24. 3. V. 52. To thee For harme V. 53. The God of Nahor the God of their father Terah both idolaters Josh. 24. 2. The idolater sweares by his gods his idols V. 54. Offered sacrifice Killed beasts for a feast not sacrifice Feasts used at the making of Covenants ch 26. 30. Numb 22. 40. 1 Kings 1. 9. 19 21. 1 Sam. 28. 44. V. 55. Blessed them Thus God over-rules the wicked so ch 33. 4. so he turned Balaams curse into a blessing Numb 23. 11. Deut. 23. 5. so the mindes of the Barbarians towards Paul Acts 28. 4 5 6. CHAP. XXXII Verse 1. ANgelis of God To comfort and confirm him against the future fear and danger by Esau Psal 91. 11. met him In a visible Apparition when he was awake V. 2. Gods Host Camp Army Heavenly souldiers Luke 2. 13. Horses and charets of fire 2 Kings 6. 17. fighting for Gods people against their enemies Dan. 10. 13 20. 2 Kings 19. 35. Psal. 34. 7. Hoste For their Numbers Order Power Employment Angel the Guardian of Jacob but two Hosts Heb. 1. 14. No Angel is restrained from a particular ministration to any of the Elect nor any of the Elect so allotted to the custody of any Angel that he may not expect the protection of many Mahanaim Two armies the word is of the Dual number Cant. 6. 13. on either hand of him or before and behinde Ps. 34. 7. 91. 11. Here is not one peculiar Angel It seems not so likely that by the two Armies should be meant the one of the Angels the other of Jacobs family Hence likely is the name of that City Josh. 21. 38. in the tribe of Gal assigned to the Levites the children of Merari V. 3. Land of Seir Ch. 14. 6. Deut. 2. 22. The Horims dwelt there afore called Seir not from Esau but from Seir a Chorite or Horite ch 36. 20 21. ch 14 6. Thither was Esau gone ch 36. 6 7 8. And that lay in Jacobs way which he must passe V. 4. My Lord Esau. Thy servant Jacob V. 18. 33. 8. Not here by prejudicing or renouncing the birth-right or blessing ch 27. 29. Though yielding for a time as David after he was anointed did to Saul so Jacob here to pacifie Esaus old malice and present rage v. 5. Prov. 15. 1. waiting by faith for the Promise which was to be accomplished in future times I have sojourned with Laban As an exile as it were so long and rendering to him an accompt of his time spent V. 5. And I have oxen And so will not be burdensom to him or to his fathers house not gape after his fathers riches nor be a reproach to their family by his poverty nor seek Esaus favour for his own profit sake to tell my lord q. d. I would not passe by thee without acquainting thee with it V. 6. Foure hundred men Most likely with a bloody intent how grievous soever it might be to his aged father v. 8. These were too many for ostentation sake V. 7. Greatly afraid The infirmity of the flesh appears the Angels being gone he divided V. 8. Another division ch 33. 1 2. Good and godly policy so v. 16 17 18. and ch 14. 15. 30. 38. V. 9. O God He falls to prayer as his only safe-guard And prayers not to the Angels that appeared for their mediation But labours to strengthen himself and his faith in God and his Promises and Word throughout his Prayer of my father To whom thou hast made such promises He prayes not to Abraham which saidst unto me Return Ch. 31. 13. Be now as good as thyword to me obeying it V. 10. I am not worthy of the least Nor of this I now beg so ch 18. 27. 2 Sam. 9 7 8. Luke 17. 10. Though he justly pleaded his merit to Laban ch 31. 38. the truth In performing thy gracious Promises and Predictions this Jordan Now in sight being in Mount Gilead or nearer two bands V. 7. V. 11. And the mother with the children Or upon them as Hos. 10. 14. Deut 22. 6. V 12. And thou saidest Ch. 28. 14 15. 31. 3. V. 13. Which came to his hand The night and his haste to prevent his brother would not suffer him to stand upon choice 1 Sam 25. 8. a Present Rich of five hundred and eighty head of cattel a stock for breed As Jacob prayeth and trusteth in God and his Promises so yet he useth means Prov. 17. 8. 18. 16. V. 16. A space betwixt V. 20. To mitigate his displeasure by degrees ch 33. 8 9. and that if he fell in hostile manner upon the first the other might seek the better to escape V. 20. Jacob is behinde us Lest Esau might surmise that he sent these only that he in the mean season might escape some other way V. 21. That night Not that v. 13. but the night following having spent the day before in sending away the droves and Presents by his servants V. 22. Two women-servants So are Bilhah and Zilpah called here eleven sonnes Dinah his daughter not mentioned And Benjamin not yet borne Jabbâ—ak Deut. 2. 37. 3. 16. Numb 21. 24. Josh. 12. 2. Judg. 11. 13. the border of the children of Ammon If Jacob now had not been well setled in the confidence of Gods Protection he would not likely have passed over this river as having better meanes to escape on the other side Or rather he being last stayed yet on the other side of the river V. 23 Sent them ever He remaining behinde left alone on the other side v. 24. And there without knowledge of any wrestled with the Angel that night v. 24. 26 31. V. 24. Wrestled Jacob wrestling both spiritually and corporally He deignes this who afterwards deigned to be borne in a stable to die on a Crosse for us Esay 55. 8. 1 Cor. 1. 27 28. a man God in the shape of a man even Christ v. 26 28 30. Called God and an Angel Hos. 12. 3 4. that Angel Gen. 48. 16 Mal. 3. 1. that Arch-Angel Michael Jude v. 9. After he had stayed behinde alone purposely to pray as he did Hos. 12. 4. with weeping at the last the Lord appeared and set on him with wrâ—stling until the breaking of the day A private wrastling without Spectators v. 26. nor then did Jacob fully know with whom he wrastled V. 25. And when he saw This is spoken after the manner of men God knowes all with one pure and perfect act that he prevailed not With that measure of strength which God in that assumed body was then pleased to take and use Gen. 19. 22. Mar. 6. 5. Mat. 15. 22. 24. 27 28. Exod. 32 10. Luke 24. 29. To confirme him hereby that he should prevail with Esau. out of joynt The huckle-bone where the Sciatica is to humble him that he should not be exalted out of measure but know by whose indulgence he did prevaile and this halting to remain as a monument of it and of this Apparition V.
the year of Jubile began with Blowing of Trumpets on the tenth day of that moneth which also was the day of Expiation Levit. XXV 9. And the Feast of Tabernacles for seven dayes followed after in the same moneth Twelve Cakes The twelve Cakes of Shew bread chapter XXIV verse 5 each of an equall and of a good bignesse set in two rows six on a row seeme to be two rows in Longitude upon the Table one by another And so the Frankincense upon each Cake rather then in Altitude one upon another And so but one Frankincense upon either row See v. 6 7. The Table being two Cubits long and one Cubit broad Exod. XXV 23. And the Frankincense being to be burned every Sabbath Levit XXIV 7 9. yet some make them to be two rows six upon one another in either row on heaps in height In the Temple there were ten Tables of Shew-bread five on the right hand and five on the left 1 Chron. 28. 16. 2 Chron. IV. 8. A Jubile The Jubile-year had all the priviledges of the Sabbath-year chapter XXV verse 11 and more besides Levit. XXV Fruit for three years Viz verse 21 the year before the Sabbath-year and the Sabbath-year and the year after it till the plowing and sowing at the end of the Sabbath-year came to an harvest in the end of the third year Esay XXXVII 10. Numbers THis Book begins with the year of the World Not the 2455 or 2544 But the 2514 or rather 2510 and a little over Thus 2369 to the end of Genesis and death of Joseph Thence 60 to the birth of Moses Thence 80 to the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt And thence 1 year and one moneth to the beginning of this Book which is the second year second moneth first day of their coming out It containes an History not of 39 years but expressely of 38. years and 9 moneths Num. I. 1. and Ch. XXXIII 48 49. compared with Deut. I. 3 4 5. That in Num. IX 1 c. is but a Rehearsal of what was both given in charge and was done before And some other like Repetitions there are 603550. chapter I verse 46 From twenty years old and upwards besides the Levites A wonderful multiplication from seventy persons in 211. yeares yet fairly possible Whereas if they had been in Egypt it self 400 years then their spawning or multiplying there had been very small considering that from three persons that came out of the Arke with Noah within the space of 400 years to the time of Abraham issued such infinite numbers and troops of people in severall Kingdomes and Countreys in the world as out of the Sacred Text and Storie doth plainly appear The Order of the Camp chapter II III and march of the Israelites in the Wildernesse Ch. II. and III. is thus viz The Tabernacle in the middest and Center of all the Hoast Round about the Tabernacle the Levites camped and marched viz On the West the Gershonites Num. III. 23. South the Kohathites Num. III. 29. North the Merarites Num. III. 35. East Moses Aaron his sons Num. III. 38 Males from a moneth old and upwards 7500. 8600. 6200. 22300. Round about the Levites at a good distance Josh. III. 4. Camped and Marched on the East-side Judah and in his Camp Issachar and Zebulun likely on either side or each hand of Judah he being in the midst And so in the other Camps following South-side Reuben and in his Camp Simeon and Gad. West-side Ephraim and in his Camp Manasse and Benjamin North-side Dan and in his Camp Asher and Naphtali Num. II. and X. Chap. In all 603550. And this is the same number of Males from twenty years old and upwards when they gave a Bekah or ten Gerahs each man that is half a Shekel after the Shekel of the Sanctuary to the building of the Tabernacle Exod. XXXVIII 26. As was commanded Exod. XXX 11 16. In the last numbering in the wildernesse in the fourtieth year after the death of Aaron and the death of that Generation for their rebellion and murmuring Num. XIV 29 35. The males from 20 years old and upwards all that were able to go to warre were 601730. The Levites still numbered not with them but by themselves Num. XXVI 51. 22000. chapter III verse 39 300 Male-Levites are omitted in this summe as appears out of ver 22 28 34. which make up 22300. being all the males from a moneth old and upwards And the First-born males of all the children of Israel in the twelve Tribes from a moneth old and upwards being 22273. Ch. III. 43. which argues at least twenty seven males in each family And the surplusage of 273. verse 46. being redeemed at five Shekels apiece amounting to 1375. Shekels verse 50 All this argues the foresaid 300. male-Levites to be wittingly left out in the casting up of the summe most likely omitted so Because they were such First-born of the Levites as were born from the time of the coming out of Egypt to the time of this reckoning and in that regard were sanctified to God as his own by his Law and challenge Exod. XIII 2. and so could not come into the number of the other Levites which were to be changed for the First-borne of the other Tribes and in their stead to be substituted and appropriated to God and his service This number of the Levites was very farre lesse then were of each other Tribe Ch. III. with Ch. I. The number of the least Tribe from twenty years old and upward males able to go forth to warre being 3200. Of the greatest 74600. And the number of the male-Levites from a moneth old and upwards being onely 22300. The charge of Aaron chapter III IV and his sons joyntly and of Eleazar and Ithamar distinctly and of the Kohathites Gershonites and Merarites severally is prescribed in the taking down and carrying and setting up of the Tabernacle See Ch. X. 17 21. From thirty The Levites at the age of thirty years chapter IV verse 3 entered into the full possession of their Offices to waite upon the service of the Tabernacle Num. IV. 3. At the age of twenty five they entered or might enter upon them as Novices and subservients in some secondary or inferiour administrations as Probationers and Proficients Num. VIII 24. And when the Temple should be builded they were ordered to begin and enter at twenty years of age 1 Chron. XXIII ver 24 27. Ezra III. 8. And that by Davids appointment together with the Prophets Gad and Nathan 2 Chron. VIII 14. and Ch. XXIX 25. They continued in their Offices till fifty Num. IV. 3 47. At fifty they ceased waiting upon the service of the Tabernacle but were Overseers there Ch. VIII 25 26. And in their several Cities as being well experienced in the Judicial Laws they judged of matters brought before them The Levites Offices distinct from the Priests are set down in many particulars 1 Chron. XXIII 28 32. David
proper names as Pharaoh Neco 2. Kings 23. 29 Pharaoh Hophra Jer. 44. 30. In the Grecian Monarchy they were called Ptolemies Pharaohs house Likely stayed there a while V. 17. Plagued Psal. 105. 14. 1 Chron. 16. 21 22. V. 20. And Pharaoh commanded The King being angry expects no answer sent him away Haply with Honour as Exod. 18. 27. and safe conduct CHAP. XIII Verse 1. SOuth Canaan is South from Egypt V. 2. Very rich Ch. 12. 2. 24. 35. Prov. 10. 22. V. 5. And Tents Which implies also many servants that dwelt in those tents V. 6. To beare them But they wanted pasture and water for so many flocks and herds whence the strife rose v. 7. V. 7. And the Canaanite Had taken up the better part of pasturage neither were they to have a scandal given them by any dissensions and discords between Abram and Lot V. 8. And Abram said to Lot The Uncle and Superiour condescends herein and chooseth rather to take wrong then to contend 1 Cor. 6. 7. V 9 If thou wilt take By consent of the Canaanites Abram had no inheritance in it no not so much as to set his foot on Act. 7 5 Nor did he or could he give to Lot any title to the land but such an use of it as upon faire and reasonable termes he might obtain and enjoy Abram after bought a burial place ch 23 11 12 13. V. 10. Zoar Afterwards so called but then called Belah ch 14. 2 8. 19. 22. The meaning is all the Plaine of Jordan even to Zoar was such V. 13. Sinners ch 19. 5. Ezech. 16. 49 50. Lot thinking to get Paradise found hell V. 15. Which thou seest Part whereof each way thou seest So Moses viewed the land but possessed it not Deut. 34. 1. 4. and to thy seed For thy sake The heavenly Canaan to thy spiritual seed Christs mystical body for Christs sake Gal. 3. 16. Rom. 9. 6 7 8. Gal. 4. 22 23. for ever if they obey and keep my Covenant Esay 65. 9. Psal. 69. 35 36. degenerate not John 8. 39 But else not Deut. 4. 25 26. Lev. 26. 33. 18. 28. Ezech. 33 24 25 26. But I will give the heavenly Canaan typified by this Heb. 11. 10 16. to thy spiritual seed to all eternity Gal. 3 â—6 26 28 29. V. 16. as the dust Ch. 28. 14. 32. 12. so Balaam said Numb 23. 10. V. 18. Plaine of Mamre Ch. 14. 13 24. The Plaine of Morch differs from this and joyâ—es to Shechem chap. 12. 6. which is in Hebron It had this name afterward before it was called Kiriath-Arba ch 23. 2. 35 27. Josh 14. 15. 15. 13. It was after a famous burial place ch 49. 31. sometime possessed by Gaints Numb 13. 22. and driven out by Caleb Josh 15. 13 14 and given to him Josh. 14. 14. a City of Refuge in the Tribe of Judah Josh. 15. 54. 20. 7. David first reigned in it And thither most likely went the blessed Virgin to visit her Cousin Elizabeth Luke 1. 39. an Altar To sacrifice thankfully to God and to sanctifie his viewed heritage CHAP. XIV Verse 1. IN the dayes This falling out a little before Abram took Hagar as the sequence of the story sheweth and he taking Hagar in the tenth yeare after he left Haran and came into Canaan ch 16. 3. He being then seventy five yeares old ch 12. 4. must be now eighty foure at the time of this battel Shiaar Chaldea ch 10. 10. Chedorlaomer The chief in this expedition though two other Kings named before him v. 4 5. Elam Or Persia ch 10. 22. And so Chedorlaomer of Shems Progeny had Chams and Canaans posterity for subjects and servants ch 9. 26. who these Kings were and what their Kingdomes cannot certainly be determined V. 2. With Bera King of Sodom These following were but petty Kings Kings of Cities which were burnt ch 19. Deut. 29. 23. except Zoar fifteen yeares after when Sarah was with childe of Isaac as appeares chap. 18. 10 20 c. V. 3. The salt sea Josh. 3 16. called so afterwards the dead sea or â—ake Asphaltites of which many strange things are reported by Authors V. 5. Rephaims Ch. 15. 20. in Ashteroth A City in Bashan where Og after reigned Emims Where the Moabites after dwelt Deut. 2. 9 10 11. V. 6. Horites In Mount Seir till the Edomiteâ— drove them out Deut. 2. 22. Elparan Gen. 21. 21. V. 7. Kadesh So called in Moses time it was in the desert of Zin Numb 20. 1 14 16. 13. 26. 33. 36. Deut. 1. 2 46. Amalekites The people of that countrey where afterwards the Amalekites did dwell For Amalek the Grand-childe of Esau was yet unborn Gen. 36. 12. Hazezon-Tamar Which is Engedi 2 Chron. 20. 2. which fell afterwards to the tribe of Judah Josh. 15. 62. V. 10. Fell there Their armies rather then their persons For the King of Sodom escaped meeting Abram v. 17. V. 13. Confederate So Abimelech and Phicol with Abraham ch 21. v. 22 23. and after with Isaac ch 26. 26 c. Such confederacies with Infidels not simply in themselves unlawful Though specially forbidden with the Canaanite Exod. 34. 15. Deut 7. 2. And Jehoshaphat justly reproved for his needlesse familiarity and association with wicked Ahab 2 Chron. 19. 2. V. 14. Brother Being his brothers sonne v. 12. trained servants In militaty and religious discipline three hundred and eighteen A mighty Prince chap. 23. 6. pursued Justly for Lots sake though haply Chadorlaomers cause and quarrel might be just v. 4. unto Dan One of the two springs of Jordan at the foot of Lebanon in the North of Canaan where was a town of that name called Leshem or Laish Josh. 19. 47. Judg. 14. 29. V. 15. Unto Hoba Thus God gave the Nations before him and made him rule over Kings He gave them as the dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bowe he pursued them and passed safely even by the way which he had not gone with his feet Esay 41. 2 3. V. 17. The Kings Dale So called in after-times where likely Absalom set up his pillar 2 Sam. 18. 18. V. 18. Melchisedech That this Melchisedech had father and mother descent or pedigree beginning of dayes and end of life is not to be doubted But the Scripture presents him to us as such no where telling us of his Parents descent birth or death and so in this and in his name Melchisedech and in his title of Office King of Salem and in his Offices themselves being both King and Priest the Priest of the most High God and that without being successour to any or having any successour to him and so as one that typically abideth for ever and as one that is far superiour to Abraham who blessed Abraham and to whom Abraham the Patriarch gave tithes therefore in regard of all these the Apostle makes him a notable type and figure of Christ of his Person and Offices of his Kingdome and Priesthood especially as
the lawful wife and whose children did not inherit ch 16. 6 9. 25. 5 6. 21. 10. 1 Kings 11. 3. yet Bilhahs and Zilpahs did extraordinarily becoming Heads of Tribes CHAP. XXIII Verse 1. THese were the yeares of the life of Sarah How long any other woman lived is not recorded in Scripture She lived sixty yeares in Ur five in Haran twenty five in Canaan almost all before she had Isaac and thirty seven after in Canaan most at Geraa and Beer-sheba until her death in Kiriath-arba or Hibron V. 2. Kiriath-arba the same is Hebron V. 19. Judges 1. 10. This city was first called Mamre ch 13 18. Here Abraham and Isaac sojourned and hither Jacob came to his father Isaac after his returne from Laban ch 35. 27. This afterwards fell by lot in the tribe and mountain or hill-countrey of Judah Josh. 15. 54. And was given to the Priests for a City of Refuge Josh. 20. 7. But the fields of the City excepting the subuths and the villages thereof were given to Caleâ— Josh. 21. 11 12 13 14 15. and Abrahem came Out of his own Tent into Sarahs Tent for they had several Tents separated from each other ch 24. 67. So ch 31 33. It is possible that Abraham had not removed his dwelling from Beer-sheba to Hebron but that Sarah upon some occasion travelling thither there from home fell sick and died And that from Beer-sheba Abraham should come and mourne for her and take order for her burial But it is not likely she should so travel in her extream old age nor so likely he would have in that manner buried her there if they both had not removed and dwelled there it being their ancient place of habitation And wherever Abraham had been as at Beer-sheba as at Hebron he must have bought an inheritance if any he would have for any use he being but a stranger and sojourneâ— in the land Acts 7. 5. to mourn and to weep So our Saviour wept for Lazarus John 11. 35. but it must be with moderation as in hope and belief of the Resurrection 1 Thess. 4 13. A little letter is here in the Original to note his moderation in weeping without excesse V. 3. Stood up from before his dead Where likely he had sitten awhile on the earth Job 2. 12 13. Esay 47. 1. the sonnes of Heth The Governours and Elders of the Hittites the inhabitants of Hebron of the progeny of Cham ch 10. 15. V. 4. Sojourner Heâ— 11. 13 14 16. a possession Leave to purchase it burying place Abraham having lived sixty two yeares in this land yet never purchased foot of inheritance till now a burying place This was a kinde of taking possession of this promised land Esay 22. 16. or a kinde of pledge or prophetical signe that his posterity should come and inherit the land as Jeremies buying his Uncles field was a signe of the Jewes returne into the possession of this land Jer. 32. This made Jacob give charge to be buried here And Joseph to have his bones carried into this land not a foot by Gods gift Acts 7. 5. bury my dead Sowe it as seed in the ground till the Resurrection where they rest as in their beds till their change come out of my sight Death makes lovely Sarah the desire of his eyes now â—athsome to his sight V. 6. A mighty Prince ch 2 1. v. 22. V. 9. For a possession Though they offered him the free use of the choice of their sepulchres v. 6. yet he had rather pay for a propriety then hold such a community with the heathen V. 9. Machpelah Before Kiriath-arba or Hebron or Mamre v. 17 â—9 V. 10. And Ephron dwelt Or sate being present in that assembly though likely not known by face to Abraham v. 8. at the gates of the City There Assemblies used to be and places of Judicature v. 18. ch 34. 20. Deut. 17. 5. 21. 19. 22. 15 24. 25. 7. Ruth 4. 1 11. and in many other places Prov. 31. 23. V. 13. If thou Wilt give it or be that Ephron I will giveâ— v. 9 The like striviâ—g in kindnesse is between David and Araunah 2 Sam â—4 21 22 23 24. V. 15. Shekels of silver See ch 20. 16. The common shekel little more then our shilling viz. three pence foure hundred common shekels come to twenty five pounds some make the common shekel to be one shilling eight pence and the Royal or Kings shekel to be one shilling three pence 2 Sam. 14. 26. V. 16 Weighed Money paid by weight not by tale so ch 43. 21. Esay 55. 2. Jer. 22. 9. Zech. 11. 12. V. 17 And the field of Ephron This is not that mentioned Acts 7 â—6 were made 〈◊〉 By payment and Witnesses without Deeds and Writings after Writings were used Jer. 32 Now hardly will skilful Writings serve the turne V. 18. For a possession And monument to posterity without distrust of Gods Promises or a renunciation of his own right he buyeth a parcel of the land for his present necessity The time of possession according to the grant and promise being not yet come V. 19. Buried Sarah And so after himself was buried there and Isaac and Rebecca Jacob and Leah ch 25. 9 49. 31. 50. 13. They testifying hereby their faith in Gods promises for the inheritance of this land and of the heavenly Canaan figured by it Mat. 27. 7. V. 20. A burying place A seemly care is to be had of burial places CHAP. XXIV Verse 1. WAs old One hundred and fourty yeares old as may be gathered out of chap. 25. 20. V. 2. His eldest servant Most likely his Steward Eleezer ch 15. 2. And this not without Isaacs consent he being now fourty yeares old thy hand under my thigh So Jacob required of Joseph ch 47. 29. It is a signe of subjection 1 Chron 29. 24. yet in Scripture the most frequent ceremony used at swearing is the lifting up the hand as ch 1â— 22. Exod. 6. 8. Numb 14. 30. Deut. 32. 40. Ezech. â—0 15. Dan. 12. 7. Rev. 10. 5 6. The custome of several countreys and religions hath been and is very various for rites and gestures in this case That Abraham by this gesture here should have any relation to the promised seed to proceed out of his loines is a reach I feare too far fetch 't V. 3. Sweare A thing lawful forbidden in vain and light causes and such was Herods oath to the dancing damâ—sel Mar. 6. 23. forbidden in ordinary communication Mat. 5. 34 37. James 5. 12. But in weighty causes we may swear and being thereunto lawfully called and warranted so here And so for ratification of Covenants and Promises of importance so did Abraham and Abimelech sware ch 21. 31. so Isaac and Abimelech ch 26. 31. so Jacob and Laban ch 31. 53. so David and Jonathan 1 Sam. 20. 17. And â—o God commands it for removal of suspitions of jealousie Nâ—mh 52â— of theft Exod. 22. 11. 1 Kings 8. 31. 2 Chron.
with desire into the mysteries of Christ 1 Pet. 1. 12. ministring unto him Mar. 1. 13. at his Tentation Mat. 4. 11. in his Passion Luke 22. 43. at his Resurrection John 20. 12. and Ascension Acts 1. 11. And ministring through him unto his people V. 13. The Lord stood Jehovah His Providence over us in Christ I am the Lord God of Abraham ch 17. 7. Heb. 11. 16. And this teacheth the Resurrection of the dead Luke 20. 37 38. to thee and to thy seed To thee in thy seed when yet he had no wife or childe V. 14. And thy seed Renewes the Promise to him and states it in him which was formerly made to Abraham and to Isaac Act. 3. 25. all the families So the Promise pertaines to us we may say with the Prophet God found him in Bethel and there he spake with us Hos. 12. 4. V. 15. I am with thee The like Promise made at his return ch 31 3. in all God giving his sonne doth with him give all things also Rom. 8. 32. 1 Tim 4. 8. not leave thee Josh. 1. 5. Heb. 13. 5. untill Not excluding the time following As Mat. 28. 20. V. 16. And I knew it not Being awaked he perceived that God had appeared to him there admires at it and his goodnesse in it that not only in his Fathers house but even there God vouchsafed such Apparitions Job 9. 11. V. 17. Afraid Such glorious though gracious Apparitions affects mans frailty with feare because of his sin Mat. 17. 6. Luke 2. 9. 8. 35. Rev. 1. 17. See Annot. on ch 16. 13. the house of God He thinks this therefore a fit place for the building of an House to God v. 22. 1 Tim. 3. 15. V. 18. The stone Or heap of stones v. 11. or else some one of them pillar Some extemporary pile of stones raised by him afore on the sudden without tooles as a thankful memorial of Gods gracious Apparition in that place This likely being after demolished he erects about thirty yeares after a new pillar of stone upon another Apparition in the same place ch 35. 14 15. This here was a religious signe and monument as Altars also were Esay 19. 19. There were also pillars for civil monuments as Rachels pillar on her grave ch 35. 20. and Absaloms pillar 2 Sam. 18. 18. the pillar Galecd Gen. 31. 45 47 52. But when the Law was given by Moses pillars for religious use were forbidden Lev. 26. 1 Deut. 16. 22. in the margin Hos. 10. 1. And the pillars of idolaters commanded to be broken down Deut. 12 3. 7. 5. and poured oile Which he had for food or to anoint his body in travel Jacob poured it on the top or the pillar to consecrate it for holy use Thus oile of consecration in use before the Law of Moses So again ch 35. 14. As after in the Law there was an anointing oile to sanctifie the things used in Gods service Exod. 25. 6. 30. 22 25 29 to 34. 40. 9 to 16. Or rather here Jacob poured it as to an offering of thanksgiving to God having no other sacrifice at hand As David poured out the water of the Well of Bethlehem 2 Sam. 23. 16. See ch 35. 14. but these rites and manner of Worship with all the Levitical ceremonies and Consecrations of places persons and things to divine service are taken away by the Gospel John 4. 20. 1 Tim. 2. 8. Yet the rules of religious order and decency in the times places and particulars of Christian Worship are to be observed V. 19. Bethel The City Luz hard by this place and after hereupon called Bethel Bethel was on an high hill And therefore we read of Mount Bethel Josh. 16. 1. It was nigh to Hui or Ai and West of it Gen. 12. 8. Josh. 7. 2. ch 8â— 9. 12 ch 12. 9. And therefore the men of Bethel and Ai are joyned together Ezra 2. 28. Nehem. 7 32. Bethlehem and Shilo were not far from it Gen. 35. 16 19. Judg. 21 19. Abraham pitched his Tent close by it iâ— not there Gen. 12. 8. 13. 3. As Jacob had this dream and vision here whereupon he calls the name of the place Bethel so God himself bidding him returne from Laban is pleased to call himself the God of Bethel ch 31. 13. And upon his return God bids him go and dwell there which command he obeyes and here makes an Altar And upon a second vision and Promise made he the second time erects a pillar and renewes the name of Bethel ch 35. 1 3 4 5 6 9 13 14 15. Hos 12. 4. In Joshuths time it had a King Josh. 12. 16. Joshuah and after the house of Joseph conquered it Josh. 12. 16. Judg. 1. 22 23 24 25. It fell then by lot to the tribe of Benjamin Josh. 18. 22. There being another of the name it seems that fell to Ephraim 1 Chron. 7. 28. It is one of the three places whither Samuel rede circuit yearly and judged Israel 1 Sam 7. 16. Saul in his time met three men going up to God to Bethel â— Sam 10. 3. had two thousand men of his army with him there and in Micmash 1 Sam. 13. 2. David sent of the spoiles of the Amalckites to them of Bethel if under that name in that place Kiriah-jearim the House of God where the Ark then was and abode be not understood Jeroboam in his time set up here one of his golden Calves made an Altar and setled Priests 1 Kings 12. 28. 29 32 33. And hence Bethel the House of God seemes to be called Bethaven the house of vanity Hos. 4. 15. 5. 8. 10. 5. And yet there was another place properly called Bethaven and nigh to Bâ—thel Josh. 7. 2. 18. 12. 1 Sam. 13. 5. 14. 23. Thither came a man of God while Jeroboam stood by the Altar to burne incense and prophesied against it and healed the Kings hand that was dried up for stretching it out against him which Prophet was after slain by a Lion for suffering himself to be seduced by an old Prophet that dwelt in Bethel and came out of Samaria 1 Kings 13. 2 Kings 23. 18. Abijah the sonne of Rchoboam took from Jeroboam Bethel with the townes thereof 2 Chron. 13 9 whereupon and upon the captivity of the ten tribes Jeremie useth these words That the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence Jer. â—8 13. And before that captivity Hosea threatens that Bethel should do so unto them as Shalman had spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battel Hos 10. 14 15. In Ahaziah's time or rather Jehoram's Kings of Israel Elias comes thither with Elizcus immediately before his taking up into heaven And upon Elizcus his return thither the little children out of the city came and mocked him calling him Bald-head and fourty two of them were torne by beares 2 Kings 2. In the dayes of Jeroboam the second Amos the Prophet in scorn bids the ten tribes come to Bethel and
Sam. 3. 10. Gen. 41. 32. See Annot. on ch 32. 28. Here Jacob twice for Israel once And so v. 5. The name Jacob forbidden but comparatively V. 3. Feare not It seems he feared it knowing his father in a famine was forbid it ch 26. 1 2 3. And knowing the Oracle that his seed was to be afflicted in Egypt ch 15. 13 14. And now he and his father and grandfather had been Pilgrims two hundred and twenty yeares in Canaan from the first Promise of Canaan and he saw now lesse hope to have it by his leaving the land with seventy soules which might seem a kinde of forsaking of it yet by faith as he sojourned in the land Heb. 11. 9. so now he goes to sojourne in Egypt upon this warrant there Egypt This not promised before This wondrously fulfilled in that of seventy souls going down in the space of two hundred and ten years there came up six hundred thousand men Exod. 12. 37. Deut. 10. 22. a great nation This promised ch 28 14. 35. 11. 15 13 V. 4. Thee up again Thee dead ch 50. 5 13. Thy posterity after Ex. 12. 37. Josh. 3. A like Promise ch 28. 15. his hands upon thine eyes Closing them on thy death-bed An ancient and honourable custome V. 6. And came into Egypt This journey is often mentioned Josh. 24. 4. and Esay 52. 4. Acts 7. 15. Numb 20. 25. Deut. 10. 22. Thus that was fulfilled chap. 15. 13. V. 7. His daughters and his sons daughters As many as he had A general kinde of speaking though he had but one daughter Dinah and one grand-daughter Sarah v. 15 17. The like speech v. 23. and ch 21. 7. Numb 26. 8. 1 Chron. 2. 8 31. His servants no doubt went also V. 8. These are the names To know hereby their wonderful increase ch 35. 23. see the order of the tribes on Aarons breast-plate Exod. 28. 10 21. V. 9. These foure were heads of their fathers house Exod. 6. 14. Numb 26. 5 6. 1 Chron. 5. 3. So of the rest that follow V. 10. Jemuel Nemuel Numb 26. 12. 1 Chron. 4. 24. Obad Omitted Nuâ—b 26. 12. 1 Chron. 4. 24. Jachin â—areb 1 Chron 4. 24. Zohar Zerah Numb 26. 13. 1 Chron. 4. 24. of a Canaanitish woman Likely Zerah Numb 26. 13. Gen. 28. 1. V. 11. Kohath Grandfather to Moses Of his family came the Priests They are reckoned before the Gershonites Numb 4. 34. V. 12. Hezron and Hamul Too great violence to the text to say these were borne after in Egypt See Annot. on ch 29. 20. Compare the great Annotations upon this verse and upon ch 38. 1. V. 13. Thola He had a rare blessing in multitude of children 1 Chron. 7. 2. A Judge of this name and tribes Judg. 10. 1. Job Jashub Numb 26. 24. 1 Chron. 7. 1. V. 15. In Padan Aram With his Nephewes or Grandchildren borâ—e after â—e went out of Padan-Aram Thirty three Reckoning himself in It seems Leah was dead V. 16. Ezbon Ozni Numb 26. 16. V. 17. Jisvah His name and family wanting Numb 26. 44. V. 19. Jacobs wife As if Rachel were the sole legitimate wife V. 20. Ephraim Here the LXX adde a sonne and a Grandchilde of Manasse and two sonnes and a Grand-childe of Ephraim taken out of 1 Chron. 7. 14 20. By reason of that speech Gen. 50. 23. but this makes too bold with the Hebrew text which wants it V. 21. The sonnes of Benjamin These ten might well be borne to him now He being now twenty seven yeares old at least and twelve or thirteen year younger then Joseph See Annot. on ch 35. 18. Belah The eldest sonne 1 Chron. 8. 1. Becher Seems to be the fourth sonne called Nohah 1 Chron. 8. 2. Neither is his name or family reckoned Numb 26. 38. but his children are named 1 Chron. 7. 8. Ashbel The second son Numb 26. 38. 1 Chron. 8. 1. called also Jediael 1 Chron. 7. 6. Gera By the LXX made the sonne of Balah and so the Grand-childe of Benjamin from a seeming ground of 1 Chron. 8. 3. But Benjamin was too young now to be a Grandfather Numb 26. 38. There is no mention of Gera neither was he Benjamins third sonne but Aharah Naaman Another of his name sonne of Belah 1 Chron. 8. 4. Numb 26. 40. Ehi Aharah 1 Chron. 8. 1. third sonne Numb 26. 38. Rosh Likely Rapha the fifth sonne father to Palti one of the spies Numb 13. 10. none of his family reckoned Numb 26. Muppim Called also Shuppim 1 Chron. 7. 12. Ard Seemeth to be the son of Belah and Grand-childe of Benjamin And such a one thing there was Numb 26. 40. But this Ard was brother to Belah V. 22. Fourteen The Septuagint say elghteen adding Josephs Grandchildren as is noted on v. 28. V. 23. Sonnes One sonne change of numbers is oft in the Hebrew v. 7. 1 Sam. 9. 21. Gen. 21. 7. Numb 26. 42. 2 Chron. 24. 25. Thieves for one of them Mat. 27. 44. Asse for an Asses Zech. 9. 9. Mat. 21. 5. sate upon them Mat. 21. 7. for which in Mark 11. 7. it is he sate upon him Sixty six So the LXX here Jacob is not reckoned in here nor Joseph and his two sonnes which were now in Egypt V. 27. Seventy So Exod. 1. 5. and Deut. 10. 22. counting in Jacob Joseph and his two sons Acts 7. 14. the number is seventy five which will arise if we reckon in all that are here named viz. the foure wives of Jacob and Er and Onan that were dead and take out Jacob as distinguished from them The LXX have here seventy five raising the number of five out of the pâ—steâ—ity of Ephraim and Manasseh see the notes on v. 20. And St. Stephen in that Act. 7. 14. seems to follow the LXX as St. Luke doth likewise in the matter of Cainan See Annot on Gen. 11. v. 12. And see the late leaâ—ned and large Annotat. upon this text where this doubt is fully discussed and determined V. 28. To direct his face unto Goshen That Joseph might meet him there and by his authority settle him there without grievance to the native inhabitants V. 29. Presented himself With lowly reverence to his father fell on his neck While Joseph bowed before him and wept With teares of joy ch 45. 1. V. 30. Let me die I am willing to die as Luke 2. 29 30. ch 45. 28. here that desire is accomplished V. 31. Unto him my brethren Joseph in his greatnesse not ashamed of them yea though shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians v. 34. chap. 47. 7. Hebr. 2. 11. V 32. Shepherds Not ashamed of their base trade in the account of the Egyptians V. 34. That ye may dwell in the land of Goshen The nearest part to Canaan a fruitful pasturage for cattel That thus living by themselvs they might be least corrupted with the Egyptians idolatry and superstition and lesse offensive to them by their trade of shepherdy Joseph
1. WIth him his two sonnes To receive the blessing of their venerable Grandfather at his farewel from the world V. 2. And sate upon the bed Ch. 47. 31. V. 3. At Luz Or Bethel and that twice ch 28. 13 19. and ch 35. 6. V. 4. A multitude Thirteen populous tribes for an everlasting possession Literally if his seed keepe Covenant with God spiritually to his spiritual seed he will give the heavenly Canaan for an everlasting possession V. 5. Epâ—raim and Manasseh Jacob still prefers Ephraim v. 19. are mine My sons by adoption and shall have the priviledge of my sonnes have either a twelfth share and be heads of tribes as Reuben and Simeon Thus Joseph had the double portion that right of the first-borne 1 Chron. 5. 1. A Law for this to the first-borne after Deut. 21. 17. So the Sabbath Circumcision raising up seed to the brother and many such more before Moses Law V. 6. begettest after them Therfore he had no more at this time the name of their brethren Therefore he had more children after which were sorted and counted to the stock and tribe of Ephraim or Manasse as if they were their sons not their brethren as all Jacobs other Grand-children likewise were V. 7. Rachel died Thy mother and my dear and only true wife if I had been fairly dealt withal and so thou hadst been my right first-borne and therefore in thy sonnes I give thee a double portion yet she was soon taken from me in the way of Ephrata Even there rather then to bury her among idolaters in Bethlehem ch 23. 9. V. 8. Who are these Named them before yet knew not that they were present or did not well discerne them for the dimnesse of his sight v. 10. V. 9. I will blesse them Not by a meere apprecation of prosperity for so the lesse may blesse the greater but in the Name and Authority of God guided with an especial energy or operation of Gods Spirit and so ratified by God as ordinary blessings were not so ch 27. 33. See Annot. on ch 27. 4. Gen. 49. 26. V. 10. Dimme Ch. 27. 1. V. 11. I had not thought Gods blessings are beyond our expectations and imaginations V. 12. From between Jacobs knees rather then Josephs for Jacob embraced and kissed them v 10. he bowed In reverence and thankfulnesse for the former Adoption V. 13. Ephraim in his right hand In a fit posture as he thought to receive the Patriarchal blessing which it seems was usually done with Imposition of hands And in this punctual order as fearing haply Jacob might mistake their age and persons naming Ephraim first v. 5. towards Israels right hand The right hand hath the preheminence of the left 1 Kings 2. 19. Mat. 25. 33. Ps. 20. 6. 110. 1. 118. 16. Esay 62. 8. Eph 1. 20. in strength and honour To which the Scripture hath reference in speech also of God V. 14. And laid it upon Ephraims head Here is the first expresse mention of Imposition of hands used after in benediction Mat. 19. 13. Mar. 10. 16. at secrifices Lev. 1. 4. as witnessing Lev. 24. 14. in extraordinary giving of graces Acts 8. 17. in miraculous cures Mar. 6. 5. in ordination of Ministers Numb 8. 10. Acts 6. 6. 1 Tim 4. 14. so now Moses laid his hands upon Joshuah Deut. 34. 9. in prayer Acts 13. 3. Ephraims head Of him came Joshuah and the Kings of the ten tribes And the tribe of Ephraim is called the tribe of Joseph Numb 1. 32 34. Apoc. 7. 6. 7. 8. The name of Ephraim is taken for the whole Kingdome of Israel Esay 7. 2. They both had a double lot Josh. 17. 14. wittingly And therefore crossed his armes to that purpose as a signe not of Christs Crosse but of that which afterwards he foretold by the special revelation of the Spirit of God he being so dim of sight that he could not thereby so well distinguish between them V. 16. the Angel which Christ. See Annot. on ch 31. 11. Exod. 14. 19. 13. 21. my name be named on them As v. 5. no invocation of Saints departed they shall be in the same state and degree as my other sons my adopted children so Gods Name is said to be called on us Deut. 28. 10. 2 Chron. 7. 24. Jer. 14. 9. that is we are called the sons of God and the husbands name is called upon the wife Esay 4. 1. And the Lords Name upon the City Jerusalem Dan. 9. 19. and upon the Temple 1 Kings 8. 43. Jer. 7. 10 11. grow into a multitude Spawn like fishes There were eighty five thousand two hundred men of war of these two in Moses time Numb 26. 28 34 37. Thus Moses blesseth them Deut 33. 17. Josh. 17. 17. V. 17. it displeased him Thinking his father was mistaken he seeks to mend the error and likely before that blessing v. 15 16. was uttered greater then he In number of issue and power though the birth-right remain with Manasseh Josh. 17. 1. So Numb 1. eight thousand three hundred men more of Ephraim then of Manasseh and Deut. 33. 17. See Annot. on v. 14. Num. 2. 18 20. yet sometimes Ephraim was at a losse 1 Chron. 7. 20 21 22. lesse in number then Manasseh Numb 26. 28. V. 20. In thee Joseph using thy name and for thy sake or taking thee for an example as Ruth 4. 11. and so for cursing Jer. 29. 22. Israel My posterity I have given Thus Prophetically bequeathing as by Will and Testament to the posterity one portion That bought ch 33. 19. nigh unto Sechem after called Sychar John 4. 5. Not all the City Sechem and all its territories as some would have it out of Josh. 17. 7. This portion though little was all he had by purchase and so he designes him as it were his heire Sechem was the inheritance of the Ephraimites Josh. 16. 1. 20. 7. John 4. 5. And thither were Josephs bones carried and buried Josh. 24. 1 25 32. have taken Shall take So Esay 9. 6. Thus Jacob in faith disposeth of it as already taken Heb. 11. 21. or rather have taken it out of the hands of those neighbouring people that seised upon it among the rest after the slaughter of the Sichemites and would not restore it till Jacob by force of armes took and recovered it Though this be not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture my sword Of my children Josh. 17. 14 to 18. CHAP. XLIX Verse 1. GAther your selves Repeated v. 2. Some present were to call and gather the absent By this joynt injunction he intimates the union that should be amongst them Psal. 133. 2 3. 33. 3. that I may tell you By the Spirit of prophecie Men on their death-beds should give their last and best counsels to their children and family and friends you Altogether what I have to say to every one particularly that so every one may reap benefit also of what shall be said concerning his brethren in the last dayes In long
Judg. 1. 1 2. 20. 18. 3. 9. in Othniel David Solomon and perfectly in Christ 2 Sam. 22. 41. Psal. 78. 68. 89. 20. thy fathers children By all his wives chap. 27. 29. thy mothers sonnes because Isaac had but one wife shall bow down before thee Thy Regal power Every knee to Christ. Phil. 2. 10. the Lion of the tribe of Judah Apoc. 5. 5. V. 9. Lions whelp True in Judahs Kings most true in Christ. Lions are kingly beasts stout bold strong terrible Lions in Kings armes Lions were stays for the steps of King Solomons throne he couched Varies the person as the Prophetick Spirit moved him After victories he shall lie down and rest securely So in Solomons dayes after Davids victories 1 King 4. 25. Numb 23. 24. V. 10. The Scepter Or tribe so the word signifieth v. 16 28. after once the regal dignity should be setled in this tribe 1 Chron. 5. 2. as in David the Government should never be taken from him at least so far but that there should be a Law-giver from between his feet nor his Kingdome and Common-wealth be utterly ruined and the distinction of his tribe taken away and confounded till the coming of Shiloh There were no more Kings of that tribe after Jechoniah and Zedekiah Jer. 22. 30. Ezech 21. 27. After their returne from that captivity the principality was in Zerubbabel and likely in others of the tribe of Judah And when some while after the Maccabees of the tribe of Levi got the rule yet then the Sanhedrin or great counsel of LXX Elders consisted of the tribe of Judah And the Maccabees had thâ—ir supreme power by the choice and appointment of the people of Judah and continued therein till a little before the birth of Christ when Herod a meer stranger was King and rooted them quite out in the thirtieth yeare of his reigne And if that Sanhedrin were not all chosen out of the tribe of Judah though most of them doubtlesse were yet the Maccabees themselves of the tribe of Levi were of the Kingdome of Judah as distinct from the Kingdome of Israel or of the ten tribes the tribes of Benjamin and Levi were amongst the tribe of Judah and adhered to them yet were but as incorporated into the tribe and Kingdome of Judah which is therefore said 1 Kings 11. 1â— 32 36. three times to consist but of one tribe viz Judah only so also 1 Kings 12. 20. And when they returned out of captivity the greatest part by far that returned were of that tribe yea and after their return out of captivity they were all chiefly planted in the lot and territorie that appertained to the tribe of Judah and the People Kingdome and Common-wealth were still called by the name of Judah and therefore still the Government may be said to be in Judah wher as those of the ten tribes once carried into Assyria never returned to become a Kingdome or Common-wealth as before and had also their tribes confused and confounded Shebet Signifies a rod a rod of iron a rod of authority a Mace or Scepter of Kings a Kingdome Esay 14. 5 a tribe Judges 18. 19. shall not depart When once come to it It was long ere it came to it Moses was of the tribe of Levi Joshuah of the tribe of Ephraim of the fifteen Judges only two Othniel and Ibzan were of the tribe of Judah Saul was of Benjamin David the first King of this tribe Therefore Jacob saith not when Judah should begin to sway the Scepter but having begun how long it should hold on from Judah Not his person v 1. in the last dayes but the tribe of Judah or the Nation of the Jews with relation to that tribe nor a Law-giver Ps 60. 7. or Scribe writing Laws for Rules from between his feet Deut. 28. 57. until And then it should The authority of the Synedrion in their Synagogues in our Saviour Christâ— time was but precaâ—io under the Romanes and restrained in capital crimes Mat 23 34. Acts 5. 17. 9. 1 2. 23. 5. John 18. 3â— 19. 7. Acts 7 59. Ananias was deposed from the High Priesthood for stoning James the brother of Jesus Joseph antiq l. 20. c. 8. The Jewish Scepter was much weakened by Pompey much shaken by Herods intrusion finally broken and abolished at the distruction of Jerusalem After which they had no forme nor face of a Common-wealth Therefore it is evident against the Jewes that the Messiah is come until Shiloh come The Prosperer Safe-maker or his Sonne viz of a Virgin i. e. Christ Heb. 7. 14. secundae ejus the tunicle or skin wherein the childe is wrapt in its mothers belly and so taken for the childe it self the continent for the thing contained in it Then it shall depart God appoints the periods of Kingdomes and States and so the pâ—uses and stops by rebellions and insurrections wherein Gods Providence is not asleep but his Justice awake shall the gathering Jews and Gentiles shallobey him Is. 11. 10. 42. 4. Mat. 12. 21. Rom. 15. 12. He is the desire of all Nations Hag. 2. 7. Esay 2. 1 2. V. 11. Binding his foale unto the vine Wondrous fruitful for wine especially should Judahs lot in Canaan fall out to be full of vines and abounding in pastures lying all in the South-part of Canaan V. 12. Red with wine Prov. 23. 29 30. No allowance to drunkennesse no more then to theft in that saying Apoc 3. 3. white with milke Through plenty of pasturage and kine V. 13 Zebulun Before Issachar so his lot before him in the division of the land Josh. 19. 10 17. though Issachar the elder So Deut. 33. 18. at the Haven of the sea The Ocean westward neare Mount Carmel and the sea of Gal lee Eastward Josh. 19. 10. Esay 9. 1. Thus the lot for Zebulun fell out not by chance but by Gods Providence according to Jacobs prediction so many ages before Nazareth was in this tribe and Mount Tabor and here Christ began to preach Mat. 4. 15. unto Zidon Josh. 19. 10. to the 16. the coaâ—â—s of it were over against Zidon and fit for easie commerce with Zidon V. 14. Issachar is a strong Asse Of strong force but small courage Deut. 33. 18. Judges 5. 16. between two burdens Or bounds borders In a fertile and fat soile loving husbandry and a quiet life and not trafficking abroad as Zebulun V. 15. And bowed his shoulder Rather servilely subject themselves to toile and tribute then forego their quiet peaceable kinde of life Yet some of Issachar were of more noble and heroick spirits Judg. 5. 15. 1 Chron. 12. 13 32. 16. Dan shall judge Ch. 30. 6. Alludes to his name of judging as v. 8. and ch 9. 27. He shall enjoy the priviledge of a tribe as well as his free-born sonnes And as other tribes had their Heads and Elders to judge and decide causes amongst them so should they Numb 1. 4 16. And Sampson of Dan was an extraordinary Judge And the
Neh. XIII 23. A reason is given Deut. VII 4. Neh. XIII 26. Exod. XXXIV 16. The mischief of that marriage between Jehoram the sonne of Iehoshaphat King of Iudah and Athaliah the daughter of Ahab King of Israel is recorded 2 King VIII 18. Yet in case they became Proselytes Converts to the true Religion the marriage with all of them seemes lawful as in that case Deut. XXI 10 13. And in the case of Rahab and Ruth of the wife of Ioseph in Egypt of the wife of Moses of Maacah the daughter of the King of Geshur with David and of Pharaohs daughter with Solomon And this made Iacobs sonnes propound or pretend the condition of Circumcision to Shechem and the Shechemites Gen XXXIV 14 15 16. In the New Testament we read the prohibition 2 Cor. VI. 14. And the precept 1 Cor. VII 12 16. which rules touching Infidels seeme to serve for the case of grosse Hereticks and Apostates Against unlawful marriages see more Iudg. III. 6 7. and XIV 2 3. 1 King XI 2. Ezra IX and X. Chapters Neh. X. 30. and XIII 3 30. Rayment The rayment waxing not old on the Israelites in the Wildernesse chapter VIII verse 4 was a Miracle sufficient though it grew not greater still with the growing children Deut. XXIX 5. Neh. IX 21. This day Is taken somtimes properly somtimes as for a short time here Somtimes for a longer time indefinitely as Hester I. 18. And the Phrase since yesterday and the third day is sometimes taken properly or for a short time Gen. XXXI 2 5. Exod. IV. 10. and XXI 36. 2 Sam. III. 17. Iob. VIII 9. Sometimes for a long time 1 Sam. XIV 21. and XIX 7. 2 King XIII 5. 1 Chron XI 2. As likewise to morrow is taken sometimes for a short time as 1 Sam. XXVIII 19. Sometimes for a long time as Josh. IV. 6 21. Sometimes for never Iosh. III. 4. 1 Sam. IV. 7. Of to day and to morrow see Iosh. XXII 18. and IV. 6 21. Esay XXII 13. Matth. 6. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 32. Arke Besides that famous Arke for the Tables of the Covenant chapter X verse 1 4. Exod. XXXVII 1 c. There seemes here one formerly made for present use wherein the Tables by Gods commandment were first put And possibly this Arke with the Tables might be put into that famous Arke built afterwards Exod. XXXVII Deut. X 5. Journey These verses seeme to be as a Parenthesis inserted by Moses verse 6 9. And their journeys summarily mentioned v. 6 7. are more distinctly and orderly recorded Num. XXXIII 30 39. without any coming or returning again and again to one and the same place Altars Idolaters had their Priests chapter XII verse 3 Temples Altars Tables Lavers Pillars Groves Oaks Statues Images of wood stone and mettals carved graven molten in Cities and Townes in streets in fields and gardens in houses and on their tops in Gods house in chambers behinde the doores by rivers and rocks and caves upon high mountains and hills and valleys and under green trees with their several sorts of Scrifices and burnings even slaying their children to them Jer. VII 31. XIX 5. Ezek. XVI 20 21. and XX. 26 31. Feasts Incense costly cloathes and other services of them See Deut. VII 5. and XII 31. and sundry other places as Esay I. 29. and LVII 4 5 6 7 8. and LXV 3 4 11. and LXVI 3. Amos II. 8. 1 Cor. VIII 10. and X. 21. Jer. X. 9. XVII 2. And see their eager rage after idolatry Ezek. XVI 15 25 26 28 29 30 31. A poor man Private poor rather then publick beggars were chapter XV verse 7 11. and still will be among Gods people Matth. XXVI 11. For ever Ever hath reference verse 17 sometimes to a long time indefinitely Exod. XXI 6. 1 Sam. I. 22. and XXV II. 12. 2 King V. 27. 2 Chron. XIII 5. Psal. XXXVII 18 27. and LXXXIX 1 Esay XIII 20. and XIV 20. and XXV 8. and XXXIII 20. and XXXIV 10. Jer. VII and XVII 4 25. and XXV 5. and XXXI 40. and XXXV 19. and L. 39. and LI. 26 62. Lam. V. 20. Sometimes to the terme of a mans life 1 Kings I. 31. Dan. III. 9. Josh. 8. 28. Gen. XLIII 9. 1 Sam. I. 22. 1 Chron. XXVIII 4. Psal. XXXVII 27 29. and CXIX 44 98. Esay XXXII 17. Sometimes to the year of Jubile As in this Text and Exod. XXI 6. compared with Levit. XXV 40. Sometimes to so long as the conditions annexed to a thing are observed 2 Chron. XX. 7. 1 Sam. II. 30. Sometimes to the continuance of a State of politie Num. X. 8. See the Annotations on 1 Kings VIII 13. Sometimes to the Time and Coming of the Messiah 1 Chron. XV. 2. and XVII 12 14 22 23 27. and in many places of the Prophets Sometimes to eternity Exod. III. 15. and XV. 18. Deut. XXXII 40. Luke I. 33. And so never is taken sometimes for a long time sometimes for almost all times of a mans life Luke XV. 29. Sometimes for a mans life 2 Sam. XII 10. Sometimes for eternity The flock and the herd Oxen chapter XVI verse 2 Kids Sheep and Bulloks were used in the Feast of the Passeover that is in the Feast of Unleavened bread the bread of affliction for seven dayes Exod. XIII 6 7. Num. XXVIII 16 24. 2 Chron. XXXV 7 8. 9. and Ch. XXX 24. All which Festival time is called the Passeover and so Joh. XVIII 28. A Lamb or a Kid might be used for the Passeover properly so called on the fourteenth day at the going down of the Sunne Exod. XII 5. Deut. XVI 6. A matter too hard As Judges and Officers were to be appointed in all Cities in Canaan chapter XVII verse 8 13. Deut. XVI 18 19 20. So here the highest Court of Judicature over the whole Land in difficult Causes and for matters of Appeal was appointed to be in that one place which the Lord should choose which in after-times appeared to be the City Jerusalem And here it is not sure and evident whether this Supreme Court were to be one mixt of the Priests and the Civil Judge joyntly Or though this not so likely two distinct Courts Ecclesiastical and Civil both Supreme in their kinde Judgement of death was awarded upon presumptuous disobedience to their Sentence And more of this Supreme Court Moses doth not deliver Yet upon this the Jewes in after-ages grounded their great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem and not upon the LXX Num. XI For those were onely added to assist Moses in his troublesome government of that unruly Campe of the Jewes in the Wildernesse as likewise those Rulers and Judges Exod. XVIII The Priests due Of the very great maintenance of the Priests verse 3 see on Num. chapter XVIII XVIII 24. Three Cities more Three other Cities of Refuge chapter XIX verse 9 over and above the six here allowed and conditionally enjoyned Yet we never read more of them that they were separated and set out
wildernesse and seven of Joshua's Government untill this time And Caleb here ver 9 14. And Joshua Ch. XIX 49 50. did both aske and both had certain inheritances given them two according to the word of the Lord. The City and Suburbs of Hebron were given to the Priests for a City of refuge The fields and Villages thereof to Caleb Ch. XXI 11 12 13. Caleb Not that Caleb chapter XV verse 16 1 Chron. II. 18 42. the sonne of Hezron unlesse by sonne we understand great-grand-childe But Caleb that is constantly called the sonne of Jephunne And Othniel constantly called the sonne of Kenaz are here yet called brethren And Othniel is again called the younger brother of Caleb Judg. I. 13. and III. 9. which could not be except by one mother But Othniel marrying the daughter of Caleb ver 17. And cosen-germans Nephews and the like being often called brethren in Scripture It is likely that either Iephunne and Kenaz were brethren and so Caleb and Othniel cosen-germans or that Caleb and Kenaz were brethren and so Othniel Calebs Nephew or that the Kenezite mentioned Num. XXXII 12. might be Grandfather to them both But no certainty appears for any further determination Separate The bordering Cities of the children of Ephraim chapter XVI verse 9 were between or among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh See also ch XVII 8 9. And as Ephraim had part in Manasseh so Manasseh had Cities in Issachar and in Asher ch XVII 11. The Portion Ten portions to Manasseh chapter XVII verse 5 that is five portions to the five sons mentioned ver 2. And the portion of the sixth son who was Hopher was divided into five portions among his grandchildren the daughters of Zelophahad which so made up ten portions though the five last were but as big as one of the former five One lot Both Ephraim and Manasseh seek for a larger portion and Lot then what did befall them in the General Division verse 14 Shiloh Shiloh was on the North-side of Bethel chapter XVIII verse 1 on the East-side of the high-way from Bethel to Shechem on the South of that Lebanon Judg. XXI 19. And so situated on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin yet belonged to Ephraim not to Benjamin Judg. XXI 1 21. There was the Tabernacle as was formerly said There were the Lots cast for seven Tribes Josh. XVIII 8. Thence were the two Tribes and a half dismissed to their Possessions after the warre Josh. XXII 9. And thither were the whole Congregation of Israel gathered to go up to warre against them upon a wrong surmise concerning the Altar Ed ver 12. Thither came all the other Tribes to aske counsel of the Lord in their warre against the Tribe of Benjamin and there was their Camp Judg. XX. 18. and XXI 12. and XIX 18. Thither came Elkanah and Hannah to worship and Samuel ministred there before the Lord 1 Sam. I. 3. and II. 11. and III. 21. And there the Prophet Ahijah dwelt in the dayes of the first Jeroboam 1 King XIV 2. Tabernacle The Tabernacle coming over Jordan was first set up in Gilgal Not that Gilgal of the Nations Josh. XII 23. Gen. XIV 1. Esay IX 1. whence haply Galilee might take its name But that Gilgal in the Tribe of Benjamin Josh. IV. 19 20. Afterwards in Joshua's time it was set up here in Shiloh in the Tribe of Ephraim near the Center of the Land which was by Sichem Ch. XXIV 1 25 26. And Bochim Judg. II. 1 5. may seeme to be conjoyned to it It may seeme to be fetched thence for a present use to that solemne Assembly at Shechem in Joshua's time Ch. XXIV 1 26. But being returned to Shiloh it continued there above three hundred years at least till the death of Eli 1 Sam. I. 3 9 24. and II. 14. and III. 3 21. and IV. 3. It may seeme to be again at Gilgal with the Ark in Samuel and Sauls time 1 Sam. X. 8. and Ch. XI 15. But soone after we surely finde it to be at Nob in the Tribe of Benjamin near Anathoth Neh. XI 32. when David came thither in his flight from Saul 1 Sam. XXI 1 9. After that sacrilegious slaughter of eighty five Priests by Saul at Nob 1 Sam XXII 18. it was soon removed in the dayes of David to Gibeon in the same Tribe of Benjamin and not farre from Bethel the City first of the wily Gibeonites Hivites but after given to the Priests Josh. IX and ch XXI 17. See 1 Chron. XVI 39 40. and XXI 29. and 2 Chron. I. 3 5 6 13. 1 King III. ver 4 5. And lastly when Solomon had built the Temple he brought the Tabernacle thence to Jerusalem 1 King VIII 4. 2 Chron. I. 3 5 6 13. and ch V. 5. And placed it likely in and among the Treasuries of the Temple For the Ark see the Observations on 1 Sam. IV. 3. Tabor A Mountain in the Tribe of Issachar chapter XIX verse 22 or bordering on it near to Mount Carmel See Joshua XIX 26 34. Here Barak was with his ten thousand men against Sisera Judg. IV. 6 12 14. See more of this in my Annotations on Hos. V. 1. Tyre Called the strong City verse 29 whence it hath its name Tsor in Hebrew signifying a Rock situate like Venice in the Sea A famous Port and Mart-town in Phoenicia the lower part of Syria whence the whole Countrey is supposed to take the name of Syria omitting the letter t in Tsor More of this see in my Annotations on Amos. I. 9. Bethshemesh A City in the Tribe of Naphtali verse 38 ver 32. and 39. Judg. I. 33. Another in the Tribe of Judah given to the Priests Josh. XXI 16. 1 Chron. VI. 59. 1 Sam. VI. 12. 2 King XIV 13. Another also in Egypt Jer. XLIII 13. the same as is supposed with On Gen. XLI 45. by the Greeks called Heliopolis and now Damiata The word signifies a City or House of the Sunne As also Kirharesheth a City in Moab Esay XVI 7. hath the same denomination And all because of Temples and Idol-service used there by the ancient inhabitants to the Sunne From which the Jewes sometimes were not altogether free 2 King XXIII 5 11. Cities of refuge The sixe Cities of refuge belonged to the Levites chapter XX verse 2 that is Hebron and Shechem to the Koathites Golan and Kedesh to the Gershonites Bezer and Ramoth to the Merarites Josh. XX. and XXI Chapters In Galilee Galilee is often mentioned in the Old Testament verse 7 See ch XXI 32. 1 King IX 11. 2 King XV. 29. 1 Chron. VI. 76. Esay IX 1. Galilee divided into the Upper in the Tribe of Naphtali and the Lower in the Tribe of Zabulon verse 11 both coasting about the beginning of Jordan The Upper is called Galilee of the Gentiles because both Populous and replenished with many Gentiles as lying nearest to them 1 King IX 11. Matth. XV. 21. Mar. VII 31. And so is Harosheth
called Harosheth of the Gentiles Judg. IV. 2. as lying in that Tribe of Naphtali Thirteen Thirteen Cities with their Suburbs in title and dominion given to the Priests Josh. chapter XXI verse 19 XXI 4. See the Annotations on 1 Chron. VI. 59. Though one of them at that time was too much for their present use and habitation we reading but of three of them in number about fifty years before this time Called The two Tribes and a half dismist chapter XXII verse 1 likely at the end of sixe or seven years before the Division of the Land and stayed not fourteen yeers till after the Division which Division might yet possibly be made sooner then so Josh. XX. 11. Divide This Dividing the spoile with their brethren verse 8 those that stayed at home beyond Jordan seemes to relate to that Num. XXXI 27. And David seemes hereupon to revive and enact that Law of like Division 1 Saem XXX 24 25. Mention of the name The not naming of Idols is mentioned chapter XXIII verse 7 as here so Exod. XXIII 13. Deut. XII 3. Psal. XVI 4. And a like Ephes. V. 3. Yet the thing in it self is not simply and absolutely unlawful Shechem Shechem was a City in Mount Ephraim chapter XXIV verse 1 Josh. XX. 7. North-North-East from Shiloh and Bethel and close by Mount Gerizim and Ebal Judg. IX 7. Here Abraham and Jacob had sojourned And Jacobs two sonnes Simeon and Levi young men upon Dinah's ravishment murthered the Citizens Gen. XXXIV Here after Gideons death the Citizens worshipped Baal-Berith and rebelled with Abimelech and were after punished and spoyled by him Judg. IX This City in Ioshua's time was made a City of Refuge and given to the Kohathite-Levites Iosh. XXI 21. And here Ioshua made a Covenant with all the people to serve the Lord Chap. XXIV ver 25. The Mount Ephraim whereon the City stood was famous for Burials Here they buried Iosephs bones in Shechem in a parcel of ground which Iacob bought of the children of Hamor or Emor Josh. XXIV 32. Acts VII 16. Gen. XXXIII 19. Here was great Ioshua himself an Ephraimite buried in his inheritance in Timnath-Scrah or Here 's which is in Mount Ephraim on the North-side of the hill Goash Josh. XXIV 30. Judg. II. 9. And here was the High-Priest Eleazar buried in an Hill that pertained to Phineas his son which was given him in Mount Ephraim Josh. XXIV 33. Here Deborah dwelt Judg. IV. 5. And Tola the Judge ch X. 1. Hither came Rehoboam to be made King But Jeroboam was there made King in his stead who built or fortified the City and dwelt there 1 King XII 1 20 25. Judges THE Book of JUDGES contains an History not of four hundred and ten years but of two hundred ninty and nine years So Counting the years of the VI. Oppressors within the years and times of the Judges as I have shewed they necessarily must upon Rahabs marriage with Prince Salmon Josh. II. And so Expounding the Texts following according to the truth of the times thus That the Land had Rest by Othniel in the fourtieth year after it was first settled in Rest by Ioshua at his Death Judg. III. 11. not after the Death of Moses And again had Rest by Ehud in the eightieth year after the former Rest by Othniel Ch. III. 30. And again had Rest by Deborah in the fourtieth year after the former Rest by Ehud Ch. V. 31. And again had Rest by Gideon in the fourtieth year after the former Rest by Deborah Ch. VIII 28. These make up two hundred years And then follow three of Abimelech twenty three of Tolah twenty two of Jair sixe of Jephthah seven of Ibzan ten of Elon eight of Abdon twenty of Sampson which make np the other ninty nine years in all two hunded ninty nine The text Judg. IV. 3 4. seemes to accord with rhis reckoning and to accompt Jabins Oppression within the years of Deborah But yet counting beside these the times of the VI. Oppressors distinctly over and above which amount to one hundred and eleven years and is according to the seeming letter of the texts And then fourty years of Eli being added thereunto the summe ariseth to those 450. years mentioned by Paul Acts XIII 20. But reading the words of Saint Paul as in order they stand there in the Original and after these things about four hundred and fifty years he gave them Judges untill Samuel the Prophet we may rather conceive the four hundred and fifty years to comprehend all the time from the choosing of the Fathers till the Division of the Land by Joshua it being four hundred fifty two from the Birth of Isaac and four hundred fourty seven from the Rejection of Ishmael both wayes about four hundred and fifty wherein those things mentioned ver 18 19 20. were done and accomplished And after that time he gave them Judges until Samuel the Prophet And after that time He gave them Kings And thus the most learned Primate of all Ireland hath it in his learned Annals This Book seemes written of and concerning the Judges as the Book of Ruth concerning Ruth And long after their times As may seeme to be gathered by those phrases remaine unto this day and the like Ch. I. 21 26. and VI. 24. and X. 4. and XV. 19. And Ch. XVIII 30. must needs have relation at soonest to the captivity of the Arke in the dayes of Samuel 1 Sam. IV. 17. Psal. LXXVIII 60 61. Asked They asked the Lord chapter I verse 1 by Phineas the High Priest who by Urim and Thummim makes answer Num. XXVII 21. Both which were on or in the Breastplate and the Breastplate was annexed to the Ephod Exod. XXVIII 28 30. and XXXIX 21. which made David call for the Ephod and High Priest thereby to enquire of the Lord 1 Sam. XXIII 9 10 11 12. and Ch. XXVIII 6. So Ezra II. 63. See more on 1 Sam. XXIII 9. Bezek Bezek a City in the tribe of Iudah verse 4 not farre from Ierusalem lying from it South-West and midway between 〈◊〉 and Bethlehem Adoni-Bezek verse 5 Of him see on Iosh. X. 1. Said verse 7 seventy Kings His seventy Kings subdued and mangled by him must needs be very pettie Kings of Provinces or Cities if not such Princes as are now in Germany where all the brethren of a Prince are called Princes likewise And these seventy were such as in the time of all his reigne and tyranny Adoni-bezek had subdued He was brought from Bezek to Ierusalem to be made a publike example there Ierusalem Iudah had taken Ierusalem verse 8 slaine the inhabitants and burnt the City i. e. that part of it which belonged to Iudah Iosh. XV. 8. yet so as the Jebusite still dwelt therein with the children of Iudah ver 63. even till Davids time 2 Sam. V. 6 7 8. And Benjamin did the like and no more with their part of Ierusalem Judg. I. 21. yet both had little hold in it
a miracle and to declare to all That they were gifted and assumed to that their present Office and imployment Naked i. chapter XIX verse 24 e. Stript of his upper garment or military habit So Peter John XXI 7. and Micah chap. I. 8. Esay chap. XX. 2 4. And those Acts XIX 16. Slew chapter XXII verse 18 Sauls most horrid and bloody Act. Ephod The Ephod here is that of the High Priests chapter XXIII verse 9 wherin were the Urim and Thummim Exod. XXVIII 30. which Urim and Thummim were not the twelve precious stones of the Breast-plate mentioned v. 17-21 Or the words of Vrim and Thummim engraven in the middest of those twelve precious stones on the Breast-plate Or things committed into the hands of the workmen to make them But rather given by God to Moses to put them not on but into the Breast-plate which haply to this end and purpose was doubled ver 16. so to have them hid there And accordingly Levit. VIII 8. Moses is said to put in the Breast-plate the Urim and the Thummim Yet what things or what kinde of things they were appears not Only we know the names signifie Lights and Perfections haply intimating Knowledge of Doctrine and Integrity of Life and Conversation And that by these the High Priests extraordinarily did ask Counsels of the Lord and did receive Answers as Oracles from him So we see the Precept for it Num. XXVII 21. Joshuah shall stand before Eleazar the Priest who shall ask Counsel for him after the judgement of Urim before the Lord at his word shall they go out and at his word they shall come in both he i. e. Joshuah and all the children of Israel with him And the Practice of it we finde expected earnestly by Saul 1 Sam. XXVIII 6. though the same it may seeme lighty sleighted by him 1 Sam. XIV 18 19. And here acted by Abiathar the High Priest for David David hereunto adjoyning his Request unto the Lord for the Answer ver 10 11 12. And again 1 Sam. XXX 7. And not unlike but Davids enquiring of the Lord 2 Sam. II. 1. and chap. V. 19 23. and XXI 1. And possibly that Judg. XX. 18 23 27 28. was by the same meanes upon the same ground And if it were burnt or lost at the ruine of the Temple and all by Nebuchadnezzar yet the Tirshatha entertains an expectation of the restoring of it Ezra II. 63. Neh. VII 65. a Messinger Gods providence for the preservation of his verse 27 unto Achish This second time chapter XXVII verse 2 upon better security beforehand given then formerly was had in Shunem In Shunem and Aphek chapter XXVIII verse 4 1 Sam. XXIX 1. the Philistines pitched And the Israelites in Gilboa by a Fountain which is in Jezreel All in the Tribe of Issachar Josh XIX 18. This is Davids Spoile i. chapter XXX verse 20 e. all that the Amalakites had taken from others save from them of Ziglag This by his right and free consent and gift of his souldiers he made use of to gratifie his friends and engage them to him ver 26 31. they shall part alike They both alike shall have their shares verse 24 according to Gods appointment Num. XXXI 27 30. Josh. XXII 8. Though not both equal shares fell upon it Saul his own bloody butcher and self-murderer chapter XXXI verse 4 The Amalakite belies himself in most of his relation to David 2 Sam. I. 5 10. in hope of grace and reward from David but in issue to the losing of his life God in his secret justice justly takes it upon himself that he slew him 1 Chron. X. 14. his head This they fastened in the Temple of Dagon verse 9 1 Chron. X. 10. His body to the wall of Bethshan or Bethshean And his Armour in the house of Ashteroth a name of their female goddesses II. Samuel THis Book contains an History of fourty years from the death of King Saul to the death of King David or the time immediately preceding it 2 Sam. V. 4 5. The time and story of Davids reign Crown that was upon his head Likely not so worne by him in the day of battel chapter I verse 10 1 King XXII 30. But carried with him or before him by his armour-bearer verse 18 or some others as an Ensigne of his Kingly honour bowe That they might be skilful in the right use of their armes and weapons against their enemies in this time of need Of the Bowe in warre see ver 22. And the Annotations on Hos. I. 5. and on Zech. X. 4. How are the mighty fallen Repeated verse 19 ver 25. and 27. as the foot of this sad song and Elegie Tell it not in Gath This impossible not to be told there But this shews Davids desire verse 20 if it had been possible A Pathetical expression not much unlike is that ver 21. Unto Hebron Of this place chapter II verse 1 thus once for all Hebron was a City in the Tribe and Mountain of Judah Josh. XV. 54. Called also Mamre and Kiriath-arba the City of Arba the father of Anak where Anak lived his sonnes and the Anakims a race of Giants Here formerly dwelt the children of Heth and Hittites And Abraham Isaac and Jacob sojourned here And they and Sarah and Rebekah and Leah were buried here in the Cave of Machpelah before Mamre the same is Hebron Gen. XIII 18. and XXIII 19. and XLIX 31. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren Hither the Spies came that were sent from Kadesh-barnea in the Wildernesse of Paran to search the Land Hoham the King of Hebron was one of the five Kings mured up by Joshuah in a Cave and after slaine and hanged up And soone after the City taken and another King thereof seems then to be slaine by him And he and Caleb slew the Anakims that dwelled here This City and Suburbs were given to the Priests and to be a Citie of Refuge The Fields and the Villages of it to Caleb the sonne of Jephunne the Kenezite that good Spie Josh. XX. 7. and XXI II. To the top of an hill before Hebron Sampson carried the Gate of Gaza To them in Hebron David sent a Present of the Spoile taken from the Amalakite 1 Sam. XXX 31. Hither God directed him to go in this Text. And here he was anointed King and reigned seven years and six moneths And here he had six sonnes born to him of six several women his wives Here Abner was slain by Joab and mournfully buried by David Hither King Ishbosheths head was brought by his murderers buried in Abners Sepulchre and they hanged up here Hither came all the Tribes of Israel to make David King over all Israel and anointed him here And Absalom being borne here pretended a vow to be performed here and rebelling against his father made himself King here This Citie of Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt Num. XIII 23. And in Rehoboams reigne was
fortified by him after the revolt of the ten Tribes 2 Chron. XI 10. Reigned two years That is verse 10 peaceably before the warre betweene Abner and Joab ver 12 c. As Saul reigned two years 1 Sam. XIII 1. that is Peaceably as well as Lawfully before his Kingdom was in a maner taken from him by the Philistines 1 Sam. XIII 19. Zerviah the sister of David had these three valiant sonnes verse 18 Joab Abishai Asahel And Abigael the other sister of David had Amasa 2 Sam. XVII 25. 1 Chron. II. 15 16 17. Michal Michal loved by both her husbands chapter III verse 13 16. David and Phaltiel see 1 Sam. XXV 44. Abner He verse 28 and Saul were brothers children 1 Sam. XIV 50 51. Millo This in chapter V verse 9 or adjoyning to the strong hold of Zion the Citie of David taken by him and Joab of the Jebusites notwithstanding their scornful brag and confidence And David built the Citie round about from Millo and inward And Joab repaired the rest of the Citie 1 Chron. XI 8. 2 Chron. XXXII 5. This Millo Solomon built 1 King IX 15 24. and XI 27. There was another Millo in or adjoyning to the Citie Shechem where Abimelech was made King Judg. IX 6 20. unto the day of her death i. chapter VI verse 23 e. Michal never had any childe Those five sons 2 Sam. XXI 8. were the sonnes of Merab Michals sister whom Michal brought up for Adriel Merabs husband 1 Sam. XVIII 19. 2 Sam. XXI 8. And are called Michals sonnes because she did educate if not adopt them And in a sort not much unlike is Obed called Naomies son Ruth IV. 16 17. see Matth. I. 25. and XXVIII 20. I will The Promises are some Peculiar to Solomon some to Christ some to both as the Type and Antitype Davids Conquests chapter VII verse 12 Hadadezer or Hadarezer chapter VIII 1 Chron. XVIII 3. The like is in Diphath and Riphath in Dodanim verse 1-14 and Rodanim 1 Chron. I. 6 7. compared with Gen. verse 3 X. 3 4. The Hebrew letters Daleth and Resh are like one another and often put and used one for another See Esay XLVI 15. Jer. II. 20 ch XXXI 40. which shews that the Hebrew letters had the same forme and figure in those dayes which they have at this day And the same Observation may be made upon the like change of other letters wittingly made in Scripture and much used in proper names and much more used in the many mistakes of Interpreters and Translators of Scriptures in many other places and all by reason of the similitude of their Hebrew Characters as namely of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All which argue still not the Samaritan Characters which have none of these mutual Similitudes amongst themselves but the Hebrew Characters we have now to be the same which were from the Beginning or in Ezra his time And farther The Hebrew Jod is the smallest letter as it is intimated Matth. V. 18. whereas the Samaritan Jod is one of the largest a thousand These one thousand here are expressed to be Charets verse 4 1 Chron. XVIII 4. And the seven hundred horsemen are expounded to be seven hundted rancks of horsemen or decurioues ten in a ranck and so make seven thousand horsemen in the foresaid place Syrians Hebrew are Aram and Aramites for Syria and Syrians verse 5 So still in the Old Testament These came of Aram the sonne of Shem Gen. X. 22. We read of Padan-Aram wherein Haran was the place where Terah Bethuel and Laban dwelt Gen. XI 32. and XXVIII and XXIX chapters Of Aram Naharaim Judg. III. 8. of Aram-Zobah Ps. LX. title Of Aram of Damascus in this Text. The word is of a great latitude and comprehends great Countreys in it As Mesopotamia so called because in the middle of two armes of Euphrates or of the two famous rivers of Euphrates and Tygris And to this Situation the names of Padan-Aram and Aram-Naharaim do relate But in later ages Aram most relates to Aram of Damascus that Syria whereof Damascus was the chief Citie And of this Syria see more in my Annotations on Amos I. 4 5. For the Catalogue of the Kings of Syria see the great Annotations on Amos I. 4. We read of four battels of David with the Syrians The first here when they came to succour Hadadezer against David And in this two and twenty thousand of them slain 1 Chron. XVIII 5. The second ver 13. in the Valley of Salt And Edomites are named there 1 Chron XVIII 11 12. and Psal. LX. in the Title of it Because both Syrians and Edomites joyned in the battell against Davids Generals Joab and Abishai and therefore the victory is ascribed to each of the three and the number flaine is twelve thousand Ps. LX. 1. and six thousand more either by Joab alone before the main battel or by both the brethren after it in the pursuit of the victory in all eighteen thousand 2 Sam. VIII 13. 1 Chron. XVIII 12. The third battel 2 Sam. X. 6 14. when the Syrians joyned to help the Ammonites and fled before Joab 1 Chron. XIX 6. 7 10 14. The fourth battel with the Syrians 2 Sam. X. 15 19. wherein David slew the men of seven hundred Chariots i. e. of seven hundred rancks or troops having ten in a ranck or troop not ten men in a Charet in all seven thousand 1 Chron. XIX 18. And fourty thousand horsemen 2 Sam. X. 18. And fourty thousand footmen 1 Chron. XIX 18. And Shobach the Captaine of their Hoast Zadok He was in Davids verse 17 and Solomons times 2 Sam. VIII 17. and XX. 25. 1 King I. 8. He anointed Solomon King and by him was put in the roome of Abiathar 1 King I. 32 34. and chap. II. 35. He was the son of another Ahitub then he that was father of Ahimelech And he came from Eleazar the eldest son of Aaron and from Phineas his son after six descents 1 Chron. VI. 4 5 6. And the High Priests of his posterity in a continued series and succession to the Babylonish Captivity are recorded in eleven generations 1 Chron. VI. 9 15. And after the Captivity in six generations to Jaddua who lived in the dayes of Alexander the Great which is the last Historical Record of the Old Testament Neh. XII 10 11. This Zadoks son was that Ahimaaz afterwards High Priest mentioned by David 2 Sam. XV. 27. This Zadok of the line of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the line of Ithamar were the Priests chief of those two families with command over the rest of the Priests
in the Ark and Dedication of the Temple and Solomons sacrifices and his solemne Prayer upon his brazen scaffold might then and thereby become the greater and more illustrious 1 King VIII 1 66. 2 Chron. V. and VI. and VII chapters It began the seventh or eighth day of that moneth for on the fifteenth day began the Feast of Tabernacles And in relation to these two Feasts are those fourteen dayes mentioned 1 King VIII 65. 2 Chron. VII ver 8 9. And on the twenty third day of that moneth the people were dismissed 2 Chron. VII 10. the eighth day of the later Feast 1 King VIII 66. House of the Forrest of Lebanon This was built in Jerusalem chapter VII verse 2 See ver 6 7 8. His dwelling House and Throne not farre from it and golden shields in it 1 King X. 16 17. And there seazed on by the King of Egypt 2 Chron. XII 9 10. It seemes so called as being a kinde of abridgement of that famous Forrest afarre off from Jerusalem and containing in it and in the Groves and Gardens about it all the delights and pleasures of that Forest in solitary walks sweet smels musick of birds and sight of wilde-beasts c. See my Annotations on Zech. XI 1. where conceiving this House to be built in that Forest not in Jerusalem upon further consideration I think good to retract that opinion here Two thousand Baths Bath the measure of Liquid things verse 26 as Epha of Dry Both of the same capacity This Sea had ordinarily put into it two thousand Baths or five hundred Barrels reckoning eight gallons to the Bath and four Baths to the Barrel But this Sea being filled up to the brim it might containe three thousand Baths 2 Chron. IV. 5. or seven hundred and fifty Barrels with water drawn out of it by Cocks or otherwayes the Priests washed c. Ten Lavers But one in the Tabernacle verse 38 Exod. XXX 18. Here are ten Lavers besides the Sea And so of the Candlesticks and Tables there were ten in the Temple to one in the Tabernacle 1 King VII 49. 2 Chron. IV. 8. Each Laver contained fourty Baths Bowles of pure Gold Of Gold belonging to the Altar of Incense verse 50 1 Chron. XXVIII 17. Some of Silver 1 Chron. XXVIII 16. And as those given by the twelve Princes Num. VII 13 85. Some of Brasse for the Brazen Altar Exod. XXXVIII 3 Num. IV. 14. 1 King VII 45. And for the Vessels of the Temple See on Jer. LII 17 23. Pleased him not King Hiram chapter IX verse 12 though displeased with the twenty Cities given him by Solomon in the Land of Galilee yet pleaseth to restore them to him in love 2 Chron. VIII 2. A tribute of bond-service These here mentioned verse 21 and their posterity seeme to be called Solomons servants Ezra II. 55 58. Neh. VII 57 60. and XI 3. Gold from Ophir So gold from Uphaz chapter X verse 11 Jer. X. 9. and Gold of Ophir Psal. XLV 9. and Gold of Uphaz Dan. X. 5. and Gold of Sheba Ps. LXXII 15. and Gold of Parvaim 2 Chron. III. 6. And these are taken for the finest Gold 1 King X. 18. compared with 2 Chron. IX 17. Job XXII 24. But whether these places be Peru in America or Fez in Africa or Sumatra or Taprobane or in Arabia or elsewhere according to our moderne names is in these dayes altogether doubtful Tarshish The name of one of the sonnes of Javan verse 22 Gen. X. 4. whose posterity as some imagine planted in that part of Spaine where a Citie and Region adjacent thence took the denomination of Tartesus and Tartesia afterwards Or rather as others conceive they seated themselves in Cilicia and gave this name of Tarshish as to the whole Region so specially to the chief City and Port-towne there afterwards called Tarsus the place of Pauls birth Acts XXI 39. and XXII 3. And that thence the Midland Sea which bordered upon that port and territorie was called Tarshish and the ships either belonging to that Port or trading to and fro in that Sea were thence called ships of Tarshish Esay II. 16. yea sometimes Tarshish seemes to denote the Arabian and Persian Gulphs the Ocean either Westerne or Easterne Ezek. XXVII 12. or any great Sea as likewise Pontus doth in Latine And ships of Tarshish to be vessels of great bulk and burden fit to traverse and traffick in any such Sea 1 King X. 22. Silver to be in Jerusalem as stones The Israelites ripe for Rebellion verse 27 complain so much of their Oppressions in Solomons peaceable rich glorious reigne 1 King X. 27. and XII 4. 2 Chron. I. 15. and VIII 8 9. Loved many strange women Wise Solomons chapter XI verse 1 or Jedidiah's Fall is wonderful yet his Repentance not to be doubted of as appears in the Book of Ecclesiastes in 2 Sam. VII 14 15. 1 Chron. XXII 10. and XXVIII 6. and XVII 13 14. 2 Chron. XI 17. 2. Pet. I. 21. One Tribe Not one whole Tribe verse 32 but that of Judah only did stick to Rehoboam and the House of David after Solomons reigne 1 King XI 32 36. and XII 20. 2. King XVII v. 18. Yet see 2 Chr. XI 13 17. And hence begin those three hundred and ninty dayes in Ezek. IV. 5. See the Annotations there Rehoboam Rehoboam is the only sonne we read of that Solomon had verse 43 for all his shameful number of Wives and Concubines And there is mention made only of two of his daughters 1 King IV. 11 15. set down in that chapter by Anticipation This Rehoboam is said to be young and tender-hearted 2 Chron. XIII 7. young in experienced wisdome when yet at that time he was fourty one years of age 2 Chron. XII 13. being borne in the first year of his young wise father Solomons reigne He foolishly forsook the counsel of the old men 1 King XII 8 13 14. to the losse of the ten parts of his Kingdome Yet afterwards he is said to deal wisely 2 Chron. XI 23. In Bethel chapter XII verse 29 and the other put he in Dan In the South and North borders of his kingdome And yet Bethel being in the Tribe of Benjamin Bethel was taken from him in his own dayes by Abijah 2 Chron. XIII 19. And Dan was smitten by Benhadad in the dayes of Asa and Baasha soone after 1 King XV. 20. Bethel Though Bethel be sometimes called Bethaven in the Prophets verse 32 as Hos. IV. 15. and V. 8. and X. 5 15. and Aven chap. X. 8. As Mount Olivet of Mount Mischa is called Mount Maschith 2 King XXIII 13. Yet were there Bethel and Bethaven two distinct neighbouring townes or Cities Josh. VII 2. and XVIII 12. 1 Sam. XIII 5. and chap. XIV 23. a childe Fulfilled 2 King XXIII 15 16 17. Samaria Samaria so called by Anticipation chapter XIII verse 2 as Bethel Gen. XII 8. And sundry other places in Scripture verse 32 Not that they had
and all for his own safety 1 King XII 27. And to gaine their possessions making Priests of the lowest of the people which were not of the sonnes of Levi 2 Chron. XIII 9. A practise well beseeming Rebels Devils Idols here so called verse 15 in the way of David verse 17 and Solomon This charitably implies the Repentance of Solomon as well as his Ecclesiastes doth in his last dayes though haply he could not reforme all Idolatry as neither Manasseh could after his repentance 2 Chron. XXXIII 7. and dispersed As Gen. verse 23 XXV 5 6. 2 Chron. XXI 3. Israel Put and meant for Judah chapter XII chap. XV. 17. See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXI 2. against Jerusalem After this Jerusalem was taken about tenne times verse 9 one and fourty Therefore borne in the first year of the reigne of his father King Solomon verse 13 four hundred thousand Huge are the armies of the Jews chapter XIII 1200000 Jewes in those armies of Abijah and Jerrboam Wherein slaine on Jeroboams side five hundred thousand verse 3 much more then every one his man the greatest number that ever we read slaine in any battel v. 17. In the reigne of Asa he had out of Judah and Benjamin an army of 500080. And he fought against an army of Zerah the Ethiopian of a thousand thousand and three hundred Charets likely meaning three hundred thousand Charets 2 Chron. XIV 8 9. the greatest army that we read of And in Jehoshapha's time he had men of warre waiting on him 1160000. besides those whom he put in the fenced Cities throughout all Judah 2 Chron. XVII 14 19. children of Belial i. e. without yoake verse 7 or without profit as the word signifieth Deut. XIII 13. Such as Judg. XIX 22. 1 Sam. II. 12. and X. 27. and XXV 17. 1 King XXI 13. This title doth Shimei give falsely to David 2 Sam. XVI 7. But is truly given to the Devil 2 Cor. VI. 15. was young Not in age but in experience and policy being then as was said fourty one years old fourteene wives Fourteene wives in his life-time verse 21 for his reigne was but short even three years ver 2. ten years Yet likely some small skirmishes there were chapter XIV verse 1 1 King XV. 16 32. Mareshah A Citie in the North-West part of the tribe of Judah Josh. verse 10 XV. 44. There Michah the Prophet was borne Michah I. 1. And here as we see in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah Asa overthrew the hugest hoast that ever we read of Xerxes army not excepted of Zerah the Ethiopian Gerar Gerar anciently a Citie and Kingdome of the Philistines verse 13 whose Kings seeme all to be called Abimelechs where Abraham and Isaac a while lived both offending in denying their wives Gen. XX. and XXVI Isaac leaving the Citie dwelt in the valley of Gerar. Gen. XXVI 17. a most fruitful valley ver 12. as it were the Granarie of Canaan when famine was elsewhere in the Land ver 1. Here Isaac digged againe the Wells of water digged by Abraham and stopped by the Philistines And he digged others new After Gerar fell to the tribe of Simeon And hither as we see Asa pursued the Ethiopians and smote all the Cities round about Gerar. long season Thirty or thirty one years chapter XV verse 3 conceiving this to be in the eleventh year of Asa at the end of those ten years chap. XIV 1. Israel The ten tribes under Jeroboam Nadab and Baasha did turne We read not of their turning in those thirty years verse 4 This then may be taken by way of supposition If they had turned God would have been found of them Or else Israel in the former verse may relate to all Gods people and comprehend in it also former times even the times of the Judges themselves Be ye strong Ye of Judah and Benjamin verse 7 ver 2. Oded See the Annotations on this verse verse 8 Both sonne ver 1. and father here might prophesie renewed the Altar And likely that whole Court whereunto that chap. XX. 5 seems to have reference strangers Those Israelites out of the ten tribes verse 9 that fell to Judah are here called strangers third moneth Likely at the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost verse 10 fifteenth year This may seeme a second and more through Reformation four or five years after his victory against Zerah Or else that victory must be reduced to this fifteenth year of Asa. And till that time they had had rest and no warre which fifteenth of Asa was the thirty five in his reigne i. e. since the Kingdome of Judah was divided from the Kingdome of Israel ver 19. viz. 17. of Rehoboam three of Abijah and these fifteen of Asa. six and thirty It is clear that this well may chapter XVI verse 1 and needs must be understood likewise of that Kingdome wherein Asa was now King For Baasha began to reigne in the third year of Asa 1 King XV. 28. And reigning twenty four years ver 33. he must needs die in the twenty seventh of Asa or twenty six complete And so we finde it 1 King XVI 8 And therefore this thirty sixth wherein Baasha waged warre with Asa must needs be meant of the Kingdome of Judah that is since the first division of the two Kingdomes And so reckoning the seventeen years of Rehoboams reigne and three of Abijah we finde this thirty sixth to be the sixteenth of Asa the next year after that full Reformation mentioned 2 Chron. XV. 10. And to be the thirteenth year of the reigne of Baasha See a like passage 2 Chron. XXII 2. Ramah Ramah of Benjamin bordering upon Judah Josh. XVIII 25. See the Annotations on Hos. V. 8. Hanani The father of the Prophet Jehu verse 7 chap. XIX 2. 1 King XVI 1. of Syria escaped Which God might and would otherwise have delivered into his hand as he did the Ethiopians if Asa had not prevented the occasion and opportunity thereof by his foolish sending to and for Benhadad to aide him and break his League with Baasha and so shewing thereby that he relied not upon the Lord but upon Benhadad for which he is justly reproved and punished a very great burning Greeks and Romanes of old used to burne their dead bodies verse 14 specially of their Great ones with a great deale of cost burning huge piles and curious fabricks of timber together with abundance of odoriferous spices at their Funerals gathering their ashes into an Urne and so layed up in their Monuments And among the Jewes we read something like viz. of Burning at the Exequies of their Kings so here and Jer. XXXIV 5. of such of them at least as lived beloved and died desired which was to others denied 2 Chron. XXI 19. Jer. XXII 19. and XXXVI 30. But we read not That this Burning was of their Bodies but of sweet Odours only at and in their Sepulchers taught in Judah The Priests and Levites did so chapter XVII
3. and 2 Chr. VIII 14. and chap. XXIII 4 5 19 20. and chap. XXIV 8. and XXVII 3. and XXXI 14. and XXXV 5. the Horse-gate Of the gates of Ierusalem verse 15 or of the walls of the Citie see the Observations on Nehemy III. 1. gather of all Israel chapter XXIV verse 5 So much of Israel as Ioash had from year to year One year would not suffice to make up this Reparation hastened not For in the twenty third year of Ioash it was not done 2 Kings XII 6. the Collection of Moses So ver verse 6 9. such as Moses used Exod. XXX 12 16. or Exod. XXV But this differing from them both agreeing only in this As Moses then provided for the Tabernacle and the service of it by those Collections extraordinarily as need then required so were they now by somewhat a like Collection to provide for the repairing of the breaches of the Temple Yet is this because somewhat like called the Collection of Moses as like sinnes are called by the names of the sinnes of Manasseh 2 Kings XXIV 3. of the iniquity of the fathers Exod. XXXIV 7. of the errour of Balaam and gain-saying of Core Iudge 11. and the signe of Ionas Matth. XII 39. is used in a like sense Sonnes of Athaliah In their father Iehorams life-time verse 7 before they were taken and slaine by the enemy if sonnes here be taken properly High-priests Officer 2 Kings XII verse 11 10. The High-Priest himselfe did this But that Iehoiada was this High-Priest is not expressed day by day i. e. time after time so oft as the chest was full in Israel the Kingdome of Iudah verse 16 Gods people 2 Chr. XXIX 24. Princes Hypocritical flattering Princes See ver verse 17 23. Zechariah Zechariah slaine and mentioned Matth. XXIII verse 20 35. seemes not to be this Zechariah But rather the Prophet Zechariah the sonne of Barachiah Zech. I. 1. slew his sonne Cruel ingratitude verse 22 hoast of Syria This might be a seconding of that invasion verse 23 2 King XII 17 18. a small company Gods visible hand in it verse 24 for the executing of his judgement against Joash ver 25. sonnes Likely more slaine then Zechariah verse 25 or taken indefinitely for one as Gen. XLVI 7. Book of the Kings Most likely some civil Records verse 27 Amaziah Of the times of the reignes of Amaziah chapter XXV verse 1 and of Uzziah as also of Iotham and of Ahaz 2 Kings XV. 32. and XVI 1. And of their Concordance with the time of the reignes of the Kings of Isreel See my Annotations on Hosea I. 1. But he slew not their children See the Annotations on this text verse 4 do it An Ironical concession verse 8 See the Observations on Amos IV. 4 5. top of the rock Selah verse 21 or Petra signifying a rock whence the chief Citie in Arabia Petraea is called Petra 2 Kings XIV 7. gods of the children of Seir Worse then that of Ahaz chap. verse 14 XXVIII 23. Punished chap. XXV 20 27. Altar of Incense This the High-Priest might do chapter XXVI verse 16 Exod. XXX 7. and other Priests also Luke I. 9 But not the King or any else but Priests the chief Priest Not stiled the High-Priest verse 20 was a Leper Yet bare the title of King to the day of his death verse 21 Ophel Ophel in Ierusalem chapter XXVII verse 3 over-against the water-gate toward the East where the Nethinims dwelt 2 Chron. XXXIII 14. Neh. III. 26. and XI 21. his wars 2 Kings XV. verse 7 37. his God Though himself such an idolater chapter XXVIII verse 5 ver 22. So ch XXXVI 5. King of Syria Rezin 2 Kings XVI 5. slew Slew a great number verse 6 Captive A greater number verse 8 feirce wrath Pekah soone slaine verse 11 And in Hosheah's time all captivated and the Kingdome extinguished Esay VII 16. the first day ver chapter XXIX verse 17 3. Hezekiah begins Reformation on the very first day of his reign Or rather on the first day of the year which fell out towards the later end of the first year of Ezekiah's reigne sixteenth day So that Passeover was past and not kept seven Bullocks Here are seven verse 21 to represent the whole body of the Kingdome And here are used all maner of Beasts fit for sacrifice the Priests killed them And so Levit. IV. 4. and chap. IX 8 verse 24 15 18. 2 Chron. XXIX 24 34. The Levites did flea them 2 Chron. XXXV 11. And in some extraordinary cases sley them also 2 Chron. XXIX 34. and receive the blood 2 Chron. XXX 16 17. The Priests only not the Levites came to the Altar to lay the wood sprinkle the blood and burn them Levit. l. 7. c. and chap. III. 2 5. 2 Chron. XXXV 14. the Song Psal CXXXVI verse 27 See the Annotations on Ezra III. 11. to Ephraim chapter XXX verse 1 and Manasseh See ver 5 11 18. Yet this was before their finall captivity by Shalmaneser 2 Kings XVII in the second moneth ver verse 2 1 3. As in like case Num. IX 11. Kings of Assyria Pul verse 6 and Tiglath Pilneaser 2 Kings XV. 19 29. 1 Chron. V. 26. 2 Chron. XXVIII 20. mocked them But a finall judgement sonne followed verse 10 had not cleansed themselves yet And verse 18 it seemes in Josiah's time all did not eate at the very hour appointed at Even 2 Chron. XXXV 14. yet where the heart is upright God mercifully heals such offenders to keep other seven dayes The power of the Church seene herein verse 23 and by God approved Since the time of Solomon And the division of the two Kingdomes verse 26 so many out of the ten tribes came not to Jerusalem to eat celebrate the Passeover Yet see a larger commendation of Josiah's Passeover which followed after this chap. XXXV 18. 2 Kings XXIII 22 23. finished Presently after the foresaid Passeover chapter XXXI verse 1 they pull down idolatry yea in Ephraim also and Manasseh which belonged to Hoshea King of Israel third moneth Or Feast of weeks verse 7 of Pentecost which is called the feast of harvest And the seventh moneth is called the Feast of ingathering Exod. XXIII 16. hoast of the King of Assyria Though that King Sennacherib chapter XXXIII verse 11 and his hoast were so slain in the time of his father Hezekiah chap. XXXII 21. a wall Begun by his father chap. XXXII 5. yet unto the Lord Not to false gods verse 14 as was in the grosser kinde of idolatrous sacrificers verse 17 Amon Amon worse then his father Manasseh eighth year Being then sixteen years old chapter XXXIV verse 20 and before that the father of Eliakim or Iehojakim verse 3 2 Kings XXIII 36. and chap. XXII 1. compared together twelfth year Himself being then twenty cities of Manasseh Remanants then of the Israelites verse 6 for the body of the ten tribes were formerly carried away captives and the Kingdome exterminated eighteenth year
to all duties of active and passive obedience takes off the wheeles of the soul makes it as a limb out of joynt that can do nothing without paine and deformity Dead flies As one sinner chapter X verse 1 in the precedent words so here one sin destroyes much good Alike folly doth fly-blow a wise mans reputation Neh. VI. 11. heart is at his right hand As his eyes are in his head verse 2 chap. II. 14. He ordereth his affairs with discretion he acts dexterously and discreetly with mature advise and judgement he worketh by the guidance of his heart Luke XIV 28 31. But a fools heart He is left-handed in his works and wayes doth them rashly awkwardly bunglingly preposterously As 1 Kings XII 8. Esay XIX 10 14. walketh by the way He doth palpably discover to others verse 3 and proclaime That he is a fool Prov. VI. 13 and chap. XII 23. and XIII 16. and XVIII 2. See Prov. XVII 28. Leave not thy place Thy office verse 4 duty and obedience to him A souldier must stand to his station ch VIII 3. proudly fling not away in displeasure much lesse stand not to affront him turne not rise not up against him as 1 Kings XII 16. seek to pacifie him Prov. XV. 1. and if need be go a little aside out of his sight till his rage and thy danger be over-past See Judges VIII 1 2 3. Gen. XXXII 13. and XXXIII 3. 1 Sam. XXIV 16. and chap. XXV 32. Prov. XXV 15 as an error Haply by the erring information of others verse 5 seeing Rulers must needs see much with other mens eyes and hear much by other mens ears And yet this error may prove a great mischief to Church and State and the rich In worth verse 6 and wisdome Dignity ought to wait upon Desert though it alwayes doth not For Rulers sometimes grow into suspition of such as eminently excel in extraordinary worth Servants upon horses Men of a low verse 7 base servile condition And how insupportable this is see Prov. XXX 22. and how unseemly see Prov. XIX 10. It is a curse of God Deut. XXVIII 43. 44. Gen. IX 25 26. Lamented Lam. V. 8. Yet the Levellers would be at this to lay all alike As in Germany in Anno 1525. But the issue of that attempt was to themselves deservedly miserable He that diggeth a pit This verse 8 and the three following Proverbial similitudes tend all to this end That evil usualy returneth on the heads of those that were the authors of it Malum consilium consultori pessimum Prov. XXVI 27. and XXVIII 10. Psal. VII 16. and IX 15. In application against such as overturne the foundations of Lawes and Customes and alter the long established and wholsome constitutions of Kingdomes Nations and people and confound Rule and Subjection and dissolve the ligaments of Government Prov. XXVI 27. Who so removeth stones verse 9 c. Besides the general sense of the words application of them may be made against those who remove land-marks or rashly alter things seriously setled and duly defined and so do sowe seditions and raise factions If the iron be blunt Wisdome directeth to whet the edge verse 10 to save the putting to of more strength And so wisdome is better then strength chap. IX 16. It guideth a mans actions without so much toile and labour and a better end without it and Art and cunning by it strength and toile and eloquence or ought else is to small purpose The Serpent will bite If not charmed before verse 11 And after the biting the Master of the tongue or eloquent man cannot help or better the matter The meaning may be to compare the spirit of disloyalty against Rulers and rebellious speeches against them to the biting of a Serpent And the wise and humble speeches and demeanor of subjects to their offended Governours to an inchantment to keep them from biting Or to shew that a vaine babler whose lawlesse tongue is ever finding fault with Government is no better then an uncharmed Serpent It may be applied against any Sycophants and Slanderers whatsoever Or to those who bite and babble at the Traditions of the wise The words Ephes. verse 12 IV. 29. Col. IV. 6. Prov. X. 32. and XII 13. and XV. 1 2. 4 26. and XVI 23 24. Such were Abigaels to David swallow up himself Prov. XIX 28. and XII 13. Rom. III. 13. James III. 2 12. Psal. LII 3. Many men by their tongue have cut their own throats is full of words Multiplyeth boasting discourses verse 14 vainly tells his own undertakings brags what he will do and what he shall have cannot tell what shall be No man much lesse a fool can tell this to himself wearieth every one By his wordinesse and much idle vaine babling without any solid and sound matter verse 15 as empty casks sound loudest chap. V. 3 7. Prov. X. 19. and XVII 17 27. how to go to the citie He tires himself in trifles being not able to manage the least matters and easie for children having not wit enough to keep the high road to know the beaten path to the Citie And yet he will foolishly labour and weary himself about hard and difficult matters Wo to thee O land Esay III. verse 16 4. A child in years For Tutors and Protectors have mostwhat self-ends and deal not fairly and faithfully or jarre among themselves Thus it was in Rome after the death of Ancus Martius and in the Romane Empire in the times of Arcadius and Honorius Yet the Land was blessed and happy under young Solomon Josiah Uzziah our Edward the VI. and others for the parts and graces wherewith God endowed them Or else a child in understanding and parts rude and raw without experience discretion and abilities for so weighty an imployment of a childish disposition for wit courage carriage this though not a childe in years And such was Rehoboam 1 Kings XIV 21. with 2 Chron. XIII 7. In a word a worthlesse and wicked King is a Woe to the whole Land and a great argument of Gods anger against it 1 Sam. VIII 6 18. Job XXXIV 30. Prov. XXVIII 2. Esay XIX 4. eate in the morning Are riotous and luxurious unseasonably feasting Sonne of Nobles Nobly borne verse 17 The ancient splendor of a royal stock and descent addes much honour to a King Est in juvencis est in equis patrum virtus And much more when he is nobly bred up nobly seasoned with principles of true nobility wisdom holinesse honour and government without which nobility in blood and birth are but shapes and shadows of true noblenesse Though never so much noble blood run in the veins yet worthlesnesse and wickednesse remaining in the heart rendereth it ignoble sloathfulnesse See the Observations on Prov. verse 18 VI. 6. Here it seems applyable to a sluggish childish carelesse government of a Kingdome or Common-wealth A feast Feasting and wine have their mirthful use verse 19 But money answereth all things