingdom from Solomon while he lives but he shall be King thereof all his days for David my servants sake whom I chose because he kept my commandments and my statutes But I will take the Kingdom out of his Sons hands viz. ten Tribes of it and will give them unto thee And unto his Son will I give one intire Tribe viz. Judah with Simeon (a) Ac proinde Synecdochice includitur Nam e Benjamine tantum pars penes eum fuit Jeroboamo cesserunt Bethel Ephraim quae erant oppida Benjaminis that is mixt with it together with the greatest part of the Tribe of Benjamin that David my servant may have a light always before me in Jerusalem that is a Royal glory shining in one of his posterity who as a light may shine before the people and direct them as long as that Kingdom shall last See 2 Sam. 21.17 1 King 15.4 and that in Jerusalem where my Temple is built and where my name is solemnly call'd upon and which is called after my name the City of God And I will take thee and make thee King over the Ten Tribes and thou shalt be a Soveraign King and not under any Superiour on earth so that thou maist reign according as thy soul desireth And if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee and wilt walk in my ways and do that which is right in my sight to keep my statutes and commandments as David my servant did I will be with thee and build thee a sure house that is so establish thy Kingdom that it shall continue in thy posterity as I promised to David And though I will by this division of the Kingdom sorely afflict the house of David yet I will not do it for ever For though they shall be carried into captivity yet they shall be brought back again and the Messiah shall at last be born of the seed of David who shall continue to reign most gloriously for ever Ahijah having delivered what God commanded him to Jeroboam took his leave of him How Jeroboam was affected with this surprizing message we may easily imagine It seems he
presently imparted it to some of his friends and possibly thereby designed to draw off their hearts from Solomon and to make a party for himself Solomon it seems got some intelligence hereof and thereupon sought to kill him Jeroboam hearing of the Kings fierce anger against him fled presently into Egypt to Shishack the present King thereof who as 't is probable was Solomon's wife's brother and possibly was much offended with him for taking so many wives besides his sister and therefore for that or some other reason he gave entertainment to Jeroboam and he continued there till Solomon's death 1 King Ch. 11. from v. 14 to 41. SECT XVIII SOlomon now having reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years died and slept with his fathers and was buried in the City of David his Father He left only three children though he had so many wives and concubines viz. two daughters who were married to two of his own subjects as we may see Sect. 13. and one Son viz. Rehoboam who reigned in his stead The Acts of Solomon were written by Nathan Ahijah and Iddo Prophets that lived in his time 2 Chron. 9.29 But this Book of the Acts of Solomon seems to have been some compleat History not now extant of the reign of Solomon gathered out of the several writings of these Prophets and other records of those times wherein possibly many passages of his life were set down not expressed in the Sacred History And among other things possibly that of his repentance which though it be not here so clearly mentioned yet it may be gathered from 2 Chron. 11.17 For three years they walked in the ways of David and Solomon his Son where Solomon and David are jointly commended Some also collect it from that promise Psal 89.33 Nevertheless I will not utterly take away my loving kindness from him nor suffer my faithfulness to fail But especially from the Book of Ecclesiastes which questionless was written as a publick testimony of his Repentance And in the 2 Pet. 1.20 21. we find that all the Penmen of the holy Scripture are said to have been holy men of God And 't is probably conjectured that Solomon before his death did throw down Idolatry and restrain'd his wives from it in that the people who set themselves to defame his Government complained of no such matter to Rehoboam Chap. 12.4 1 King Ch. 11. from 41 to the end 2 Chron. Ch. 9. from v. 29 * V. 29. In the visions of Iddo that is such Visions and Revelations as were registred being by Gods Spirit manifested to Iddo It seems this Iddo who wrote the History of Rehoboam Ch. 12.15 did also join the story of Jeroboam therewith against whom he wrote to the end SECT XIX Kings of Israel JEroboam being chosen King by the Ten Tribes The first King of Israel JEROBOAM he first repaired and fortified Shechem and built himself a Palace there and made it the chief place of his residence and fortified Penuel on the other side of Jordan and placed a Garrison in it And being now setled in his Kingdom though God had promised him by Ahijah the Prophet Ch. 11.38 that if he would walk in his ways he would be with him and build him a sure house as he had done for David yet having no confidence in this promise he began to think that if he should suffer his subjects to go up to Jerusalem to sacrifice there as God commanded they would soon fall off from him to Rehoboam For first he apprehended they would be in danger to be seized upon as Traytors when they came up to Jerusalem if they did not renounce their allegiance to him 2ly The Priests and Levites and their Brethren of Judah he thought would be continually setting before them the sin of falling off from their lawful Soveraign 3ly He supposed the very sight of the Temple and the worship of God there celebrated would much win upon them to come over to the Kingdom of Judah And if their hearts were once turned to Rehoboam he thought they would be sure to kill him and not having faith to believe that God would either prevent or divert these dangers from him if he were faithful to him he resolved to set up some other way of worship for his subjects that they should not need to go up to Jerusalem to worship there And thus that very thing which God appointed to keep the people of the Jews in one uniform way of worship viz. that there should be but one Altar and one place of Sacrifices namely at the Temple at Jerusalem that proved the occasion of setting up a new way of Worship Wherefore Jeroboam by the advice of those about him made two Golden Calves in imitation of the Egyptians Idol-gods among whom he had lived of late and with whom 't is like he desired to hold a strict league and amity and that possibly was another politick reason that induc'd him to make such Idols as these However he pretended the peoples ease and accommodation to be the chief thing that mov'd him to take this course and like a kind and indulgent Prince told them it was too much for them to go up thrice a year viz. at the solemn Feasts to Jerusalem and therefore he had found out a way to save them that labour and accordingly had made two Golden Calves for them to worship in their own Country And these he had made not to represent any false God but as remembrances and representations of the true God of Israel who brought them up out of the land of Egypt and therefore he was not afraid to say to them these be thy Gods O Israel When he had given them this account of his proceedings he placed one of his Calves in Bethel a City * By reason of Jeroboams impiety the Prophet calls it Bethaven Hos 10.5 belonging to the Tribe of Benjamin but it seems it had revolted to him and so was now in his power and the Southern border of his Kingdom the other Calf he placed at Dan which was the Northern border And so he provided that his subjects both in the North and South should have a place to worship at But this thing became a grievous sin and high provocation to the Almighty and drew all Israel from God into Idolatry and therefore 't is put into his stile Jeroboam the Son of Nebat who made Israel to sin 2 King 10.31 For the people did presently yield to worship these his Idols both at Dan and Bethel And further instead of Gods Temple at Jerusalem he made a Temple on one of the high places or mountains where Altars were reared to commit Idolatry thereon and he made Priests for the high places and for the Devils †Such devotion as is not done to the true God is done to Devils see Lev. 17.7 Idols there so called and for the Calves which he had made 2 Chron. 11.15 of the meanest of the people and such