might be some Pagan superstition in them because he would utterly cancâ—ll all markes of the Chaldeans customes whence these came and where these eare-rings were used both by men and women Iud. 8. 24. Or because he would present his family to God in a habit of humilitie and repentance See Exod. 33 4 5. Hid them That is to say buried them privately V. 7 El-bethel The Italian hath it The God of Bethel See upon Gen. 33. 20 V. 8 Allon Bachuth The Italian hath it The â—ake of weeping It may be that this weeping hath a reference to that which is written Hos. 12. 4 V. 9 When he came While he was yet in the way before he came to his fathers house V. 10 Called his Confirmed in a vision his name which the Angell had already give him Genes 32. 28 V. 13 VVent up See upon Gen. 17. 22 V. 14 A drink offering The Italian hath it An offering to be spilt Of liquid things as of wine and oile to give God thanks according to Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 21 22 and to consecrate that stone Gen. 28. 18 V. 15 Called the name That is confirmed it solemnely in the presence of all his family and published that name which he had given it in secret Gen. 28. 19 V. 16 A little way Or a mile 2 of Kin. 5. 19 V. 18 Benoni The son of my sorrow Benjamin son of my right hand as who should say staffe of my old age see Psal. 80. 17 V. 26 Padan-Aram In the Italian it is verse 27 save only Benjamin CHAP. XXXVI VERS 2. ADah These women and their fathers were diversly named Gen. 26. 34 and 28. 9. either because they had more names or for some other unknown reason And that is very frequent in Scripture V. 6 Into the countrey That is to say further up into the countrey others have it in another countrey From the face voluntarily yeelding the place unto him Now Esau was before well seated in Seir Gen. 33. 14 16. having left his fathers house because of his wives and because he saw himself excluded from the holy race to whom the Land of Canaan was allotted by Gods order and promise Yet it is very likely that he did yet frequent the Land of Canaan and had some houshold there till that after the death of Isaac he altogether remained in Seir to avoid all occasion of strife with Jacob. V. 11 Zepho This name with diverse others that follow are diversly set down 1 Chron. 1. 36 V. 12 Timua It may be the same which is mentioned v. 22 as Aholibama 21. 2. was the same as the Horite was v. 25. and it is likely that these alliances with the Horites Esau his posteritie setled themselves in that countrie which at the last he made himself master of destroying the ancient inhabitants Deut. 2. 22 V. 15 Dukes That is heads and Princes according to whose number the countrie was divided into severall principalities and peradventure under one only supreame Lord head of all the nation Now in this partition Eliphaz as first borne had a double part his six sons being made Dukes as Esau his own children were see a like example 1 Chron. 5. 1. Those of Revel were so also it may be in part to equall Basemats progenie who had but one sonne with Aholibâ—â—us who had three V. 16. Korah This is not named amongst the children of Eliphaz v. 11. and therefore it is very likely he was his nephew V. 20. Inhabitea Who there had their habitation and command untill such time as Esau and his posteritie did drive them out of â—t Deuteron 2. 22. V. 24. The Mules By the mixture of the two kinds the asse and the horse So the Hebrews interpret it Others believe the word may be understood of certaine hot waters or minerall waters which he found out V. 31. The Kings Moses sets down the Kings which had been in Idumea before his time which he sheweth had been tyrants and usurpers or elective Princes without any right of succession seeing they were of diverse Cities and those being extinguished the state returned to its first forme of diverse Dukes v. 40. Any King before any forme of supreme governement was established amongst the people of God which began in Moses called a King Deut. 33. 5. So Esau condemned to servitude raigneth in the beginning whilest Israel who was the right master serveth in Aegypt but that was but for a little while untill the Kingdom of Israel was established and then Esau is subject unto it A pourtraiture of the world which raigneth in this age untill the Kingdome be given to the Saints Daniel 7. 22. 27. V. 37. By the river A City standing by Euphrates Gen. 10 11. V. 39. The daughter Or neece V. 40. The Dukâ—s After the Kings of Edom were failed for some reason which is not set down the Countrie was againe governed by Dukes and it should seem that the heads of Esau his nation came into their states againe And because here they are but eleven whereas before they were fourten v. 15. it is to be thought that some families were quite extinct or joyned to some other to strengthen themselves CHAP. XXXVII VERS 1. ANd Jacob This is a continuation of the narration broken off from Gen. 36. 7. V. 2. The generations Described Gen. 35. 23. now this â—eemeth to be added to take on the course of Jacobs history after the interweaving of Esaus Was feeding By reason of his youth and through the envie of his brethren he was held in the degree of a servant and in the company of the hand-maidens sons Jacobs concubines whom it is likely the other brethren disdained 〈…〉 l Of some facts or wickednesses not set dâ—wâ— in this place V. 7. Were bâ—ndâ—ng These two dreâ—mes signified the self same thing namely Josephâ— exal 〈…〉 ion above his brethren and their submission to him in their necessitie and the honour Jone to him by his father in sending his children to him before they knâ—w him V. 10. Rebuked him Being not yet perswaded that they were divine dreamâ—s or to trie whether there were no childish vanitie in this his saying or to abate his brethrens anger Thy mother Rachel Josephs mother was already dead Gen. 35. 19. but here is understood Leah his mother in Law who was Jacobs then only lawfull wife V. 25. A company A great company of merchants and travailers which were wont to travaile that way in great companies fearing the dangers of the countrie see Job 6. 19. Balm or rozen Myrrhe namely liquide myrrhe or Ladano V. 28. Midianites It is likely that this people was mixed of Ismaelites Midianites and Medanites see Gen. 16. 15. and 25. 2. V. 29. Reuben Who was not present at Josephs sale and beliâ—ved that his brothers had indeed killed him Gen. 42. 22. He rent a custome amongst the men of old times in some unexpected evill news or in some cruell case V. 34. Sack-cloth Or haire-cloth or a rough-cloth
corruptions of the Egyptians and to keep you in an united body in purenesse of religion and manners Every shepheard Those that did use grazing for to eate the flesh of cattell which the Aegyptians did not do Gen. 43. 32. Exod. 8. 26. And though they did bring up cattel Gen. 47. 6. 17. and Exo. the 9. 3. yet they made no use of them but only for the wooll the tilling of the earth to carry and to trade with strangers CHAP. XLVII VERS 7. BLessed Saluted him thanked him wishing him Gods blessing for his many good deeds V. 9 Of my pilgrimage Which I have passed without any settled habitation of mine own in strange countries which to the ancients was a figure of the spirituall pilgrimage here on earth Heb. 11. 13. short In respect of Noahs and other more ancient Patriarks V. 11 Rameses Which might peradventure be the chief City of Goshen V. 13 In all the Land Namely in Aegypt and all countries thereabouts as Gen. 41. 54 V. 18 The second yeare That was the seventh yeare of the fore-told famine V. 19 Buy us Let the King get the Dominion and propriety of us and of our Lands that we may become thy servants tenants and husband-men Seed To till and sow the ground for this yeare they took courage and did so because they knew the famine should end then see Gen. 45. 6. Desolate For want of inhabitants and tilling V. 21 Removed them That is to say brought the greater part of the people out the countrie to dwell in the Cities for handy-crafts traffick and trades to multiplie and increase the Cities wherein consists the glory and power of a Kingdome leaving only such a number without as should suffice to till the ground V. 22 Their Lands Their proper and hereditary livings V. 24 The first part This hath been and continueth in Aegypt from Josephs time to this houre V. 25 Let us finde A civill terme that is we be contented we accept the match and we hold it as a singular favour which we beseech you to continue always towards us V. 27 Had possession For their dwelling and use of the pastures for the King held his right and title in it as before and there remained also many Aegyptians living amongst the Israelites V. 29 Put I pray thee See concerning this kinde of ceremonie in swearing Gen. 24. 2 Deale With mine and with me also in carrying my body into Canaan saying this in testimony of his communion with the ot 〈…〉 Patriarks in expectation of the heavenly life of which this countrey was a figure and for an instigation to his posterity not to settle their mindes in Aegypt but to aspire unto the place of the rest and establishment of the Church see Genesis 23. 4. and 50. 11. 12. Heb. 11. 22 V. 31 Bowed himselfe upon the beds head The Italian addeth And worshipped Being not able to arise out of his bed he put himselfe in the posture of those that worship his body bended and his face upon the bolster 1. Kings 1. 47. Isa. 38. 2. and so worshipped God to give him thanks for all his good gifts but especially for the spirituall and everlasting gift which he apprehended by a lively faith in this last failing of all his forces and strength see Heb. 11. 21. CHAP. XLVIII VERS 3. APpeared unto me This seemeth to be remembred by Jacob to acknowledge that Josephs issue was an effect of that blessing of God and also to shew that since he had from God right in the land of Canaan he might by especiall authority dispose of it as he doth here adopting of Josephs children and placing them in the same ranke with his owne and by that meanes binding Joseph and his to keep themselves joyned to the body of the Church V. 5 Are mine That is to say I adopt them for mine and make them heires to an equall share with mine owne children and will have every one of them to be a severall head of a tribe see 1 Chronic. 5. 1. Reuben and Siâ—eâ—n Which were Jacobs two eldest sons V. 6 Shall be thine Shall be held in the number of my grand-children and shall not be severall tribes but must joyne with one of the two Manasses or Ephraim and carry the name of it and have a part amongst them as if they were their children V. 7 And as forme This seemeth to be also inserted to instigate Joseph to desire the Land of Canaan where his mother was buried and to shew that she dying in the floure of her age he would by adopting Josephs sons fill up the number which she might have had besides V. 12 Brought them out after Jacob had a while cherished Josephs children Joseph did put himself in an humble and reverend posture to receive the prophetiall and patriarchall blessing V. 14 Wittingly Not by chance nor through error but purposely and by divine inspiration V. 15 Fed me Provided for me in all my wants guided and conducted me V. 16 The Angel The son of God who appeared in the time of the fathers and in whom the everlasting Father did manifest himselfe unto them as in the person of the mediator See upon Genesis 16. 7. and is the same who was called God in the precedent verse Be named on them Let them beare the name of us Patriarks as our lawfull children not only according to the flesh but also according to the promise of which they shall be heires He saith so because that the name of Patriarks was quickly extinguished in Ismael and Esau his race who were cast out of the holy stock and remained appropriated to the Church Gen. 21. 12. Grow into a multitude The Hebrew hath it let them increase like fishes for the increase of fishes is more numerous than that of any other kinde V. 17 It displeased him Through the naturall affection of Father to their first borne though God hath almost alwayes put them back as Cain Japhet Ishmael Esau Zera Reuben the brothers of David and others to shew that his grace is not tied to any order of nature V. 20 Israel That is to say thy children shall be as a President of an excellent blessing amongst the Israelites see Ruth 4. 11. 12. and Jerem. 29. 22. V. 21 And bring you againe Shall at his appointed time bring your posterity back againe into the Land of Canaan of which he hath promised given a right to your fore-fathers and where they have dwelt as in their native countrey V. 22 To thee Besides the two parts which I have assigned to thy posterity in the division of the Land of Canaan I do order that Ephraim shall have moreover Sichem and the countrey belonging to it See John 4. 5. One portion In the Hebrew there is an ambiguitie between part and Sichem and by that Jacob sheweth that by that part he specially meaneâ—h Sichem With my With my sâ—ns swords who there wrought my revenge for the disgrace done to my daughter Gen. 34.
the publike proclamation whereby all of that age were to appeare for to be mustered V. 10 Together with Korah It appeareth by Num. 16. 32 35 40. that Korah was not swallowed up by the earth but that he dyed by the fire sent from God but he is joyned with the other because hee was a confederate in the same misdeed and was punished by a miraculous death at the same time A signe a document and example of Gods judgements See 2 Pet. 2. 2. 6. V. 12. Of Nemuel Gen. 46. 10. and 1 Chron. 4. 24. and in the following verses there is some difference in these names V. 29 Of the Machirites whereof see Jos. 17. 1. and by that place it appeares that Machir had divers children whereof some took their names from Machir and some from Galaad his sonne And the word famâ—ly here signifieth one of the great branches of this Tribe divided into families See Joshuah 7. 14. V 30 Jezar called also Abiezar Jos 17 2 Jud. 6 11 34. V. 42 Shuham called Fusim Gen. 46. 23. The Families Which were divided into lesser families V. 54 To many As well of the Tribes as of a Familie of the Tribes to some of which Moses assigned their inheritance on this side Jordan and appoynted Joshuah to do the like beyond V. 55 By lot In regard of the countries situation wherein they were to take more or lesse land according to the number of the persâ—ns see Nu. 33. 54. V. 58 The families Namely the lesser Families V. 62 For they The other Tribes were mustered to equall the quantity of the inheritance with the number of thâ—m who being above the age of twenty years were capable of being heads of Families But in mustering of the tribe of Levi this reason took no place wherefore they were mustered from a moneth old at which time both the mothers and the children were purified to shew that they were consecrated to God for his service even from their birth See Numbers 3. 15. and 18. 16. V. 63 Neere Iericho The Italian hath it Of Iericho see Num. 22. 1. V. 65 Caleb It is true that Moses was yet living but he is left out because he was to dye also on that side Jordan without comming into the land of Canaan Num 20 12. and 27 13. CHAP. XXVII VERS 1. THen came They did not appeare in their order in the publike muster amongst the rest of the families of Manasseâ— V. 3 And he was not Our father had not committed any publike misdeed nor was not fallen into any interdict whereby he merited to have his name extingu shed or to lose his right in the land of Canaan whereunto God had condemned Korah's faction causing their families to dye and their goods to be swallowed up Nu. 16. 27. 32. now this would have befaln ' him if being one of the heads of the families of Manasseh we his daughters had not had right to represent that family for his inheritance In his owne sinne The Italian hath it For his sinne Generally belonging to humane nature which also cleaveth to Gods children in this life whereby they are also subject to death or for having been participant of the common sinne of murmuring and sedition Num. 14 yet having committed no sinne of Anathema or a curse which was imputed to all the people and insnared them in the punishment till the whole family of the Malefactor were rooted out see Deuteronomy 13. 15. Joshuah 7. 24. 1 King 16 34. V. 4 Give unto us Give order that in the division of the land of Canaan every one of us may be received by the poll see Jos. 17. 4. V. 12 Abarim It was a long row of mountains amongst which was mount Nebo Deut 32 49. and upon that the top of Pisgah Deut. 3 27 and 34 1 where Moses dyed V. 13 Gathered see Num. 20. 21. V. 14 In Kadesh This is added to distinguish this strife wherein also Moses did offend from the other strife in Rephidim Exod. 17. 7. in which he did not participate of the peoples sinne V. 16 Of the spirits Who onely hast created the soules of men framing them and inspiring them with thy gifts according to thy will for to imploy them in severall vocations V. 17 Which may goe May governe them at home and abroad in peace and in warre V. 18 The spirit A singular gift and inspiration of Gods holy spirit to produce extraordinary motions and heroicall actions in him See Gen 41. 38. Judg 3 10 and 11 29 1 Sam. 16. 13 18. And lay To consecrate him to God and likewise to imprint in him a new increase of spirit proportionable to the new charge which is conferred upon him see Deut. 34. 9. V. 19 Set him To cause him to be acknowledged and accepted of by all V. 20 And thou shalt put This outward ceremony of laying on the hands shall bee accompanyed by me with a new gift of my spirit in heroicall qualities which shall appeare in his carriage look and gestures to gaine him the same authority and respect which thou hast with the people see Nu. 11. 17. 25. 1 Sa. 10. 6. 9. V. 21 Shall stand In all doubtfull and difficult businesses and enterprises see Jos. 9. 14. Judg. 1. 1. and 20. 18. 1 Sam. 23. 9. and 30. 7. After the judgement That is to say by way of oracle seeing that the high Priest having Urim and Thummim about him gave answers in Gods name which were of infallible truth and made a supream determination see Exod. 〈◊〉 15 30. Ezt 2 63. Before the Lord Before the Tabernacle turning his face towards the Arke or presenting himself before him by prayer At his word namely the high Priest CHAP. XXVIII VIRS 4. AT even The Italian hath Between the two evens see Ex. 1â— 6. V 6 whâ—ch was Which was ordained and used for sometime and afterwards was intermitted in the desert as many other ceremonies which had been ordained Amos 5. 25. Acts 7. 42. V. 7. In the holy place In the court neere the comming in of the Tabernacle where the Altar was Exo. 29. 42. V. 15. One kidde of the Goates The Italian A hee Goat See Lev. 42. 23. Num. 15. 24. V. 16. The fourteenth See upon Exo. 12. 6. V. 23. In the morning Under which is also understood that of the evening but this only is named because it was the first from which the solemnitie began V. 26. After your weekes That seven weekes which was from Easter to Pentecost Leviticus 23. 15. 16. CHAP. XXIX VERS 18. AFter the manner As it is set down v. 3 4 9 10. concerning meat-offerings And concerning drink-offerings Num. 28. 7 14. CHAP. XXX VERS 2. TO bind his soule Voluntarily submitting his person to divine punishment if he did faile in his vow and breake his promise Some understand these words for vows of abstinence and mortifying ones selfe for some reasonable and lawful respect towards Gods service See v. 13. 1 Sam. 14. 24. He shall
other two gates And the name seemeth to agree therewith for Parbar may signifie fruit or rent comming from strangers V. 20. Ahijah the meaning is Ahijah was the chiefe of all these sacred treasurers amongst which Iehieli Zetham and Joel with their Families whereof they were heads had the care of the consecrated money brought in by command or by the peoples liberality the treasures see upon 2 Kings 12. 4. three sorts of these holy treasures but here is only made mention of two there being no need of the third which was the sollicited collection the other two being sufficient of themselves V. 21. Chiefe Fathers the Italian addeth there were chiefe namely at that time as David made these orders V. 23. Amramites the posterity of Amram by Moses his sonne who upon some occasion to avoid superstition or usurpation of some preheminence forbidden by the Lord did not leave his own name to his children but let them passe in the common name of Levites and Amramites see 1 Chron. 23. 14. Vzzielites the posterity of Vzziel Amrams brother Exod. 6. 18. of whom there is nothing spoken hereafter whether there bee any mutilation in this setting down which might happen through the injury of times or whether this Family bee comprehended in some of the other V. 24. The sonne descended from him by a direct line from father to sonne ruler this was a second head of the sacred treasures namely of that kinde which was extraordinarily ordained for the building of the Temple V. 25. His brethren his kindred descended from Moses his other sonne Eliezer V. 27. To maintain for the continuall maintenance of the Temple after it was built to which use it should seeme this stock of money was at first appointed leaving the first for the originall building Vnlesse by the word maintaining the building it selfe bee meant or a supply and ayd for that worke V. 29. Iezharites namely the posterity of Izhar the sonne of Kohath the sonne of Levi Exod. 6. 18. 21. outward businesse by Neh. 11. 16. it appeares that hereby must be understood the whole function of the Levites besides what they did in the Temple whether it were in the office of Iudges and inferior Magistrates Deut. 16. 18. who proceeded only by the exposition of the Law 1 Chron. 23. 4. 2 Chron. 19. 11. Or in the care of providing without all that was necessary for the building and maintenance of the Temple and service of God V. 30. In all businesse having care and power to cause the Law of God to be observed and by these the Kings decrees made thereupon were put in execution in the Countrey V. 31. In the fortieth yeare which yeare David made these partitions of places before hee appointed Solomon for his successor Iazer which city was assigned to the children of Merari Iosh. 21. 34. 39. but it is not said upon what reason or occasion the Hebroniles did seat themselves there V. 32. For every matter as v. 30. CHAP. XXVII VER I. THe children after the division of the sacred offices the military ones were divided being appointed and disposed of by David in a new manner besides the old division of the people into families thousands and hundreds c. that served these were after the manner of Legionary souldiers mustered under divers Captaines who had all one chiefe commander of the Legion to be ready upon all occasions at home and abroad serving by turnes a moneth in a year and likely the heads were continually by the Kings person though the men staied at home still ready at the Kings beck V. 3. Of Perez of Iudahs race Gen. 46. 12. V. 4. the ruler as who should say the Lievtenant Generall v. 6. 7. V. 5. A chiefe Priest the Italian principall officer because that besides this military charge he was also a court officer as great Provost or Captaine of the guard 2 Sam. 8. 18. in his course in his course wherein Amizadaâ— was Lievtenant having inferior captaines under him V. 6. The thirty of which see 2 Sam. 23. 24. above as being one of the six Colonels 2 Sam 23. 20. 22. V. 7. After him that is to say after hee was dead 2 Sam. 2. 23. V 8. Shamhuth who seemeth to be the same as Shammoth the Havorite 1 Chron. 11. 27. and Shammah 2 Sam. 23. 25. V. 11. The Zarhites the children of Zarah the sonne of Iudah Gen. 46. 12. V. 15. Heldai it seemeth to bee the same as Heleb 2 Sam. 23. 29. and Heled 1 Chron. 11. 30. V. 16. Over the tribes the Italian addeth there were rulers over c. it is uncertain whether these were commanders in warre severall from the particular precedent numbrings who should command in case of a generall levie of all the tribes over all the heads of hundreds and thousands or whether they were governours in the politick government and over the Magistrates of judicature to which seemeth to bee referred that which is spoken 2 Chron. 19. 11. V. 18. Elihu called also Eliah 1 Sam. 16. 6. V. 21. Of the tribes amongst which Asher is left out for some unknown reason V. 23. Took not for though hee had commanded it and begun yet all was left unperfect and was broken off see 2 Sam. 24. 1. 1 Chron. 21. 5. 6. because and therefore the curious requiring of the exact number of them was a tempting of God by an exact curiosity as it were to make good his promise V. 24. Because for that hee had commanded the people to be numbred below the age appointed by tâ—e Lord. V. 25. Treasures gathered up in Ierusalem in the fields they were store-houses of provisions and fruites of the earth as 1 Kings 9. 19. or of the tributes gathered of cities without Jerusalem V. 26. Of the field in the Kings own lands and so consequently V. 27. Over the over the dressing of them and the ma 〈…〉 ing belonging to them V. 29. Sharon it is not certaine whether here be meant the fruitfull valley which was in Ephraim Isa. 33. 9. and 35. 2. or the other Sharon beyond â—â—â—daâ— 1 Chron. 5. 16. V. 32. Uncle or cozen a Scribe the Italian a learned man the Hebrew a Scribe that is to say a man who understood the Scriptures Or a Doctor of the Law was with as a tutor or a governour CHAP. XXVIII VER II. OF rest where it might remaine constantly without being removed from place to place for the foot-stoole the Arke is so called Psal. 99. 5. and 132. 7. for the Lord being represented sitting above the cherubines which covered the Arke as upon a throne the body of the Arke was in stead of a foot-stoole V. 4. Chose mâ— me and my posterity untill the comming of the Messiaâ— V. 8. And seek that you study and employ your selves therein to gaine a lively knowledge of them and employ your selves in the keeping of them V. 11. Of the mercie seat the cover of the Ark is so called Exod. 25. 17 over the which
wind By this tempestuous and scorching wind Jon. 4. 8. is meant Gods judgement executed by the meanes of the Chaldeans Ezek. 19. 12. in the furrowes that is to say notwithstanding Egypts assistance and reliefe V. 12. The King namely Jehoiachim v. 2. 3. V. 13. Of the namely Zedekiah v. 5. and hath taken that is to say hee hath carried them away with him to weaken the Kingdome so much the more and for to have hostages by him V. 17. Made for him Hee shall doe Zedekiah no good who was straitly besieged by Nebuchadnezzar Jer. 37. 57. V. 18. His hand namely his faith and promise V. 19. Mine oath namely the punishment for breaking the oath hee had made in my name V. 22. Take off This begun to be put in execution in Zerubbabel who was of the blood Royall and brought the people out of Babylon but the perfect accomplishment is in Christ the everlasting King and sonne of David Isa. 11. 1. a tender hereby are meant Christs weake beginnings in his humane nature who was descended from the ancient stocke of the Kings of Juda. V. 23. The mountaine namely in my Church which spiritually is higher then any worldly height Isa. 2. 2. 3. Ezek. 20. 40. Mic. 4. 1. under it all nations shall come under the Messias to shelter themselves from all evills V. 24. The trees namely the great ones and Princes of the world CAAP. XVIII Vers. 2. HAve eaten have sinned and the children have suffered for it as the sins of Mannasâ—â—h are remembred upon Judah and the sinnes of Jeroboam upon the ten tribes See Lam. 5. 7. V. 3. Any more Since you make my patience an argument whereupon to tax my judgements I will hereafter bring them presently upon him that sinneth and lay open your iniquities like unto the iniquities of your forefathers for which I have heretofore punished you V. 4. All soules I am equally God and Judge of all not accepting of persons And if I doe delay my generall punishments it is out of my superabundant goodnesse And if the children doe beare the iniquities of the fathers it is according to justice either by reason of their imitating them or in so much as I punish them in their body and goods which they have from their fathers But the judgements upon the soule which proceed absolutely from me and is mine have no other cause nor foundation but every ones owne works V. 6. Hath not eaten namely of the idols sacrifices whose service was done upon hils and mountaines Ezek. 22. 9. See Deut. 32. 38. Ps. 106. 28. 1 Cor. 10. 20 21. List up his that is to say shall have detested them with all his heart Desiled by adultery V. 10. Any one the Italian any thing like to one Heb. the brother of any of these things V. 11. Any of those namely all the good deeds set downe before v. 7 8 9. V. 13. His bloud He shall suffer the capitall punishment for his owne sinne and he shall be the causer of his owne death Lev. 20. 9. Acts 18. 6. V. 17. Hath taken off his hand the Italian hath withdrawne that is to say keeps himselfe from wronging or oppressing him though he might have cause to doe it V. 19. Why He sheweth that those prophane men contending with the Prophets did seeke to catch them and make them confesse either that Gods judgements were not just in punishing the children for the fathers sinnes Or that the Prophets limitations and expositions were contrary to Gods Law Exod. 20. 5. Deut. 59. When the meaning of my Law is that I will punish the sinnes of the fathers upon the children in case that they follow their fathers examples which I doe often suffer to fall out so through my secret judgement And if through my speciall grace I doe sanctifie them so that they doe not follow their fathers steps they shall also be exempted from the punishment V. 20. The sonne namely the innocent sonne who is by my spirit purged from his fathers wickednesses Yet this is no generall rule in respect of the body and bodily goods in which God in all seasons hath visited the children for the fathers sinnes but must be understood of the everlasting punishment of the soule or especially and particularly of the corporall punishments of those times The righteousnesse that is to say every one shall receive either a reward for his good works or punishment for his evill works V. 22. Shall live He shall be delivered from the common evils of this world and shall attaine to everlasting life to which the true way and direction is the pure and constant conversion of a sinner V. 23. And live Or had I not rather that he should be converted from his evill wayes and live V. 25. Ye say the Italian will ye say will you yet dare to taxe either mine actions with injustice or my words and my law with contradiction Are not your All the injustice is in you who follow your fathers wayes and not in me My Law agreeth well with this doctrine but your understanding is perverted V. 26. When 〈◊〉 This is the rule of my soveraigne Justice that the death of every one shall be the punishment of his owne proper sinne as the order of my mercy is to give a sinner hope that he shall be restored by repentance Both the one and the other ought to be well enough knowne unto you but that in this contestation you fight against your owne consciences V. 30. Every one and not for the sinnes of their fathers as you impute it to me Your ruine the Italian a stumbling blocke to you to cause your ruine V. 31. Make you give way to the spirit of grace to whom it properly belongeth to regenerate a man who cannot doe it of himselfe Ier. 13. 23. Ezek. 11. 19. and 36. 26. CHAP. XIX Ver. 1. FOr the Princes namely for Jehoahaz Jehoiachim and Zedekiah last Kings of Judah in whom consisted the remainder of the people of Israel V. 2. What is thy mother a Lionesse that she layeth namely every one of those Kings Or thou Nation of the Jewes Jerusalem wherein you have been borne and bred hath for a long time been a city of bloud and violence and hath brought forth Kings of the same nature V. 3. One of her namely Jehoahaz who was carried away a prisoner into Aegypt 2 King 23. 33. Jer. 23. 11. V. 4. Their pit or net a terme taken from the hunting of Lyons V. 5. When she saw namely Jerusalem when she saw that there was no hope that Jehoahaz should be restored tooke another namely Jehoiakim appointed to be King by the King of Aegypt 2 King 23. 34. V. 6. Went A description of Jehoiakims treaties with other Kings and chiefly with the King of Aegypt which was also the cause of his ruine V. 7. Their Cities namely the Cities of his people by his extorsions and violences 2 King 24 4. Jer. 22. 17. By the noise by his cruell and
25. For although Jacob reproved the deed Gen. 34. 30. and 49. 6. yet remained he Lord of the place as by right of warre which was as the first fruit of the destruction of the accursed natioâ—ns CHAP. XLIX VERS 3. MY might Begotten in the floure of my age and of my strength an Hebrew phrase as Deut. 21. 17. Psa. 78. 51. The excellency By the right of thine eldership thou hadst the superiority of commanding thy brethren and the honour of Priesthood and the prerogative of the double part V. 4 Unstable The Italian hath it All that is runne out Through thine abominable incest thou hast lost that naturall right thou hadst like water powred upon a pent-house for the Dominion was transferred to Iudah the Priesthood to Levi and the double portion to Ioseph in the persons of his 2 children Gen. 48. 5. 1 Chr. 5. 1. Thou shalt not excell The Italian Thou shalt not have the superioritie By my patriarchall authoritie I deprive thee of thy right of eldership Up to my couch The Italian addeth All that vanished away that thy degree is vanished away like a vapour or smoake the Hebrew is gone up V. 5 Are Brethren Even as they were borne of one mother so were they joyned together in their wills in the action touching the Sichemites Gen. 34. 25. V. 6 Come not thou God forbid that ever I should either in thought or word have had any part in those bloudy councells and enterprizes Mine honour That is my tongue according to the Hebrew phrase Psal. 16. 9. and 30. 12. and 57. 8. 9. because that the facultie of speaking amongst the sensible faculties is the noblest that man hath above all creatures In their selfe will In their owne passion without any lawfull power or any just enforcement which are the two things which make taking up of armes just Digged down Utterly destroyed the City of Sichem though that be not expressed in the history V. 7 I will divide them For a punishment of their blame-worthy union and league I decree their posteritie to be scattered amongst the other tribes in the division of the Land of Canaan So Simeons part was intermixed with Iudahs Ios. 19. 1. and it was yet more scattered when the one part of it went to seek out new habitations 1 Chron. 4. 24. Levi also had no part together but was divided amongst all the tribes Ios. 21. 4. c. V. 8 Shall praise That is shall honour thee and acknowledge thee for their head and superior 1. Chron. 5. 2. He alludes to the signification of Iudahs name whereof see Gen 29. 35. Thy band he prophecyeth of the peoples victoriâ—s wherein Iudah was alwayes the chief Iudg. 1. 2. and 20. 18. chiefly under David and his descent Now under these corporall warres and victories are also understood Christs spirituall ones who was the true Lion of Iudah Râ—v 5. 5. Thy fathers châ—ldren All my posterity shall respect thee as their Lord in the Kingdome conferred upon the Tribe of Iudah in Davids person And all the Chuâ—ch which is the true Israel in spirit shall worship Christs person which came from Iudah according to the flesh Gen. 27. 29. V 9 A Lions whelp That is to say in his beginnings and as it were in his first youth he shall overcome and subdue his enemies and then shall enjoy that rest which he hath established through his valour An old Lion For there are two kindes of Lions the one short and trussed up with a curled haire the other greater with long haire and more fierce V. 10 The Sâ—â—pter The right of eldership and of supreme temporall Dominion shall never be quite taken away from thee untill the Messias be come who shall be of thy posterity and he shall change it into a spirituall and everlasting kingdome destroying a little while after by means of the Romans both the people and forme of any Jewish Common-weale Dan. 9. 26 27. Now although the Tribe of Judah have not alwayes beene in possession of the kingdome as before David in Babylon under the Asmoneans who were Levites and under Herod the Idumean yet it never lost the title and right to it and hath alwayes kept some Reliques of the possession having the body of its common-weale severall and its divine and humane Lawes which never was promised nor happened unto any of the other Tribes Isa. 7. 8. And the alteration of one raigning generation altereth not the kingdome if the same people and Lawes remaine Now he describeth this slate by the Scepter and the Law-giver and by the first fifteen poynted out the supream power and by the second the administration of Justice Councels and Offices of government Between It seemeth that he alludes to the custome and fashion of Kings who when they sit in their Thrones have below at their feet their Chancellors Councellors and chiefe officers Shiloh The Italian hath it him to whom that belongeth That is the Messias the true everlasting King of his Church Psalm 2. 6 and 110. 2 Of whom the earthly ones were onely figures and representers The Hebrew word Shiloh hath beene by many of the ancient rightly translated Vnto him Hee shall convert it into a spirituall and universall Kingdome over all people Others unto him shall the people be gathered and reduced V. 11. Binding A propheticall and allegoricall description of the Churches spirituall blessings Vnto the Vine As in some other lands one might bind his bâ—ast he râ—deth on to a stump or wild shrub The meaning is the Land shall be so perfectly unshrubbed and unforrested that one shall hardly find any uselesse plant to tye an Asse unto See Isa. 7. 25. He washed As Job 29. 6. V. 12. With Wine Or more than Wine or Milk V. 14. Asse A mighty nation but cowardly in its enterprizes and base to submit it self to the yoak of slavery before it will free it selfe with labour and danger Coâ—ching down Shut up in his owne countrey like an Asse in a stable See Judges Chapt. 5 verse 15. V. 16. Shall judge By allusion to the name of Dan which signifieth judgement Genesis 30. 6. He meaneth that Dan shall have his Tribe within his jurisdiction and government as the other or peradventure he meaneth it of Sampson the Danite who judged that is to say governed the whole nation see Judges 13. 2. 24. V. 17. A Serpent A crafty people who shall proceed more by deceits than by open strength See an an example thereof Judg. 18. and in the whole history of Sampson V. 18 O Lord It should seem that Jacob at the remembrance of Dan trembleth with horror and rageth fore-seeing that in that Tribe should be erected the generall idolatrie of the ten Tribes from whence should grow their ruine 1. Kings 12. 29. Amos 8. 14. which should be restored by the Messias whom he also looketh upon in this astonishment see Hos. 3. 4 5. V. 19 A troup His country shall be exposed to incursions and robbings
peoples deliverance bringing them into the land of promise which was denied to Moses to shew us that Christ only pointed at by Joshua Exo. 3. 8. doth bring his Church to the fruition of the kingdom of heaven which the Law could not do V. 49. Unto mount See how this ought to be understood upon Num. 27. 12. V. 50. He gathered See Gen. 15. 15. CHAP. XXXIII VERS 1. THe man of God Namely a Prophet inspired by divine Spirit in giving this blessing V. 2. Came From the top of Sinai a hill of Idumea called Seir in the wildernesse of Paran God appeared unto his people to give them his Law Exod. 19. 18. From Seir. from off Idumea see Gen. 33. 14. 16. and 36. 8. Now under the name of Idumea often times is meant in Scripture all the Countrey from the red sea to the dead sea or lake of Sodom See 1 King 9. 26. Paran See of this name generall to that great mountainous wildernesse Numbers 13. 3. Ten thousands The Italian hath it From the ten thousands Namely from heaven which is the habitation of holy Angels which are in manner of innumerable armies of God see Psal. 68. 27. Dan. 7. 10. Rev. 5. 11. and 9. 16. Went The Italian Having on his right hand Being in a manner armed with fire Exo. 19. 18 and 24. 17. for to pronounce his Law in token of the power of it Jer. 23. 29. and of his terror and curse against sinners Heb. 12. 18. V. 3. Yea he loved The Italian Though thou lovest that is to say O Lord though thou through a common love causest all men to feele some effects of thy goodnesse yet thou bearest thy people a speciall affection whom thou hast sanctified and taken as proper to thy selfe to have them under thy care and protection At thy feet attentive and tractable like to thy disciples Luke 10. 39. Acts 22. 3. V. 4. The inheritance The singular wealth and treasure that God bestoweth upon his children and in which as in a generall inheritance are comprehended all other goods which also by vertue of the Covenant passeth from the father to the child See Psal. 119. 111. V. 5. King He hath not only been a Law-giver but also a supreme Magistrate actually administring his own Law Such Kings raigning by vertue and justice only not by force and violence were anciently called Heroick Kings When the heads So it is declared that this Monarchy of Moses was tempered with Aristocracy in which temperature consists the most absolute kind of government And the Tribes This seemes to be added to shew so much the more the harmony of this Common-wealth the whole people with a free accord consenting to Moses his Laws proposed in the generall assembly V. 6 Let Reuben live God will not suffer and I pray him it may not the tribe of Reuben be utterly extinguished for the grievous sins of its first father Gen. 49. 3 4. though by that meanes it were deprived of the gift of great increase which seemed to belong unto him by birth right and was conferred upon Joseph V. 7. Judah Because that there is no mention made of Simeon in these blessings some imagine that this tribe was comprehended under Judah in whose countrey Simeons part was also included Jos. 19. 1. Judg. 1. 3 Bang him He hath a relation to the severall captivities of this tribe out of all which it was delivered ever untill the comming of the Messias whereas the other tribes were dispersed without being restored Be sufficient let it have no need of any human helpe to maintain it but only thou O God lend it thine aide Others he shall fight with his own hands for himselfe that is to say he shall defend himselfe valiantly against all his enemies Gen. 49. 8. V. 8. Thy Thummim He directeth his speech to God The sense is O Lord confirme thy Priesthood meant by these two words Exo. 28. 30. to Aarons lineage whom thou hast consecrated to it though thou hast imposed that just punishment upon him that he should not enter into the land of Canaan for the fault which he committed at the waters of Meriba Numb 20. 13. which were also called of Massah as the rest Exod. 17 7. because that God did there try his servants Thou diddest strive rebuking him and severely punishing him V. 9. Who This hath a relation to that that the Priests being judges in many cases Deut. 17. 9. and 19 7. ought to be free from all acceptation of persons following Moses and Aarons examples who had proceeded therein with all manner of integrity Others referre this to the history of the execution done by the Levites for the pure zeale of God without any carnall respects Exod. 32. 27. and to the Law of mourning for the next of kinne Lev. 10 6 7. and 21. 10. They The Priests and Levites who till then had kept themselves pure in Gods service and obedience more than the rest of the people but by these words their duty is not so much set down as the act commanded Mal. 2. 7. See Jer. 18. 18. V. 11. His substance The Italian hath it His army for the orders services and the whole conduct of the Leviticall Ministery had some resemblance of military discipline See Numb 4. 3. The worke Namely his Ministery Smite through Destroy all Shcismaticks that shall seeke to oppose that order of Priesthood which thou hast appointed See Numbers chap. 16. v 5. V. 12. The belived It should seem he calleth Benjamin so by reason that as Jacob loved Benjamin in a singular manner he being the youngest of all his children Gen. 44. 30. So the Lord honored that tribe being the least of all the rest 1 Sam. 9. 21. Psal. 68. 27. Chusing Jerusalem which was within her territories Jos. 18. 28. for the place of his Temple and service By him Neere to his Temple which was as it were Benjamins safeguard Between his Let the chiefe City of Benjamin be Jerusalem a City of Gods singular presence in which the two holy hills of Moriah and Sion resembled two shoulders a figure of Gods power and protection who beareth of the whole body of his people V. 13. The precious things See Gen. 49. 25. For the deep that is to say of the earth moystned and fattened by the sweet exhalations up the waters under the earth V. 14. By the Sun Which warmeth the earth and quickens the seeds and ripens the fruits The Moon Which the diverse seasons and months of the yeare produce in great variety V. 15. Mountaines See Gen. 49. 26. V. 16. Of him Of God who appeared in the bush Exodus 3. 2. for a signe of his residence in grace and power in the middest of his people V. 17. His glory He hath a reference to the power valour and warlike customes of these two tribes See Psal. 78 9. The people which shall come to assault him or all those Nations whose land that was which God had assigned for his
the North of Palestina V. 3 Sihor Which was the Torrent of Egypt Numbers 34. 5. which is counted though the Philistims came not out of Canaan Genesis 10. 14. yet was that Countrey which they possessed themselves of held to be part of Canaan and was comprehended within Gods gift given to his people The Avites Which had anciently possessed that countrey which afterwards was taken by the Philistims who chased out the old inhabitants Deuteron 2. 23. But peradventure some remnant of them remained in some part of that Countrey from whom it retained the name V. 4 From the south He would say that upon all the coast of the Mediterranean sea from the South where the Philistims were to the North where the Sidonians were remained the Canaanites Amorites these were some Northern Amorites of which see Judg. 1. 34. V. 5. Gheblites People neare Sidon whose City or Countrey was called Ghebal Psal 83. 7. Ezec. 27. 9. 40. V. 6 Divide thru it Though these Countries are not yet conquered doe thou neverthelesse divide them amongst the Tribes for I will give them the possession thereof in their due i me See the first chap. of Judges V. 11 Border Of which they had onely received the right from Moses and not the possession as appeares by v. 2. and 13. that they had it not yet in Ioshua's time V. 12 The remnant of the Giants The Italian Rahaims or Giants V. 14 The sacrifices The portions thereof assigned to the Priests and under these kinds of Offerings are contained all other kinds which were given to the Levites Num. 18. 8. 20. 24. V. 15. According to Proportioning the quantity of land to the number of the families or assigning to every family its part V. 23 The border See how this ought to bee understood Num. 34. 6. V. 25 The children God had forbidden the taking of any parcel of the Ammonites lands from them Deuteron 2. 19. Whereby it may bee presumed that this halfe was already taken and possessed by Sihon as a part of Moab was Numbers chapter 21. verse 26. V. 31 To the one halfe The other half had its share on this side Jordan Jos 17. 2. 5. CHAP. XIV VERS 2. BY Lot Wherein they proceeded in this kinde All the countrey being divided into so many parts as there were Tribes When the lot was drawn for one Tribe in such or such a countrey according as the number of that Tribe was great or small to the portion of it was either enlarged or restrayned See Num. 26. 55. V. 4 For the This is added to shew how two Tribes and a halfe being provided for of shares beyond Iordan and the Tribe of Levi being to have no inheritance there could be yet nine Tribes and a halfe to provide for Iacob having left but twelve sons in all and that was by reason that the posterity of two of Iosephs children made two Tribes 1 Chr. 5. 1 2. according to Iacobs order Gen. chapter 48. verse 5. V. 6 Came To second Calebs demand by their consent or intercession V. 9 Moses By Gods own will declared Nu. 14. 24. Whereon See how that ought to be understood upon Num. 13. 30. V. 10 Forty and five Seeing that word was spoken two years after the comming out of Egypt and that after that the people had wandered eight and thirty years in the wildernesse Deut. 2. 14. it is manifest that this was the seventh yeare after the comming into the land of Canaan and from hence we may see that six whole yeares went to the conquering of it Wandred was constrayned by Gods command to go back into the wildernesse Num. 14 25. V. 11 I am Caleb speaketh this to celebrate Gods miraculous benefit like unto that which is spoken of Moses Deut. 34. 7. and to shew that he was yet able to conquer the countrey which hee required which was yet possessed by the Anakites the overcomming of which nation he had in Moses his time assured V. 12 This mountaine or mountainous Countrey If so be These are no termes of distrust but of modesty and submission to Gods will for the time and meanes V. 13 Hebron See Ios. 15. 13. Iudg. 1. 20. Now this is to be understood of the territory of Hebron and Cities of that Countrey because that the City it selfe was given to the Priests Ios. 21. 11. 1 Chron. 6. 55 56. V. 14. Caleb And to his posterity CHAP. XV. VERS 1. BY their As every Tribe was divided into families and into housholds according to the number and greatnesse of which was proportioned the share of land which was awarded unto them V. 2 Salt sea The lake of Sodom sulphurous and bituminous contrary to other lakes of fresh water which were in Palestine V. 4 The sea Namely the Mediterranean sea V. 5 Vnto the end Where it went out into the lake of Sodom V. 6 Bohan Iudah did no way border upon Reuben wherefore it is likely this stone was so called for some other unknown reason V. 8 That lyeth Namely the foresaid mountaine V. 10 Seir This Seir being in the middle of the land of Iudah can by no meanes be Seir of the Idumeans V. 12 And the coast thereof See upon Numbers 34. 6. V. 14 The children That is to say they were of his posterity Now under the name of these three giants may be comprehended the whole race of them which dwelt in that City V. 15 He went up The taking of this city hath been already described Ios. 10. 38. and therefore this seemeth to be but onely a repetition of the same history to shew who was chiefe in that enterprise namely Othniel and what was the occasion of it V 18. A field A free hold as an addition of reward for otherwise the daughters had no part in the inheritance Lighted The Italian hath it She cast her selfe down at her fathers feet as intending to make some particular request to him V. 19 A south land The Italian A drye land Hebrew a South land exposed to the scorching of that aspect Give me Ioyne unto this field or inheritance which my Husband hath desired of thee other Lands adjoyning which have water in them that wee may water it and make it fruitfull V. 32 Twenty and nine the afore-named Cities are six and thirty but seven of them were given to the tribe of Simeon Ioshua chapter 19. verse 1. V. 36 Gederothaim This city seemeth to bee but onely an addition to the preceedent as if one should say Gederah the double for otherwise in stead of fourteen cities there would be fifteen V. 47 And the border See upon Numbers chap. 34. 6. V. 63 Could not God whose Oracle was enquired of in all enterprises did not suffer them or did not give them the power and opportunity according to the prediction Deuteronomy chapt 7. verse 22. onely to try and exercise the people Iudg. 3. 3. 45. Drive them out Wholly because that one part of Ierusalem was taken by the tribe of
Iudah Iudg. 1. 8. But there remained yet the rock of Sion and one part of the city which David tooke in his time 2. Samuel chapter 5. verse 7. CHAP. XVI VERS 1. BY Iericho See Numb 22. 1. The water It might be some particular place called by this name which is specified because that the Easterne border of the Ephramites did not extend it self all along that part of Iordan which carried the name of Iericho yea onely to this place as it appeareth in the eighteenth chapter of Ioshua and the twelfth verse From the bounds of Benjamin which bordered with Ephraim V. 4 Manasseh The halfe of this tribe which had not had its share beyond Iordan V. 5. On the east side Namely on the North-east side V. 7 To Jericho Within the Territories thereof for otherwise the city of Iericho fell to Benjamins lot Ioshua the eighteenth chapter and the one and twentieth verse CHAP. XVII VERS 1. FOR he was Though hee was the first borne yet Ephraim which was the youngest was preferred by Iacobs appoyntment Genesis the eight and fortieth chapter verse the tenth As well in dignity being first drawne in the division As also in great largenesse of Countrey proportioned to the greater Number of Ephraims issue Because he was Wherefore they freely archieved the conquest of the land which Moses had given them Numbers 32. 39. and for the same reason they were chosen by him to inhabite in that place to stand as it were in defence of that dangerous frontier Gilead The one halfe of it as it appeareth Deuteronomy chapter 3. vers 12 13. V. 2 By their Whereof each one was a head of a nation which carried their name V. 5 Ten portions Five for the five brothers verse the second and five more for the five daughters of Zelophelâ—d the son of Hefer who was the sixth brother V. 6 The Daughters In this Tribe the division was not made onely according to the number of the males as in other Tribes but also of the females V 10 Met together The Italian Bordered These two Tribes descending both from one Patriarch Joseph being joyned together for otherwise if you did divide them Manasseh bordered upon the other two tribes V. 11 The Inhabitants who because they could not be driven out were brought into bondage as it is said afterwards V. 12 Would dwell Resolved to stand upon their owne defence to be admitted to capitulation that they might dwell in their owne Cities V. 14 The children Namely of the two Tribes Ephraim and Manasseh One lot They did indeed receive two severall portions but they would say that they both were worth but one in regard of their great multitude and that one of their tribes was sufficient to people them both especially seeing that a great part thereof was yet enjoyed and possessed by the Canaanites V. 15 To the wood Countrey It was some great wood between these two tribes V. 16 The hill The hilly part which wee have hitherto conquered and as for the plaine the Canaanites have the advantage of us by reason of their warre Charets Judges 1. 19. and 4. 3. Of Iron It was thought they were Charets for warre the axle trees armed with Iron-hooks and trimmed up every where with Iron both for offence and defence V. 17 Thou shalt not have As there is good reason thou shouldest have as much land as two Tribes so thou must employ a double strength in conquering of 〈◊〉 V. 18 For it is The Italian If it be If the rest of the countrey be a wood the best remedy is to cut it Thou shalt drive out with the help of God which will not faile thee so that thou employest thy sâ—fe in it valiantly and put thy confidence in him and his promises CHAP. XVIII VERS 4. DEscribe it Thou shalt take a note of the countrey and of the situation of it the bignesse of it and number of the Cities and Castles to make the shares equall V. 6 Yee shall therefore Joshua's words to the Deputies which were already chosen The Lord that is to say before the Ark. V. 7 The Priest-hood They have their portions assigned them out of the things which are offered and consecrated to God in recompence of their service V. 19 The North bay The salt sea or lake of Sodome stretched it self from the North and South and at the two heads it did restraine it selfe into two great poynts whereof the Northern was the end of the Land of Benjamin and the Southerne one of that of Judah Josh. chapter 15. verse 2. and the mouth of Jordan which went out into this lake was Southernly in regard of the head thereof which was northerly CHAP. XIX VERS 2. BEer-sheba This City and that which followeth next were both but one City divided by some river or wall otherwise in stead of thirteen Cities there would bee fourteen See 1 Chronicles 4. 28. V. 9. The Inheritance See upon Josh. chapt 15. verse 32. V. 11 The River Called Kishon Judg. chap. 4 verse 7. V. 15 Bethlehem This is another City of the same name as that which was in Judah where the Lord was borne yet it is not the same Twelve the whole number of the Cities which are named is sixteen But we must imagine that amongst this number there were some which were not of Simeons portion but did onely border upon it V. 27 Cabul This is not the name of a City for then in stead of two and twenty there would be three and twenty but it is the name of some Countrey lying in the outermost bounds of Palestina 1 Kings 9. 13. V. 34 To Iudah Jordan was the Eastern border of this tribe and of all the rest of the Tribes which lay upon it untill it came to Judah V. 38. Nineteen See how this number must bee understood upon v. 2. 15. V. 47. Went up That is to say afterwards After the death of Joshua Judges 18. where Lesem is called Lais which was at the Northerne end of the Countrey whereby Dan is after set downe for the northerne head opposite to Beer-sheba the southern head V. 50. Built Repaired it from the ruines of the warres increased it and made it fitting for his own use CHAP. XX. VERS 1. SPake In a sensible apparition as Jos. 5. 14. or in a prophetick revelation V. 4 His cause The true relation of the fact for his owne justification Take him Namely if they doe not find him guilty of wilfull murther V. 8 Assigned Confirmed and ratified that which was already appoynted by Moses Deuteronomy 4. 43. V. 9 Untill hee Till that after the death of the high Priest he did present himselfe before the great assembly of the people to be re-established in his owne house under the security of publike protection after his innocence was made knowne and the avengers wrath abated and qualified CHAP. XXI VERS 11. OF Anak The Italian hath it Anoe commonly called Anak V. 12 The fields Beyond the two thousand cubits
into another by the motion of the propheticall spirit which was now most evident and to be acknowledged for a Prophet and to visit the Colledges of the Prophets CHAP. III. VERS III. VNto the sins to the Idolatrie of the Calves and all things depending thereon which are set down 1 Kings 12. 28. 31. 32. V. 4. Rendred after that the land of Moab was conquered by David 2 Sam. 8. 2. the Kings thereof had been tributary and after the separation of the ten Tribes it seemeth that Moab remained to Israel and Edom to Iudah Lambs see upon Isa. 16. 1. V. 9. The King of Edom it is likely that it is the same who is called Governor or Vice-Roy by the King of Iudah 1 Kings 22. 47. and he might be one of Hadads posterity 1 Kings 11. 21. who amongst his own people might be called King though by the Kings of Iudah his Soveraign Lords hee was only made a Governour untill such time as hee rebelled 2 Kings 8. 20. V. 11. Which powred who was his houshold servant V. 12. The word hee is Gods ordinary Prophet and God revealeth his secrets to him V. 13. Of thy Mother see 1 Kings 18. 19. Nay in this extreme streight which I see proceedeth from the true God should I turne to an Idoll to seek for remedy or help at his hands V. 15. A Minstrell according to the custome of the Prophets which was to elevate and purge the spirits and organs of the body by sounds and tunes of Musick to prepare the soule to aske and receive propheticall inspirations by some holy subject lively imprinted and vivified in the minde by songs or musicall instruments see 1 Sam. 10. 5. the hand he was taken by a motion of the holy Ghost both to receive the divine revelation and to declare it with actions motions and other prophetick wayes Eze. 118. and 3. 4. 22. and 8. 1. V. 16. Make to receive the water which shall fall by miracle Thus God for the most part first prepareth the vessells which are to receive his grace which is never limited nor hindered but onely by mans incapacity V. 19. And yee shall a command joyned with a promise of certaine execution V. 20. Offering namely the daily morning offering see Exo. 29. 39. V. 22. Red they seemed thus red by reason of the Sunne beames which met with the vapors that did arise out of the earth which the Moabites could not imagine because those waters were come thither unknown to them V. 25. Only they leâ—t that principall city nothing but the wals and the buildings having destroyed all the Countrey about Or there remained not a stone upon a stone in any other city but onely that all the rest were ruined Kirâ—a-raseth whereof see Isa. 16. 11. went about it to hinder any one from comming upon the wall whiles it was battered with engines or digged down with mattâ—cks V. 26. To break â—â—oron to save himselfe by a strong issuing out V. 27. Offered him according to the abominable superstition of many Heathen people who were wont to sacrifice their dearest children in extreame dangers and desperate cases there was the other two confederate Kings moved at this cruelty detested the King of Israels obstinate spleen which had caused such an exorbitant thing to be done CHAP. IV. VERS I. TO be bondmen according to the permission of the Law Lev. 25. 39. V. 3. Borrow not see upon 2 Kings 3. 16. V. 7. Pay to shew that God will have right to be observed as well by poore as by rich men V. 8. Shunem a citie of Ishacar Iosh. 19. 18. A great woman the Italian a mighty or great which may also bee referred to her quality and degree V. 10. On the wall private that he may be there privately without any disturbance V. 13. I dwell my husband and I live privately and are at peace with all men we have no businesse at court nor meddle we with great ones V. 14. Verily the Italian addeth I know not but she hath c. I do not see that she hath need of any thing but only that having no children and her husband being old shee is like shortly to bee alone V. 16. Doe not lie doe not feed mee with vaine hopes V. 23. New Moone these dayes were holy by Gods Law wherefore godly people of the ten Tribes where Gods service was overthrown did use upon those dayes to go to the Prophets Colledges to doe their devotions there and receive comfort by the hearing of Gods word V. 26. It is well to cut off her speech with Gehazi hastening to speak with Elisha himselfe V. 27. Caught him casting her selfe at his seet to entreat him shee held them fast to thew the instance of her request and that her onely resuge and hope was in the Prophet V. 28. Did I seeing that through Gods meere grace this childe was given â—e why was this benefit so soone taken away from me if I had been vitiously moved to dâ—sire him it were likely that God would therefore have punished me Or why hast thou by this gift given mee cause of joy to afflict mee the more grievously by such a sudden losse V. 29. If thou meet that is to say goe quickly without staying any where see Luke 10. 4. lay God did often work miracles by some of his servants externall things as by Moses rod Exod. 7. 9. 19. by Elijahs mantle 2 King 2. 14. by the Apostles garments Acts 19. 12. not by any perpetuall and necessary joyning of his power threunto but only during his pleasure which failing those things were to no effect as in this place V. 31. But there was namely in the childe is not awaked he is not come to life again according to the Scriptures ordinary stile V. 34. Lay upon as Elijah 1 King 17. 21. see there the reason of these actions V. 35. Returned being still drawn again by instance perseverance and patience in faith in his prayers to God necsed or gaped V. 38. Were sitting he suffered not the Colledge to be dissolved because of the famine he kepâ— it together and continued the holy exercises therein V. 39. A wild vine by this name is meant thâ— plant of Coloquintida whose fruit is called a wilde gourd V. 40. Death both by reason of the bitternesse as by reason of the cruell paines which this kinde of fruit causeth in mens bodies V. 41. There was no harme this happened not by reason of any naturall propertie of the meale but by Gods power onely who in his miraculous works makes use of any thing though it have no way any such property see Exod. 15. 25. 2 King 2. 20. and 5. 10. Ioh. 〈◊〉 5. V. 42. From Baal Shalisha or from the plaine of Shalisha see 1. Sam. 9. 4. of the first fruites which according to the law ought to have been presented to the Priests Num. 18. 2. but there being no true nor lawfull Priests among the ten tribes 1 King 12. 31. godly persons
waters namely of the red sea V. 17. The cloudes these particulars are not specified by Moses but they may be supposed by what is written Exod. 1â— 24. V. 19. Thy way thou wentest in the cloudy and fiery pillar through the sea before all thy people thy foot steps after thy people were gone through the waters returned into their naturall course Exod. 14. 26. 27. whence it appeares that this miracle was no naturall effect nor casuall accident and that it is appointed so to be by thee only for the deliverance of thy people PSAL. LXXVIII THE title Maschil see Psal. 32. in the title V. 1. My Law the Italian doctrine the Hebrew Law V. 4. Shewing to thee or they namely the generation to come shall tell the praises c. V. 5. A testimony namely the Law and the tables thereof see Exod. 16. 34. and 25. 21. V. 9. The children hee hath a reference to the children of Israels discomfiture by the Philistines 1 Sam. 4. 10. and specifieth the Tribe of Epharim as well for the might and valour of it which gave it a superioritie above the rest as also because that the Ark of the Lord was then residing in Siloh a city of Ephraim from whence it was transported to Judah and for this cause and by reason of Davids being chosen King Iudah became the head of the other Tribes and so the people was established in peace and blessing which is the chiefe subject of this Psalme see vers 60. 6â— 68. V. 12. Zoan a very ancient city of Egypt Num. 13. 22. Isa. 19. 13. Ezech. 30. 14. Named by other authors Thanez V. 16. Streames for out of that water issued a streame which went along with the people even in-into the land of Canaan Deut. 9. 21. Psal. 105. 41. 1 Cor. 10. 4. V. 23. Opened a figurative terme to expresse an extreame plenty sent from above as Gen. 7. 11. 2 Kings 7. 2. V. 24. The 〈◊〉 namely a kinde of food which was in stead of bread V. 25. Angels food Hebrew the food of the mighty which was an epithet given to the Angels Psal. 89. 6. and 103. 20. that is to say a food that seemed rather Angelicall and celestiall then earthly as well by reason of it origine parity and perfection as for the efficacie of it to preserve the body in perfect health and strength by Gods speciall appointment in those who did not by their distrust or rebellion make it of no efficacie He sent them in his wrath he would satisfie their unbounded desires though hee had before provided for their necessities Meat namely quailes whereof hee speaks afterward V. 27. Rained made it to fall out of the ayre as thick as any raine V. 28. Of their Camp or in his Camp God being in his Tabernacle in the middest of his people as a generall of an Army V. 30. They were not their lust was not yet satisfied though they had eaten flesh a whole month Num. 11. 20. 33. V. 31. The fattest that is to say the lustiest and mightiest the choyce of the people as Iudg. 3. 29. Or the chiefe and most renowned as Psal. 22. 29. V. 33. In vanity that is to say in long fruitlesse labours wandering in the wildernesse being not able to come into the land of Canaan which was the end of their journy Num. 14. 25. Others reducing them to nothing Others in a moment In trouble the Italian 〈◊〉 terrors namely in perpetuall fears of Gods judgements and of death which they were undoubtedly to suffer in the wildernesse according as God had threatned them Num. 14. 23. 29. Others suddenly V. 34. They sought him they were converted unto him and sought him V. 36. Flatter him that is to say they sought to re-obtaine his favour by fained prayers confessions and prorestations V. 38. F 〈…〉 ve the Italian cleansed that is to say pardoned them as if they had been sufficiently cleansed saving the common people from corporall punishments and as for his Elect applying the promised redeemers bloud unto them to cleanse them from all iniquity and free them from everlasting punishment Stirre up did not punish with extreame rigor see Zaâ—â— 1. 15. V. 39. But flesh that is to say sinners of a corrupt nature Gen. 6. 3. Iohn 3. 6. mortall and corruptible wherefore their misery moved the Lord to compassion see Iob. 7. 16. and 10. 20. and 14. 6. Psal. 103 13. V. 40. Grieve him a 〈◊〉 taken from man and his passions to expresse a grievious offence whereby God is alienated from man as Psal. 95. 10. Isa. 7. 13. Ephes. 4 30. V. 41. Limited they would subject God unto their own wills prescribing his works within certaine bounds of times meanes and other circumstances see Psal. 106. 13. Ier. 49. 19. or restraining through incredulity his power within the bounds of their naturall sense by believing him no farther then they were able to apprehend or through their incredulity they hindered God from working any greater miracles for their deliverence as Mark 6. 5. V. 42. They remembred not the Psalmist seemes here to goe on againe with the matter left off verse 12. V. 47. Sycomore a kinde of tree which by reason of the frequentnesse of it in Egypt is called an Egyptian figge-tree With frost or with haile stones V. 48. Gave up left them to bee kild and destroyed V. 49. Evill Angels namely devils who being Princes of the ayre caused these tempests V. 50. Made away caused these calamities which were sent by him in his wrath to showre down upon them without any stay or hinderance V. 51. The chiefe of the Italian the firstings namely their first-borne according to the phrase of Scripture see Gen. 49. 3. Of Ham that is to say of Egypt for Mizraim father of the Egyptians that gave Egypt its name was the son of Ham Gen. 10. 6. V. 53. They feared not that is to say without any reasonable cause of feare being continually safe under Gods protect on though they did alwayes through diffidence give themselves causes of feares and vaine terrors V. 54. Mountaine namely Sion upon which Ierusalem stood the chiese seat of Church and Kingdome or the whole hill countrey of Israel V. 56. They tempted this is the continuation of verse 42. His testimonies namely his Lawes Exod 16. 34. V. 57. Turned aside that is to say that whereas God led them by the hand to direct their actions and motions to his obedience they were turned aside even as a bow turning in the Archers hand when he is shooting which causeth him to misse his aime Hos. 7. 16. V. 58. High places namely Altars Chappels and such like places to celebrate divine service in out of the only place which was by him consecrated and was onely acceptable unto him or peradventure also dedicated to Idols and were so called because that they chose out the choicest hills for those purposes V. 60. He forsook namely when the Arke which was in Siloh was taken by
punish them and shewing favour to the others Ezek. 34. 17. Mat. 25. 32 33. will bring you will constraine you to acknowledge me for your God and King by those punishments the threatenings whereof I have joyned to my covenant by which I will chaine you up like wilde beasts and tame your stubbornnesse V. 38. Bring them forth as v. 35. V. 39. Goe ye I doe cast you off quite and give you over to all manner of wickednesse that my name which you make profession of worshipping may be no more prophaned by your hypocrisie nor be exposed to the scorne of mine enemies with your gifts offered indeed to the true God but defiled by the idolatry which is joyned to it See Isa. 1. 13. and 61. 8. or really presented to idols V. 40. For in mine I doe cast all you apostates off and will only hold the true Israel which truly beleeveth and is truly converted for to be my people and will gather them into my Church to be by them served in spirit and truth whereof the ancient service was but only a Figure An Evangelicall prophecye whereof the returne from Babylon was but only an essay except them an ordinary terme for lawfull sacrifices which were daily performed require shunning them no more as I had done the offerings of idolaters and hypocrites Isa. 1. 13 41. sanctified I will cause my selfe to be reverenced praised and blessed for your sakes and the sacred and inviolable truth of my promises shall be acknowledged and taught by all men V. 46. Towards the South namely toward Judea which lay Southward from Chaldea where the Prophet was drop that is to say speake and preach like a Prophet a terme which seemes to be taken from Deut. 32. 2. See Amos 7. 16. The forrest of the South that is to say Jerusalem and the people which are therein great cities and multitudes of people being oftentimes likened to Forrests Isa. 9. 18. and 10. 18. and 32. 19. Jer. 21. 14. and 46. 23. V. 47. Kindle a fire namely the Chaldean war Every greene tree all manner of people indifferently both good and bad v. 8. many righteous men being also entangled in these temporall judgements See Luke 23. 31. Others say that by these greene trees and justmen are meant those which are not so guilty as others or little children which are free from actuall sinne Faces those that are not consumed therewith shall be brought into extreame miseries See Lam. 4. 8. and 5. 10. From the South from one end of the countrey to the other V. 48. They say of me these prophane people doe scoffe at my prophecyes which thou doest dictate to me in allegoricall and enigmaticall termes as if they were dreames and imaginations CHAP. XXI Ver. 2. SEt thy face seeing it is so prophecye the same things in plaine and proper termes the holy places namely against the Temple and the buildings adjoyning to it which were not to be spared in this generall desolation See Jer. 7. 14. Ezek. 9. 6. V. 3. The righteous See Ezek. 20. 47. V. 5. It shall not untill it have performed all its execution V. 6. With the breaking doing like 〈◊〉 woman that travelleth bowing and wringing her selfe See Isa. 16. 11. and 21. 3. Jer. 4 19. V. 7. For the tydings namely the Babylonians tumult whom I see approaching to Jerusalem It commeth namely the ruine of it which I had foretold V. 9. A sword my judgement is ready to be put in execution V. 10. Gâ—itter that is to say that it may terrifie and affright with the brightnesse of it Should we can one doe any thing but lament as I doe it contemneth c. the Italian O thou I riâ—e of my sonne which contemnest all other wood O thou Nation hardened against all fatherly punishments as an evill childe is against a rod thou shalt now be punished by the sword In the Hebrew Text there is an allusion between rod or staffe and Tribe the meaning whereof is whiles thine affections are moderate as from rod to rod thou doest contemne them but this shall be as from rod or sword which thou shalt not be able to endure nor withstand V. 11. Of the slayer namely of the King of Babylon who is the executioner of Gods judgements V. 12. Smite therefore use all the actions of a grieved and moaning person See Jer. 31 19. V. 13. A triall I am almost forced to come to the extremity of punishment for all punishments as trials to bring them to repentance would be vaine Isa. 1. 5. V. 14. Smite thine hands in token of extreme sorrow Ezech. 6. 11. The third time for Nebuchadnezzar came three times against Jerusalem 2 Chron. 36. 6 10 17. The sword by which there shall be a great slaughter in Jerusalem not only of meane people but also of Princes and great ones and the King himselfe being overcome by the sword shall dye in captivity V. 15. I have set I have caused their cities to be furiously besieged and set upon V. 16. Goe thou the Italian addeth O sword goe c. an expression of the permission which God gave the Chaldeans to root out at their pleasure V. 17. I will also as I have commanded thee Ezekiel to smite thine hands for sorrow v. 19. so will I contrariwise smite mine in signe of joy that I have vented my wrath and satisfied my justice See Deut. 28. 63. Isa. 1. 24. Ezek. 5. 13. and 16. 42. V. 19. Appoint thee the Italian make thee draw out in Propheticke action upon a boord or upon the ground two wayes comming both from one plaine place to represent Nebuchà dnezzars deliberation when he had gathered together his army whether he should goe against Jerusalem or against the land of the Ammonites which were the two wayes to set upon Aegypt which was the Chaldeans chiefest intent Chuse thou a â—lace the Italian levell a place to make a mustering place to muster the army in The head namely at the crossing of a road way such as those high wayes were which led to great cities V. 20. Rabbah The chiefe City of the Ammonites 2 Sam. 11. 1. Jer 49 2. V. 21. To vie divination according to the custome of the Heathens in deliberations of any importance made his arrowes c the Italian he hath scattered his arrowes This was a kind of casting lots with a bundle of loose arrowes cast up into the aire And according as most of the arrow-heads fell one way which was either marked out according to fancy or according to the naturall situation of the places as it was in this passe they did resolve upon most important affaires as by divine augury Looked in This was also another kinde of divination by the shape colour posture c. of the entrailes of sacrificed beasts and especially of the liver V. 22. To open the mouth to take it by assault with shouts and cries used in such actions and with a generall slaughter V. 23. A false divination The Jewes who
a ruler or a cleft sticke And write Set downe upon it that part of the people which is signified by it For the children of Israel Whereof many namely the two whole tribes of Levi Benjamin and many other particular men of the other tribes did joyne with Judah when the ten tribes revolted 2 Chron. 11. 12. 13. 16. Unto Joseph namely to the ten tribes whose head was the tribe of Ephraim which came from Joseph V. 19. I will take that is to say I will gather together and unite all mine elect of what nation soever they be into one spirituall body annihilating by Christs crosse the divisions and enmities of the nations as of Judah and of the ten tribes oftentimes used by the Prophets for a signe of the division which was between the Jews and the Gentiles Isa. 11. 13. Ephes. 2. 14 15 16. The stick of Ioseph of the ten tribes represented by this tree of Joseph by reason that the tribe of Ephraim had ruled over them V. 22. One King namely The Messias V. 23. Their dwelling places Wheresoever they shall be in exile or captivity as in Babylon in Egypt and other places of the world where either willingly or by compulsion they have beene partakers of Pagan Idolatries Jer. 44. 8. Ezek. 14. 3. and 20. 30 39. V. 24. David namely Jesus Christ the sonne of David according to the flesh V. 25. In the land A figure of the Church V. 26. will set my I will be present in my Grace Word and Spirit in their assemblies and in their hearts of which spirituall presence the Tabernacle and Sanctuarie heretofore were signes and pledges Lev. 26. 11 12. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephes. 2. 21. 22. V. 28. Doe sanctifie That doe take it and consecrate it to my selfe and by my presence do make it holy and inviolable against all manner of injuries and offences CHAP. XXXVIII Vers. 2. GOg Names of Scythian people this day called Tartars Gen. 10. 2. this Prophecie may be referred partly to the desolations that befell the Jewes which returned from Babylon by the King of Asia and Syria Dan. 8. 23. and 11. 31. And because that the Scythians had anciently overrun and possessed Asia minor and Syria whereof in Asia there was a city called Magog and another in Syria called Scitopolis the Provinces have taken their names from this cruell and barbarous conquering Nation to signifie the inhumanenesse of those Syrian Kings Alexanders successors towards the Jewes But it is likely that besides this the spirit of God did purpose to signifie a great oppression which the Church is like to suffer and especially the Jewes which shall be converted to Christ towards the latter end of the world by the said Scythians or Tartars as John seemes to point out Rev. 20. 8. Zach. 14. 2. The chiefe Prince namely A Province which commandeth those Provinces See Gen. 10. 2. V. 4. I will turne thee backe namely After thou hast assaulted my people With all sorts Or furnished and armed with compleat Armes V. 5. Ethiopia Nations of Africa joyned in this enterprize V. 6. Gomer People of Asia towards the North Gen. 10. 2 3. V. 7. Be thou An Ironicall kind of speech as much as to say Defend them if thou canst from my power and from the battell which I shall fight with them V. 8. Visited Like an instrument or weapon which was laid up and afterwards used to punish my people In the latter A little before the comming of Christ in the flesh in whom begins a new age if this be meant by the Kings of Syria But if this have a relation to the other great inundation of the Scythians it meanes the times which shall be towards the latter end of the world Alwayes waste that is to say For a long time likewise never to be restored to it former state V. 11. Villages Where the inhabitants either because of their continuall peace or by reason of their fore-past miseries have not cared or have not had the meanes to wall and fortifie their cities and therefore dwell in open villages V. 12. Turne thy hand Renewing the ancient desolations of this poore countrey restored from its ruines In the midst the Italian In the Navell namely In the heart of the land where they shall thinke themseves more secure then if they dwelt upon the borders See Judg 9. 37. V. 13. Sheba These people of Arabia and they that dwell upon the Sea-coast shall come to thee to have part of the prey and to buy the spoiles of thee The young Lyons The pirats and robbers upon the Sea who are like to wild Sea-beasts V. 16. Sanctified When I shall have shewed my selfe glorious venerable and terrible in sacred Majestie by my judgements upon thee V. 17. Art thou Seeing I have foretold thy comming and thine endeavours I must be acknowledged to be the director and moderator of them by my sacred Providence which shall suffer these evills but shall limit them and cause the issue of them to be to my glory and the comfort of my people In old time We finde no such prophecies before the time of Ezechiel and therefore the words old time must be understood in comparison not of the age in which the Prophet lived but of the time wherein these prophecies were fulfilled The Prophets namely Ezekiel in these two Chapters Zech. chap. 14. and Saint John Rev. 20. 7. Against them namely against my people V. 18. Shall come up A humane kind of speech taken from men whole nostrills puffe out when they are heated with anger V. 19. Shaking All creatures shall be astonished and terrified at the presence of my glorious Majestie when I punish mine enemies V. 21. Asword This was partly accomplished in the civill warres of the Kings of Syria whereupon followed the ruine of their Empire V. 22. Will raine I will cause a miraculous destruction and discomfiture to come upon them termes taken from the deluge the fire of Sodom and Joshuahs haile Josh. 10. 11. CHAP. XXXIX Vers. 6. A Fire namely An extreme ruine and desolation V. 7. Pollute By the blasphemies and insultings of mine enemies V. 8. It is come that is to say It will questionlesse come to passe V. 9. They that dwell Hyperbolicall termes to signifie an exceeding great discomfiture V. 11. The valley This valley is not made mention of any where else It is likely to some passage which was much frequented by strangers that came into Judea the intent is to shew the greatnesse of the slaughter by the greatnes of the burying place which was appointed which should be stopped up with the carkasses and bones of dead men that travellers should not be able to goe that way The Sea Hee seemes to meane the dead Sea or the lake of Sodom To stop namely their noses by reason of the stinke which shall proceed from thence V. 12. May cleanse For according to the law a dead carkasse not buried did defile the
which lived in those dayes Others that it is a fained name to signifie the qualities of Gods people as well in grace for it may signifie perfection as in judgement for it may be taken for the end or finall extermination Diblaim the reason of this name which seemes also to be figurative is very obscure Some have held it to be the name of some wildernesse Ezek. 6. 14. to shew the Churches wretched beginning in its own nature As Cant. 3. 6. Ezek. 16. 7. V. 4. Izreel it seemes that by those three Children was figured the ruine of the kingdome of the ten Tribes which was effected at three severall times The first was when the progeny of Jehu was extinguished 2 Kings 15. 12. The other two was when the King of Assyria did invade them 2 Kings 15. 29. 17. 3 6. The blood namely the executions done by Jehu in Izreel 2 Kings 9. 24 31. 10. 11 17. which were commanded by God for the re-establishment of his service which Jehu not performing they are imputed unto him for so many murthers See 1 Kings 16. 7. Will cause to cease for by the rooting out of the line of the line of Jehu the kingdome of Israel receaved such a wound that it could never rise againe V. 5. Breake I will beat down the power of Israel I will take away from them all means of defending themselves and of subsisting against their enemies by the losse of some battell or by some other accident not mentioned in Scripture In the valley of which See Josh. 17. 16. Judg. 6. 33. V. 6. Lo-ruhamath that is to say one of whom no mercy is had Rom. 9. 25. But I will because I have pardoned them enough already V. 7. Of Judah in which the covenant remained and the service and Church of God By the Lord by my selfe miraculously or by vertue of the everlasting Son of God perpetuall Head and Saviour of his Church V. 9. Lo ammi that is to say one that is not my people Rom. 9. 25. Your namely your God according to the enterchangeable condition of the covenant V. 10 The number this may be understood of the increase of this people in all their dispersions untill the time of their conversion In the place the Italian Instead that is to say by the Gospell which they shall at last receive they will obtaine a more firme covenant and conjunction with God being made not onely his people and subjects but his children by adoption of grace and regeneration of Spirit and holy spirituall liberty V. 11. The children that is to say at the last all Israel shall acknowledge and accept of Christ for their head and shall be altogether re-united to his Church Rom. 11. 12 15 25. 2 Cor. 3. 16. See Isay 11. 13. Jer. 3. 18. Ezek. 37. 16 22. Come up they shall separate themselves from the world to joyne themselves to the Church and so goe on the way to the Kingdome of heaven The day That time shall be admirable by reason of the gathering together of the Israelites which before seemed rather to be an Izreel that is to say a people dispersed by God then an Israel CHAP. II. Vers. 1. SAy yee unto Thou Hosea and all other believers which are amongst these people doe not hold them to be altogether rejected to forsake them to their owne lusts but call them to repentance setting before them what is the duty of Gods people signified by Ammi that is to say My people towards whom God hath not yet shut up the entrals of his mercy which is signified by Ru-hamah V. 2. Plead with Reprove the body of your Nation openly She is not She doth not keepe her faith which she hath promised me and I have already good cause to put her away which I forbeare to do through my great patience Let her therefore put away Let her dispose her selfe to true chastity and spirituall purity using no more lascivious baits and practices to draw prophane Nations on to trade with her in Idolatry see Jer. 2. 33. and 4. 30. V. 3. Lost I strip her Lest I take away from her all my bodily and spirituall graces and bring her to extreme misery see Ezek. 16. 39. and 23. 26 29. She was borne See Ezek. 16. 4. With thirst that is to say With the scorching heat of my wrath not tempered with any grace or comfort Jer. 2. 15. Ezek. 22 24. Amos 8. 11 13. V. 4 Upon her children Namely Upon the particular members of this people Of whoredomes that is to say Bastards having no part in the regeneration of the heavenly Father to holinesse of life but being altogether corrupted like their mother see John 8 44. V. 5. My lovers Idols and Idolatrous people by whose gift and benefit and not the true Gods I have plenty of all good things v. 8. 12. See Jer. 44. 17. V. 6. I will hedge I will enclose her up with difficulties and extreme distresses that shee shall not be able to run out at her owne pleasure see Job 3. 23. and 19. 8. Lam. 3. 7 9. V. 7. She shall follow She shall seeke for favour and aid at their hands but all in vaine they shall all forsake her and shall change their ancient love into mortall hatred Jer. 2. 36. Ezek. 16. 27. To my first namely to God V. 8. Which they In making of Idols or in serving and honouring them see Ezek. 7. 20. and 16. 16. Hos. 8. 4. V. 9. In the time namely At the time which I have appointed or in Harvest-time and Vintage-time I will take away her increase of corne and wine and give it for a prey unto her enemies V. 11. Her feast dayes Which were dayes of publike rejoycing Numb 10. 10. and were observed even amongst the ten tribes in imitation of those of Judea 1 King 12. 32. V. 13. Decked her selfe A terme taken from lascivious women which decke themselves to allure men whereby are meant the Israelites prophane pomps in their Idolatries V. 14. Therefore Because she hath quite forgotten me and will never be converted of her selfe I will prevent her by my mercy recalling her mildly by my Gospel Which is referred to the last conversion of Israel And bring her I will bring her unto me bringing her home from her banishment through many miseries as I brought my people out of Egypt into the land of Canaan through the wildernesse V. 15. From thence namely From the head of the wildernesse The meaning is that as my people comming out of the wildernesse came into a most fruitfull countrey so mine elect comming out of an extreme spirituall misery shall enjoy mine abundant blessings Others translate it from that time forward The valley of Whereof mention is made Jos. 7. 26. Isa. 65. 10. It was a most fruitfull place at the entrance of the countrey so soone as they were come over Jordan and by it are meant the first favours which God bestowed on his when they enter into his
world over by which the consciences being moved shall come to him Hag. 2. 6 7. Heb. 12. 26. The children The true elect children of grace shall joyne themselves in spirit to the communion of the Church from all the ends of the world where they have beene scattered V. 12. Compasseth me In all their actions they are disloyall unto me Judah In the tribe of Judah which hath not forsaken Gods pure service there doth yet remaine the lawfull government of Davids posterity Is faithfull He persevereth in my covenant holding himselfe to the faith and Religion of his holy ancient forefathers or to that which is taught them by Gods holy servants the Prophets and Priests CHAP. XII Vers. 1. FEedeth He builds upon vaine means and feeds himselfe with frivolous and ruinous hopes the Easterne wind being very tempestuous in those countreys continuing in his sinnes and thinking to escape Godâ— judgements by strange and unlawfull covenants Oyle the Italian sweet smelling oyles Whereof there was great plenty in Judea 2 Kings 20. 13. V. 2. The Lord That which I have spoken in praise of Judah is not to free him from all defects for he hath also his grievous faults but because Gods true service is yet remaining there God wil yet reprove and redargue him with words but as for the ten tribes he will judge them with deeds seeing they are almost become incapable of all correction V. 3. In the wombe These histories seeme to be alledged here to reprove Israel for their ingratitude after so many great benefits of God towards their forefathers which he reduces to two heads figured here in these two histories One is Jacobs election before Esau his brother the Other his deliverance from all those evills wherewith God had tried and exercised him By his strength Which was given him by Gods grace A figure of the spirituall strength of the faith and spirit With God With the Son of God who appeared to Jacob in humane shape who also by reason of his office of Mediator is afterwards called Angel V. 4. He wept This weeping may be referred to that which is said Gen. 35. 8. And it seemes it was a weeping upon some solemne time of supplication With us namely With Jacob our father confirming Gods promises to him and all his Posterity Gen. 35. 11. V. 5. The Lord is He hath take this name of Eternall with his people Exod. 3. 14 15. for a pledge of the truth of his promises and therefore he will without faile performe them if we doe turne to him V. 7. He is namely Ephraim is degenerate and hath taken upon him the customes and manners of a Canaanite being wholly addicted to dishonest gaine to deceits and avarice see Ezek. 16. 3. Is a Merchant the Italian A Canaanite A Nation whose ordinary exercise was merchandizing with all the vices which were annexed unto it and therefore that Name is taken for a Merchant and very often also for a deceiver V. 8. My labours I have not stained my trading with any great misdeed onely I have used certaine subtilties and crafts therein as were not subject to the Law words of a prophane and cauâ—erized conscience V. 9. I that am Although thou beest so corrupt yet will I observe mine ancient covenant which I made even in the land of Egypt towards my true Israel in spirit An Evangelicall promise Will yet make thee I will deliver my Church from the spirituall Egypt and will make her passe through the wildernesse of the world in particular Churches aspiring towards the heavenly Canaan even as my people dwelt in Tents in the Wildernesse the remembrance whereof is celebrated in the feast of the Tabernacles Lev. 23. 43. See Zech. 14. 16. V. 10. Spoken the Italian I will speake I will largely manifest my selfe by my Word â—ee Joel 2. 28. Similitudes grave sentences and doctâ—ines illustrated with similitudes according to the Holy Ghosts stile V. 11. Vanity They are altogether drowned in Idolatry They sacrifice To Idols or peradventure also to the true God but beyond his command wherefore it is all Idolatry As heaps that is to say They are innumerable and at the end of every field see Hos. 8. 11. and 10. 1. V. 12. Fled The meaning seemes to be Remember the first voyage which was Jacobs in extreme misery and servitude and the second which was your comming out of Egypt in a glorious deliverance by the hands of Moses that you may be afraid left I cause you to make a third into wretched captivity V. 13. Preserved Even like unto a flocke of sheep Psal. 77. 20. Isa. 63. 11. V. 14. His blood He will not pardon him his sinne nor cleanse him from it but will keepe it still in remembrance to punish him for it at his appointed time See Ezek. 24. 7 8. CHAP. XIII Verse 〈◊〉 WHen time was that the tribe of Ephraim having the rule of the ten Tribes was terrible through its power but now that it hath strayed and is runne into Idolatry its strength and glory is come to nothing like unto a dead carkase V. 2. They say the Kings of the Tribe of Ephraim do command the people to follow the idolatry which they have established 1 Kings 12. 28. Kisse the whosoever will do Gods service let him come and worship the Calves which Jeroboam hath set up Kissing being an act and token of worship and religious honour See 1 Kings 19. 18. Psal. 2. 12. V. 3. They shall be they shall not be stedfast but shall quickly be dispersed and brought to nothing V. 5. Know thee that is to say I took care of thee and provided all things necessary for thee V. 6. According to their through too much fatnesse and plenty they are become fierce and untamed Deut. 8. 12. 32 15. V. 7. A Leopard which useth to lie in wait to set upon a man See Jer. 5. 6. V. 8. As a Beare See 2. Sam. 17. 8. Prov. 17. 12. that is to say I am become their implacable enemy The cause that is to say I wound them mortally And thâ—re namely upon the high way whereby are meant the instants and times appointed for Gods judgements See the like use of this word Psal. 53 5. Eccles. 3. 17. V. 9. Thou hast Many have wrought together to overthrow thee but I alone can save thee and not thy Kings in whom thou hast trusted V. 10. Of whom thou Some referre this to the first asking of a King 1 Sam. 8. 5. Others to the â—umultuaâ—y election of Jeroboam 1 Kings 12 16. 20. V. 11. I gave thee I have suffered thee to thy hurt and dammage to have a King according to thine owne will though I did not approve of it Hos. 8. 4. and I have aggravated my judgments the more upon thee by reason of the frequent violent deaths of thy Kings which doe bring the Kingdome into extreame ruine V. 12. Is bound up nothing shall escape me I will make them beare the punishment for