Vers. 1. BUt now namely in the dayes of the Gospell I will redeem my Church from sinne and free her from all her evils That created thee in respect of thy first creation but chiefly in regard of the second namely the spirituall regeneration Isa. 29. 23. I have called I have given thee all that being thou hast and have chosen thee amongst all the rest Exod. 33. 17. V. 2. When thou passest a description of extream calamities Psal. 66. 12. from which God alwayes delivereth his Church V. 3. I gave I have delivered thee out of all thy calamities and have put other Nations which were strangers to mee and thine enemies in thy stead to be thy ransom see Prov. 11. 8. and 21. 18. V. 7. That is called even as children are called by their fathers name Yea I have this redoubling of words signifieth that all the Churches deliverance from the beginning to the end is Gods worke and grace Phil. 1. 6. Heb. 13. 21. V. 8. The blinde within this particular taxation of the children of Israel with wilfull blindenesse Isa. 42. 19. are contained all other men in their naturall state deprived of all spirituall light and obedience to God though they abound in carnall understanding V. 9. Be gathered as in a solemn judgement either to defend and maintaine their idolatries and superstitions or to see themselves condemned for them as Isa. 41. 1 21 22. Among them namely among their false gods Declare thiâ— namely this admirable restauration of the Church by the Messias Be justified bee acknowledged for true Gods Isa. 41. 26. And say let them confesse this truth which is so powerfully preached by the Gospell namely that there is but one true eternall God to whom belongeth all glory and worship V. 10. Ye namely all nations shall be convinced by this truth and shall bear witnesse of it to all men jointly with the people of Israel here called Gods servants and chosen by prerogative Isa. 42. 19. That ye may the end of all that I say to you is for to bring you to this beleefe and confession That I am he namely the true eternall God subsisting of himself and being still the same all which acknowledgements are comprehended in the Hebrew word V. 12. I have declared I have caused my Prophets to foretell the salvation which I will accomplish in my sons person and will afterwards have it preached to all men by the Gospell No strange god namely that hath done these things with me V. 13. Ye before I was before time began to run on and therefore was eternall Let it or call it back V. 14. For your sake a prophesie of the deliverance from the captivity of Babylon set forth as though it were come already according to the Prophets stile I have sent namely by the Persians and the Medes Brought down I have caused the Babylonians being affrighted with the unlooked for surprising of their City to flie to save themselves upon the river Euphrates V. 16. Which maketh Exod 14. 21. V. 17. Bringing forth by hardning of Pharaohs heart causing him to puâ—sue the people with his army Exod. 14. 4 V. 18. Remember ye not that is to say the deliverance out of Egypt shall be so much inferiour to the deliverance out of Babylon that it shall in some sort not deserve to be remembred for the glory of the one shall quite darken the other V. 19. Now it shall that is to say within a short time namely in respect of the many yeers which are past since the comming out of Egypt or in respect of God with whom the furthermost times are as hard by and present Make a way that is to say I will bring backe my people by a miraculous means as I did formerly bring them thorow the desaâ—â— in which I caused streams of water to run continually along with them Exod. 17. 6. Numb 20. 11. Psalm 78. 16. see Isa. 35. 6. and 41. 18. V. 20 The beasts a figurative exaggeration as if the wilde beasts participating also of this unwonted abundance of waters as peradventure they really did in the wildernesse had also on their behalfe praised the Lord who was the author of this miraculoâ—s benefit V. 21. Have I formed to whom I will give as it were a new being through my deliverance and a new heart to know and serve me contrary to that ungratefull and rebellious people which was in Isaiahs time of whom hee speaks afterwards see Psal. 102. 18. V. 23. Thou hast not but hast done these things to thine idols Or I doe not regard the externall service thou doest to mee it being done without piety or repentance Amos 5. 25. V. 24. Made me that is to say thou hast tried my long patience in seeing and suffering thy sinnes to my great annoyance Isa. 1. 13. V. 25. For mine own out of mine own free motion and meer good will to exercise and shew my mercy that all the praise may be given to me Ezek. 36. 22. V. 26. Put me in hast thou any thing to alledge or reply to these mine accusations V. 27. Thy first father namely Adam his meaning is Thou are corrupt and evill even in thy first naturall beginning Isa 48. 8. namely in Adam in whom all men have sinned Rom. 5. 12. Teachers namely those men which thou imployest as mediators towards me as the priests Therefore neither in thy selfe nor in any others for thee is there any means of restauration to salvation but in me onely Have they are guilty of grievous sins which makes them abominable to God and consequently their prayers sacrifices and intercessions will be altogether unprofitable V. 28. I have prophaned not regarding the false names they bear of sacred persons The princes namely the Priests and chiefe of the Ecclesiasticall order and ministers of the Temple CHAP XLIV Vers. 3. WAter namely abundance of my grace for the purging and remitting of sins and of the gift of my Spirit for sanctification Upon him that is that is to say upon my poor Elect whose consciences will finde and feel the extream want of it V. 5. One shall say all manner of persons and Nations shall joyne with my Church and shall make open profession of my faith and service see Psalm 87. 4. V. 7. And who God here reiterates the proofe of his eternall God-head whereof he had spoken Chap. 41. 22. and 43. 9. against idols and idolaters Shall call this word seemeth to have a relation to Gods first decree and councell by which he gives the first form and being to all things for Gods calling in Scripture signifies creating and producing by his word and this declaring which followeth is the prediction of things determined and setting in order is the execution thereof in the appointed time It namely the salvation and redemption of the Church by the Messias Since I namely since or from the beginning of the world Gen. 3. 15. Unto them namely to them that follow and worship them V.
some Prophet V. 38 Sith ye say namely if you will still persist in your iniquities contrary to all mine admonitions CHAP. XXIV Vers. 1. JEconiah called also Jehoiakim and Conia Jer. 22. 24. Carpenters see upon 2 King 24. 14 16. V. 5. So will I that is to say I will take care of and shew my favour and good will towards the Jewes which were first led into captivity to preserve them that the Nation may one day be re-established and planted by their posterity but I will send more severe judgements upon those that staid behind as guilty of greater rebellion because they were not converted by the examples of others punishments V. 7. A heart that is to say a mind and will regenerate and sanctified by my Spirit CHAP. XXV Vers. 3 RIsing the Italian every morning at the time of prayer and morning offering at which time was the greatest concourse of people in the Temple V. 9. My servant namely him that executes my judgements and my will of which he had notice though he had no intent to conform himselfe thereunto Jer. 40. 2. see Isa. 44. 28. 45. 1. V. 10. Mil-stones namely of hand-mils which onely were in use in those daies and in a great City full of people they did make a great noyse Rev. 18. 22. Of the Candles which were lighted in great number at feasts and other nightly assemblies Or generally in every private house which by the great light doe manifest and make shew of the greatnesse of a City as contrariwise silence and darknesse are tokens of the desolation of it V. 15. Take he represents a propheticke vision wherein Gods particular judgements upon all these severall Nations were signified unto him by the figure of a cup carried about to them all according to the custome of solemne feasts Fury that is to say of Gods judgements see Psal. 75. 8. Isa. 51. 17. V. 18. Jerusalem for in generall judgements upon the world God useth to begin at his own home v. 29. 1 Pet. 4. 17. This day namely at that time as the Prophet compiled and published the whole volume of his prophecies which was after the delolation by the Chaldeans V. 20. People the Italian the mixed people it was a certaine people of Arabia gathered together out of divers Nations which did lie scattered in the deserts and had no setled abode nor habitations in houses or Cities Jer. 50. 37. Ezek. 30. 5. Of Uz a Countrey neere to Idumea or part of it Job 1. 1. The remnant for Ashdod it selfe had been already taken and destroyed by Tartan Isa. 20. 〈◊〉 V. 22. And all he speakes thus because that these great Cities had many Colonies and plantations upon the Sea coast to which they sent Governours and deputies and also had hereditary Kings there which were their vassals V. 2◠Dedan people of Arabia and neighbours thereunto V. 25. Zimri people likewise of Arabia descended from Zimram Gen. 25. 2. V. 26. One with As who should say bringing this cup from one to the other untill the round be finished Sheshach see Jer. 51. 41. Questionlesse by this word is meant Babylon whether Sheshach were the concealed and sacred name of it according to the Pagans custome to have certaine secret names for great Cities which they used in their Sacrifices and secret ceremonies thinking if these names were once revealed the ruine of the City and State must needs follow Or whether it be the same name as Babel by a certaine change of letters as the Jewes would have it Or whether it were the name of the Babylonian goddesse on whose holy-day the City was taken as oftentimes the Cities were named by the names of their Gods Jer. 48. 46. Zech. 9. 1. V. 27. Be drunken that is to say be dismayed and troubled in your counsels and actions and be brought to base submissions and dishonest wants Isa. 51. 21. 63. 6. V. 29. The City namely Jerusalem which is consecrated unto me and called by my name V. 30. His habitation namely against Jerusalem and against his Temple That tread see Isa. 16. 9. Jer. 48. 33. V. 34. Shepheards namely conductors of my people Jer. 2◠22. 23. 1. Wallow a signe of extreame griefe Jer. 6. 26. Pleasant namely when they are whole for when they are broken they are of no value V. 38. The Lyon for whilest a Lyon is in his covert neither man nor beast dares to come neere it and contrariwise when he is gone from it every one goeth in and spoileth it without feare So God who had defended his Temple by his terrible presence Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2. shall forsake it to have it destroyed by reason of his departure see upon Ezek. 10. 7. Of his that is of Gods CHAP. XXVI Vers. 6. ACurse that is to say I will cause it to be accursed of all men and used for an example and formularie of cursing V. 7. Prophets they were men which were learned and understood the holy Writ and had been bred up in the Schooles and Colledges of the chiefe Prophets 1 Sam. 10. 5. 〈◊〉 King 6. 1. to whom God did often send propheticke and divine revelations and in Jeremiahs time were present at Ecclesiasticall judgements and Assemblies 2 King 23. 2. as in Christs time the Scribes and Doctors of the Law used to be who were somewhat like these Prophets V. 10. Newgate peradventure he meanes that which was built againe by Joram 2 Kin. 15. 35. V. 15. Bring that is to say you make your selves guilty of this fact before God and burthen your selves therewith V. 20. There was this is a narration put in by Jeremiah and not a continuation of the former discourse CHAP. XXVII Vers. 1. IN the beginning the Prophet had this vision in the daies of Iehoiakim but he did not reveale it untill the daies of Zedekiah many yeeres after it Ier. 27. 3. 12. V. 2. Bonds this was done really and in the sight of all men and that yoake which Ieremiah did put about his owne necke was the signe of the conquest of the Kingdome of Iudah and of the peoples bondage Ier. 28. 10. V. 3. To the King it is likely that these Kings were in some league with Zedekiah when he rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar 2 Chro. 36. 13. V. 7. All this must be understood of the most famous Nations which were knowne to the Jewes for although those great Empires did usurpe the titles of universall yet none of them ever had the command over the tenth part of the world His Son namely Evilmerodach 2 Kin. 25. 27. Ier. 52. 31. His sonnes namely Belshasher Dan. 5. 1. V. 16. The vessels namely those which were carried away in the time of Iehoiakim and Iechoniah 2 Chro. 36. 7 10. V. 22. Visite them I will by my providence appoint a great part of them to be brought backe againe and be new consecrated to my service Ezr. 1. 7. and 7. 19. CHAP. XXVIII Vers. 1. THe same namely in the which
a habit of mourning V. 35. Daughters Jacob had never a daughter but Dina so that we musthere understand to be meant his wifes and his sons daughters The grave The Hebrew phrase signifieth grave and hell for by Gods Law the reward of sin is both corporall and eternall death but through grace they are several for the faithfull Therefore we ought to distinguish of this name which is common to both deaths according to the diversitie of the subject to which it is attributed and in the meane time the name of grave remaineth amongst the Hebrews marked with it's naturall horror which is to be the entrance into hel but only that God through his grace delivereth man from thence V. 36. An Officer The Italian hath it An Eunuch This name signifieth a man that is gelded but because such kind of people were much employed about Princes Courts the name hath been put upon all manner of Officers though not gelded as it should seem this man was not seeing he had a wife Of the guard the Italian Of the guards the Hebrew word signifieth executioners for in the old time Princes guards were wont to do many capitall executions see Jer. 39. 9. Dan. 2. 14. Mark 6. 27. CHAP. XXXVIII VERS 1. AT that time Of Jacobs remaining in Canaan for it should seem that this happened before Joseph was sold and is here inserted to shew Gods admirable providence who hath caused the royall stâ—mme of Israel and our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh to proceed from such beginnings Adullamite of the City of Adullam which afterwards fell to Judah V. 5. Cheziâ— a place also called Aczib Jos. 19. â—9 V. 7. Was wicked the Italian was displeasing or was wicked in Gods eyes V. 8. Marry her The Italian addeth By reason of consanguinity This custome that the brother or the neerest of kinne who was unmarried should marry his brother or next kinsmans wife which died without issue was already brought in amongst Gods people questionlesse by some expression from God which was afterwards confirmed by Moses Law Deut. 25. 5. Raise up Beger issue which may beare thy deceased brothers name and may be reputed for his which thing in those dayes when issue was esteemed the greatest temporall blessing it seemeth was ordained for their comforts who died without children as adopting hath since been used for the same â—nd V. 9. Should not be Yet Moses Law Deut. 25. 6. sets down that the first borne only should be reputed his that was deceased and not they which came afterward V. 11. For he said Being ignorant of the true reason of his sons deaths he sespecteth the woman and therefore thinketh to put off the marriage or with an intention to forsake her quite or to take time to finde out the reason of the precedent deaths and t 〈…〉 redrâ—sse it V. 14 And covered She used this deceipt to induce Judah who was a widdower to take her to wiâ—e as next of kin to the deceased See the like cunning Ruth 3. 3. iunay also be that Judah his sons had noâ— known her which might lessen her fault in which whatsoever it were she aimed chiefly to the honest end of having issue V. 15. Covered Quite muffled up which was the fashion of unchast women Cant. 1. 7. V. 17. Will thou give me Or I am content if thou wilt give me but c. V. 18. Thy bracelets The Italian hath it A scarfe or swathe It might be some towel or scarfe to binde about his head according to the manner of the Easterlings V. 23. Be shamed For dealing with such kind of women was infamous even amongst the infidels V. 24. Bring her forth Let her be brought to â—â—dgement to be condemned to death as convinced of adultery against the faith shewed unto Sâ—la her spouse according to the law of those days see Deut. 22. 23. Now his passion would not suffer him to bethink himself how that a woman with child ought not to be put to death V. 26. she hath been we are both in fault but I more than she having through my backwardnesse given her cause to seek issue by me which she should have had by my son V. 28. Bound For a signe of eldership which was so much honoured in those dayes There may under this figure be a mystery hidden like unto that of Gen. 25. 26. for Pharez from whom Christ came according to the flesh represents him who as the true first borne Col. 1. 15. Heb. 1. 6. snatcheth away from the Prince of the world the advantage and command which he pretendeth to have V. 29. What breach A violent kinde of comming out a figure that Christ cannot be borne as concerning his Kingdom and truth without many rends of the world This breach A casting manner of speech since thou hast done the evill thou shalt beare the continuall reproach for it by the name of Pharez that is breach V. 30. Zara That is a sweet and easy birth as the sâ—nnes and the plants c. a figure of the facility with which the Prince of the world planteth his Kingdome which notwithstanding is alwayes the lesser because he hath no share in the eternall Kingdome which by right belongeth to the first borne CHAP. XXXIX VERS 6. HE knew not He took no other care relying for every thing else upon Josephs faithfulnesse â—iligâ—nce and industrie V 9. There is none None greater in the house han my self V. 14. The men Which might be in some place neere thereunto An Hebrew See Gen. 10. 21. and 14. 13. V. 20. Into the prison The Italian hath it Into the tower It was some strong and safe prison Some expound it a house that was vaulted CHAP. XL. VERS 2. OFficers The Italian hath it Eunuches as Gen. 37. 36. V. 5. According to the The dreames were diverse as the events were to be V. 8. Interpreter According to the custome of those nations to investigate the interpretation of dreames that had any extraordinary singularity in them V. 15. Stollen away Secretly and brought away by deceit Of the land Out of Canaan where long since Abraham's famous and mighty nation was seated V. 16. White baskets Made of white willowes others have bored or full of holes Others full of white bread or bâ—skets CHAP. XLI VERS 1. BY the river of Nilus V. 7. And behold It remained so deeply imprinted in his memory that hee knew it was no ordinary nor vaine dreame 1 King 3. 15. V. 9. I doe that which thou requirest putteth me in memory of a fault whereby I provoked thy wrath against me but yet it was an occasion whereby thou mayst now be satisfied V. 16. It is not in me This faculty of interpreting dreams ought not to be esteemed any science or art of mine it is a pure gift of God working in me to whom I will now pray that he disclose the meaning of this dreame unto thee for thy good V. 39. For as much as God God having
The Italian hath it Of Cedar So the Jews commonly expound the word which in their language signifieth a faire and goodly tree Thicketrees The Italian hath it Mirtle tree The Hebrew word signifieth a thicke tree but your ancient Jews have especially understood it of the mirtle tree CHAP. XXIV VERS 3. OF the testimony Drawn before the Arke where the tables of the Law were which were called the testimony Exo. 25. 16. V. 4 The pure Made of pure gold and kept exceeding pure V. 6 The pure table Covered over with pure gold Exo. 25. 24. V. 7 Purefrankircense See upon Exod. 30. 34. A memoriall For that part of the offering which belonged to God for the remainder was the Priests see upon Lev. 2. 2. V. 8 Everlasting covenant That is to say by my command and your own voluntary agreement to obey it V. 9 Andit shall be After he hath put new ones there upon the Sabbath day Most holy See upon Lev. 2. 3 V. 11 The name That singular essentiall and glorious name of everlasting Lord by which name he had revealed himself to his people by Moses Exo. 3. 14. V. 14 Lay their hands For a confirmation of their witnesse Stone him The ordinary punishment for blasphemers Deut. 7. 5. 1 King 21. 13. V. 22 For I am I command you by vertue of the absolute power which I have over you and I will have you herein to be imitators of my indifferent Justice free from all acceptation of persons CHAP. XXV VERS 2. VVHen ye come The beginning of these Sabbaticall yeares was taken from the six and fourtieth yeare after the peoples comming out of Egypt the sixth yeare after their comming into the Land of Canaan when the Land was divided as it appeareth by Jos. 14. 7. 10. Shall the Land The Italian hath it The Land shall have its rest It shall not be plowed nor fruit A Sabbath Not for any naturall or oeconomicall respect to let the tired Land get strength but with a holy rest dedicated to my service for a more expresse document besides the Sabbath of the dayes of eternall rest particular to every faithfull at his death and afterwards generall at the blessed resurrection when there shall be a generall enfâ—anchizement of all Gods children and their new entrance into their heavenly inheritance V. 4 For the Lord Sacred and religious to him V. 5 Undressed In the Hebrew Nazaritish to the resemblance of the Nazarites who did not cut their haire Num. 6. 5. V. 8 Shall be meat Indifferently for any one as shall come to it upon the place without laying it up or making any bundle of it by way of harvest or vintage V. 9 The seventh Which was the first of the civill yeare Exod. 12. 2. Lev. 23. 24. according to whose moneths they counted the times of politick affaires to the order of which the Jubile was for the most part referred though with some instruction for divine and eternall things The Trumpet Which was the ordinary signe of festivall dayes Numb 10. 10. and 29. 1. V. 10 Hallow Distinguish it from all other common yeares to execute in it those commandements which I enjoyne you and shall be a sacred signe unto you of the acceptable yeare of the Lord under the Messias Isa. 61. 2. 2 Cor. 6. 2. The fiftieth Seeing the Jubile was only the revolution of seven weekes of yeares and that in the verse 20 concerning the Jubile there is nothing spoken but onely of the seventh yeare and that besides it would have been a hard matter to let Lands lie still for two yeares together and that the Jewes never reckoned the Jubile but by the seventh Sabbaticall yeare we must understand the number of fifty in that vulgar manner comprehending the yeare of the precedent Jubile Since that indeed from one Jubile to another there was but nine and fourty yeares Liberty Libertie from all slaverie for the Israelites see Exod. 21. 6. Iubile This word is by many interpreted to signifie a rammes horne to sound with But it seemeth that it signifieth rather a consort of many such hornes trumpets and such like loud-sounding instruments And it may be that this name was derived from the first Inventer of Musicall instruments called Jabal Gen. 4. 21. see Exod. 19. 13. Jos. 6. 4. Possession Which hath been sold and alienated Family From which he is gone away having sold himselfe for a slave or being sold by his father v. 39. V. 12 Out of the field And not out of a garner cellar or other store-houses v. 6. V. 14 Oppresse Let him not take an occasion by reason of his poverty to dispossesse him of his inheritance V. 15 Jubile Namely the last part Of the fruits The Italian hath it Oâ— the rent That is to say of the fruits more or lesse which thou mayest gather out of his Land for the yeares to come out of the next Jubile V. 21 For three yeares That is to say for the end of the sixth all the whole seventh and the eighth untill harvest time see 2 King 19. 29. Isa. 37. 30. V. 22 Of old fruit Of the sixth yeare The Italian addeth Of that harvest V. 23 For ever The Italian hath it Absolutely That is to say quite cut off without leaving any hope to the seller ever to redeem it Is mine I reserve unto my self the right of property in it and grant you nothing but the bare use of it therefore I will not have you alienate it at your pleasure neither will I suffer you to bargaine for any things but onely for the fruits but as for the Land it selfe it must alwayes remaine as by perpetuall lease unto those persons and families to whom I have given it V. 25 Possession In the fields for there was another Law for houses in Cities v. 29. Any of The Italian hath it The next of See Ruth 3. 2. 9. 12. Jer. 32. 7. V. 27 The over-plus Of the price of the yeares which are yet to come before the Jubile according to the number of which yeares he had made his sale V 32 Of the Cities Of which see Num. 35. 2. Jos. 21. 4. V 33 And if a man purchase The Italian hath And he amongst the Levites that shall redeem That is to say the next of kinne thaâ— hath between Jubile and Jubile redeemed that house by reason of the kinred For the houses Seeing the Levites have no other proper inheritance but only their Cities and some places about them Num. 35. 2. without any Lands or other possessions because they lived by tithes Num. 18. 24. their houses may not be alienated no more than the Lands of other Israelites V. 34 But the field They were certaine places of a thousand cubites in the suburbs or places adjoyning to the Levites Cities for them to keep and feed their cattel in Num. 35. 4. which being all undivided and lying in common no particular person had any power to make any bargaine for it as he might
consequently draw on the loste of the rest of the country Which reacheth Whose territory doth extend it selfe CHAP. XXII VERS 1. ON this side The Italian hath On that side or Beyond in regard of the land of Cannan By Iericho Along Iordan over against Iericho and its territories V. 2 Balak The King of Moab V. 3. Sore affraid The Lord had sent this feare amongst them to make the enterprises of the people so much the easier Exodus 15. 14. Deuteron 2. 25. Jos. 2. 9. V. 4. Unto the Elders It seemeth they are the same hat are called Kings Numbers 31. 8. and Princes Jos. 13. 21. Whereof every one was Governour of his own Countrey and all of them together made a common body of a nationall Councell and at that time it seemeth they were all joyned with the King of Moab and in all this action it seemeth they continued joyned together Numbers 25. 16. and 31. 2. V. 5. Pethor A City of Mesopotamia Num. 23. 7 Deuter. 23. 5. By the river Euphrates Of his people namely Balaams And they abide that is to say they are encamped V. 6. Curse me This may be understood of some simple or plaine magicall imprecations whereby evill spirits are raised and employed to hurt and offend by vertue of the covenant which the magician hath made with them Or of some solemn execrations which the pagans did use in war against their enemies conjuring and calling upon their tutelar Gods and raising infernall spirits against them which oftentimes tooke effect through Gods permission who suffered them to erre in their beleeving of Sooth-sayings and common sorceries which in effect were nothing but implicit and silent contracts with â—eâ—ls V. 7. Of divination The Italian hath it Having the divination in their hands Some formularies or set termes according to which Balaam was to utter his imprecations according as we read in histories as it hath been done in like acts to draw the devill to do that thing which he that imployed him did desire Others understood this of the gifts and rewards that were given for doing such things From hence it appeareth that Balak knew Balaam to be a magician and a Sooth-sayer as he is called Jos. 13. 22 and Balaam himselfe confesseth it and doeth the acts of one Num. 23. 23. and 24. 1. True it is that he had some knowledge of the true God v. 8. and 18. and that hee had some propheticall revelations from him Num. 24 4. 16. 2 Pet. 2. 15. but being a wicked man he mixed pagan superstitions and diabolicall witchcrafts therewith which he covered all with the cloake and colour of divine revelations But in this occasion God did not give him leave to use any V. 8 I will bring He speakes confidently by reason of the experience he had diverse times had of divine revelations granted unto him upon his request though indeed the light of prophecy was never perpetuall and at the Prophets discretion but only conferred according to Gods pleasure V. 19. Tarry ye also here As they did which came before Here Balaams avarice is discovered who against Gods will already sufficiently declared unto him desireth to go and please Balak being allured by his promises 2 Pet. 2. 15. Jude 11. and God condemning his wicked intent giveth him leave to go to bring to light his malice and to cause his own glory to shine enforcing him to blesse that people whom he would have cursed Deu. 23. 5. V. 22. For an adversary To shew him by the signe of this terrible vision like unto that of Exod. 4. 24. that God did disallow of his enterprise and would withstand the execution of it and constrain him to do contrary to his intent V. 23. Saw The sight of these apparitions was specially granted and made plaine to one and hidden from the other though they were present see 2 Kings 6. 17. Dan. 10. 7. as also the voyce Acts 22. 9. V. 28. Opened He did by miracle frame these destinct words in the exterior organs of the Asse though they proceeded not from any internall discourse or conceipt V. 31. Opened Caused him to see the Angel see Gen. 21. 19. Luke 24. 16 31. V. 32. Is perverse before me The Italian hath it Is not rightly appointed in my sight is contrary unto my will and as such I do reprove it and condemne it V. 33. Unlesse she had turned from me The Italian hath it May be she turned for feare of me Thou hast cause to think that God would have it so for thee and not for the asse because that I should not kill thee if the asse had gon forward V. 38. To say Of my self or according to mine own will V. 39. Kiriath Huzoth To the City of Huzoth V. 40. Andsent To make a festivall meale with the flesh of sacrifices according to custome V. 41. The high places Temples and Chappels dedicated to Baal-Peor the god of the Moabites upon some hils or hillocks adjoyning to that place The utmost part some part or quarters of that great campe to make some triall of his conjurations and imprecations CHAP. XXIII VERSE 1. SEven Altars Some are of opinion that there was some heathenish superstition in this number and also that these sacrifices were prepared for Idols But because that in the fourth verse Balaam doeth so confidently present them unto God it is likely that they were consecrated to the true God and that in this number and other ceremonies he did observe some ancient custome or command of God to obtaine propheticall revelation from him And it may also be that if hee had obtained none of God he would have had recourse to magick Arts for to give Balak content Num. 24. 1. V. 3. Hee sheweth mee That is to say shall be revealed to mee in vision To an high Upon the top of some neighbouring rock Others quickly or a side to see if the Lord would reveale himself unto him V. 4. God In some signe or some shape known to Balaam V. 5. Put He inspired him with what he would have him say V. 7. Parable The Italian hath it His sentence that is to say his prophetick speech conceived in numerous and sententious termes beyond the vulgar manner of speaking From Aram The Italian hath it From Syria Under which was also contained Mesopotamia V. 9. Shall dwell It shall be selected and severed from other nations to bee a peculiar people to God and to be by him endlessely kept blessed and increased V. 10. Of the fourth part He alludeth to that as Balak would shew him but a part of the campe Numbers 22. 41. Whereby Balaam is ravished in spirit to behold with admiration the miraculous increase of the people a signe of Gods expresse blessing Let me dye I am so far from having any power to work any evill end to this people sanctified by God and by him directed in all justice by his Law that contrariwise I envy that soveraigne happinesse which they alone enjoy that is to
Deuteron chap. 25. verse 17. V. 8. Wee passed by Using no manner of hostility towards those Idumeans which had given a free passage and turning away from them which had refused it us See Numbers chapter 20. verse 21. Deuteron chapter 2. verse â—9 Through the way He poynts out the principall parts of the east of Idumea through which after Ezion-Gaber which was the south part thereof they passed coasting and crossing the Countrey without doing any dammage in it The playne Which seemeth to bee the same which is called the plaine of Paran Gen. chapter 14. verse 6. We turned Whereas our direct way was to goe crosse the Idumeans Countrie by reason of their refusall wee bent our course towards the countrey of Moab V. 9 Ar A name of the chiefe City of the Moabites Numbers chapter 21. verse 28. under which name is understood the whole Countrey Of Lot See the nineteenth chapter of Gen. and the seven and thirtieth verse V. 10 The Emims A race of Giants Genesis chap. 14. verse 5. The Hebrew word signifieth terrible And many The Italian hath it mighty or numerous V. 12 As Israel did This and some other parcells scattered here and there seeme to have beene added to Moses his words after the conquest of the land of Canaan See Deuteron chap. 34. verse 5. V. 14 From Kadesh This ought to be understood of the first time that they arrived to that place Numbers chap. 13. verse 27. Because they came thâ—â—her another time Numbers chapt 20. verse 1. V. 20. Zan-zummims Tâ—â—y seeme to bee the same as are called Zâ—zites Genesis chapt 14. verse 5. And this name may signifie wâ—â—ked V. 23 Caphtorims Were a peopâ—â— joyned both in kindred and habitation with the Philistâ—â—s Gâ—n chap. 10. verse 13 Jer. chap. 47 verse 4. Amos ch 9. verse 7. Whereby oftentimes one nation is taken for the other The ancients have by thiâ— name understood the Cappadocians as if the Philistims and the Caphtorims were come from the Cappadocians which seemeth to agree with Jerem. chapt 47. verse 4. where Caphtor is called an Iland that is to say a land on the other side of the sea V. 28 On my feet The Italian hath it With my company see Num. 20. 19. V. 29 As the See upon Num. 20 21. How this agreeth with that which is written in that place Moabites see Numbers 21. 20. where also that apparent contrariety which is between these passages and Deut. 23. 3. 4. Judg. 11. 17 18. is reconciled V. 30 Hardnâ—d See Ex 4. 21. V. 34 Destroyd By Gods command Deut. 7. 2. and 20. 16. V. 36 Aâ—oer which was the confine of the Moabites The Ciâ—y Called Ar standing upon an Island encompassed with this five Mum. 21. 15. 28. Jos. 12. 2. and 13. 9. CHAP. III. VERS 9. SYrion Called also Sion by abbreviation Deut. 4. 48. See upon Num. 34. 7. V. 11 For onely This seemes to bee added to shew tha Og being once overcome all the whole country was conquered for of many Giants beyond Jordan which had reigned in that countrey hee alone remained having invaded other countries after he had overcome the people in battaile After the Cubit That is to say an ordinary and common cubit as a mans cubit who is of ordinary growth and compleat age See Rev. 21. 17. V. 14 Geshuri This people was in Syria towards the north of Canaan 2 Sam. chap. 15. verse 8. and were not driven out by the children of Is 〈…〉 Joshuah chapter 13. verse 13. Bashan-Havoth-Iair The Italian hath it Bashan of the townships of Iair Namely thâ—t part of Bashan where the townships of 〈◊〉 stand V 15 Gilead The Italian Galaad A part of that hilly Countrey see Num 32. 39. which was also properly so called Gen. 31. â—1 48. and from that the name of Gilead was given to the country thereabout verse 12. V. 16 Half the valley The Italian hath it In the middle of the riâ—er Even unto Ar a City of Moab which had not beene conquered by Sihon wherefore it was not taken in by Israel nor granted unto them by the Lord Deu. 2. 9. and was situate in an Island in the middle of the river Arnon Deut 2. 36. Ios. 12. 2. 13 9. so that the countrey of these two Tribâ—s ended at the walls of Ar. Aâ—d the border see how this ought to be understood Num. â—4 6. V. 17 Of the plaine Namely of Jordan Gen. 13. 10. which plaine after the destruction of Sodom came to be a Sea that is to say a great salt pitchie and sâ—lphurous lake Gen. 14. 3. Num. 34. 3. Ashdoth Pisgah the name of a City Jos. 13. 20. Others construe it the coasts or hanging sides of Pisgah which was a hill from which the valley took its name see Num. 20. 21 and 23 14 V. 18 I commanded you Namely the two Tribes who had gotten their parts beyond Jordan All that are meet What number shall be thought fitting and sufficient leaving the rest to keep the Country see Jos. 1. 14. and 4. 13. V. 20 Rest A settled and peaceable abode V. 26 For your sakes For the people had vexed Moses his spirit with their murmurings and being thus perplexed he sinned Psa. 106. 32 33 V. 27 Pisgah See Num. 27. 12. V. 28 Strengthen him With exhortations councells and promises c. V. 29 Beth-Peor or the Temple of Peor or of Baal-peor idoll of the Ammonites Num. 25. 3. Name of the place or City which was the chief seat of this idolatry CHAP. IV. VERS 6. FOr this is This may be understood of the Law of God in it self which is the light and rule of all wisdom Or of the observing of the Law which is the true wisdom in practice the true disposer of the soul to attaine unto the last end of soveraigne welfare V. 7 What Nation is there so great Namely a whole and entire Nation For there were some particular and small kindreds or families amongst idolatrous people which served the true God as that of Job Melchisedeck and Jethro c. So nigh Present in the efficacy of his grace and power and in the pawnes tokens and shewes of his Majesty and ready to help and assist That we call The Italian Whensoever we call Or in any thing we desire from him Psal. 46. 2. and 148. 14 V. 1â— Miast of heaven That is to say in the midst of the aire V. 15 Unto your selves The Italian hath it Upon your soules As you love your lives and regard the salvations of your soules or persons Or for feare lest your bodies do beare the punishment for it V 16 Corrupt By inclining unto or participating of idolatry which is the spirituall whoredome contrary to the purity of conscience in Gods service Of any figure Or God absolutely none at all nor yet of any other creature to consecrate it or to fasten any opinion of Deity upon it or to attribute any religious honour unto it see Exo. 20. 4
wine The Italian hath it The tunne or the wine-press V. 15 Rejoyce Put away all sorrow and sadnesse to rejoyce fully in the Lord and to blesse him and laud him with all thy heart V. 19 â—râ—st S 〈…〉 upon Exod. 23. 8. V. 21 A grove Not to imitate any way the idolaters superstitions which did settle some opinion of divinity upon shady trees and groves see upon Ex. 34. 13. V. 22. Image The Italian A statue whether it have any representation or no as sometimes the idolaters did consecrate such stones and pillars without any effigies CHAP. XVII VERS 1. EVill favourednesse See upon Deu. 15. 21. V. 2. Wickednesse The Italian That which is unpleasing this circumlocution is especially referred unto idolatry V. 3. Either Not only Idols of human invention or fabulous fictions but even those excellent creatures which become mans idols when he attributeth unto them any divinity or yeeldeth any honour or worship to them see Job 31. 26. The host The stars see upon Gen 2. 1. V. 5. Gates Of the city which was the place where they held their courts of justice and their common counsels V. 7. The evill Or the evil man see upon Deu. 13. 5. V. 8. Too hard This is spoken to inferior judges magistrates Deu. 16. 18. who were enjoyned to go to the priests by way of consultation to be informed of the true sense and meaning of Gods Law And this is not spoken to the parties as if they should proceed by way of appeale for there is no such thing mencioned in Scripture Between bloud the Italian Between man-slaughter whether it was wilfull or casuall excusable or no Suffered by the Law or no see Exo. 21. 13 20. 22 28 and 22. 2. Num. 35. 11. 16 19. Deu. 19. 4 10. stroke the Italian Plague as for example what stroke was subject to be requited by the like pain Exo 21. 25 or by the word plague is ment the leprosie or other uncleane disease of which the inferior priests might take notice at their habitations yet in doubtfull cases they were bound to take advice from the high Priests which were resident in the publick place of Gods service see Lev. 13. 2. and 14. 3. V. 9. The priests Who were as the great Lawyers amongst the people practised in the meaning of Gods Law according to which judgement was to be given in all the cases comprehended therein see Jer. 18. 18. Mal. 2. 7. Unto the Judge this was the chiefe publick magistrate before the judges were established amongst the children of Israel He judged supreamly in things which were meerly civill and belonging to human positive right and in things of divine right the executing belonged to him after the priest had declared how it should be see Deu. 19. 17. 2 Chro. 19. 11. V. 15. Set him Acknowledge and install him whom God shall point out by expresse declaration of his wil having no absolute freedom to make choice of any person or family or to make any law of succession See 1 Samuel 9. 15. and 10. 24 and 16. 12. 1 Chron. 22. 10. V. 16. Multiply This commandement was transgressed by Salomon 1 Kings 4. 26. and 10. 26. The end therof is that the King of Gods people should not exalt himselfe in pride and tyranny nor should not put his confidence in humane means nor be corrupted with pleasures See Psal. 33 17. Prov. 21. 31. To Egypt from whence came abundance of good horses 1 Kin. 10. 28. and likewise horsemen for the warres Isa. 31. 1 3. And by this looking after such things the people might have been brought to frequent Egypt by trading or to demand ayd which might have obscured the benefit of their deliverance out of that accursed Countrey by which deliverance they were bound to cleave onely unto God renouncing the fellowship of and confidence in the world which was figured by Egypt Return This comandement is extant no where else But it should seem that Moses had a relation to that which was spoken Exo. 13. 17. and to some declaration made Num. 14. 3 4. see Jer. 42 15. V. 17 Turn not away Through disordered voluptuousnesse which blindeth the understanding or to idolatry and spirituall fornication which ordinarily followeth the bodily fornication V. 18 Put off that which is before The Italian out of the coppy which meaning the originall which was in the Priests custodies 2 Kin. 22. 8. CHAP. XVIII VERS 1. AND his Of all that which of right belongeth properly unto the Lord as tithes first fruits and other offerings V. 3 A sacrifice Of thanksgiving Lev. 7. 31. 33. Vnto the Priest the shoulder unto the high Priest and the other parts to him that ministreth See Lev. 7. 31. 33. Cheeks These two parts namely the cheeks and the maw are not mentioned Lev. 7. 32. Nu. 18. 18. And in stead of them is the breast and it seemeth that this diversity is to shew that it was in the Priests choyce to take either the two or the one V. 5 In the name By his command and commission with publike authority received from him as his Minister Or to the name that is to say in holy things which particlarly belong to his honour and glory V. 6 Come For some particular devotion or private businesse at his owne pleasure V. 7 Then he shall Though wee finde no expresse Law for the exchanging of Levites by turns before that David had ordered it 1 Chron. 23. yet by this place it is plaine that the Levites did do their services by turnes according to some orders following the degrees of their line or otherwise and those that were out of office returned to their own homes and Cities and if they were in Jerusalem upon any occasion out of the time of their office they might be admitted to doe service as assistants and in such a case they had their proportions of sacred food as well as the rest of the ordinary officers which stand Which in their order are in actuall employments about the Temple V. 8 To cal The Levites were all fed with tithes Numbers 18. 21. But it seems that they which were out of â—mployment did gather them up about their owne homes but for those that ministred there was a certaine quantity brought to the temple and reserved in store-houses to be distributed out in portions 2 Chron. 31 5. 11. The Italian addeth here According to their fathers faâ—xilies observing the distinction of their fathers families joyning themselves unto it the Keharite to the Keharite and the Gershonite to the Gershonite c. performing the service assigned to each one Which commeth of the sale It should seem that this ought to be understood of that kind of Tithes which might be converted into money which was to be employed in the sacred feasts upon holy dayes See Deuteron chap. 14. verse 25. V. 10 To passe By a superstitious and prophane purification or by an abominable offering Lev. 18. 21. V. 11. Familiar spirits The
Italian hath it Python See Lev. 19. 31. Necromancer That calleth up the dead and enquireth of them 1 Sam 28. 8. Isa. 8. 19. V. 13 Perfect Pure and sincere in his service clean from all mixture of idolatry or superstition V. 14 Hath not suffered thee so to doe The Italian hath it Hath not given thee such things hath not ordained suffered or approved any such meanes to enquire of secret or future things but in stead of such meanes hath given thee his Prophets V. 15 A Prophet The great revealer of all the mysteries which needed to bee knowne Who is the Sonne of God himselfe Psal. 27. Dan 8. 13. Joh. 〈◊〉 18 By whose spirit all the Prophets have spoken Eccl. 12. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 11. and 3. 19. who at the last hath manifested himselfe in the flesh and in that hath fully accomplished that sacred function Like unto me That is to say true man and also having the office of Mediator of which I am but the figure Gal. 3 19. V. 16 Of the assembly Namely the generall asembly of the people Exodus 19. 17 Deuteron 19. 10. V. 22. Speaketh By way of meere and absolute prediction as 1 Kings 22 28. Jeremiah 9. for even the true Prophets did oftentimes foretell things which did not come to passe but that was only by way of threatning or of promise or according to the order of naturall causes and upon a condition sometimes revealed and sometimes not revealed unto the Prophet yet it might and ought to bee taken out of the generall maxims of Gods word as Isai. 38. 1. Ion. 3. 4. Be afraid hove no respect unto his person nor fear not to offend God by proceeding against him to a just corporall punishment CHAP. XIX VERS 2. SEparate Dedicate them to that use and assigne them thereunto by publike declaration Three Beyond Jordan as Moses had already assigned three more on this side Jordan Deut. 4. 41. V. 3 Prepare thee On every side of the countrey establish the Cities in such places that one may come to them from all parts by short and direct wayes or make new ways on purpose to cause the guiltles mans escape thither so much the easier v. 6. V. 6 While his In his first and suddaine heat of bloud by reason of his kinsmans death before hee have truly examined and found out that it was done by chance V. 8 Enlarge This happened in Davids time who enlarged the bounds of Israel to Euphrates according as God had promised Gen. 15. 18. 2 Sam. 8. 3 2 Chron. 8. 2. 6. yet we doe noe read any where that he did adde these three Cities unto the other Cities of refuge it may be he did not drive the Pagans out which were beyond Lebanon but onely subdued them and made them tributary V. 10 Innocent Namely the unwillingâ—and casuall man-slayer V. 12 The Elders that is to say the Magistrates deliver him Let them suffer him to bee questioned criminally by the dead mans next kinsman in a judiciall way even to the sentence of death and execution thereof see Num. 35. 24. V. 13 The guilt Which comes to be common to all the people if there be any publike connivence or neglect of punishing the sin V. 15 Shallnot rise up Others shall not availe It established The Italian be verified The Hebrew word signifieth firm or stable V. 26 Against any man In case of a secret seducement from Gods true servicce he that had been solicited though he were alone ought to detect the seducer Deut. 13. 6 8. and the Judges ought to proceed therein as upon an advice and denunciatiation not as upon a formall accusation which had required two witnesses And if the calumnie was made to appeare unto them they were to observe this Law if it were a truth that of Deuteronomy 13. 9. CHAP. XX. VERS 2. THe Priest For ordinarily some of the chief Priests went along with the army with the holy trumpets Num. 10. 9. and 31. 6. V. 5. Officers Those were the magistrates of particular communalties Deut. 1. 13. which also followed the armies Num. 31. 14. What man A precept of equity to preserve him from danger who hath yet received no profit of some laudable enterprise or fact which he hath already undertaken or done Dedicated solemnly blessed the first enjoying of it by prayers holy hymnes and rejoycing according to the use of those times see Neh. 12. 27. Psal. 30. 1. V. 6. Eaten of it The Italian Begun to enjoy it according to the common use of it for by the Law Lev. 19. 23. the fruit of the first three yeares ought to lie abandoned of the fourth to be consecrated to God and the fifth the owner began to enjoy it V. 7. Betrothed That is to say made a promise according to the ancient and very laudable custome which was to have some time interposed between the promise or the betroathing and the wedding see Gen. 19. 14. Deut. 22. 23. Mat. 1. 18. V. 9. Captaines These were Captaines for the wars which were appointed by publick authority with solemnity and binding of the souldiers to obedience V. 10. Commest nigh In a just and necessary war V. 13. Every male See Num. 31. 7. V. 19. Thou shalt not destroy This must be understood of a generall destruction of all the trees of the countrey through the fury and rage of war not of some particular cutting down for use or necessity in the siege For the Tree thou needest not to feare that the trees will stir to get into the besieged towne the chief care of the besiegers being to cut off all way of relief from the besieged V. 20. Build bu 〈…〉 ks c. The Italian hath it Build what shall be necessary for the siedge c. Hebrew the siedge namely engines towers stakes or other necessary fences subdued The Italian Fall that is to say untill it be forced or taken CHAP. XXI VERS 2. THy Elders It seemes we ought to understand his word for some of the great councell Num. 11 16. or some of their deputies V. 3. The Elders These were the Magistrates of each particular communalty Of that City For it being the next city the suspicion of the misdeed was likeliest to fall upon it V. 4. A rough valley The Italian A desert valley Hebrew harsh rough and hard that is to say which hath not been manured Strike off for a signe that hâ—likewise ought to be slaine who in some solitary place had committed the murther if he came to be discovered V. 5. By their word As Expounders of Gods Law in any thing that might be thereby decided not that they had any absolute or arbitrary power of themselvs Stroke See upon Deu. 17. 8 V. 6. Shall wash To protost of their innocencies see Mat. 27. 24. V. 8. O Lord It is likely that this prayer was spoken by the Priests And lay not The Italian And suffer not c. Preserve thy people from any such misdeed impute not that unto
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
people And they these great acts shall bee archieved by these two numerous and warlike tribes come out of Joseph whereof that of Manasses who was the elder shall yeeld in power and number to Ephraims who was the second brother according to Jacobs Prophecie Genesis chap. 48. v. 19. V. 18. In thy Of the commodity thou shalt have thy land bordering upon the sea to make many voyages which will be very profitable to thee In thy in thy peaceable and home led life free from enterprises and altogether employed in governing of thine owne private affaires See Genesis chap. 25. verse 27. V. 19. They Namely the Zabulonites by their frequent voyages into farie Countreies shall invite many Nations to come and worship the true God in his Temple in mount Sion There these nations by the Zabulonites enducements shall serve the true God in that only manner which he hath approved of and appointed Or the Zabulonites themselves being delivered from the dangers of the seas and enriched shall come to yeeld sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord Psal. 107. 32. Jon 2. 9. The abundance The great riches which navigation brings in In the sand the sea-shore which though of it selfe it be very barren brings in great revenues by reason of the sea trading V. 20. He that Namely the Lord who hath bestowed upon the tribe of Gad a large and spacious Countrey and although it lye upon the frontiers and therefore be often invaded yet it shall have strength and heart to defend it selfe V. 21. He provided God hath assigned unto Gad the first land which was conquered from the Amorites on this side Jordan See concerning these first fruits of the countrey Numbers 24 20. Because there because this part of the Country was that alone which God let Moses see and which he would have him divide amongst certain tribes And he came This is spoken by propheticall anticipation concerning the Gadites company and faithfull assistance which they lent their brethren in the subduing of the land of Canaan and executing the Lords vengeance upon the accursed people See Jos. 4. 12. V. 22. A lions whelp The Italian Like a lions c. It shall be a warlike nation which out of his mountainous frontier shall often invade its enemies V. 23. With favour With Gods grace and favour which will make him acceptable amongst his brethren Gen. 49. 21. Possesse thou the Italian Thou shalt possesse See Jos. 19. 32. V. 24. Dip He shall enjoy an exceeding fat countrey Gen. 49. 20. V 25. Thy shoes It seemeth to be a proverbiall kind of speech taken from shoes which are made of a solid and hard matter to signifie a continuance of strength without wearing out as Deuteronomy 29. 5. V. 27. Underneath As in heaven is the pacificall feat of Gods glorious resting place so here on earth is the theater of the works of his providence and omnipotency through which he rules the world V. 28. Alone From other people as a Nation consecrated to God and by him protected against all assaults V. 29. Bee found Ciars The Italian Shall dissemble Hebrew Shall lye unto thee that is to say shall be constrained to yeeld obedience unto thee though it be but a feigned and forced one See Psalme 18. 44. and 66. 3. and 81. 15. Shalt tread Shalt beat downe their loftinesse shalt assault and conquer their country and all their forts CHAP. XXXIV VERS 1. VNto the mountaine See Numbers 27 12. Unto Dan This chapter hath beene added to Moses his books by some Prophet after the division of the land of Canaan and therefore these countries are by anticipation called by the names of the tribes to whose lot they fell Now Dan had the uttermost Northern frontier Judg. 18. 7. V. 3. Of Palme trees Jericho is so called Judges 1. 16. 2 Chronicles 28. 15. Because that the territories thereof did abound in such kind of trees and this very name is also given to it by profane authors Zoar A city situate on the furthest part of the sea of Sodom Gen. 19. 22. V. 6. Buried him He caused his body to be laid in the earth by the ministery of Angels or by some other meanes No man It is likely that it was done to take quite away all occasion of superstition and Idolatry See Jude 9. V. 7. His eye By divine miracle Deuteronomy 8. 4. Joshua 14. 11. It may also be that the use of Manna did somewhat helpe towards it it being an exquisitely pure kind of food of an aereall and not very corruptible substance Naturall force Hebrew greennesse that is to say a fresh and thriving constitution of body as Psa. 32. 4. V. 8. So the dayes In this moderate length of time was this mourning ended which amongst other nations was much prolonged for such kind of persons see Gen. 50. 3. V. 9. Of the Spirit Of a supernaturall gift and infused with wisdome under which are comprehended all the vertues belonging to a heroicall and excelling soule See 1 Kings 3. 9 12. Had laid For a signe and sacred meanes of that divine infusion of the holy Ghost into him the Lord going along with the ceremony with his internall operation according to the true property of all Sacraments V. 10. Whom With whom God hath parleyed and to whom he hath communicated himselfe by a cleare and ocular representation without any abstraction or oppression of the senses without any doubtfull speeches visions dreams or other hidden meanes See Numbers Chapter 12. verses 6. 8. V. 12. Hand Operations of Divine and Omnipotent power which did accompany Moses his Ministery See Deuteronomy Chapter 4. verse 34. and 7. 19. THE BOOK OF JOSHVA THE ARGVMENT IOshua who very likely did by divine inspiration write and compose this History and joyned it by way of appendix to the Originall volume of Moses his bookes kept by the Priests in the Tabernacle Sets down in it how that he being whilest Moses yet lived appointed and consecrated his successor after his death entered upon the conduct of Gods people being instructed and strengthened by Gods own Word and authorized by his miraculous and glorious power which accompanied him and accepted and acknowledged by the generall consent of the people And afterwards how he passed over Iordan and after he was come into the land of promise he again sanctified and purged the people putting Circumcision in practice again which had beene intermitted in their pilgrimage in the wildernesse After which the people beginning to enjoy the fruits of the land Manna ceased And the Son of God appearing corporally to Ioshua assured him of his conduct and power through which he in six years conquered with armed hand the Land of Canaan destroyed the accursed Nations and Kings according to Gods Commandement and afterwards divided the Land amongst the nine Tribes and a halfe which had not received their inheritance beyond Iordan appointed the Priests and Levites Cities for their habitations settled Gods Tabernacle in Shiloh observed punctually all
God had also imployed the same nations for to afflict and punish them severely by tyrrannies oppressions violences and desolations by warre But yet the sonne of God the everlasting head of his Church would not suffer it to bee quite corrupted or destroyed but divers times appeared and spake either in his owne person or by some Prâ—phat to reprove his people and call them to repentance And did also at their need extraordinariâ— prayse up some heroicall persons which he did indue with power and gifts of his spirit inspiring and setting them on to take upon them the government under a benigne fatherly and reasonable forme to minister justice practised through the light and guid of Gods spirit and to defend and deliver the people from their oppressors and to re-establish the publik liberty and peace by their Armies miraculously conducted and blessed by God and all under the plaine name title of Iudges seeing their whole dignity and office being restrained 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the bounds of those two functions could not beare any signe of a violent proud or absolut domination but depending onely upon Gods election command approbation and guid aiming onely at the publike good and safety as Moses and Ioshua had done which lasted untill the Philistims tyranny which was never quite abolished by the Iudges yea joyned to the rest of the peoples frequent dis-orders it layd open the way for Gods providence to confirme the state by erecting Davids and his posterities Monarchy which was to serve for a perpetuall direction to expect Christ his spirituall and everlasting Kingdome ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 1. ASked By the high Priest according to the Law Nu. 27. 21. V. 8. Had fought Namely in Ioshua's time Now they of Iudah had but onely taken one part of Ierusalem which had always been divided into two Cities severally enclosed with walls See Ios. 15. 63. V. 16 Kenite A Nation of which Iethro Moses his father in law was Num. 24. 21 who stayed with the people at Moses his request Num. 10. 31. or at the least his posterity afterwards did come amongst them Iudg. 14 17. 1 Sam. 15. 5 1 Chron. 2. 55. Ier. 32. 5. Out of the City Namely Iericho See Deut. 34. 3. V. 17. Hormah That is to say destruction after the manner of the accursed thing V. 19. Could not See Ios. 63. Of Iron See upon Ios. 17. 16. Now the use of these charers was for the plains and vallies not for the hilly Countries V. 21 The children For one part of Ierusalem belonged to the land of Benjamin Ios. 18. 28. the other belonged to Iudah Ios. 15. 63. V. 27 Would dwell As Ios. 17. 12. CHAP. II. VERS 1. ANgel Which was the sonne of God himselfe who from time to time appeared in humane shape as the great Captaine of the people and therefore here attributeth unto himself the works of God see Ex. 14. 19. and 23. 20. and 33. 14. Ios. 5. 13 14. Iodg 6. 12. and 13. 3. Came up From Gilgal where he first appeared to Ioshua Iosh. 5. 13. hee now appeared again in Bochim here so called by anticipation vers 5. V. 3 A snare A cause of râ—ine and perdition through the idolatry which you shall commit with them drawne thereunto by the society which you hold with these nations Exod. 23. 33. Deuteronomy 7 16. V. 4 Spake It is very likely that hee spake through the high Priest or Ioshua himselfe V. 5 Bochim That is to say the place of weeping V. 9 Timnath-Heres It seemeth that by reason of the abommation of the idolatry which was here done to the Sun for Here 's in Hebrew signifieth the Sun this place was afterward by transposition of letters called Timnath-â—â—ra Ios. 19. 50. and 2â— â—0 as upon the same occasion the like change was made of many other proper names V. 10. Which knew not Which was not present at the time of those miraculous works and manifestations and had not the experience nor lively impression thereof as they who had been eye-witnesses of it V. 11. Did evil By this ordinary circumlocution is meant idolatry which is the sinne which above all other sinnes offends Gods Majesty Baalim The generall name of all the Canaanean Caldean and Syrian idols and signifieth Lords or Governors Under this name the Planets were worshipped to whom the Astrologians attribute some kind of domination in their houses in heaven Under this name is also the name of Bel comprehended either single or compounded V. 13. Ashtaroth The generall name of the female idolls of those nations as of Venus-starre amongst the Sidonians and of the Moone and the earth amongst the Syrians and it is very likely that from thence is derived the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Saturne Mercury Iupiter Luna Pallas c. came from the Hebrew V. 16 Iudges Rulers and supream Magistrates who were endowed with heroicall and extraordinary vertues by Gods spirit and had also a divine calling as well to rule the people with Laws and judgements as for to defend them from their enemies by just warre V. 17 A whoring A very frequent terme in Scripture signifying the unlawfull and shamefull conjunction of the soule with idolls whereas true and sincere religion is compared to chaste wedlock Their fathers In Ioshua's time and a while after V. 18 It repented See upon Gen. 6. 6. V. 19. Then their fathers The ancientest in Egypt and in the wildernesse They ceased not they imitated yea went beyond the examples of their wicked fore-fathers V. 22. I may prove This was Gods end when he left these Nations in Joshua's time for afterwards this triall having an evill issue they served no longer for trials but for scourges and instruments of revenge CHAP. III. VERS 1. AS had not They had not been present whereby they were also lesse touched with these wonders as being olde wherefore God left some victories to follow to renew the memory of the old and keep the people in continuall exercise of Faith and Obedience seeing they had the same need of Gods grace against that remainder of the enemies V. 2. Only that Besides that chief foresaid end God had another which was to prevent the relenting and tendernesse which is caused by great and long rest and for to force his people to hold those nations to be enemies and to execute his sentence against them seeing they were continually assaulted molested by them To cach them the Italian Being taught at their own costs and to their dammage V 3. Five Judg. 1. 18. It hath been said that Judah conquered three of them but we ought to beleeve that this chanced after the time which is here set downe namely after the death of Joshua Judges chapter 2. verse 21. V. 7. The groves See Exodus 34. 13. Deutcronomy 16. 21. Judg. 6. 25. V. 10. The sp rit God did endow him extraordinarily with the gifts of his Spirit in heroicall vertues fit ting for the charge of government and deliverance
did caule his prophecy to be put in execution by the event thereof set down in this chapter Eben-Ezer A place so called by anticipation see 1 Samuel chapter 7. v. 12. V. 3. The Arke As an inviolable pawn of Gods presence and power Now this was accustomed to be done some times Num. 31. 6. Jos. 4. 11. by Gods expresse commandement See Num 14. 44. But here the peoples act was unadvised and here the signe became effectuall for want of faith repentance and true invocation V 4. Between The Italian Upon on the top of the Arke which was covered by two Cherubims from whence God gave his answers and shewed his Majesty and power as out of a throne of glory see Exo. 25. 22. Numbers 7. 89. Psalme 80. 1. and 99. 1. Were there namely in the campe V. 8. With all the plagues The Italian hath it With an entire overthrow Others with all maner of plagues and in the wildernesse In the wildernesse in the red sea which is along the wildernesse of Etam Exodus 13. 20. V. 10. Footmen These are not so called as opposite to horsemen but it is meant that they were men of compleate age strong and able to march a foot and had no need of waggons or horses to carry them as children and old and impotent men were see Exodus 12. 37. V. 13. Watching Expecting what news would come from the campe V. 21. Jâ—habod That is to say there is no more glory For the Arke was called the glory of God Psal. 78. 60. 〈◊〉 CHAP. V. VERS 4. BOth the Seeing here is no mention made of feet their opinion seemeth hereby to be confirmed who think this idoll to be shapen in the lower parts like a fish See upon Judg. 16. 23. To him the Italian Necre unto it Namely the Arke or to him V. 5. Tread on Leap over it a superstition which spread it selfe in many places amongst the Gentiles see Zepha 1. 9. V. 6. Destroyed them Spoyling their land with mice 1 Sam. 6. 5. V. 8. Be carried about Imagining peradventure that the wrath of the God of Israel was kindled by reason of Dagons temple which was in Ashdod V. 9. In their secret parts The Italian Hidden ones that is to say inward ones which are the most painefull V. 10. To us The Italian To me words spoken by the Prince or counsell of the city V. 11. A deadly destruction The Italian hath it A terror of death either because this infirmity was mortall to many or because there raigned some other mortall discease besides this v. 12. CHAP. VI. VERSE 2. TEll us As well by prudent advice as by magick art V. 3. If he This first part of their answer is by meere advice grounded upon the ordinary meanes of appeasing Gods wrath by gifts offerings but the specification of the offerings being so absurd and ridiculous of Mice and Emerods seemes to be sugg sted by the devill in contempt of God Who notwithstanding accepted of it for a memoriall that he had overcome his enemies by such poore and contemptible meanes A trespasse offering For it was a kind f 〈…〉 trespasse though committed through ignorance Lev. 5. 2. Then ye shall when God shall be thus appeased then shall ye know that his wrath hath been the came of your evils V. 5. Give gloâ—y Through an humble confession and acknowledgement of youâ— fault See Josh. 7. 19. John 9. 24. Your Gods whose esteeme and reverence he hath quite debased with his might 1 Samuel cha 5 v. 3 4. V. 7. Make This savoureth of a â—iabolicall prediction uttered by the idols servants and being done without faith and without calling upon God cannot have its beginning nor originall from his inspiration as diverse other signes of which see upon Gen. 24. 14 though Gods providence afterwards did verifie this signe by the event to confute thâ— enemies by their own inventions Bring the calvâ—s To see whether their naturall instinct towards their young ones will be overcome by a divine force which may drive the kine to go and conduct the Arke to its place and go away from them V. 9. His owne Namely Gods where he reigneth and is worshipped V. 12. Lowing In token of griefe for leaving their young ones and yet being forced by a suddaine and divine power they went away from them V. 13. Bethshemâ—sh A city of Judah appointed for the Priests and therefore it seemeth to be as it were pointed at by the Southsayers verse 9. see Josh. 21. 16. whereupon it is said v 15. that the Levites were there ready to take down the Arke and for to offer Sacrifices V. 14. And they The Priests which were of Bethshemesh V. 15. The Levites The Priests of the tribe of Levi for whom only it was lawfull to touch the Arke Num. 4. 15. V. 18. According That is to say each city or communalty sent its golden Mouse for it is likely that the plague of the Emerods raigned most in the cities and the mice in the countrey Abel which countrey of the Philistims extended it selfe even to this stone v. 14. which seemeth to have been afterwards called Abâ—l that is to say griefe for the reason mentioned verse 19. V 19. Looked into Against Gods expresse command Num. 4. 2â— Of the people not only of Bethshemesh but of other adjoyning places who were all come togethâ—r at the Arkes arrivall V. 20. Shall he The Arke which is the signe and pawne of his presence and glory CHAP. VII VERS 1. THe men of Kiriath-jearim being no city belonging to the Priests as Bethshemesh was it being unlawfull for any others to touch the Arke Num. 4. 15. It is to be imagined that all this was done by the hâ—nâ—s of sâ—me P 〈…〉 s who were sent for â—â—â—m some other place unlesse there were some great toleration from God in such an extraordinary case as this was and also by the 1 Chron. 15. 2. 〈…〉 meth that Abâ—â—aâ—ab was no Leviâ—ish Priest â—anctifica They did so for the present time in that confusion of state and religion for otherwise the high Priests sonne was to have care thereof and to looke to it Num. cha 4. v. 1â— V. 2. Lamented For the long and hard oppression of the Philistims V. 3 Ashtaroth see upon Iudges 2. 13. V. 4 Baâ—â—â—m See upon Judg. 2. 11. V. 5. Mizâ—eh A city situate upon the consines of Judah and Benjamin where they often â—â—lled together their generall congregations Judges cha 20. v. 1. 1 Samuel Chapter 10. verse 17. 2 Kings chapter 25. verse 23. V. 6. Drew This ceremony which is no where found to be ordained by the Law nor used any where else was here used for a signe either of Gods grace called upon to the end that the multitude of the peoples sins might as it were be washed away by a great floud or by their abundant teares Judged supplied the place of a supreame and soveraigne Magistrate extraordinarily raised reforming and re-establishing Gods service Or he
to quench with good words the fire that was already kindled but spake more taunting words then the others See of the like jealousies Judg. 8 1. and 12 1. CHAP. XX. Ver. 1. VVEE have no By the speeches of the men of Judah David belongeth not to us let him then looke to his owne businesse and we will looke to ours wee will have nothing to doe with him See 1 Kings 1â— 16. V. 4. Amasa To whom hee had made promise of the Generalls place 2 Samuell Chapter 19. ver 13. V. 6. Thy Lords Namely Joabs who hath hitherto beene thy Generall V. 7. Cherethites See upon 2 Sam. Chapter 8. ver 18. V. 8. Was girded In stead of carrying his sword hanging at his girdle and his garment over it according to the usuall fashion hee had girded on his garment and had put on his girdle over that about his waste that the sword hanging in that kinde might at a certaine motion or posture of his body fall out of the scabbard that thereby he might take an occasion to take it up in his hand without giving Amasa any cause of suspition V. 9. My brother For he was his cousin 1 Chro. chap. 2. v. 16 17. V. 10. Fiâ—th rib See upon 2 Samuel chap. 2. vers 23. V. 12. Wallowed He did beat and stirre himselfe in the last pangs of death V. 14. Abel it is likely to bee the same City which is called Abel Maim 2 Chronicles chap. 16. verse 4. in the Tribe of Nephtali or that these two Cities Abel and Bermaâ—ca were both comprehended under one name 1 Kings 15 20. 2 Kings 15. 29. All the Acording to some they were the inhabitants of Beeroth of Benjamin Joshua chapt 18. verse 25. which might be the City of this Sheba Others think it was the countrey neer to Abel V. 15. A bank According to the old manner of besieging of Cities casting up of high banks on the out side of the wals and standing upon them to fight with those that defended the wals The trench Which is now a dayes called a trench with a breast-worke Battered That is to say digged the wall V. 18 They were wont The law of warre according to Gods command Deuteronomie chapter 20. verse 10. Was to have besieged places summoned before they were spoyled by assaults or besieging And if thou hadst done so the businesse had beene ended and thou satisfied V. 19. A mother A chiefe Citie of a Province The inheritance A Citie or commonalty of Gods people which are his owne as his inheritance V. 21. Mount Ephraim Though Sheba was 2 Benjamite yet peradventure he dwelt in the countrey of Ephraim Or his Citie was in the confines of these two Tribes V. 22. Retired from The armie was disbanded there V. 23. Was over He retained his old place after Amasa his death 2 Sam. 8. 16. which David had conferred upon Amasa V. 25. Sheva it seems to be the same as Seraiah 2 Iam. 8. 17. V. 26. The Iairite Of the countrey of Jair in Gilead Numbers chapter 32. verse 41. Judges chapter 10. verse 4. Chiese ruler of Jerusalem See upon Ezek. 11. 1. Or the chiefe president of the councell See 2 Samuel chapter 8. verse 18. 1 Kings chap. 4. verse 2. CHAP. XXI VERS 1. IN the dayes of David This storie and likewise that of the 2 Samuel chap 24. seeme to have happened before the things which are set downe before this Inquired Desired his answer by Urim Numbers chapter 27. verse 21. It is It is very likely that he did not onely set downe the cause but the manner of making atonement for it also V. 2. His zeale the Italian His jealousie scorning that those strangers should be incorporated into Gods people and should enjoy the same freedomes and priviledges And especially because they were his countrey men for Saul was a Gibeonite though of the Israelitish nation 1 Chronicles chapter 8 v. 29 30. Sought to sâ—ay Taxing them with supposed faults aggravating their true faults extending the particular ones unto the generall depriving them of all commoditie and favour and raising great dissensions amongst them V. 3. May blesse Pardon them the offence that hath beene done to you and pray to God to forgive them the punishment due therefore The inheritance namely his people V. 4. We will have We doe not desire any pecuniary satisfaction for their lives that Saul hath caused to be slaine amongst us and much lesse the blood of them which were not guilty V. 6. We will hang This kinde of execution was used in cases of making atonement for some publick misdeed Vnto the Lord To satisfie his justice and to appease him Numbers chapter 25. verse 4. Gibeah See 1 Samuel chapter 10. verse 26. 11. 4. Ver. 8. Rizpah Sauls Concubine 2 Samuel Chapter 3. verse 7. who was yet living verse 11. Michal Since Michal had no Children 2 Samuell 6. 23. and that not shee but Merab â—â—r sister was married to Adriell 1 Samuell Chapter 18. verse 19. the word bringing up must bee taken for adopting and keeping See Genesis 16. 2. and 30. 3. and 50. 23. Ver. 10. Upon the rocke The Itaâ—â—an addeth Staying there Namely at the place where they were hanged Now here was some singular exception to the generall Law which was to take downe and bury those that were hanged up the same day Deuteronomie Chapter 21. verse 23. Dropped It is likely that this death came by occasion of some extreame droughts in the time of the Corne ripning And therfore Rizpah would observe whither Gods wrath was appeased by this execution and whether hee would be pleased to send the accustomed dewes and raine V. 16. The Gyant The Italian Rapha That famous Philistin Gyant from whence the others are called Repheites V. 17. The light Thy person in whom consists the conduct counsell joy and life of the people a Scripture phrase See 1 Kings 15. 4. Psalm 132. 17. V. 19. Iaore By the 1 Chron. 20. 5. it appeares that his name was Jair but by reason of this Gyants great speare was added the word Oregim that is to say of a Weavers beame Goliah I 1 Chronicles Chapter 20. ver 5. He is called Lahmi brother to Goliah whom David slew but it may be that after his brothers death he tooke and bore his name V. 21. Defied Despised and scornefully challenged them As 1 Samuel Chapter 17. verse 10. 25 26. Shimeah Called Shammâ—h also 1 Sam. 16. 9. Ver. 22. Of David To whom as King and Generall in the warres were attributed all the actions of his servants and Souldiers CHAP. XXII VERS 1 OOf this Song Which is the same as the 18. Psalme V. 8. The foundations As who should say the pillars and poles See Job Chapter 26 verse 11. or plainely the high mountaines which seeme to beare up the vault of Heaven as it is set downe Psalme 18. 7. CHAP. XXIII VERS 1. THe last The last which he pronounced by the inspiration of Gods
the Elders in the presence of the messenger to the end that hee might tell the King of it who was not yet come in V 2. On whose hand according to the custome of great men 2 Kings 5. 18. windowes as it were to powre ouâ— a plenty of provision see Gen. 7. 11. V. 3. Of the gate namely of Samarâ—a by reasâ—n that by the Law Levit. 13. 46. lepers were excluded from the common consort of men V. 7. For their life the Italian whither every one would or to save their lives V. 9. Hold our peace and doe not goe to make relation of it in the city to deliver it out of those streights whereinto it is brought will come upon us the Italian hath it wee shall finde punishment the Hebr. our iniquity will finde us out that is to say wee shall bee blamed for concealing a thing which so much concerneth the city so overpressed with hunger V. 13. Are as all there is no great losse nor hazzard in adventuring them for they are almost starved and little better than they which are dead already CHAP. VIII VERS I. SEven years an ordinary time prefixed in Scripture for great famines see Gen. 41 27. 2 Sam. 24. 13. V 3. For her house which others had taken possession of in her absence V. 8. A present after the manner of the heathens to purchase the southsayers favours and others who were the divells ministers see 2 Kings 5. 5. and not according to the pure simplicity of the faithfull 1 Sam 9. 7. V. 10 Recover thou shalt not die of this sicknesse but when thou art recovered thereof thou shalt loose thy life by another meanes v. 15. V. 11. Untill hee was or for a long time V. 13. A dogge an abject and vâ—le person hath shewed mee by vision and prophetick revelation according to that which had been revealed to Elijah 1 Kings 19. 15. V. 16. Being see 1 Kings 22. 42. V. 18. The daughter namely Athaliah v. 26. V. 20. Edom here Isaacks prophecy was fulfilled Gen. 27. 40 see of Edoms estate upon 2 Kings 3. 9. V. 22 Libnah a city of Iudah Ios. 21. 13. V. 24. Ahaziah called also Azariah 2 Chron. 22. 6. and Ioahaz 2 Chron. 21. 17. and 25. 23. V. 26. Daughter that is to say grandchilde being daughter to Ahab v. 18. the son â—e of Omri V. 29. Ramath which is the same as Ramoth CHAP. IX VERS I. OF oyle see upon 1 Sam. 10. 1. V. 2. His brethren his â—eâ—low officers in warre V. 3. Powre it see upon 1 Kings 19 16. V. 4. The young man the Italian the Prophets servant his familiar and ordinary servant V. 10. In the portion the Italian the field namely in some place about the city V. 11. The servants to the other captaines and officers this mad fellow a word of scorne by reason of the Prophets strange actions when they were in any extasie or rapture of spirit see Ier. 19. 16. and his you know these Prophets ordinary talke is nothing but reprooses warnings and threatnings Or Iehu to conceale the businesse condescends to their saying as if hee said his speeches favour of madnesse and are not worthy to be taken heed of V. 12. It is false wee see that hee hath said somewhat else to thee V. 13. Took a ceremonie of honour which they used to their new Kings as Mat. 21. 7. on the top where there was peradventure some scaffold to make Proclamations upon V. 14. Had kept it is likely that Ramoth had been taken away from the Syrians though the History make no mention of it whereupon the King of Israel stayed there to deâ—end it from a new assault Othe stranslate it after he had been at the siedge of Ramâ—â—h c. V. 15. Your minds that I should be proclaimed King V. 25. This burthen the Prophets ordinary phrase to signifie a prophecy especially of threatnings and curses V. 26. Surely I have seene a forme and kinde or an oath V. 27. They didso the Italian they smoâ—e him that is to say wounded him mortally V. 30. Painted to shew her selfe to Leâ—u in majesty and royall brightnesse V. 31. Had Zimri c. the Italian hath it O Zimri thy masters murtheror as much as to say O Iehu thou that art another Zimri that hast conspired against and murthered thy master see 1 Kings 16. 13. V. 32. Looked out making some signe whereby hee might know they were ready to doe him any service CHAP. X. VERS I. SOnnes within which number were also comprehended the grand-children namely Ithorams children Iezreel who iâ— is likely were sent from their own city to Samaria to govern those royall youths v. 6. that brought up the Italian nourishers namely they that had the most speciall charge of 〈…〉 ir persons and bringing up V. 3. The best the Italian him that you shall like best namely the best and ablest V. 9. Yee bee an ironicall kinde of speech the meaning whereof is Think not ye are lesse guilty in this action than I for if there have been any hurt in the slaying of Iehoram you are sharers therein that have slaine his children as for my part my action is warranted by God himselfe doe you think the excusing of yours by the acknowledgeing of Gods justice which were it not you and I both should be guilty V. 12. Shearing a place where they sheared sheep V. 13. The brethren that is to say his nearest kinsmen 2 Chron. 22. 8. V. 15. Of Rechab of the Kenites which issued from Moses his father in law 1 Chron. 2. 15. Ier. 35. 6. A nation alwayes famed for its piety and holy life V. 20. Proclaime the Italian sanctifie that is to say prepare your selves and all those of your sect and all that is required thereunto according to your ceremonies and observations for to celebrate this feast V. 25. To the city it might be some neighboring place dedicated particularly to Baais worship Others translate it in all the cities where there was any temple dedicated to Baal V. 27. The image some chiefe one which also peradventure was more idolatrously worshipped than the rest V. 30. Lord said by some Prophet V. 32. To cut suffering the Syrians to come in amongst them to trouble them and also to take their countrey Hazael according to Elisha his prophecy 2 Kings 8. 12. V. 33. By the river see Deut. 3. 12. CHAP. XI VERS I. THe mother see 2 Kings 8 26. V. 2. Iehosheba called also Iehoshabeath which was wife to Iehoiada the high Priest 2 Chron. 22. 11. in the the Italian in one of the even in one of them which were in the great porticoes which encompassed the Temple where there were bed-chambers for the Priests which served in their weekly turnes Ezec. 40. 45. 46. V. 4. Rulers over hundreds they were Levites valiant men heads of hundreds in their own tribe according to the order Exod. 18. 25. which were to come to Ierusalem with their hundreds extraordinarily and armed to be
Italian upon a Pillar wherof see 2 Kin. 11. 14. stood to the consented to it did openly protest that they would stand to it without varying V. 4. Of the second order these were two Priests which were in the next degree to the high Priest who were also his deputies see 2 Sam. 8. 17 2 Kin. 2. 518. â—ethelâ— where Iereboam had setup one of the Calves 1 Kin. 12. 29. Now Iosias caused this dust to be carried â—hither as an abominable uncleanness to profane the place take away all opinion of holiness from it V. 5. The Idolatrous Priests the Italian Camaries they were certain ministers of Idolatry different from the Priests which belonged to the Idols Zeph. 1. 4. The Iewes believe that it was a kinde of Monks so called either by reason that they lived cloistered up or because they used to wear smokie clothing of a darke colour Planets or the 12. signs of Zodiack V. 6. And cast the sign of detestation of Idols and Idolaters for these graves were the graves of them which had worshipped Idols 2 Chron. 34 4. of the children of the basâ—st and lowest degree amongst the people who being most sensuall are likely most enclined to Idolatrie and superstition V. 7. The houses they were little booths which served for brothell houses where they committed the abominable sin of lust against nature Idolatry being alwaies followed with these abominations fruits of the unclean spirit of lying Ro. 1. 23. 24. 27. see 1 Kin. 14. 24. 15 12. 22. 46. hangings the Italian hath it houses they might be some tents which were set up in that grove wherein those wickednesses were committed V. 8. All the Priests which worshipped the true God yet they do it in the high places and not in Ierusalem which was the only place approved by God defiled hee did by authority proclaim them to be unclean took away all signs of holinesse from them and brought them to â—ordid uses and defiled them with unclean things according to Law as with dead bodies bones and the like v. 4. 14 16. 20. from Geba which weâ—e the two bounds of the Land of Iudah in length of the gate set up near to the gates of the City according to the ancient custome of Idolaters for to have some Tutelar and Guarding God-head of Ioshua neither the man nor the gate are mentioned any where else it might be some Captain of that city or of some part of it who dwelling neare one of these gates had built some Chappel or place of devotion there V. 9. The Priests though they were of the Priestly race yet were they deposed from their Office but were notwithstanding suffered to feed upon the holy meaâ—s as of meat offerings wherein all manner of leaven was forbidden Lev. 2. 4. 5. 11. V. 10. Topleth it was a place on the East side of Jerusalem in the pleasant Valley of the children of Hinnon so called from Toâ— that is to say a Drum either by reason of the musick dances and other pastimes which were used there or by reason of the noise of drummes which was used there in the abominable Sacrifices of their children to deaffen the eares and dull the sences of the Spoctators see Ier. 7. 31. 19. 6. 11. V. 11. The horses they â—ere certain statues of horses chariots dedicated to the Sun as he was accustomed to be figured by the heathen mounted upoÌ„ a charet drawn with foure horses at the entring in it is thought to be either one or more gates of the first precinct of the Temple on the west side through which they went in to the court of the Gentiles in the suburbs the Italian hath it Pariâ—â—rim it seemeth to be the same place as is called Parbar 1 Chron. 26. 18. it is uncertain what place it was why it was so called the Hebrewes hold they were certain suburbs belonging to the temple towards the west see Ize 45. 2 V. 12. That were on see of this custome of those that worshipped the Stars Zeph. 1. 5. V. 13. Of corruption it is thought it was the mount of Olives or some other near unto it on the east side of Ierusalem that it is so called by allusion or equivocation of two Hebrew words whereof one signifieth annointing by reason of the Olives the other spoile or corruption by reason of these abominations V 15. The high place that is to say the Temple which was built there V. 16. Turned himselfe namely when hee was in Bethel which place though it was no part of the Kingdom of Iudah he did these things either as by right as being lawful Lord as he was Davidsâ—ighfull â—ighfull successor or in meer zeale in an abandoned country which in a manner had no Lord at all 2 Chro. 34. 6 V. 18. No man move the Italian preserve and doe not burn them as you have done the rest V. 21 In this book which was found in the Temple 2 Kings 22. 8. V. 22. Surely there was not this Passeover is here made mention of because it was celebrated with more concourse of people and greater purity then over it was since the time of the Iudges 2 Chro. 35. 18 V. 24. And the Idols the Hebrew word signifieth porperly little domessicall or houshold Idols Gen. 31. 19. V. 26. Turned not because that the people followed not the example of their King in converting themselves sincerely to the Lord as it appeared presently after the death of Iosias see Ier. 3. 10. V. 29. Of Assyria by this name seemeth to be understood Nabopolassar King of Babylon who had taken Assyria from the Meades who had subdued the Assyrians so oftentimes by the name of Assyrians by reason of the noblenesse of the Title are understood the Caldeans and afterwards the Persians who had conquered Assyria against him the cause might be to hinder him from going to provoke the King of Babylon for fear left his countrey which lay between the countrey of these Monarchs should be left to the Conquerors mercy and should be the place or field for their war â—â—ew him that is to say wounded him mortally for it seemeth he died in Jerusalem 2 Chron. 35 24. when he had at the first encounter V. 30. And the people some believe that this Ieâ—â—â—â—az was installed by popular faction and not according to birth-right seeing that he was but three and twenty years of age when he began to reign and reigned but three months whereas his brother Ie 〈…〉 im who succeeded him was five and twenty years of age when he began to reign v. 36. unlesse there were some vacancy or interregnum Iehoaâ—az called also Shallum Ier. 22. 11. V. 34. Turned for to shew his soveraignty there according to Ieremiah his prophecy Ier. 22. 11. CHAP. XXIIII VERS I. NEbuchadnezzar the sonne of Nabopolassar who raised up the old Empire of Babylon annexing Assyria unto it which he had conquered Gen. 10. 10. 2 Kings 23. 29. being yet
Iudg. 1. 11. and the rest went elsewhere Iudg. 4. 11. Scribes men that understood and were exercised in the Law of God as Ezr. 7. 6. Ier. 8. 8. Iabez a place not mentioned elsewhere which seemeth to have taken its name from one Iabez of Iudah 1 Chron. 4. 9. the Kenites one of the branches of Iethroes posterity who was Moses his Father in Law Iudg. 1. 16. whose head was Hamath Father of all these Families and especially of that which afterwards was the most renowned amongst them called the Family of Recab by the name of a noted person which descended from this Hamath see Ier. 35. 2. CHAP. III. VERS I. DAniel who seemeth to be the same as Chileab 2 Sam. 3. 3. V. 5. Bathshua called also Bathshebah the daughter of Eliam 2 Sam. 11. 3. V. 6. Elishama called also Elishua 2 Sam. 5. 15. V. 8. Eliada who is the same as Beliada 1 Chron. 14. 7. V. 15. Iohanan who according to some is the same as Iehoahaz 2 Kin. 23. 30. Shallum Ier. 22. 11. V. 16. His sonne that is to say his successor as if he had beene his sonne according to the Law Num. 27. 10. for otherwise Zedekiah was Vncle to Jeconiah vers 15. V. 17. The Sonnes successor though not with the Title of King but onely as head or chiefe of the Nation for in Iechonia failed Solomons line Ier. 22. 30. and Nathans line succeeded of which was Salathiel Luke 3. 27. 31. V. 21. The Sonnes it seemes that these were the Families of the royall bloud after the captivity CHAP. IV. VERS I. THe sonnes the lineall descents from father to sonne although there were some interruptions 1 Chron. 2. 5. 9. 19. 50. Carmi it is not likely that it is the same of 1 Chron. 2. 7. whereupon many believe him to bee the same as Chalubai or Calch 1 Chron. 2. 9. 18. V. 2. Reaiah called Haroe or according to the Italian Roe 1 Chron. 2. 52. these are from these descended the Inhabitants of Zereah a city of Iudâ—h Iosh. 15. 33. V. 3. Of the Father of him from whence issued those who inhabited and peopled the city of Eram 2 Clron 11. 6. which were the families of the above named V. 4. Gedor namely of them who inhabited a city of this name as seemeth may bee gathered by vers 18. V. 9. Iabez this man is not mentioned elsewhere and questionlesse he was one of the heads of these families who peradventure gave the name to the countrey of Iabez 1 Chron. 2. 55. called his because that Iabez by the transposition of letters sigfieth one who bringeth sorrow V. 10. Oh that a representation of lively and fervent prayers in some extreame necessity or upon the point of some warlike exploit the enemies being at hand V. 12. Ir Nahash the Italian the city of Nahash of the people which peopled it in the division of the land of Canaan Of this city there is not any mention elsewhere Recab the name of a city or countrey whereof there is no mentioned elsewere V. 13. Kenaz this and the rest Caleb Iehaleel Esdra Simeon Isi were heads of the families and the issue of Pharez although it be not specified whose sonnes they were V. 14. Charasim the Italian crafts-men the Hebrew word may bee extended to all those that work upon any grosse work as Carpenters Founders Armorers c. V. 15. Iephunneh who was also the sonne of Kenez and therefore Caleb is sirnamed the Kenizite Num. 32. 12. V. 17. The Father that is to say the head of these Families which dwelt in this city of Iudah Ios. 15. 50. V. 18. Iebudijah the Italian the Jewesse for the other was a stranger the daughter of Pharaoh which is an Egiptian name and it is uncertaine whether it was the King himselfe Others make a proper name of it Iehudijah and Hodiah vers 19. Gedor they are names of cities of Iudah inhabited by the posterity of these men see Iosh. 15. 58. V. 19. The Garmiâ—e the Italian the Garmites namely of these two families seated in these two cities of Iudah V. 23. That dwelt that is to say gardeners and men who looked to plants c. there in such places looking to such like businesses for the Kings of Iudah Others translate it And they remained there namely in Babyloâ— in the King of that plâ—câ— his service CHAP. IV. VERS XXIV NEmuel in these names and in those which follow there is great diversity Gen. 38. 5. for what reason it is unknown V. 31. Vnto thâ— so long as the Kingdome of Iudah remained in Davids posterity untill the captivity of Babylon V. 40. For they that land was excellent for exceeding good pastures for the Arabians being the posterity of Ham who use the trade of grasing had chosen it for that purpose V. 41. And the habitations or the Maonites as though it were the proper name of those scevite Arabians who lived under tents V. 43. The rest the remainder of them whom Saul had destroyed 1 Sam. 15. 7. and David 2 Sam. 8. 12. CHAP. V. VERS I. WAs given for Ioseph in the person of his two sonnes which Iacob had adopted had a double portion in the land of canaan Gen. 48. 5. according to the right of the first borne Deut. 21. 17. is not hee was to be the first and have preheminence in the family as the first borne had besides his double share So one of the prerogatives of the first borne was conferred upon Ioseph and the other upon Iudah Gen. 49. 8. And this seemeth to be touched in this place to shew the reason why Iudah is set foremost in these genealogies and not Ioseph V. 2. Chiefe rulers before David the tribe of Iudah had but only the preheminence of place and honour in David is got the degree of the Kingdome untill the captivity of Babylon and after that it had the governors and when they failed it kept that of the great Senate or Councell of the nation see Psal. 60. 7. V. 4. Ioel who was descended from some of the sonnes of Ruben V. 6. Tilgath elsewhere called Tiglath-pileser 〈◊〉 Peâ—â—sâ—r V. 7. Brethren of the descent of the three last sonnes of Ruben v. 3. was reckoned it seemes hee meanes that of v. 17. V. 8. Who dwelt this may be referred either to the tribe of Ruben in generall Ios. 13. 15. or to Bâ—lâ— that is to say to his posterity V. 10. Hagarites that is to say the Isâ—aelites descended from Abraham by Hagar Psal. 83. 6. V. 13. Their brethren the meaning is that every one of these was the head of a family of all which families jointly Aâ—i was the head v. 15. V. 16. Sharâ—n this was a city beyond Iordan besides that of Isa 35. 2. which was in the tribe of Ephraim on this side V. 20. Were helped by God by meanes of some manifest miracle v. 22. V. 22. Many therefore all the countrey was left to be spoyled the warre God did fight therein as
it were personally CHAP. VI. VERS X. EXecuted who carried himselfe like a free and couragious Priest in the resistance which hee made against King Vzziah 2 Chron. 26. 17. Others referre this not to Azoriah but to Iohanan his father whom they beleeve to be the same Iebâ—iada who re-established Gods true service and the whole Kingdome delivering it from the tyranny of Athaliah 2. Kings 11. 14. V. 14. Seraiah who was also Ezra's Father Ezr. 7. 1. V. 19. Their fathers forefathers and ancestors who gave their names to their families V. 20. Of Gershom the Italian addeth the sonnes of those that descended in direct line his sonne that is to say grand-childe v. 42. 43. Now many of these names are otherwise in many places of Scripture according to the custome of the Iewes who had oftentimes two names V. 22. Amminadah called also Izahar v. 〈◊〉 and elsewhere V. 27. Elkanah the father of the Prophet Samuel 1 Sam. 1. 1. V. 28. Vâ—shni called Ioel also v. 33. and 1 Saâ— 8. 2. V. 33. And these Heman and Asaph v. 39. and Etban v. 44. who were the three heads of the foure and twenty orders of sacred singers 1 Chron. 25. 9. V. 39. Brother of the same tribe of Levi for otherwise they were of two different stocks the one of Kehath and the other of Gershoâ— v. 43. â—â—â—od in the Tabernacle and afterward in the Temple executing of his office V. 44. Ethan called also Ieduthan 1 Chron. 9. 16. and 25. 1. 3. 6. V. 49. And his sonnes by lineall descent from father to sonne the place that is to say it was done but once a yeare by the high Priest going into the sanctuary Exod. 30. 10. Levit. 16. 17. as it was done by the other Priests daily carrying the blood of propitiatory sacrifices into the Temple Levit. 4. 5. 6. 17. V. 54. Castles publick houses for priestly residence V. 58. Hilen called also Holen Iosh. 2â— 15. as many other of these names of cities are here diversly set down by reason that according to the time the names of places doe often alter V. 60. Thirteen joyning to the eleven the other two named Iosh. 21. 16. 17. V. 61. The sonnes see v. 66. ten cities whereof there are but eight named v. 63. but the number is filled Iosh. 21. 2â— 23 25. V. 66. The residue besides Aaron his priestly family v. 57. V. 78. By Iericho see upon Num. 22. 1. CHAP. VII VERS II. WHose number see of this description 1 Chron. â—7 1. V. 12. Shuppinâ— Gen. 46. 21. they are called Muppim and Huppim and Num. 26. 39. Shupham and Hupham who were the sonnes of Ir the sonne of Bela v. 7. Hushim this Hushim is not spoken of elsewhere in the tribe of Benjamin There is indeed a Hushim spoken of in the tribe of Dan Gen. 46. 23. and it is very likely to be the same otherwise Dan wâ—uld be quite left out in this numbring and it may very well be that the word Aber which followeth ought to be interpreted another a terme used in the Hebrew in detestation of a thing or person which they will not call by its name by reason of the horrible idolatry which was brought up and used in Dan. Whereupon also Rev. 7. 5. Dan is left out for some such reason And Zabulon is also left out in this place for some unknown reason V. 13. Bilha Iacobs concubine Gen. 30. 〈◊〉 V. 14. The sonnes the Italian the sonne that is to say descended from him for Ashriel was the son of Machir sonne of Manasseth Num. 26. 29. 31. whom shee the Italian addeth the wife of Gilead it hath been necessary to supply these words by reason that in these books are some mutilations which have happened by some unknown meanes V. 15. The second the Italian the other the head of the stock of the posterity of Manasseth for Zelopheâ—ad was the sonne of Hepher the sonne of Gilead Manasseth his grand-child Num. 26 33. 21. The men of Gath it is likely that this happened whilest the children of Israel were in Egypt in some inroad which thâ—se Ephraimites made upon the Philiâ—â—ines or the Philistines upon them V. 22. Ephraim because between Ephraim Iosephs sonne and these who were slain there are seven generations and it is not likely that Ephraim was yet liviâ—g therefore by Ephraim must bee understood Zaâ—ad himselfe either because hee had two names or because hee was so called by reason that hee was head of the tribe V. 23. â—eriah that is to say in affliction V. 27. Non elsewhere called Nun the father of Ioshua Moses his successor V. 28. Gaza the Italian Aza a city in the tribe of Ephraim not mentioned elsewhere for it cannot be Gaza of the Philistines which was farre from Ephraim V. 34. Shamer Italian Semer which is the same as Shomer v. 32. V. 38. Iether which is the same as Ithran in the precedent verse CHAP. VIII VERS VI. THey removed the Scripture specifieth not when nor how nor wherefore this happened V. 7. He removed seeking a more commodious habitation V. 8. After he the aforesaid Gera had sent them away namely by the afforesaid removing It should seem the meaning is that of that great Family of Ehud which at first dwelt in Geba one part went into Manahat and the other which was descended from Shaharim went into the land of Moah V. 13. Aialon namely of the countrey which was about this city for the city belonged to the tribe of Dan Iosh. 19. 42. some believe that this happened after the captivity V. 21. Shimhi it is likely to bee the same as Shema v. 13. V. 29. The father that is to say the head of the Gibeonites called Iehiel 1 Chron. 9. 35. V. 32. These also namely part of these heads with their Families over against for Ierusalem was scituate in the land of Banjamin and therefore was joyning to the rest of the countrey where the other Families of the Benjaminites did dwell V. 33. Nâ—r called also Abiel 1 Sam. 9. 1. Abinadab it may bee the same as Ishui 1 Sam. 14. 49. Eshbaal called also Ishbosheth see upon 2 Sam. 2. 8. V. 34. Meriâ—baal called also Mephibosheth 2 Sam 4. 4. CHAP. IX VER II. ISraelites some of the ten tribes which had joyned themselves to the tribe of Iudah before the captivity 2 Chron. 31. 1. and 34. 6. under which are comprehended they of Iudah aâ—so Nethinims the word signifieth men dedicated and subject to some service the common opinion is that they were of the Gibeonites posterity which were subject to mean and laborious services Iosh. 9. 23. V. 4. Amihud if this bee the same with the numbering in Neh. 11. 4. there is great diversity in the names V. 5. Shilonites they are thought to bee the posterity of Sela the sonne of Iudah V. 11. The ruler the second Priest and deputy to the high Priest Num. 3. 32 Now this is â—â—cant by Azariah who is also called Seraiah Neh.
hee had caused Iudah to goe astray Others hee had made Iudah naked namely of Gods protection as Exod. 32. 25. V. 20. Distressed him or burthened him V. 23. Which smote him not truely or really but according to Ahaz his prophane opinion see a contrary example 2 Chron. 25. 14. V. 27. The city that is to say the city of David CHAP. XXIX VER III. OPened Ahaz having shut them up in his daies to hinder the people from comming to serve the Lord in the Temple 2 Chron. 28. 24. and v. 7. V. 4. Into the East street it is likely that here is meant the East side of the court of the Gentiles V. 5. Sanctfie by abstaining from womon and by other ceremoniall purifications and by prayers works of piety and spirituall devotions prepare your selves to doe your office as you ought to doe it and sanctifie take every unclean thing out of it unlesse hee here meanes some consecration like unto that of Levit. 8. 10. the filthinesse employed by Ahaz to idolatrous uses and polluted by their abominable use V. 12. The sonnes the issue that was descended from them V. 15. By the words in his name and according to his expresse will taken out of the written Law or at that time inspired to Hezekiah or upon things which belonged to the Lord and to his service V. 16. Into the court seeing they began to cleanse the porticoes which were about the body of the Temple it is very likely that by this court is meant the Gentiles court V. 17. The house the very body of the Temple consisting of the porch the holy and most holy place V. 14. Did cast away had taken out of their places and from their sacred uses V. 21. For the sanctuary namely to purifie it from Ahaz his contamination and consecrate it a new see upon Exod. 29. 36. V. 25. The commandâ—ment concerning the insttiution of the holy Musick V. 30. with the words taking for their subjects the Psalmes of David and of Asaph who was also a composer of holy songs inspired by God V. 31. Of a free heart this is specified in your burnt offerings for there was more devotion in offering holocaustes which were wholly burnt in the honour and service of God then in the offerings of thanks giving in which the party offering had his share V. 33. Consecrated by vow by voluntary offering and by sacrifices of thanksgiving V. 34. Slay the Italian flea which notwithstanding was part of their charge see Lev. 7. 8. were more they carried themselves with greater zeal and diligence CHAP. XXX VERS I. SEnt commanding them that were his Subjects wrote by way of invitation and exhortation to Ephraim to the other Israelites which were not under his command V. 3. In the second which was lawfull upon extraordinary occasions and chances Num. 9. 11. V. 3. At that time in the first moneth appointed Exod. 12 6. at which time the Temple also was purified 2 Chron. 29. 17. for it could not be made an end of purifying the fourteenth day but the sixteenth because there were not Priests enow sufficiently prepared because the now at the Passeover there were many sacrifices offered Num. 28. 19. and the Priests ought to poure out the bloud of the Lambes at the foot of the Altar verse 16. and burne the fat and other sacrifices 2 Chron. 35. 11. 12. V. 5. Of a long time the Italian before times or a long time before in the manner as it was written namely in the Law in such sort the Italian with such store of company for every male was bound to be at the three solemne Feasts V. 6. The Kings namely of Pul of Tiglath-Pileser for it is likely that the last captivity under Shalmanezer had not as yet been V. 8. Yeeld your selves the Italian give your hands yeeld and submit your selves unto him and call upon him for mercy V. 12. The hand God wrought powerfully in their hearts that they should cheerefully obey the Kings godly commands V. 15. The Passeover namely the Lambes and Kiddes which were appointed for it the Priests those which had not sanctified themselves the first moneth 2 Chron. 29. 34. V. 17. The Levites whereas ordinarily each father of a family did kill the Passeover for his owne family Exod. 12. 3. see 2. Chron. 35. 1â— V. 18. Written see upon Num. 9. 6. V. 19. Of the Sanctuary a request which every one made who came into the Temple being all to come there at these feasts see Lev. 15. 31. V. 20. Healed that is to say held them as purified through his grace and by his gracious pardon and preserved them from such diseases and plagues as such a disobedience was accustomed to provoke and bring upon them Exod 15. 26. V. 21. Vnto the Lord the Italian of the glory of the Lord Heb. of the strength for the Hebrews were oâ—ten wont to change these words that is as much as to say by which instruments his strength and power was exalted V. 22. That taught the Italian which well understood who being the eldest and having most experience had preheminence over the rest and were their guides whereupon Hezekiah comforted them 〈◊〉 having a laborious charge laid upon them V. 24. A thousand to offer sacrifices of thanks-giving a great number who therefore were sufficient to offer all these sacrifices V. 25. The strangers they of other Tribes who by reason of the religion had settled themselves in Iudah CHAP. XXXI VER I. IN Ephraim in the part of these Tribes which were under the command of Hezekiah 2 Chron. 13. 19. and 15. 8. V. 2. Their courses appointed by David 1 Chron. 24. and 25. and 26. and were divided into these foure Offices Priests ministring Levites Singers and Porters of the tents the Italian of the Camp that is to say of the Temple which by reason of the severall functions number and order of Ministers was like an Army see Num. 4. 3. V. 3. Portion to relieve and help out the peoples poverty as Ezr. 6. 9. for these burnt offerings were to be taken out of the peoples offerings which were laid up in the treasures of the Temple 1 Chro. 26 20. Neh. 10. 33. V. 4. The Portion whereof see Num. 18. 8. encouraged should willingly employ themselves in Gods service V. 5. Honey the Hebrewes doe hereby meane Dates for there were no Tithes but of the fruites of beasts and plants V. 6. The Tithe these might bee Tithes that were voluntarily consecrated without any expresse Law as of the spoyles of waâ—re gaines of marchandize c. Gen. 14. 20. and 28. 22. Num. 31. 28. 30. V. 7. The third namely from the beginning of harvest which happened in the third month untill the end there of which is in the seventh see Exod. â—3 16. V. 10. Chiese it appeareth by v. 13. that he was but only one of the high Priests great Deputies there being ordinarily two of them of Eliazar his two lines out of which were come the
Nehemia some yeares after brought home the rest of the people and is here named and set down by anticipation Ez. 7. 1. Neh. 2. 1. V. 15. Adar the name of a month which was answerable to February Moon V. 17. Sinne affâ—ring see Levit. 4. 23. and 9. 5. 16. 5 V. 18. Divisions which were appointed by David 1 Chron. 24. and 25. and 26. V. 20. Killed the ministring Levites did help to â—kill and make ready the beasts and presented the blood of them to the Priests to poure it at the foot of the altar as 2 Chron. 30. 16. 17. and 35. 11. 12. V. 22. Of Assiria that is to say of Persia which had swallowed up the Empire of Assiria and Caldea whereupon sometimes the name of the one is taken for the other CHAP. VII VER III. SOnne of Meraiâ—th there is a great leap in this setting down wherein are over-skipped six of Ezra his ancestors see 1 Chron. 6. 6. 11. V. 6. Scribe a Doctor of holy scripture and this word is frequently used both in the old and new testament the hand according as the Lord favoured and prospered him V. 9. Began hee the Italian was appointed or was the beginning of the departure V. 12. King of Kings a proud title of those great Empires Ezec. 26. 7. Dan. 2. 37. V. 14. Seven these were seven princapall Noble-men that stood alwayes by the King of Persia and were his councellers in all great offairs see Est. 1. 10. 14. according to to know if things bee established and executed according to Gods Law whereof thou art Doctor and which I also give thee power to observe V. 16. Thou canst finde that thou canst gather amongst my subjects of their own free good will the people namely of Israel V. 18. To thy brethren namely the Colledge of Priests V. 23. Wrath namely from God of the King the Italian against the King or of the King and his children V. 27. Blessed these are Ezras words CHAP. VIII VER II. OF the sonnes descending from the two priestly loynes and branches namely from Elieazar by Phineas and from Ithamar see 1 Chron. 24. 3. 4. David it is likely to bee King David and this Hattush may be hee that is mentioned 1 Chron. 3. 22. V. 15. Ahaliah it is thought to bee the Adiabenes countâ—ey V. 17. The chiese having either by meanes of the Iewes poâ—itick government or by the King of Persia his commission some command in that place over the Iewes Casiphia the likenesse â—f the name seemeth to intimate this to be the Caspian countrey or the chiese city thereof V. 18. The sonnes his successors or p 〈…〉 sterity tie sonne meaning the grandchild Exod. 6. 16. 19. V. 20. Whom David in the division of the sacred offices there is no mention made of the Neâ—â—inims 1 Chron. 24. and 25. and 26. but wee must beleeve that David confirmed and new appointed that which had been anciently decreed concerning them Iosh. 9. 21. V. 21. Afflict our selves the Italian humble our selves or to afflict our persons An usuall kinde of speech to signifie a true fast of contrition of heart and repentance joyned with the bodily fast Levit. 16. 29. V. 25. There present that were present at the time of this gathering Or that were willing to give Or that had power to give CHAP. IX VER II. HAve taken though those women were not converted to the worship of the 〈◊〉 God therefore Gods command Deut. 7. 3. was broken and the Church degenerated even in its first beginning 〈◊〉 Gen. 6. 2. V. 3. My garment for anciently they did wear 〈◊〉 garments the outward longer than the inner 〈…〉 ckt off through just anger and bitternesse of heart and not through any superstition which was forbidden Lev. 9. 27. Deut. 14. 1. V. 5. My hands the Italian hath it the â—aimes 〈…〉 according to the Iewish manner of praying holding their armes abroad and their palmes open towards heaven V. 8. A naile that is to say some subject of hope and a prop to our faith in his Church even as nailes serve to fasten joyne or hang up many things see Isa. 22. 23. Or it is a proverbial way to signifie some small remainder of a thing as the naile or the pinne of a rich tent as the ancient Tabernacle was a signe of Gods being present in grace amiddest his people V. 9. Bond-men subjects and deprived of our ancient liberty and Kingdome a wall a little place of safety like unto a fold or a penne for a flock of sheep V. 15. Thou art as for thy part thou hast superabundantly fulfilled all thy promises and kept thy covenant with us having made us to subsist notwithstanding our sinnes all the fault is in us and wee confesse it and repent therefore in thy presence as for a fault which otherwise would make us in capable of thy grace and would deserve most heavie punishments CHAP. X. VER II. THere is hope if wee can repent and amend our selves and therefore moderate thine affliction and seek for to amend this busidesâ—e V. 3. VVith our God whom thou dost represent in this action to put away for these marriages with idolatrous and pagan women were of no force by Law seeing God had forbidden them and such as are the Italian the children as bastards borne in unlawfull copulation and therefore could not be incorporated amongst Gods people though it is likely that the parents did provide them food and other necessaries when they sent them away and of those namely who had abstâ—ined from any such mixture Ezra 9. 4. V. 4. Belongeth unto thee because thou art a Priest and hast a speciall command from the King to see that Gods Law be observed Ez. 7. 26. V. 8. Seporated hee should bee excommunicated out of the Church and forbidden the use of all holy things and held as a heathen and prophane man V. 9. The ninth which was the month of May counting September for the first after the manner of the Persians Est. 2. 16. in the street in the court of the people or in the Gentiles court great raine which being out of the accustomed season was somewhat prâ—digious and seemed to portend Gods wrath as 1 Sam. 12. 17. V. 12. So must wâ—â— or it is good to doe according to thy word and wee take upon us to doe it V. 14. Stand to frame a supreame counsell or consistorie the elders who after they had made an enquiry in each city were to make their relation As for example whether the woman were a Proselite before shee was married whither at the time of her marriage shee had made such abiurations and protestations as were requisite whither shee had not after defiled her selfe by ido latrie if she gave any proofe of true piety that according to these informations it might be judged whether the marriage were to be confirmed as sanctified by her profession be turned by annihilating what hath been done amisse and providing that hereafter no such
a word of contempt that is to say poore and wretched V. 3. Even that their work is so sleightly done and in such haste that the least thrust in the world is able to shake it and throw it down V. 5. Before the builders the Italian hath it standing before them namely before the builders which is a kinde of action or posture of such as at their pleasures will scoffe others rejoycing in their miseries to aggravate them so much the more V. 6. The halfe of the heigth V. 10. Rubbish the Italian dust namely the rubbish of the ruines are not able being called to watch whereby they would seeme to inferre that they must give over working for some time v. 15. V. 12. From all places the Italian addeth look to your selves from all places that is to say from all those wayes which come from Samaria to Jerusalem V. 16. Of my servants of my houshold servants and guards as hee was governour of the countrey the rulers of Families or in generall all other persons of government as well to lead the men as to oversee and hasten on the work V. 22. Lodge untiâ—l such time as the work bee finished V. 23. Put off in the night time to be ready upon any occasion put them off for washing the Italian went for water armed such was our feare of the enemies that none durst goe out of the city not so much as to fetch water without armes as Iudg. 5 11. CHAP. V. VER 2. TAke up the Italian receive that is to say whilst wee work for the publick good let our food at least bee provided for either by the publick or by the contribution of rich men V. 5. Our flesh wee are of the same linage nature and condition Daughters which was a signe of extreame distresse considering the weaknesse of the sex and the danger of their chastity when they were in other mens powers is it in our power for to redeem them which was lawfull for them to doe at any time Exod. 21. 7. V. 7. A great assembly the great and Soveraign Counsell composed of all the heads of the people Deut. 23. 1. 1 Chron. 13. 2. and 19. 1. and often elsewhere V. 8. Have redeemed this peradventure was done in Babylon before the comming away according to the Law Levit. 25. 47. will you even sell namely to be paid or constraine them to sell themselves for some benefit which you should freely grant them for nothing V 9. Because of the the Italian for fear of the for feare least wee doe againe provoke Gods wrath against us and hee make us againe a scorne unto our enemies by new scourges and afflictions V. 11. The hundredth part a tax of usury at one in the hundred by the month forbidden when usury is forbidden in generall Exod. 22. 25. Levit. 25. 36. Deut. 23. 19. V. 12. The Priests to be witnesses of this oath as Gods ministers who represented him V. 14. Of the bread which was levied upon the people for to finde the governours diet V. 15. Besides forty the Italian afterwards forty having changed those rates of bread and wine into so many shekles a day V. 17. That came for to doe Gods service or to give us necessary intellâ—gences Neb. 4. 12. V. 18. Store of all sorts I kept an extraordinary table and did invite guests at which time there was extraordinary store of wine spent CHAP. VI. VER 2. ONo which was a city of Benjamin 1 Chron. 8. 12. V. 10. Shemaiah it seemeth to be a Priest of the posterity of Delaiah 1 Chron. 24. 18. whose house was some part of the chambers belonging to the Temple shut up in his own house and durst not come abroad by reason of some legall uncleannesse as Ier. 36. 5. Or in the Temple by reason of some vow or devotion as 1 Sam. 21. 7. V. 11. Such a man I that am a lawfull Magistrate and carry my selfe uprightly in mine office and deale with a good conscience should I shew any basenesse of minde in the exercising of my charge or forsake it for mine own private safeguard staining my selfe with pusâ—llanimity to the dammage of the publick good and discomfort of the people would goe into hee seemeth to reflect upon the freedom which the Temple did yeeld to some malefactors Exod. 21 14. 1 Kings 1. 51. and 2. 28. V. 12 I perceived for hee sought to put mee from the free exercise of my vocation V. 13. Reproach mee as convicted of some evill designe by my flight feare or basenesse unworthy of the name and qualitie which I did beare V. 15. Elul which was the August Moon V. 16. Cast down from their pride hope and designes V. 18. Shechaniah these might bee some of the chiefe of the peop'e CHAP. VII VER 2. THe ruler the second person next to the governour commanding in his name within his court V. 3. And every one appointing every one his place of watch according to each part of the city where his house standeth for the more readinesse and ease in defending of it V. 5. At the first namely under Zerubbable whose numbring Ez. 2. 1. is here set down again V. 33. The other for there were two cities of this name the one in Ruben Num. 32. 38. and the other in Iudah which is meant here and seems to be the same as Nob 1 Sam. 21. 1. V. 70. And some here endeth that which is common and like to that which is set down Ez. 2. 68. now the following contribution is different from that which is mentioned in Ezrab the Tirshatha the Italian Hathirshatha the name of an office Ez. 2. 63. here is neant Nehemiah Neh. 8. 9. the treasure of the Temple or to the stock of money which was appointed for the building of it 1 Chron. 26. 26. Ez. 7. 69. V. 73. So the though in Ez. 2. 70. and 3. 1. the words be almost the same yet is the history different that being of things in the dayes of Zeruhbabel and this of Nehemiahs dayes which was many yeares after CHAP. VIII VER 1. THe water gate whereof see Neh. 3. 26. to bring according to the commandement Deut. 31. 10. V. 2. The first day which was the feast of the tabernacles Levit. 23. 24. Num. 29. 1. V. 4. Mattithiah these were Doctors of the Law and principall Levites V. 6. And Ezra namely after hee had done reading of the Law V. 7. Ieshuah it is likely that these Levites were divided amongst the people in severall places who standing round about them in rings were taught by them V. 8 Caused them to understand or did expound the meaning of it to the assembly V. 9. Mourne not for God had ordained that feasts should bee celebrated with publick mirth Num. 10. 10. Deut. 16. wept through compunction of heart grieving for their sinnes and through a tender conversion V. 10. And send according to Gods command and the godly custome of helping the poore in those dayes that they might
also bee partakers of the publick mirth Deut. 16. 11. 14. Est. 9. 19. Revel 11. 10. the joy the culy meanes to encourage you against all feares and strengthen you in all your labours is faith and trust in God filling your hearts with divine and spirituall joy through the lively apprehension of his grace V. 15. And that they should for all solemne feasts were to bee published and publickly proclaimed Levit. 23. 4. boothes the Italian tabernacles or bowers V. 16. The roose made after the manner of an open terrace according to the fashion there V. 17. For since this is to give a reason why here is such expresse and particular mention made of the solemnity of this feast done so having never celebrared the said feast with so much devotion and perseverance being come together every one of the seven dayes to heare the Law Whereas Moses Levit. 23. 35. 36. did suffer the people to goe home the six middle dayes feasting only the first and the last CHAP. IX VER 1. EArth a custome observed in great mournings Iosh. 7. 6. Iob 2. 12. V. 6. The hoste namely the holy Angels V. 8. Thou art righteous loyall and constant in all thy promises and covenants V. 14. Madest known thou diddest teach them the true meaning and use of the Sabbath which hath a reference to the sanctification of that people which thou hast peculiarly gotten to thy selfe Exo. 31. 13. Ezek. 20. 12. V. 22. Into corners the Italian into parts assigning to some tribes a severall countrey on the other side Iordan V. 29. Withdrew they have not volutnarily brought themselvos to thy obedience and service A phrase taken from plough-oxen and other drawing cattell Zac. 7. 11. V. 32. Seeme little look upon it as upon a trouble which though it bee moderate in respect of our sinnes yet is grievous in respect of our weaknesse V. 38. And because being through our afflictions brought to a true repentance and because that through thy mercy our evils may bee lessened CHAP. X. VER 14. PArosh they are almost the same heads as are named Ez. 2. 3. Neh. 7. 8. and because between that first numbring and these dayes of Nehemiah there were above one hundred and fifty yeares the same persons could not be alive by these names we must understand those heads who had succeeded the former in the same dignity and degree V. 28. That had separated that were come againe cut of Babylon and other Provinces to serve the Lord according to his Law V. 29. They clave they consented to what their chiefe had done in the name of all V. 31. Would not buy it seeing that we our selves were subjects and could not hinder the Gentiles from bringing in their wares on the Sabbath day nor could not cause them to observe the Iewish Lawes we agreed amongst our selves to buy none see Noh 13. 15. 16. and so to keep the holinesse of the day leave the seventh the Italian let the land lie still the seventh without sowing or reaping Exod. 23. 11. Lev 25. 4. V. 32. We made ordinances this was a contribution answerable to that of 2 Chron. 24. 5. for the service that is to say for the work V. 33. The continuall meat these things were anciently gotten out of the treasuries of the Temple 1 Chron. 26. 20. then the Kings contributed their shares for the ease of the people 2 Chron. 31. 3 here the people offered money to the same end the holy things it seemes we must take these to be the publike sacrifices of thanksgiving see Levit. 21. 22. sinne offerings which were common for all the people Levit. 4. 13. V. 34 We cast lots there is no mention made of this wood offering but only here and Neh. 13. 31. whereupon it is conjectured that the use thereof was first brought up after the captivitie and that before the Kings had provided for it Now it seems that in this establishment the furnishing of this offering was divided between the Priests the Levites and the people to doe it each one for the third part of a yeare by lot according to the order of the time or amongst the families of the fathers divided into equall parts to make provision thereof monethly In the ensuing times it appeares by the Histories that the whole masse of wood was gathered together in August and upon the fourteenth day of the same Moneth the feast was celebrated called the carrying of the wood V. 36. The first born who were to be redeemed and the money to bee delivered to the Priest Num. 18. 15. 16. cattell the Italian carrying or drawing cattell horses asses mules which were not good to offer and therefore were to be redeemed as the first born of men the firstlings which were to be offered without any redemption Lev. 27. 26. Num. 18. 17. V. 37. Our offerings whereof see upon Deut. 12. 6. V. 39. We will not forsake wee will continue the frequenting of it and doe the service required therein and will furnish all things necessary for the maintenance of the place and service CHAP. XI VER 2. BLessed as they who exposed themselves to the greatest dangers and toileâ— by reason of the enemies who were jealous of the Cities greatnesse And who without regarding their private interests did most for the publick good repairing repeopling keeping and governing the head City of the countrey offered themselves besides those others which were drawn by lot V. 3. Of the Province of Iudea now reduced into a Provine subject to the Kings of Persia or which were come from Babylon chiefe Province of that great Empire as Ez. 2. 1. V. 4. Athaiah who might be some head of some great Nation which is also comprehended under him the children the issue and posterity of this sonne of Iudah Gen. 38. 29. V. 9. Overseer as an inferiour Magistrate and head over a thousand according to the ancient order Exod. 18. 25. second as Leivtenant to the former It might bee also translated that he was appointed to be over the second City of which 2 Kings 24. 14. V. 11. The Ruler one of the high Priests great deputies see Num. 3. 31. 1 Chron. 9. 11. 2 Chron. 19. 11. and 31. 13. and 35. 8. V. 12. The work or the service V. 17. In prayer the Italian in time of prayer for there were three houres appointed for daily prayers see Psal. 55. 18. Dan. 6. 10. Acts 3. 1. and 10. 3. 9. 10. But here it seemes are particularly to be understood the times of morning and evening sacrifices at which the holy Singers were present Chron. 9. 33. and 23. 30. V. 19. The gates of the Temple V. 22. Were over the Italian were continually to bee present were to bee continually assisting to Gods service for being so few in number they could not by turnes relieve one another as they did in former times 1 Chron. 25. and therefore they were maintained out of they royall revenewes and they had dwellings built them neere to Ierusalem
last resurrection V. 13. Hide me ô wouldest thou but convert my death into imprisonment or restraint for a time that when thou are appeased which I make no question but thou wilt be I may againe enjoy thy favour see Iob 7. 7. 21. Isa. 26. 20. V. 16. For now I dare not at this time appeare before thee because it should seeme thou hast put off the person of a father and hast taken upon thee to bee an inexorable judge numbrest examinest my life most rigorously see Iob 10. 14. V. 17. Sealed up as the writings or informations of a processe which is ready to be sentenced Deut. 32. 34. Hos. 13. 12. V. 18. And surely all these desires of mine are vaine there is no escaping of death V. 20. His countenance in being and condition V. 21. His Souncs if God being appeased le ts the children feele the effects of his grace that helpeth not the deceased father V. 22. Shall have paine this poeticall representation hath no other meaning but that the dead have no manner of communication with the living CHAP. XV. VER 2. AND fill conceive turbulent and unruly thoughts and discourses and feed himselfe therewith pointing at the tempestuousuesse and violence of the Eastern wind in those countreys V. 4. Cassest off thou dost violate and teachest others to violate that reverence which is due to God by thy bold rashnesse in justifying thy selfe against his judgement and in contending with him restrainest by thy talke that God doth afflict men out of his own free-will and absolute power without any respect to their offences and by thine ill example of contending with him in stead of humbling thy selfe thou doest subvert the grounds of true invocation which are confession humility repentance and trust in his grace V. 5. Of the crafty namely of dissembling hypocrites or cunning deceivers see Job 5. 12. V. 7. Art thou hast thou the knowledge and experience of all the ageâ— of the world Speaking this in answer of what Iob had alledged of his mature age Iob 12. 12. before a proverbiall manner of speaking to shew a great antiquitie or rather eternity see Psal. 90. 2. Pro. 8. 25. V. 8. Hast thou see Ier. 23. 22. V. 11. Of God which wee propose unto thee in his name and which are taught us by his word and are the only remedy appointed by him against the apprehending of his judgements Namely that there is a meanes and a hope of forgivenesse through his grace by converting ones selfe unto him and humbly calling upon his name see Iob 16. 2. and 21. 34. secret thing some priviledge or unknown worth to exempt thee from this generall rule V. 12. Carry thee away cause thee to goe astray by such excesse of words beyond the bounds of reason and the respect due to God wink at proudly scoffing at whatsoever is said unto thee V. 15. The heavens namely the spirits or celestiall bodies compared to him V. 16. Which drinketh to whom sinning is as naturall and customary as drinking or who is as it were altogether steeped in sinne Iob 34. 7. V. 19. Unto whom who for their heroicall vertues and wisedome were thought worthy to receive from God by the consent of Nations lawfull Kingdoms which they were able to defend against all the assaults of their enemies see upon Iob 8. 8. V. 20. Travelleth with paine outwardly through calamities and adversities and inwardly through Gods wrath pricking his conscience oppressor or tyrant opposed to those lawfull Kings that are spoken of before Now Iob had been in authority and is by the way taxed as having dealt unjustly therein as Iob 22. 8. is hidden is decreed in Gods secret councell V. 21. Is in his eares he is troubled with continuall seares and alarms his conscience representing his wickednesses to him and their deserved and unavoidable punishment V. 22. He believeth not hee lieth in despaire apprehending continually his remedilesse and eternall evills V. 23. He knoweth his conscience doth set his present ruine before him V. 25. Stretched out he hath boldly and felloniously resisted Gods will Lev. 26. 21. Num. 15. 30. like an open and deadly enemy V. 27. Covereth he hath plunged himselfe in delights and pleasures with which being drunk and puffed up hee set himselfe against the Lord Deut. 32. 15. Psal. 17. 10. and 73. 7. and 119 70. V. 28. Dwelleth he hath built or repaired cities pallaces and strong-holds either for magnificence or for the safety of his own person according to the custome of Tyrants Peradventure he meaneth those Kings of violent Empires who repaired or built great cities after the deluge As Nimrod Ashur and others Gen. 10. 8. 11. Iob 3. 14. Isa. 23. 13. V. 29. The perfection the Italian the top namely the heigth and glory a phrase taken from trees V. 31. In vanity in humane councels and meanes which are altogether deceitfull V. 32. His time namely out of the naturall time of old age when things naturally decline after they have lasted a long time in their full vigor and growth as a Vine or an Olive tree spoiled of its fruits before they be ripe V. 34. The Congregation the great number of followers and attendants bribery that doe abuse publike government and authority which Job is accused by these men to have done Iob 22. 8. V. 35. Conceive they within device and abroad practice nothing but violence and deceit CHAP. XVI VER 4. SHake my in contempt and scorne Psal. 22. 7. Lam. 2. 15. V. 6. Though I speak the Italian if I speak that which you say is true my complaints doe not ease my paine yet silence would encrease it and make it worse therefore I will case my minde with talking V. 8. A witnesse namely that my sorrowes are not seigned nor of small consequence see Iob 10. 17. V. 9. Sharpneth he looketh fiercely upon mee and with a piercing eye V. 10. They have hee describes how violently his friends did set upon him with their reproofes and injurious words see Iob 6. 27. and 12. 4. and 17. 2. and 19. 22. smitten mee cruelly and contumeliously wro 〈…〉 ged mee with such injuries as this is Lam. 3. 30. Mic. 5. 1. V. 11. The ungodly namely the devill and his instruments Arabians and Caldeans Iob 1. 15. 17. V. 13. Archers figurative termes as Iob 10. 17. and 19. 12. my gall which is a mertall and incurable wound V. 15. I have sowed according as my affliction hath been so hath my humiliatiâ—n been in submitting my selfe under the hand of God Ier. 31. 18. defiled I have taken off all mine ornamerts to put my selfe in the habit of an afflicted and suppliant man see Exod. 33. 5. V. 16. The shaddow mine eyes are dimme and weak like unto a dying mans V. 17. Pure it is not polluted by an evill conscience see Psal. 109. 7. Prov. 28. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 8. V. 18. O earth if I have committed any murther or such like cruell fact I doe not desire
those effects which did surpasse all humane power and were true miracles wrought by God the light namely thy grace and favour V. 4. Command that is to say worke it by thine almighty word which gives a being and is a law for all things see Psa. 42. 8. and 68. 28. V. 5. Through thy calling upon thee through thy strength and power under thy conduct fighting thy cause by thy command V. 9. Goest not forth thou doest no more assist us in our sights a terme taken from that the arke was wont to be carried in the campe in the time of great and imminent dangers of warre Num. 14. 42. and 31. 6. V. 12. Thou sellest that is to say thou hast suffered their enemies to subdue them easily without any losse or dammage or hast given them over to their wills as a thing of no value dost not increase thou thy selfe seemest to have lost by this oppression of thy people which was as it were thine own inheritance and thine enemies have not so much as yeelded thee any acknowledgement or done thee any hommage therefore as it were to recompence thy losse Others thou hast not raised their price that is to say thou hast let their enemies have them at what price and upon what condition they would themselves and hast not caused them to pay a deare rate for their conquest V. 14. A◠shaking a signe of scorne and derision as 2 Kings 19. 21. Iob. 16. 4. Psal. 22. 7. V. 15. My confusion I have causes of confusion continually before mine eyes the marks whereof I carry upon my face and forehead which are covered with shame V. 16. Avenger that is to say an enemie grievously incensed Psa. 8. 3. V. 19. Of dragons that is to say horrid places such as are the receptacles or dens of those beasts see Isa. 34. 13. and 35. 7. by which is meant an extream desolation the shaddow that is to say deadly calamities Psa. 23. 4. V. 20. Stretched out prayed after the ancient manner of praying with armes laid abroad and hands turned up Iob 11. 13. PSAL. XLV THE title Shoshannim an unknown name of a time or os a musicall instrument of loves spirituall loves of Christ and his Church as in the book of Canticles the contemplation and penning of which was peradventure occasioned by Solomons nuptialls and from thence are taken many termes to signifie things which are meerly divine and celestiall V. 1. Enditing the Italian bubbleth out a figurative terme which is very frequent in scripture to expresse not only the fervency of a righteous mans zeale but also the vehemencie of divine inspiration see Iob 32. 18. a good that is to say a discourse of dainty matters touching the the Italian I rehearse my works to the King that is to say I consecrate these my works to the honour of the everlasting King of the Church V. 2. Fairer excellent and perfect in all manner of vertue and such dost thou appeare to be to thy Church see Isa. 33. 17. grace that is to say besides thine own proper perfections thou hast that soveraign gift of communicating thy selfe by thy most sweet and gratious word see Isa. 50. 4. therefore these are the two causes and grounds of the establishment of thine everlasting Kingdome by God thy Father V. 3. Thy sword which is the most efficacious and piercing word of thy Gospell Isa. 49. 2. Heb. 4. 12. Rev. 1. 16. and 19. 15. V. 4 Ride or bee thou carried as it were upon a triumphant chariot which is meant by the Gospell by the preaching of which Christ was to be carried victorious and triumphant all the world over prosperously being thus sum 〈…〉 ously armed and surnished set a happie period to all thy businesses Isa. 53. 10. thy right bond that is to say if thou dost employ thy soveraign power thou shalt finde the experience of those admirable effects which the spirit doth foretell by mee V. 5. Thine arrowes see concerning these armes of Christ and of their effect Isa. 49. 2. 2 Cor. 10. 4. V. 6. O God hee directeth his speech to Christ Heb. 1. 8. true eternall God who besides and with the Kingdome of essence and eternall glory is also mediator as lievtenant generall to his sather which place hee undergoeth in the union of the two natures yet by the power of his deitie V. 7. Therefore that is to say because that thou alone through the most perfect justice art fitting and worthy to bee King of the Church God hath consecrated thee for this place in thine whole person and hath endowed thy humane nature beyond measure with the gifts of the spirit which gifts were anciently figured and shewed as it were in a shaddow by the annointing of Kings John 3. 34. 1 Iohn 2. 20. 27. of gladnesse for your sweet smelling oiles were also used for to beautifie the face upon occasions of feasting and mirth Psa. 23. 5 and 104. 15. and likewise this oile of consecration and infusion of the gifts of the holy Ghost is also an oile of joy and glory in Christ thy fellowes all the true elect sanctified by the same spirit and endowed with the same graces to be Kings and Priests Rev. 1. 6. and 5. 10. of which neverthelesse they receive but a certaine portion and measure 1 Cor. 12. 7. 11. Ephes. 4. 7. whereas Christ hath the whole fullnesse of it Iohn 3. 34. V. 8. All thy garments thou art clothed with the gifts of the holy Ghost which spread forth a most sweet odour of grace even from heaven thy dwelling place Cant. 1. 3. out of the from heaven which is Christs royall habitation alluding to Kings pallaces whose walls were covered over with marble 1 Kings 22. 39. Amos 3. 15. made thee glad namely that everlasting joy which thou hast in heaven V. 9. Daughters as much as to say Kingdomes and provinces shall be joyned to the Church of Israel which is here specially meant by the spouse by reason of that nations prerogative though they altogether doe make but one universall Church Cant. 6. 8. honourable women the Italian amongst thine honours that is to say thy nuptiall traine and pompe Others have it thine honorable that is to say thy maids of honour upon thy the chiefe place of honour next to the soveraign and was given to the queenes 1 Kings 2. 19. of Ophir see Iob 22. 24. V. 10. Hearken the prophets words to the Church forget renounce the world which is as it were thy fathers house whence thou wert taken to cleave altogether to thy husband according to the Lawes of matrimonie Gen. 2. 24. V. 12. The daughter that is to say the people of that city hee meaneth that the mightiest and famousest nations of the Gentiles should bee joyned to the Church to doe in it and with it hommage to Christ Psa. 72. 10. Isa. 23. 18. V. 13. The Kings daughter namely the Church which is Gods daughter and Christs bride Cant. 7. 1. within the Church though
it bee adorned with divine graces even in this world yet it is like unto abride which is yet at home untill her solemne going forth when shee goeth to her husband Rev. 19. 7. 8. which signifieth that shee doth not outwardly make shew of what shee is as yet 1 Iohn 3. 2. or that her ornaments are spirituall and internall not worldly Cant. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 3. 3. V. 14. Shall bee brought that of altogether may be composed the intire body of the universall Church V. 15. Pallace first into the communion of the Church in this world and afterwards into heavenly glory V. 16. Thy children as if hee said O Christ in stead of the Iewish nation out of which thou shalt come according to the slesh the whole Christian Church shall bee thy people which is made so by thy word and spirit Heb. 2. 13. princes by some degree and measure of particitation of Christs spirituall and everlasting Kingdome and glory Mat. 19. 28. Luke 22. 29. 1 Cor. 6. 3. Ephes. 2. 6. PSAL. XLVI THE title Alamoth see 1 Chron. 15. 20. and upon Psal. 6. in the title V. 4. A river the Church shall enjoy her sweet rest and security though it have in it selfe but weak meanes meant by those smaâ—l streames and torrents where with Ierusalem was watered opposite to great rivers and seas that is to say the power and greatnesse of the world see Isa. 8. 6. V. 5. Right early the Italian when the morning appeareth that is to say just in the point and very moment of the greatest danger even as when after the dangers of the night with the day the assalt is expected as God hath done in diverse a 〈…〉 ctions of his people Exod. 14. 24. 27. 2 Chron. 20. 20. Psa. 30. 5. V. 6. The heathen this may bee understood of some singular deliverance as that of 2 Chron. 14. 12. and 20. 23 and 32. 2â— or of such ordinary ones as God sendeth to his Church hee uttered a figurative description of Gods miraculous assistance without any humane meanes as Psa. 18. 6. 7. V. 8. Hee hath made or hee hath sent desolations upon the earth that is to say hee hath destroyed the Kingdomes of the world which were his enemies V. 10. Be still Gods words to his enemies to exhort them to repentance or to denounce perdition to them if they continue PSAL. XLVII VER 2 FOr the Lord that is to say the everlasting sonne of God being gone up to heaven hath taâ—en possession of the universall Kingdome which God his father hath given him V. 3. Hee shall subdue this must bee understood of the spirituall subjection of the whole world to Christs Kingdome in whom the Church hath part as being his body see Isa. 49. 23. V. 4. Hee shall the Italian hee hath that is to say hee hath by his free election given us an excellent inheritance chosen out above all other wherein consists all our glory namely the Kingdome of heaven V. 5. Is gone up this may figuratively be understood of the arke of the covenant in which God did shew himselfe present which was by David transported with great pompe and solemnity into his city 2 Sam. 6. â—2 or by Solomon into the Temple 1 Kings 8. 6. But spiritually and chiefely it ought to be refâ—rred to Christs asscension into heaven as Psa. 68. 24. 25. V. 8. The throne namely the arke figuâ—atively 1 Chron. 28. 18. Psa 80. 1. and 99. 1. and heaven in truth and mistically Heb. 8. 1. and 12. 2. V. 9. The people namely of two they have been made one only people a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles unto God hee is the only protectâ—r and governor of the universe and therefore it is fitting and just that all men should acknowledge him and serve him CHAP. XLVIII THE title Of Psalme see upon the title of Psal. 30. V. 2. Beautifull for scituation not so much for temporall blessings for which shee was called the Queen of the East as for the spirituall ones God being present there and his service truly established there and the promise being that the Messias should there accomplish the worke of our redemption of the great King which God had chosen for his Royall residence where all his people are to come to receive his commands and to yeelde him hommage and service V. 4. The Kings he speaks of some notable enterprise which was against the Church as Psal 46. 6 V. 7. Thou breakest the Italian they were broken as the East wind breaketh the Ships of Tarshish thou dost overthrow all the preparations of men in the Sea of this world Of Tarshish of the great Sea either Mâ—dâ—terranean of Ocean With an East winde which is a tempestuous winde in those countreys Ier. 18. 17. V. 8. As we have heard that is to say this deliverance of ours is equall to those ancient deliverances whereof we have heard report Or we have so and the effects to be according to thy words and promise V. 10. According to thy thou makest thy selfe to be known such as indeed thou art and like unto such a one art thou praised and glorified V. 11. The daughters the cities of the Tribe of Iudah called daughters in respect of Ierusalem which was the Metâ—opolis V. 12. Walk about a poeticall representation by which the world is invited to consider the inpregnable strength and magnificence of the Church by reason of the presence of her God even as singularities of the Fort or Castle of a City are shewed to Travellers to the end that the may spread the fame thereof into forraign parts a great way off PSAL. XLIX VER 3. OF wisedome Hebrew wisedomes namely concerning the true knowledge and apprehension of the end of man that hee may lead his life accordingly V. 4. I will encline a terme taken from Musitians who leane to their eare when they are tuning their instruments meaning that he will instruct himselfe as well or better then any other can V. 5. The iniquity that is to say the congregation of the wicked or the calamities which God useth to inflict upon his children for the punishing of sinne V. 8. Precious the Italian cannot be found or it is deare or rare to be gotten V. 11. They call seeing themselves to be mortall they think for to immortalize themselves by meanes of their lands and Lordships which they call by their owne names V. 12. The beasts as much as concerneth the body and this present life Eccles. 3. 19. V. 13. Their sayings Hebrew their mouth the meaning is that although the sonnes of worldly men see the vanity of their fathers confidence yet they will follow their example Others translate it they doe approve of it with their mouths that is say doe with words prayse that kinde of life and doe follow it with their deeds V. 14. Feed on them the Italian shall pasture them a poeticall kinde of speech that is to say being laid in the eâ—rth like unto a
counsell namely thy conduct and internall direction of thy holy spirit Psal. 16. 7. V. 26. Strength the Italian rock the strength the firme subsistance and prop Deut. 32. 4. my portion as Psal. 16. 5. V. 27. A whoring so the scripture calls the alienation of mans heart from the pure and loyall love and service of God to goe after idols or after the world and the creatures and to cleave to them in love and trust in them Iam. 4. 4 1 Iohn 2. 16. PSAL. LXXIV THE title Of Asaph see Psal. 50. in the title Now Asaph living in Davids time and the subject of this Psalme being evidently of the desolation caused by the Chaldeans Asaph could not be the composer of it but some other Prophet of those times who put it to Asaphs posterity who was one of the three heades of holy singers 1 Chron. 25. 1. 2. to sing it in the Iewes synagogues in Babylon V. 1. For ever that is to say without any hope or appearance of being restored V. 2. The rod the Italian the tribe namely the tribe of Iudah which above all the rest had this promise to be preserved in the dignity and degree of being Gods people and named his inheritance Deut. 32. 9. and never to faile untill the comming of Christ Gen. 49. 10. V. 3. Lift up come to visite them to take compassion of them and to restore them perpetuall which are irreparable unlesse thou settest thine helping hand unto them V. 4. Roare the Italian have roared that is to say have made great outâ—ryes and kept a great stirre when they gave the onset or after the victory of thy congregations the Italian of thy Temple the Hebrew of thy place of meeting or congregation so is the tabâ—â—nacle called Exod. 27. 21. and afterwards Solomons Temple which is here expressely made mention of for signes namely for trophics or monuments of victories V. 5. A man was famous the Italian that shall be known that is to say they have left such tokens of their fury that the remembrance thereof will last in after ages as hee had that is to say 〈◊〉 as a wood-man with his hook or harche 〈…〉 〈…〉 s downe the shrubs and bushes without any respect or difference even so have the enemies spoiled and broken all the ornaments of thy Temple whereof see 1 Kings 6. 18. 29. 32. V. 8. All the Synagagues the Italian all the places of meeting for besides the Temple there were in every city or inhabited and frequented places oratories or synagogues where the people came together to pray or to heare the ordinary exposition of the Iaw Others will have the Temple only meant divided into a great many parts and members V. 9. Our signes namely the frequent miracles formerly wrought for our deliverances Or the signes of Gods presence such as the Arke was Vrim and Thummim c. Or the sacraments of his grace and covenant as sacrifices and other ceremonies were that knoweth that 〈…〉 th any prophetick revelation to know when the end of our troubles will bee V. 11. Pluck it cut of thy the Italian let it not remaine in thy which is the action of one that stands idle and carelesse see Prov. 19. 24. and 26. 15. V. 13. Of the dragons the Italian of the whales hee seemes to meane the heads of the Egyptian host as in the verse following Pharaoh himselfe is meant by Leviathan a common name for all your great sea creatures For Egypt is scituate between two seas and within it is almost every where watered by the river Nilus see Isa. 51. 9. Ezech. 29. 3. and 32. 2. V. 14. To the people namely to the wilde beasts which devoured the Egyptians carkasses which were cast up upon the shoar V. 16. Is thine thou art the author preserver and governour of this alternall course of nature namely of the day and the night Vnder which he seemes also to meane that alternall course of his providence by which hee sendes his Church sometimes prosperity and sometimes adversitie V. 17. The borders hereby may be understood the seas which devide and sever the earth or in regard of particular countries the naturall frontiers of seas hills and deâ—â—rts see Deut. 32. 8. Whereby hee seemes to inferre that Gods people having also had their confines which had beene broken through Gods judgements it would one day please him to re-establish and preserve them V. 19. Thy turtle dove namely thy Church represented in scripture under the names of such kinds of weak mild simple and sociable same creaâ—ures which are most exposed to wrongs and injuries see Cant. 2. 10. and 4. 1. Mat 10. 16. V. 20. The covenant formerly made with thy people see Zach. 9. 11. the dark places that is to say the countreyâ— being desert and horrid is full of robberles and receptacles for murtherers V. 21. Ashamed that is to say fallen from all hopes and denied the request of his prayers praise let them have occasion to praise it through their deliverance V. 23. Increaseth the Italian ascendeth it goeth up to heaven that is to say their insolent blasphemies are directed to thee and doe provoke thee to vengeance as Gen. 4. 10. and 18. â—0 Exod. 3. 7. Or it encreaseth that is to say it gathereth strength by reason of thy patience The meaning is if thou lettest them alone there will bee no end of their rage Others translate it in the tumult of those which set upon thee which ascendeth c. PSAL. LXXV THE 〈…〉 le song see upon Psal. 30. in 〈◊〉 title Of Asaph that is to say which is one of the number of those Psalmes wich were especially given to Asaphs posterity to sing them in the Temple And if Asaph were the composer of this Psalme hee speaketh in Davids person see Psal. 50. in the title Altashith see upon Psal. 57. in the title V. 1. Doe wee give thanks it seemes this Psal me was composed after Sauls death when David had taken possession of the Kingdome and that the Iebusites had yet Ierusalem in their hands Ios. 15. 63. 2 Sam. 5. 6. thy name thou thy selfe in the effects of the excellent titles which thou hast of everlasting almighty c. Or thy grace and power is neere that is to say present in operation and efficacy V. 2. When I that is to say when I shall have taken from the Iebusites the City of Ierusalem which God hath appointed to bee the chiefe city of the Kingdome the seat of his Temple where his people must meet for his solemne service Deut. 12. 11. 1 Kings 8. 29. Psal. 122. 4. mount Sion being called the mouut of the congregation Isa. 14. 13. as the ancient tabernacle was Exod. 27. 21. then will I employ my selfe wholly and peaceably to governe rightly and doe justice see Psa. 101. which is very hard to doe amongst the confusion of armes V. 3. The earth the Italian the countrey that is to say all the countrey was ruined through factions
which thou hast set down of thine own free wil by which rule thou dost not deny the gift of thy holy spirit to them that ask it of thee Luk. 11. 13. V. 150. Draw nigh namely to doe me hurt V. 151. Thy commandments namely the promises and threatnings which thou hast set down in thy law through which I am confident thou wilt save me and destroy mine enemies V. 156. Great or many in number According to thy as verse 149. V. 160. Thy word the Italian the sum of thy all thy whole word put together is nothing but pure truth or the principall quality of thy word is to be true V. 161. Of thy word namely for feare of transgressing and to not incur the penalties denounced in it V. 164. Seven times or many and divers times judgements or lawes and ordinances V. 165. Nothing shall offend them the Italian they shall have no stumbling block or they shall have no mischance nor evill encounter V. 168. All my wayes I am before thee in all mine actions and enterprises to the end that thou may est govern them according to thy will or because I know thou seest every thing I therefore study to doe such things as thou shalt approve of V. 169. According to namely according to thy promise or give mee an understanding which may be directed and enlightned by thy truth V. 173. Chosen that is to say I have voluntarily set my self to follow them or chosen them above all other things for my soveraign good and treasure with which I am very well satisfied and contented V. 175. Let my soule live that is to say doe thou keep me alive or preserve in me the life of thy Spirit Help me that is to say employ these meanes which thou hast appointed for thine elects salvation in my behalfe V. 176. I have gone the Italian I goe that is to say in this wtetched life I am like to a distressed sheep that is strayed out of her sheepfold and is ready to perish take thou care of me thou who art my true shepheard Or I am by mine enemies driven out of thy Church bring me in again for out of it I am in continuall danger of running to perditition PSAL. CXX THe Title of degrees the Italian of Maaâ—ot that is to say of goings up or of movings This title which is set before these fifteene following Psalmes is of very doubtfull significationâ— Yet the likeliest opinion is that these Psalmes were either newly penned or chosen out from amongst the old ones to bee sung by the people in their return from Babylon in their severall dayes journeyes or stages as they travelled either one or more or all at every removing And to this subject they may all be referred either in part or in whole V. 3. What shall be given he turneth his speech to the head or chiese of his enemies as if he should say what profit shalt thou reap thereby Peradventure the people would fore-arme themselves by Davids ancient example when he was persecuted by scoffes and slanders against the like injuries which were offered unto them at their return from Babylon Ez. 4. 6. Neh. 2. 19. and 4. 2. 3. V. 4. Of Juniper which being a fat kind of Wood makes a very scorching fire and quick coales V. 5. Woe is me it seemeth that these words were first spoken by David in his flight amongst the Philistines and other strange Nations and were afterward applied to the peoples banishment Mesech Mesech is Moscovie and Kedar is Arabia not that David ever was in those countryes but hee called those Nations so amongst which he was by reason of their fierce barbarousnesse And this part of this Psalme is it which may most properly bee referred to the returne from Babylon PSAL. CXXI VER 1. LIft up I doe bend my thoughts every way yet conclude at last that in all my evills my reliefe and deliverance must come from God alone V. 3. He will not the Psalmist speaks to himselfe in spirit as Psal 91. 3. V. 5. Thy shade thy protector and defence V. 6. By day hee hath a relation to the pillar of cloud by day and of fire in the night which God employed in the bringing of the people forth of Aegypt and to defend them from the harmefull aire that it might not hurt them see Isa. 49. 10. Rev. 7. 16. And this may also be applied to the return from Babylon under Gods protection V. 8. Thy going out that is to say any thing as thou shalt undertake Or especially thy comming out of Babylon and thy comming into Iudea PSAL. CXXII THe title Of David that is to say penned at the first by David when he had taken Ierusalem and settled the Ark in it 2 Sam. 6. 17. and afterwards made use of at the peoples return from Babylon V. 2. Our feet that is to say we shall no more need to runne here and there to doe Gods service as we did at other times when the Arke removed from place to place now that it stands still in Ierusalem we shall not need to goe any where else Deut. 12. 5. 14. V. 3. That is compact he seemes to have a relation to the times which were beâ—ore David at which time the lebusites remained in the rock of Sion after the remnant of the City of Ierusalem was taken by the Tribe of Iudah Ios. 15 63. Iudg. 1. 8. the City being divided by walls and also in government and religion but David having taken in Sion did perfectly re-unite it V. 4. Vnto the testimony namely to present themselves before the tabernacle where the Ark was within which were the Tables of the law called the testimonie Exod. 16. 34. 2â— 21. 22. Num. 17. 7. Or which is a testimony that is to say a commandement made to Israel with Gods expresse protestation Deut. 12. 5. 14. V. 5. Are set there also is the soveraign court of justice settled by Gods appointment In which Court David sits as Iudge and his Officers under him doe execute justice Deut. 17. 8. 2 Sam. 15. 〈◊〉 2 Chron. 19. 8. 10. Psal. 60. 1. and 108. 8. PSAL. CXXIII VER 2. VNto the hand to bee defended by them if they be wronged or to receive some benefit from them V. 4. That are at ease that is to say that are rich and powerfull in the world see Zach. 1. 15. PSAL. CXXIV THe title Of David see upon Psal. 122. in the Title V. 1. On our side or with us V. 4. The waters that is to say our enemies troops gathered together like a fulnesse of waters Over our soul they would have overwhelmed and drownd us so that we should have lost our lives see Ps. 69. 2. V. 8. In the name that is to say in the Lord himselfe who hath revealed himselfe to his Church by his own proper name or in his power and grace PSAL. CXXV V. 3. THe vod the persecution of the wicked and of Tyrants shall not alwayes last
L v. 7. 16. and having to day paid my vowes I 〈…〉 ve made a feast with the flesh of those sacrifices for to entertaine thee V 20. The day appointed the Italian The new Moon see concerning the Hebrew phrase used in this place Upon Psal. 81. 3. V. 22. As an One Being ensnared by this womans allurements he had no power to unbinde himselfe he was faine to run to his perdition like the Oxe that is tyed and drawne to the slaughter and being voluntarily foolish God suffered him to fall into the hand of sinne as mad men are put into the stocks to stay and punish them V. 26. Cast downe A figurative terme taken from wrestlings that is to say she hath cast them out of the state of vertue and holinesse and hath throwne them into perdition Many that is to say of those who have beene overthrowne by women the greatest part of them have beene great men for valour knowledge dignity and vertue Or in this warre mans valour is overcome by the subtilty of women CHAP. VIII VERS 4. THe sons of man the Italian The common people See Psal. 49. 2. V. 9. They are all Their uprightnesse is cleere and evident to all such as are enlightned by the holy Ghost though your sensuall and carnall men doe judge otherwise of it See Romans 7. 22. 1 Corinth 1. 18. V. 12. Dwellwith I doe enjoy and have by me and doe bestow upon all my true Disciples good and wholesome counsels and needfull prudence for their whole life V. 13. The feare Which is the beginning of all true wisdome which I teach Prov 17. 7. V. 14. Sound See concerning this word Proverbs 2. 7. V. 15. By me I the eternall Sonne of God who am the Fathers subsisting wisdome Prov. 1. 20. and supreme Lord of the world doe appoint Kings and Princes by such wayes and meanes as I please they all have their authority and power from me as my servants and deputies Neither can they justly execute their offices but by following of my lawes See concerning this true wisdome Luke 11. 49. Decree justice or give sentences V. 18. Righteousnesse That is to say a just guide defence and recompence or according to the custome of the Hebrewes liberality and beneficence V. 20. I lead The Italian I walke or I leade and direct V. 21. Substance Italian The true being namely true life and subsistence in Gods grace in this world and afterwards the glorious life of heaven V. 22. Possessed me that is to say I the Sonne was in the Father and by him in the unspeakable unity of â—sence and in the union of the persons Iohn 1. 1. Of his way that is to say of his workes to performe which workes hee is as one should say come forth of his eternall rest and the mansion of his glory V. 23. I was By the everlasting decree of the Father I the Son have been established Lord and Governour of the world for to represent my Fathers Majestie who hath bin alwayes hidden in his inaccessible glory John 5. 22. Col. 1. 18. Heb. 1. 2. Set up Or consecrated as Psalme 2. 6. Or ever From everlasting before any time which began but only with the creatures See Psal. 90. 2. V. 24 I was brought forth That is to say engendred of the Fathers owne essence V. 25 Setled Like to great workes or buildings which have deep foundations V. 26. The highest part Namely this admirable superficies of the earth so adorned various copious and fruitfull V. 27. I was there Working with him as a joynt equall and cooperating cause John 1. 3. Col. 1. 16. Heb 1. 2. when beâ—â—t When he gave a round forme to the masse of the Elements yet all mixed together called the deepe Genesis 1. 2. which round forme remained to the universe after the Elements were severed V. 28. The clouds The Italian The Heaven The Hebrew word signifieth properly that aethereall part which is above the Elementall which Moses calleth the upper waters Genesis 1. 6 7. Strengthened When hee shut them up within the great concavities of the earth as in strong and well barred fences from whence they cannot issue forth as they did in the floud See Genesis 7. 11. V. 29. Appointed Namely when he fixed the earth in the center of the universe where it standeth immoveable through its own proper weight Job 26. 7. and 38. 4. Psalme 104. 5. V. 30. By him Figurative termes to expresse in some kinde the unspeakeable union betweene the Father and the Sonne and the Fathers perfect love towards him Iohn 1. 18. V. 31. Rejoycing As the propertie of my person is to worke upon outward things so all my delight is in preserving and keeping the world whole and in it to governe enlighten and doe good to men Iohn 1. 4. V. 34. Watching For to attend continually upon my service and study and meditate upon my word A figurative terme taken from Princes guards on from the Levites which watched in the Temple CHAP. IX VERS 1. HAth builded That is to say the Sonne of God hath laid the foundation of his house himselfe and perfectly established his Church Heb. 3. 3 4. and in it he unfoldeth all his treasures for the getting and preserving of the spirituall and everlasting life to the participation of which hee inviteth all men by the ministery of his word See a like parable Mat. 22. 2. V. 2. Mingled Or made ready-ready-according to the custome of those Countries where they did use to mingle their wine with water as well to please the taste as for wholsomenesse V. 3. The highest They were high places or little terraces done about with railes and Parapets in the highest parts of the Citie which were used to make Proclamations upon give sentences and other like publike â—ctions Iohn 19 13. V. 4. Who so is simple O all you men who are naturally ignorant and idiots and subject to the deceipts of the flesh and the Devill V. 6. The foolish The Italian Foolishnesses Namely the actions of foolish and overseene worldly mâ—n V. 7. Hee that reproveth The meaning is of men that are altogether ignorant and void of understanding there are of two sorts some are prophane hardened and scornefull men the other are wise and understanding in that they know their owne defect and seeke to amend it to the first the word of God serveth for nothing but only to provoke their wrath in blaspheming him and committing outrages against his servants Matthew 7. 6. in the latter it fructifieth to salvation A scorner See upon Psal. 1. verse 1. V. 10. The holy Namely that which the true elect who are sanctified by Gods spirit learne by his word Understanding Namely the true solid and spirituall understanding V. 13. A foolish woman Hee opposeth the world the flesh and all their allurements represented by the actions and baites of a dishonest woman to celestiall wisdome and godly perswasions to signifie that all the delight and love of the soule
undertake and of his blessing in the issues and successe of what they undertook V. 25. The hills an hyperbolicall description of Gods judgements the meaning is no high or eminent condition of state could keep them from being ruined V. 26. Will life up to call them to execute his judgements upon his people V. 27. The girdle they shall be all ready to march and performe warlike duties Or they shall neither be base nor faint-hearted which is signified by loose reins Dan. 5. 6. nor busie about any other work which is signified by the loose latchet of the shoe V. 30. If one looke all humaue help shall faile and all hope of comfort and aid from the Lord shall be cut off The light namely the day from the very morning Darkned every thing shall be overwhelmed with horrible darknesse of calamites which shall come from God neither shall there appeare any light of hope or comfort CHAP. VI. Vers. 1. THe Lord namely Gods everlasting Sonne a great King of the Church in his own person John 12. 41. V. 2. The Seraphims a name of blessed Angels which signifieth servent and fiery as well in regard of their office as of their substance who are here assistants as Ministers of Gods judgements His face by this covering of the face is meant adoration and deep reverence by the covering of their feet immaculate holinesse and by their flying with two wings promptitude and zeale to obey V. 4. The posts or thresholds namely the upper and lower threshold in which the two axels whereon the doors did turn were fixed With smoak or chick cloud and dark mist a thing which was ordinary when God appeared in glory to hide his majestie and to strike a terrour in mens hearts Exod. 19. 16. and 40. 34. Numb 9. 15. 1 King 8. 10. V. 5. Wo is me the ordinary feare of the faithfull when God appeared to them in glory see Gen. 16. 13. Deut. 5. 24. Jud. 6. 22. and 13. 22. feeling of their own weaknesse and knowing their owne naturall corruption Unclean thereby signifying that sinne which is most frequent amongst and most avoidable for men namely the sinne of the tongue Jam. 3. 2. or because even in his own calling he found himselfe defective many wayes And I dwell that is to say I doe too much participate of the contagion of sin living thus amongst sinners V. 6. A live coale a figure of the gift of the holy Ghost proceeding from Christ who is the true spirituall altar of expiation and intercession for the Church Which Spirit workes in the manner of fire for the purging of sin Matth. 3. 11. V. 7. Laid it upon the Italian brought it neer see Jer. 1. 9. Dan. 10. 16. Thine iniquity not that Isaiah was purged from all remainder of sinne as concerning his person but onely concerning his office of Prophet he received the gift of the infallible conduct of the holy Ghost that he might not erre through ignorance nor prevaricate through malice in the receiving and preaching of his prophecies A promise contrary to that which Isaiah had confessed namely to be of unclean lips V. 8. For us see of this unspeakable manner of consultation held by the sacred Trinitie Gen. 1. 26. and 3. 22. and 11. 7 Here am I an effect of the holy Ghost who after he hath conferred the gift which is necessary for the calling doth also powerfully give the will to cause him employ himselfe therein vigorously and cheerfully V. 9. Understand not that is to say Hereafter I will not send my word unto you for to convert and save you but to convince and condemne you for seeing I have deservedly taken away my Spirit from you which you have so long withstood that you have utterly extinguished it the sound of my word hereafter shall but astonish you and this light shall but dazell and blinde you so much the more V. 10. Make the heart preach my word powerfully to this rebellious and profane people that their wickednesse being thereby provoked they may become more stupid insensible and hardned a signe whereof is the fatnesse of the heart see Psal. 119. 70. see Deuter. 29. 4. Isa. 63. 17. John 8. 43. 2 Thess. 2. 11 12. Be healed namely that they may not be saved delivered from all evil and re-established in a happy state V. 11. How long is there no stay nor no end of this rejection of thy people that it may not come to the uttermost extremity V. 13. A tenth he seemeth to meane that little remnant which was left in the countrey in the generall captivity which was at last likewise destroyed for its rebellion CHAP. VII Vers. 2. THe house namely the King and Princes of the blood royall and chiefe Officers of the Crown and Court Syria the King of Syria hath undertaken to besiege Jerusalem being encouraged thereunto by the league which he had made with the King of the ten Tribes the chiefe of which is the Tribe of Ephraim and as sures himselfe that hee shall overcome by reason of the great assistance he hopes to have from thence V. 3. Shear-Jashub it should appear by Isa. 8. 12. and 10. 21. that this name which signifieth the remnant shall be converted or shall be re-established was given to that childe for a signe of the deliverance of the rest of the people which should bee converted to God Upper poole this was a great poole of water that came from the fountain Gihon called the upper as a King 18. 17. because it was in the high Citie of Sion neer the City of David on the south-side Nehem. 3. 15. and to distingush it from the lower poole Isai. 22. 9. which was in the lower part of the City on the east-side V. 4. The two tails a name of contempt to shew that there was more smoak that is to say pride and outward appearance in them then strength and power V. 6. Vex it the Italian divide it that is to say Let each of us seize upon that part which lieth most conveniently for us and let us see a King over the rest which may be a vassall to us both The Sonne one whose name is not mentioned elsewhere V. 8. Damascus I have bounded these Kingdoms and have set a King over every one of them and I will not suffer them to passe their bounds nor take anothers countrey Within threescore the common opinion is That one must count these yeers not from the time that Isaiah did foretell these things but from the first prophecie of the latter ruine of the ten tribes which might be Amos his Prophesie 7. 8 9 see a Kings 14. 27 about the eighteenth yeere of Jeroboam the son of Joash after whom untill the last captivity of the ten Tribes is just sixty five yeers V. 9. Of Ephraim namely of the ten Tribes whereof Ephraim was chiefe If ye will not beleeve the Italian Doe ye not beleeve it the prophet reproveth the people because of their incredulitie Ye
Gods peace whereof the Altar was a signe and instrument is all the defence of the Church For Ariel sometimes signifieth the Champions and valiant defenders of a Country 2 Sam. 23. 20. Now here he foretels the ruine of the Temple as Jer. 7. 14. Ezek. 9. 6. The City as by Ariel is meant the whole Temple and consequently that part of the City where it stood namely Mount Moriah So by this other part is meant that other hill namely the hill of Sion where the City of David stood To signifie the whole City of Jerusalem or severally the State and the Church vers 2. Adde ye that is to say feed your selves on with these vaine hopes that yeeres shal run on alwaies in the same manner An ironicall kinde of speech against prophane men as Ezek. 12. 22. Amos 6. 3. 2 Pet. 3. 4. Let them kill continue on your outward service which is but hypecrisie upon which notwithstanding you rely against all my threatnings see Jer. 7. 21. V. 2. I will distresse I wil cause my Temple to be besieged as well as the City making no difference between the one which is my holy habitation and the other which is the common dwelling place of the people V. 3. I will câ—mpe as Captaine Generall of the Chaldeans that shall besiege thee V. 4. And shall speake thy pride shall be humbled and thy bravery cast down thou shalt yeed to thine enemies and petition to them with a great deale of basenesse see Jer. 46. 22. A familiar spirit which answered with an obscure sound and low kind of murmuring out of such persons as he possessed see Isa. 8. 19. V. 5. Of thy strangers thy men of warre which thou shalt hire or shall be sent thee from abroad shall all be dispersed and shall not be able to relieve thee It shall be all this reliefe which shall come from Egypt and other places shall not be able to withstand the Chaldeans and shall yeeld thee no comfort but a very short and transitory one see Jer. 37. 5 7. V. 6. Thou shalt namely Jerusalem With thunder a figurative description to say Heaven and Earth shall concur to their ruine V. 7. As a dreame in regard of thee to whom this siege and ruine shall happen beyond all thought judgement and expectation And also in respect of the Chaldeans themselves who will never be satisfied with tormenting thee and the more prosperous successe they shall have the more eager they will be against thee V. 9. Stay your selves let every one attentively and with admiration consider these calamities of my people and the causes of them Drunken they are asleepe lulled in their vices troubled and darkned in their understanding that they cannot give heed to these threatnings and so be converted and saved Isa. 28. 7 8. V. 10. Hath powred that is to say he hath punished their voluntary blindnesse with a greater astonishment depriving them quite of the light of his Spirit against which they have rebelled giving them over to the Spirit of darknesse Your Rulers the Italian Your heads for the false Prophets did intrude into the publique government while Jerusalem was besieged Jer. 26. 8. see Isa. 3. 2. The Seâ—â—s namely Prophets 2 Sam. 9 9. V. 11. The vision you shall apprehend nothing by my word which shall be preached to you by my Prophets whereby you may be lively touched instructed and so converted which shall happen as well through your malicious ignorance as through my just judgement Is sealed see Isa 8. 16. Rev. 5. 1 5. V. 13. And their feare none of their seeming piety comes from the heart but is drawn from them by the absolute command of some good King as Hezekiah Josiah c. Or it is nothing but an observation of humane traditions V. 14. Shall be hid shall be confounded and shall not dare to make any more vaine ostentations Or it shall vanish away and come to nothing V. 15. To hide that designe their enterprises secretly within themselves and never informe themselves of the will of God nor doe not communicate their said designes to him in their prayers desiring therein his aide and blessing Or who in their sins and secret malices doe thinke they can hide themselves from Gods knowledge V. 16. Your turning doe you thinke to be masters and absolute rulers of what you intend and turne up and down in your minds as the potter is of his clay which he hath upon his wheele to doe therewith what he will Shall the worke can you thinke you can withdraw your selves from Gods knowledge and government who hath you and all your actions under the conduct of his Soveragine providence as the potter hath his clay V. 17. And Lebanon shall it appeares by Isa. 32. 15. that this is an Evangelicall promise the meaning whereof is Under the Messias his Kingdom which will shortly be made manifest all those vices which my people have at this present shall be corrected and their calamities restored For the men which are like wild Trees of the Wood such as Lebanon brings forth shall by my grace and Spirit be regenerate and become faire fruitful Trees such as grow upon Mount Carmel and shal be multiplied in number like unto a thick wood V. 18. Shall the deafe men that are naturally uncapable of the mysteries of faith shall be enlightned and instructed in the true knowledge of Gods word Of the Booke he hath a relation to what he had said v. 11. 12. V. 19. The meeke an ordinary title of beleevers V. 20. Is consumed that is to say there shall be none of them in the true mysticall Church see Isa. 28. 14. V. 21. That make namely that suborne false Prophets or induce true Prophets to falsifie Gods words Isa. 30. 10. For him namely for Gods true servants which reprove them for their sins in places of publique assemblies where the Prophets used to come â—er 17. 19. 19. 2 Amâ—s 5. 10. V. 22. Jacob namely the old Patriarch who is brought in rejoycing at the conversion of his posterity in stead of the shame which he had suffered for their former evill life Shall not now namely after I have purged and re-established my Church V. 23. The workâ— of namely those that through my gâ—acâ— and Spirit have been reâ—eâ—â—rated to newnesse of life Psal. 100. 3. Ephes. 2. 10. Shall sanâ—â—ifie namely shall honour and doe reverence to it as being most holy V. 24. That murmured namely against God and his Prophets rebelling against them and contradicting them A teâ—me taken from the peoples frequent acts in the wildernesse CHAP. XXX Vers. 1. THe rebellious children namely my people Councell flâ—shly and reproved councell namely to trust upon Egypts assistance against the Babylonians without thinking upon the onely means of deliverance by turning to God and calling upon his Name see Jer. 37. 7. Ezek. 17. 15. V. 2. And have not by the priests oracle or by some Propheâ— Num. 27. 21. Josh. 9. 14.
Kin. 24. 2. Amos 1. 13. V. 2. Rabbath the chiefe City of the Ammonites 2 Sam. 12. 26. Be heire there is no accomplishment of this according to the Letter mentioned any where but onely 1 Mac. 5. 6. V. 3. Heshbon a City of the Gadites Jos. 13. 8 10. 21. 38 39. seized upon by the Ammonites and Moabites as it appeares by Jer. 48. 2. whose ruine was next after the taking and sacking of Ai. a City neere unto it which cannot be the same as is spoken of Jos. 7. 2. And run as flying and wandring persons save your selves and hide you in the fields and behind the hedges V. 4. In the valleys namely in thy Countrey full of fruitful valleys encompassed with high hils Flowing valley a figurative terme as who should say the wars like unto a deluge have carried away the fat of the soile and hath melted the mountaines and hils V. 7. In Teman namely in Edom whereof one part had its name from Teman Esau his grandchild Gen. 36. 11. and is possessed by his posterity and was a Nation famous for its wisedome Obad. 8. He meanes as it were in scoâ—â—e Hâ—ve those great wise men wanted understanding at their need hath not th 〈…〉 wisedome been found weake and vaine against God and his judgements V. 8 Dedan certaine people of Arabia neighbours to the Idumeans see Gâ—n 25. 3. V. 9. If grape-gatherers by this comparisâ—n the Prophet doth exaggerate the dâ—solation oâ— Edâ—m which should be quite desolate and spoiled leaving no remainder at all in it V. 10. Bare I have caused his enemies to leave nothing at all there but to empty him quite His seed namely those Nations which were joyned to him by discent or by ancient alliance V. 11. Leave the meaning is fathers and husbands shall be destroyed in Edom. Little children and women shall have no reliefe nor help from men nor shal not have any to fly unto but onely God V. 12. They whose namely the Jewes my people and my children whom one would have thought should have been free from these desolations have notwithstanding endured them and shall not you Idumeans who are mine enemies be overcome and ruined by the like desolations V. 13. Bozra chiefe City of Edom. V. 14. I have heard namely in a prophetick vision V. 15. Make thee I have appointed thee to be brought into the most unhappy state of any other Nation V. 16. Thou that he hath a relation to the rough and mountainous situation of Edom. V. 18. Dwell the effect of this prophecy began by the Chaldeans and then from time to time it hath been fully accomplished the name and memory of Edom being at the last quite extinguished V. 19. He shall namely Nebuchadnezzar Swelling whereof see Jes. 3. 15. Jer. 12. 5 The strong namely Idumea a Countrey very strongly situated And who is as if one should say I will seeke out all the valiant souldiers for to muster them up against Edom. Will appoint the Italian who will challenge me or who can set upon me or who can withstand me Shepheard that is to say King or Potentate according to the Prophets stile V. 20. The least that is to say I will cause the very weakest of the Chaldeans Army to be more then sufficient to beat down the greatnesse and strength of the Idumeans and destroy all their Countrey V. 22. He shall namely Nebuchadnezzar V. 23. Hamath a Citie of Syria of which Damascus was the head see Isa. 7. 8. 37. 13. Tidings namely of the Chaldeans comming V. 25. How is these are the words of the King or people of Syria V. 27. Benhadad a common name to all the Kings Syria and especially of one of them which was very of famous 1 Kin. 20. 1. V. 28. Kedar Nations and Countries of Arabia Smite namely after and according to these prophecies Thus saith namely to the Chaldeans Of the East all the Arabians are so called Judg 6. 3. Job 1. 3. in respect of Palestine V. 29 Shall they namely the Chaldeans shall spoile the Arabians which live a pastorall life in tents Curtaines whereof they made their tents V. 31. Arise a comfort from God encouraging the Chaldeans to set upon the Arabians a Nation which lived in Tents without any Cities or strong holds thinking themselves secure in the solitudes of their Deserts V. 33. A dwelling see Isa. 13. 22. 34. 13. Mal. 1. 3. V. 34. Elam a people between Persia and Media And it is not certaine at what time this prophecie was fulfilled V. 35. The Bow he speaketh this because the Bow was these Nations ordinary weapon V. 36. The foure that is to say the enemies shall come upon them on all sides V. 38. I will set that is to say I will solemnly execute my judgements upon these people as if I sate in my judgement seat in a publique Court in the midst of them CHAP. L. Vers. 2. ANd set up that being the way to give notice by such signes in unlookt for chances â—el Merodach the names of Chaldean idols see Isa. 46. 1. Broken in pieces or spoiled or discomfited V. 3. A Nation namely the Medes and Persians which lay Northward from Chaldea by whom the Babylonian Empire was destroyed and afterwards from time to time followed the entire ruine of the City according to this prophecy Bothman a representation of an extreame desolation V. 4. Shall come shal returne into Judea being freed out of captivity Weeping for joy and repentance for their sin for grief to behold yet the tracks of Gods judgements and their miserable estate in respect of their estate which was in former times see Ezr. 3. 12 V. 6. Their shepheards namely their Governours as well Politick as Ecclesiasticall have caused them to wander out of the way of my obedience and from the refuge and safeguard which they had in my grace and protection of which being deprived they were made a prey V. 7. We offend not that is to say God will have it so Jer. 40. 2. wherefore we may freely do it unto them as to wicked men as Zech. 11. 5. see the contrary Jer. 2 3. The habitation namely whose protection was like a sacred habitation and secure sheep-coat in which their forefathers had lived very securely Psalm 90. 1. and 91. 1. V. 8. Goats the Italian He goats which goe freely and readily before the flocke V. 12 Mother that is to say your Countrey or Babylon the seat of your Empire V. 15. Given that is to say she yeelds and fainteth V. 16. Oppressing namely Cyrus Generall of the Medes and Persians Army who shall oppresse and cast downe all his enemies Turne he speakes of hired souldiers or of strangers who lived in Babylon for commerce or some other businesses V. 17. The King that is to say divers Kings of Assyria Pul Tiglath-Pileser Shalmanezer Sennacherib which laid waste the whole Countrey leaving nothing but as it were the bones of a carcasse that is eaten
of my pure worship which thou canst not now pretend being fully instructed in it As a young Maid if â—hee were seduced might partly be excused for her simplicity which a married woman that is of full age cannot plead V. 23. Pâ—â—ed Names of some people of Asia which were subjects to Nebuchadnezzar of which his army was also composed Jerem 50. 21. V. 24. To their Iudgements they shall indeed be my judgements but I will leave the execution of them to their discretions 〈…〉 hee doth oppose mens judgments which are without mercy to the judgements of God which are alwayes tempered with some clemencie see 2 Sam. 24. 14. Zec. 1. 15. V. 25. Take away the Italian cut off manners of speaking taken from the ignominious punishments used in some countreys towards adulterous women or from the cruelties of enemies enraged against their prisoners before they kill them V. 27. From the land I will hinder thee from going any more into Egypt to commit fornication 〈…〉 or I will cause thy fornication which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt to cease V. 29. Shall be discovered even as a male factors misdeeds are discovered when he is once sentenced to death V. 31. Of thy sister namely of the ten tribes will I give that is to say I will inflict the same punishment upon thee a terme taken from the ancient manner of feasting where every one had his portion of meat and drinke given them see Psal. 75. 8. Jer. 25. 15. V. 34. Breake Thou shalt grow mad therewith like to a drunken man who after he is overcome with wine will breake the cups and the poâ—s and will teare his flesh with his nailes and with his teeth Jer. 25. 16. V. 38. They have They have openly derided and mocked mee making a shew as if they would doe me some service in my Temple at appointed times see Ezek. 20. 39. Or they have even committed these abominations in my Temple and upon Holidayes see 2 Kings 21. 4. Jerem. 11. 15. Ezek. 8. 3 6. V. 40. Yee have sent A figurative description of the prophane entertainment given to the Chaldeans Egyptians and others sent for by the Jews to treat about unlawfull covenants taken from a Whores preparation when she entertaineth her expected Ruffian Wash thy selfe he directs his speech to either of them two namely Ahola or Aholibah V. 41. Vpon a According to the manner of many ancient Nations and also of the Jews namely at their most solemne feasts to sit or lye upon beds Est. 16. 78. 6. 4. Joh. 13. 25. mine incense namely which thou hast received of me together with other blessings and with which they did rub and anoint themselves at banquets and publique feasts Hee would say that she had employed Gods gifts in gaining the favour and friendship of prophane nations V. 42. With her The Italian in her that is to say Jerusalem and Samaria upon these occasions have been full of strangers walking and taking their pleasures like fornicators in a brothel-house with the men the Italian besides the men besides those great and noble nations as the Chaldeans the Jewes have also desired the friendship and reliefe of the Arabians the Ethiopians and other base nations who thinking themselves much honoured by such a request have carryed them preseuâ—s which the nobler nations have not done but have received presents of the Jewes Ezek. 16. 33. 34. V. 43. Vnto her the Italian of her of or to either of those nations which were growne old in their idolatrie now words of disdaine as much as to say now they will satisfie their unbridled lust having all these fornicators at their command V. 45. Righteous men namely the Assyrians and Chaldeans have executions of Gods justice who shall have a just cause according to mens opinions to revenge themselves of the Jewes and Israelites perjuries and rebellions V. 48. All women namely Nations and Cities especially those where God hath planted his Church V. 49. Your lewdnesse namely the just punishment for it CHAP. XXIV Vers. 1. THe ninth of the captivitie of Jehoiakim Ezek. 1. 2. V. 3. Set on a Pot See such a similitude Jer. 1. 13. Ezek. 11. 3. The Pot is Jerusalem the flesh and the fat pieces are the chiefe richest and the noblest that are in her the fire are Gods judgements by which hee would have humbled and mollified his peoples hearts to bring them to repentance but that having taken no effect by reason of their obstinate rebellion hee would convert those judgements into a totall consumption V. 5. Burne also the Italian Lay the bones in the bottome it seemes that the bones that were put into the bottome of the pot v. 4. 10. and not as others have understood it without the pot to kindle the fire And by the bones are meant the great ones and governours which beare up the body of the State V. 6. Wherefore thus To make the accomplishment answerable to the figure to the p 〈…〉 namely to Jerusalem that hath not been cleansed by my punishments see Jer. 4. 11. and 6. 29. Ezek. 22. 24. bring it out Let all the people without any difference be driven out of it and carryed away let none be pardoned for in warres often times they cast lots to slay some and save some V. 7. Her blood Shee is full of misdeeds especially of murthers and oppressions She set it she committed them boldly and did not care if they were knowne to all men contrary to that which God had commanded namely that the very blood of beasts should be covered over with dust Lev. 17. 13. Deut. 12. 16. 24. V. 8. Set her blood I will punish her openly and the signes and monuments thereof shall remaine for ever V. 9. I will make thee that is to say What I have commanded thee to doe for a signe doe thou also in effect making ready the Caldeans great fire Jer. 1. 13. V. 10. Spice it well the Italian Bring her to be like a composition of sweet smells causing the whole Nation to be destroyed leaving not so much as any forme or strength of state V. 11. Set it empty To signifie that Jerusalem after the inhabitants were gone out of it should be burned by the Chaldeans as it were to cleanse it perfectly from all its ordures The brasse As who should say her rust V. 12. She hath in stead of the onely meanes of deliverance which was repentance and conversion shee hath with a great deale of care sought out other worldly and unprofitable meanes V. 13. In thy filthinesse that is to say Wicked obstinacie hath been the onely cause that thou hast not been cleansed for I have sought to doe it with all carefulnesse by admonitions exhortations and punishments V. 14. The Iudge namely the Chaldeans see Ezek. 23. 45. V. 16. The desire namely thy deare wife V. 18. A 〈◊〉 namely by a sudden death proceeding from some supernaturall and divine cause V. 17. Binde the tire Shew
no signe at all of mourning such as those were of going bare-headed Lev. 10. 6. 21. 10. and bare-footed 2 Sam. 15. 30. Isa 47. 2. of covering ones face Lev. 13. 45. Mic. 3. 7. and eating of food brought in and given by neighbours and friends Jer 16. 5. 7. V. 21. I will prophane I will suffer it to be spoyled by prophane nations at their pleasure as a place that was not holy the excellencie namely the Temple the Arke and other signes of my presence wherein consisteth the glory and the strength of your subsistence and defence the desire namely your wives soule pitieth Heb. what your soule spareth namely that which you are most jealous and tender of ye have lefâ— in Judea â—or the Prophet spake to these which had been carried away prisoners with Jehoiakiâ— V. 22. Yee shall doe You shall be forced to digest all these sorrowes not daring so much as seeme to be grieved thereat for feare of angring your enemies or because that in such a great desolation every one 〈…〉 ll thinke upon himselfe without taking any care for others Or because that there will an expresse curse of God be perceived in it Or because there will be more cause of weeping for those that are alive and languish in sorrow then for the dead see Job 27. 15. Psa. 7. 8. 64. Jer. 16. 5. Amos 6. 10. V. 23. Pine away Yee shall be busied in weeping for your owne sinnes and miseries V. 24. A signe The Prophet as he was speaking these things became dumbe in an instant but when these things were fulfilled he recovered his speech to assure the Jewes that all proceeded from God v. 27. see Ezech. 3. 26. 27 and 33. 22. Others doe take this word of becomming dumbe v. 27. for holding his peace as if hee said Thou thou hast spoken enough to this people for to warne them let them alone untill that by the comming to passe of these things thou mayest convince and waken them againe V. 25. In the day When I shall have fulfilled these Prophecies by the taking and ruine of Jerusalem I will cause tidings thereof to be brought unto thee and then shalt thou put the people in minde of these things for their instruction and correction desire the Italian 〈◊〉 i 〈…〉 t of their soules that which they desire and hope for namely to see and enjoy their children againe CHAP. XXV Vers. 3. THou saidest because thou hast injuriously scoffed Zeph. 2. 8. V. 4. The men of namely the Arabians who after the Chaldeans had spoyled the Ammonites countrey and had slaine and carried away the inhabitants into captivitie did come and possesse the land Palaces the Italian castles namely their holds fitted for warre and for defence of the countrey for the people dwelt for the most part in Tents often changing their abodes according to the commodiousnesse of their pastures V. 5. Rabbah the chiefe Citie of Ammon for 〈…〉 els wherein the Arabians doe abound for to carry their housholds their stuffe and merchandise Or Caravans of Camels and Travellers V. 6. Hast clapped Here it is a signe of joy derision and insulting V. 8. Seir This was the Idumeans countrey Gen. 36. 8. bordering upon the Moabites whereby these nations did oftentimes joyne against the Iewes the house though shee boast of having a love to the true God yet hee hath not protected her no more then the gods of other nations have protected them words of contempt and blasphemie against God himselfe as 2 Kings 18. 33. V. 9. I will open I will cause the Chaldeans to breake through that part of the countrey where the strong and frontier cities are which are here under named for a difference between that and the other part of the land which lay open and was not fortified From the Cities Others translate it towards the cities of Ar see Numb 21. 28. Jos. 12. 2. V. 12. Vengeance Of the title of birth-right which Jacob did get away from Esau the father of the Edomites Or of Davids conquering of Edom 1 Chro. 18. 13. See Ezech. 35. 5. Amos 1. 11. V. 14. I will lay We read nothing of this execution done by the Jewes upon the Edomites but onely 1 Mac. 5. 3. and 2 Mac. 10. 16. 17. Some doe understand this spiritually of the Churches victorie over her deadly enemies as the Edomites were to the Jewes as Isa. 11. 14. Jer. 49. 2. They shall know namely my people or Edom. V. 15. Have taken See 2 Chro. 28. 18. Amos 16. V. 16. Cherethims A name of a part of the Philistims countrey 1 Sam. 30. 14. 16. Zeph. 2. 5. The Sea-coast Upon which was the Philistims land CHAP. XXVI Vers. 1. THe eleventh Of Jehoiachins captivitie Ezech. 1. 2. Of the moneth some say it was the first moneth Ezech. 40. 1. others the fifth that is to say the first after the taking of Jerusalem which was the cause of the Tyrians insulting which is here mentioned See Jerem. 52. 6. V. 2. Thegates namely Jerusalem where there came all manner of people both for Religion sake and for traffique A manner of speech taken from that neer the chiefe gates of the Citie There were commonly great places for markets meetings and law pleas It is turned that is to say It being the second citie in Palestine for commodiousnesse and repute shall abtaine all these priviledges which Jerusalem hath for traffique concourse of people and for wealth V. 3. Many Nations Or great Nations namely the Chaldeans armie composed of divers mightie Nations v. 7. V. 4. Scrape her dust that is to say I will destroy it utterly This did not befall Tyrus the first time that the Chaldeans tooke it Isa. 23. 15. but the ruine of it began then and then from time to time it came to that degree as the Prophet speakes of as may be seene at this time V. 5. For the spreading As who should say a waste and desolate place In the midst because that Tyrus was an Island encompassed with the Sea V. 6. Her daughters the Italian Her cities namely such cities and colonies as depended upon Tyrus V. 7. King of Kings namely Him that is possessor of this mighty Monarchie which calls it selfe Universall Vpon the North namely from Chaldea which was partly Northward from Tyre and Palestine V. 8. And lift up namely At the assault V. 11. The strong the Italian The statues The trophies or statues of famous men which were set up to beautifie the citie Others take it for idolls V. 13. Thy songs The Tyrians having at all times been much given to musick Isa. 23. 16. Ezech. 28. 13. V. 14. Thou shalt be built namely After her last ruine whereof the spoyle made by the Chaldeans was but the beginning V. 16. Cloth themselves They shall be strooke with amazement as well by the example of such as unlooked for ruine as for feare of the danger which hangeth over their owne heads V. 17. Her inhabitants Those that were borne and
of Pagans V. 5 The part of that likenesse of a hand taken off from the arme V. 6. The joynts the Italian the girdles A proverbiall kind of speech Isa. 5. 27. taken from affrighted souldiers that are running away who unbuckle their armours off their backs The meaning is that his strength and courage failed him V. 7. Shall be clothed A badge of honour for great Officers and Lords See upon Gen. 41. 42. The third the first after me and the Qu 〈…〉 my mother V. 8. They could It is likely that these Letters were written without any distinction or separation of words whereupon they could not compose nor frame the words to make any sense of them V. 10. The Queen the Kings Mother or according to some his grandmother Of the words having heard lies words full of terrour and feare Or his command to call the wise men V. 12. Doubts the Italian riddles Câ—ld Knots perplexed and obscure speeches and sentences V. 20. Hardened against Daniels exhortations Dan. 4 27. V. 23. Whose are all who by his soveraigne power governeth all whatsoever man undertakes and whatsoever happeneth to him and upon whose will all things absolutely depend V. 25. Mene these words signifie he hath done right he hath weighed and it falleth in peeces V. 26. God God hath a long time forborne thee he is at last come to take an account of thine administration and having as one should say cast up thine accounts he now requireth satisfaction a terme taken from creditors V. 27. Weighed A terme taken from light comes The meaning is God hath examined thee and hath found thee unworthy of the degree which thou holdest V. 28. It divided the Italian is put in peeces as who should say put to the mint like broken or false coine There is an allusion between the word Peres and Persia. To the Medes namely to Darius the Mede and afterwards to Cyrus the Persian Dan. 6. 28. V. 30. Slaine as some say it was when Babylon was taken by Cyrus whilest the Babylonians were feasting and banquetting See Isa. â—1 5. Jer. 51. 39. Hab. 2. 5. Others by some reliques of ancient Histories doe imagine that he was slaine by a conspiracy of his Barons whereof one was this Darius and that happened some few yeares before the said surprise V. 31. Darius the Histories make no mention of this Darius and it hath been thought that it was Chiassar King of Media Cyrus his Unckle and father in law Who having accompanied Cyrus in his Babylonian enterprize after the taking was by him made King of it For an honour to his age and degree Others will have this Darius sonne of Ashuerus Dan. 9. 1. to be one of the conspirators against Belshazzar and one of the Barons of Babylon though a Mede by Nation called Darius whilest he was a private man and Nabonnidus or Labinitus when he was a King and that it was he under whom Babylon was taken by Cyrus who tooke away his kingdome from him T 〈…〉 ke the Italian received by the Babylonians election if we follow the second opinion as hath been spoken of Or by Cyrus his yeelding it to him if we follow the first See Dan. 9. 1. About threescore or who was already threescore and two yeares of age CHAP. VI. Ver. 2. NO damage in his rights and revenewes Others that he might not be troubled V. 4. An occasion some subject whereupon they might accuse him V. 7. To establish namely for to present it unto thee and have it confirmed by thee whereby it may receive the force of Law V. 8. Of the Medes they who will not have Darius to be Chiassar King of Media answer here that those Barons to flatter Darius that was a Mede borne desired him to make a Law according to the manner of his owne countrey though he was not King thereof but of Caldea Others that all this happened in the City of Susan in Persia subject to the Caldeans where Daniel was Governour Dan. 8. 2. and that in that City and countrey the lawes of Persia were observed V. 10. His windowes to oppose openly an impious and unlawfull way to overcome the malice of his enemies who watched his constancy and sought to overthrow it with feare and to give all beleevers an example of zeale to Gods glory he was moved by the Holy-Ghost not to change nor slacke any thing in his ordinary devotions which these respects laid aside were not absolutely necessary Towards as towards the place consecrated to the manifestation of Gods presence in grace and power which Law standing yet in force and being very shortly to be re-established in effect hee looked that way as towards heaven See 1 King 8. 48. Three times the morning noone and evening which were the three houres of the Jewes daily prayers See Psal. 55. 17. V. 17. The purpose namely in the execution of the decree CHAP. VII Ver. 1. OF his head which were inwardly represented to his imagination and not to the outward senses See Dan. 4. 5. V. 2. The â—oure by the Sea is meant the world and by the winds the changes thereof by which one Empire is raised and another is brought low like to the waves of the Sea V. 3. Beasts that is to say Empires figured in this manner because for the most part they are gotten kept and governed with violence and tyranny See Psal. 76. 4 Cant. 4 8. V. 4. The first this Lyon represents the Caldeans Empire Dan. 2. 37. by reason of the might and ravenousnesse of it See Isa. 5. 29. Jer. 4. 7. Wings to shew the Caldeans great celerity in their conquests Isa. 5. 26. Jer. 4. 13. and 48. 40. Ezek. 17. 3. Hab. 1. 8. Pluckt all meanes of conquering or raising it selfe any more were taken away from it and the ease and rest which it had a long time enjoyed lying upon the ground like a beast was taken away and being subdued was brought to a reasonable civill and modest life such as the state of Babylon was long after it had been taken by Cyrus V. 5. Another which is the Persian Empire Dan. 2. 39. and 8. 3. Like to a Bare for the Persians were a mountaine Nation more uncivill then the Caldeans though they were great warriors and much inclined to set upon Empires and States On one sid he seemes hereby to meane the beginning of the Persian Empire from the one side of the world namely from the East from whence they came to conquer the other three parts Dan. 8. 4. They said Gods secret providence did drive them on to those enterprizes and made them easie for them See Isa. 21. 2. V 6. Another namely Alexander the Great his Empire Who was very speedy in all his conquests which is figured by the Leopard which is a very active beast Hab. 1. 8. and by his wings Dan. 2 39. and 8 5. and 11. 3. Foure heads which were the foure Satrapies into which Alexander the Great his Empire was divided after his
27. V. 30. Shall come namely the Romans called by the King of Aegypt to ayd him who shall come by sea out of the harbours of Grecia called Chittim Numb 24. 24. or out of Italy and Cilicia enjoyning Antiochus by an expresse embassage to let Aegypt live in peace which he shall doe inforcibly and then shall vent his rage upon the Jewes Shall euen returne at the end of two yeares 1 Mac. 1. 30. 2 Mac. 5. 24. Shall have intelligence the Italian shall lend the â—are to wicked perswasions and the advices of certaine apostated Jewes to oppresse and injure even their owne brethren such as Jason was 2 Mac. 1. 7. and 4. 7. and Menealus 2 Mac. 4. 23 V. 31. Armes many of the mightiest among the people shall follow him 1 Mac. 1. 45. Of strength namely of Jerusalem a place exceeding strong by scituatian Or of the Temple which was the great Kings rocke See Zech. 9. 12. and 11. 2. Shall take away they shall bring all Gods service to nothing Dan. 8. 11. The abomination according to some it is the idoll of the Olympicke Jupiter 2 Mac. 6. 2. according to others an idolatrous Altar erected above Gods Altar 1 Mac. 1. 54 59 for which things the people refusing to consent to idolatry were destroyed and the Temple and Gods service made desolate V. 32. By flatteries by gifts promises and allurements he shall draw the Jewes to his side to prostitute themselves to idolatry for to draw others to it by their example The people namely the true beleevers amongst whom Gods true people shall be preserved shall shew themselves constant and perseverant in his pure service Doe exploits shall overcome all their temptations V. 33. That understand those whom God shall enlighten by his Word and Spirit shall instruct and strengthen their brethren by their doctrine and example Others understand this of a certain religious society which was newly set up in those dayes called the Asideans that is to say pious and holy very understanding and zealous in the Law of God See 1 Mac. 2. 42. and 7. 13. 2 Mac. 14. 6. V. 34. They shall be namely by Mattathias and other Asmoneans or Maccabees 1 Mac. 2. 1. and 2 Mac. 8. 1. Many of Gods people who being run into idolatry when they shall see some enlargement by the meanes of the Maccabees shall unite themselves to their brethren yet without any inward faith or piety V. 35. Shall fall many of them shall suffer martyrdome that the triall of their faith and the purification of their hearts and works may be in this world by the fire of afflictions to their everlasting salvation See Dan. 12. 10. To the time which is appointed by Gods counsell to have an end of these persecutions V. 36. Above every because he shall forbid the use and exercise of any Religion but only of that which he shall establish 1 Mac. 1. 43. and 3. 29. Marvellous things See Dan. 7. 25. and 8. 10. 25. 1 Mac. 1. 46 c. Till the untill the time as God hath set downe for his judgments and visitations of his people V. 37. Shall be regard he shall disannull his owne ancient Religion 1 Mac. 1. 43. Nor the desire Antiochus shall be so rigorous in his superstition that he shall not suffer any of his women whereof he shall have many and amongst the rest a Jewesse to use their own religion as other Kings have done 1 Kings 11 4. 16. 31. Others refer this to the cruely of this Kings heart who would never be moved by any naturall affection Unlesse the sin against nature be here meant V. 38. The God of namely the Olympian Jove to whom Antiochus had consecrated the Temple of God 2 Mac. 6. 2. and so he placed him as it were in Gods own rock v. 31. Whom his fathers for the said Olimpian Jove was an Athenian Idoll and not a Syrian one which was Antiochus his native countrey With gold namely with gifts and offerings of such things according to the manner of Idolaters V. 39. Thus shall the Italian he shall come that is to say he shall seaze upon Jerusalem and especially upon the strong City and fort of David which hee having well fortified and furnished with men shall put downe Gods true service and establish his owne abominable idolatry in the Temple 1 Mac. 1. 35 38. As if that Idoll were his protector against God And increase he shall raise these Jewes to honour who shall take pleasure in his wicked counsels and enterprizes as Jason 2 Mac. 4. 7 8. and Menelaus 2 Mac. 4. 23 24 50. Whom for money he made High Priests and Governours of the people V. 40. The end when God shall have set a period to Antiochus his reigne and persecutions v. 35. The King Philometer King of Egypt shall come against Antiochus who with great strength and celerity shall set upon him overcome him and drive him out of his dominions and shall victoriously over-run Egypt and other neighbouring countries V. 41. The glorious land namely Judea See Dan. 8. 9. 11. 6. Overthrowne by the incursions and spoiling of the countrey Shall escape because they shall hold of Antiochus his side V. 43. The Lybians a people of Africa subjects to Philometer who after that he was overcome submitted himselfe to Antiochus his service V. 44. But tydings of the Persians and Parthians rebellion which were nations towards the North-east of Syria and of their invasion made upon Antiochus his dominions Shall trouble him in his enterprize against the Jewes who shall have shaken off their yoake and shall be set at liberty under Judas Maccabeus 1 Mac. 3. 27. Goe forth he shall send his Captaines with a mighty army to destroy all the Jewish nation 1 Mac. 7. 31 35. V. 45. Shall plant Antiochus his army shall intrench it selfe having the royall tent set up for a signe of full power given to his Captaines in Emmaus betweene the Sodome and Mediterranean sea neer to Jerusalem 1 Mac. 3. 40. 4. 3. and there it shall be overthrowne In the glorious See Psal 48. 1. Dan. 8. 9. To his end whereof see 1 Mac. 6 8. CHAP. XII Verse 1. AT that time after the destruction of all the foresaid Monarchies See Dan. 2. 24. Michael the Sonne of God shall appeare in the flesh and shall by God his father be established everlasting King of the Church See Dan. 10. 13. Josh. 5. 14. 15 Which standeth who is their protector against all their enemies Psal. 54. 4. A time this seemes to have a relation to the extreame calamities which the Jewes suffered under the Romans after Christs ascent into heaven Mat. 24. 21. Thy people God shall deliver his elect out of the generall reprobation and extermination of the Jewish nation See Mat. 24. 22. Rom. 9. 27 29. In the booke of eternall life Psal. 69. 28. Luke 10. 20. Phil. 4. 3. Rev. 3. 5. 13. 8. 2. Many of them the Angell goeth on to the
which he had made himselfe See Hos. 5. 2. which Priests committed many outrages and murthers upon them which frequented the Temple of Jerusalem contrary to his command or generally upon all travellers For they I doe liken these Priests violences to theft for they are cruell and insufferable V. 11. Judah that is to say O yee tenne Tribes though now you have no plants of true beleevers left amongst you yet you shall be filled with them againe When by meanes of the Gospell which shall come forth of Jerusalem Psal. 110. 2. Isa. 2. 3. God shall deliver his elect of all Nations out of their spirituall captivity and at the last the whole body of his people Israel also Jer. 31. 5. CHAP. VII Ver. 1. WHen I when I have sought to correct the sinnes of my people by my word their secret wickednesse and inward hardnesse hath manifested it selfe as it often happeneth in bodily infirmities Commeth in into the houses to steale V. 2. Have beset them like unto ropes and snares that they may no longer escape my judgements Prov. 5. 22. or the punishments of their misdeeds have bound them They are they commit their misdeeds boldly and openly Or I keep them in minde and they are alwayes before me V. 3. They make all their wickednesses are made occasions of mirth and pastime even by the Judges and Magistrates themselves A signe of an extreame corruption V. 4. As an Oven A similitude taken from common Ovens to represent unto us an unbridled kind of concupiscence to fulfill the Which all meanes are used V. 5. In the day namely the day of his Birth or of his Coronation his Courtiers have perswaded him to drunkennesse Whereupon having laid aside all manner of Majesty he hath done acts besitting a jester or jugler V. 6. For they have the Italian when they have when they have plotted some treachery they hatch it within themselves secretly untill such time as the passion of desire or of revenge being come to the height breaks out in effects See Mic. 2. 1. V. 7. They are all this Rage discovers it selfe chiefly in their seditions frequent conspiracies and murthers of their Kings 1 King 15. 27. and 16. 9 10 21. and 2 King 9. 14. and 15. 10 14 25 30. There is none they are so possessed with an affection to evill that they cannot thinke upon me to call upon me in these publicke disorders nor to be rightly converted to me V. 8. Hath mixed himselfe by treaties leagues and commerces which have brought them into the participation of idolatry and vices As a cake as who should say he is neither raw nor baked which may be referred either to the mixture and indifferency of Religions or to that being as it were all fired by Gods judgements he was not one whit humbled or amended by it but was still raw in impenitency and obstinacy V. 9. Gray haires he is decayed by meanes of old age V. 10. For all this for all these foresaid punishments V. 11. They call to to ayde and releeve them and would not come to me See 2 King 15. 19. and 17. 4. Hos. 5. 13. V. 12. I will spread I will curse their endeavours and make the issue thereof be to their ruine and confusion As their as it hath been fore-told and declared by my Prophets 2 King 17. 13. V. 13. They have spoken when I have delivered them they have made false protestations to me of future faithfulnesse and service Or they have spoken lies against me attributing their deliverance to men or to idols and all their afflictions to me V. 14. They have not cryed by true and sincere prayers of faith but have only howled when they have felt their evils Or through grumbling and impatience See Job 35. 9. They assemble to make publicke supplications V. 15. Strengthened I have compared my punishments and have given them strength to beare them and not to be overthrowne by them Or after I have scourged them I have re-established them Mischiefe by their rebellion and Apostasie V. 16. Tâ—ey returne they have no stedfastnesse nor uprightnesse towards Me but are like an ill stringed or ill fashioned bow or a bow which turneth in the Archers hand Psal 78. 57. For the rage through their blasphemies against me and their proud boasts and insolencie which were hatefull even to the Egyptians who were their friends CHAP. VIII Ver. 1. SEt the as it were to give warning of the enemies comming Hos. 5. 8. He shall come namely the King of Assyria The house namely against the children of Israel amongst whom God had his habitation as in his Temple or Palace V. 2. Shall â—â—y out of season for being heard And out of the meere feeling of evil without faith piety or conversion as Job 27. 9. Prov. 1. 27. Isa. 1. 15. Mic. 3. 4. We Thou hast revealed thy selfe unto us by thy law and word And we make profession of being thy people See Mat. 7. 21 22. Luke 13. 26 27. V. 3. Hath cast off they have strayed from all piety and righteousnesse Or they are the cause that all my grace and blessing is gone away from them V. 4. They have the people of their owne proper motion without enquiring after my will or staying for my command or permission have chosen and made Kings of their owne heads separating themselves from the lawfull rule of Davids posterity 1 King 11. 31. though this happened according to Gods secret providence Hos. 13. 11. V. 5. O Samaria namely O you ten Tribes whose chiefe City is Samaria your idolatry with your calves hath been the chiefe cause of your being scattered out of your owne Countrey Or your Calfe hath been carried away into a far countrey namely into Assyria As the idols of Nations which were overcome were carried away captive in triumph by the conquerors See Hos. 10. 6. V. 6. Was it the Italian that Calse came the worship of Calves in which the children of Israel professe they worship the true God is false and reproved by God being but a humane invention as all other idolatries are Broken in peeces the Italian shall be reduced into sparkles the stuffe being laid againe upon the anvill by the Workeman V. 7. They have A proverbiall kind of speech that is to say they have studied vaine things and shall reape nothing thereby but dammage and ruine If so be it if their counsell should bring forth any seeming commodity or profit the enemies shall take it away from them V. 8. It swallowed up spoyled by the Assyrians and laid waste May be hath a relation to what is written 2 King 15. 19 20. They be the Nations whose favour they seeke after doe disdaine them and neglect them as an old broken vessell â—it for none but uncleane uses Jer. 22. 28. and 48. 38. V. 9. A wilde asse A savage people inhumane and intractable that care for no body See Job 39. 8 9. Jer. 2. 24. V. 10. Gather them bring them up in armes
of them shall also take them as a reward and a gift of their Idols V. 8. I will waile The Prophets words having a feeling of the publike calamities Stript and namely In my shirt or without my outward garment which was a fashion used in times of extreme sorrow V. 9. Her wound namely Samaia's v. 6. Whereby is meant the whole Kingdome of the ten Tribes It is come The Assyrians after they have conquered and laid waste the ten Tribes shall also lay Judah waste even to Jerusalem 2 King 18. 13. Isa. 8. 8. The gate namely To Jerusalem the Kings residence and where Judah's soveraigne court of Justice was held which the Scripture calleth often times Gate V. 10. Declare yee it not The meaning is the peoples calamities shall be so horrible that it were to be wished that their deadly enemies such as those of Gath and other Philistims were mâ—ght never heare no newes of it for feare lest they should make triumphs for it and should aggravate the measure of them by their insultings 2 Sam. 1. 10. Neither weepe yee Forbeare making any shew of your miseries for feare of giving your enemies occasion of laughter Roule thy selfe namely Thou Nation of Israel in signe of extreme sorrow Jer. 6 26. These names of Aphra and Saphir c. are nor sound any where else and yet seeme to signifie some noted places therefore it is likely that they were framed by the Propher to make some allusion to the sence of his prophecy As in stead of Ephraim that is to say fruitfulnesse he saith house of Aphrah that is to say of ashes To shew that this Tribe which was so mighty should he ruined and brought to ashes In stead of Samaria that is to say a place of coales he saith Saphir that is to say faire to signifie the glory to which that City was raised and from which it should fall In stead of Sion he saith Zianan 〈◊〉 that is to say a place of comming forth of great concourse of persons going and comming Out of which place when the Assyrians should overrun the countrey one should not be able to come out In stead of Bethel that is to say the House of God he saith Beth-ezel that is to say a house of Separation because God should forsake it as an uncleane place In stead of Ramoth which signifieth altitudes or heights he saith Maroth that is to say bitternesses by reason of the great and bitter mourning and lamentation which should be made in it V. 11. Passe ye away into captivity loden with reproaches O thou Inhabitant or people of that City Standing the Italian his defence the Heb. his presenting For the Hebrewes when they would say defend one did say present himselfe for one See Exod. 32. 25. Numb 14. 9. Isa. 22. 8. V. 13. Bind the charet to run away if thou canst from before the Assyrians who come to beâ—ege thee 2 King 18. 14. To the swift beast that is to say horses or mules which could run very swiftly She is hence it appeares that Lachish was first infected with the ten Tribes Idolatry and that from thence it passed even to Jerusalem V. 14. Give Presents buy the friendship and assistance of this City of the Philistines and of other Cities of that Nation against the Assyrians yet all shall be in vaine Achzib it appeares by 〈◊〉 19 29. Judg 1. 31. that this City was one of those out of which the Canaanites could not be driven And it seemes that upon this invasion of the Assyrians the Israelites had made a league with those Nations by whom they were deluded either through weaknesse or treachery And Micah amongst those Cities hath made choice of Achzib by reason of the signification of the name which is a Lye V. 15. Will I bring I will cause the Assyrians to come who shall make themselves Lords of thee and thy goods Marâ—shaâ— A City of Judah Jos. 15. 44. And this also seemes to have been chosen out by reason of the nearenesse which is between the word heire and Mareshah Adullam A City of Judah Jos. 15. â—5 The glory namely to Jerusalem the City of Gods glorious residence in his Temple and of the Kings residence in his Royall Palace V. 16. Make thee bald that is to say O thou Jewish Nation make most bitter lamentation See Job 1. 20. Isa. 3. 24. and 15. 2. 22. 12. Jer. 7. 29. The Eagle when she changes her feathers CHAP. II. Ver. 4. SHall one that is to say whilest you shall weep your enemies and ill-willers shall 〈…〉 de your miseries How hath this calamity is past restauration the people will never be able to recover their countrey nor settle themselves againe in their former estate V. 5. Therefore by reason of the sinnes set downe v. 1 2. you shall be put out of all right and share in the Church and people of God whereof the driving out of the Holy Land shall be a signe V. 6. Prophesie ye not the Italian drop not that is to say prophesie not See concerning this manner of speaking which is very frequent amongst the Prophets Ezek. 21. 2. Amos 7. 16. Now these are words of prophane men who would hinder the free exercise of the Prophets Office as Isa. 30. 10. Jer. 11. 21. Amos 7. 13 16. Say they to them that prophesie the Italian hath it yet they shall Gods reply that is to say they shall preach in dâ—â—ight of you and if it be not for you ye Rebels which wrong them yet it shall be for the salvation of mine Elect as Isa. 8. 16. V. 7. O thou Is not this an execrable boldnesse in you to oppose your selves against my Prophets The Spirit namely the power and authority of my Spirit which from time to time hath see my Prophets on to preach my Word Is it now lessened or weakened that it should yeeld to your desires See Jer. 6. 11. and 20. 7 9. Mic. 3. 8. Are these the cause of all these evils and threatenings which are denounced against you by my Prophets is in you and not in me and therefore you wrongfully complaine of my Prophets as if they were the Authors of all the evill that befalleth you Isa. 28. 21. Lam. 3. 33. Doe not if you will be good men and beleeve you shall heare nothing from my Prophets but onely promises and assurances of Graces and Blessings If you be sinners but corrigible and capable of repentance you shall have by them healthfull meanes of conversion V. 8. Even of late whereas your forefathers shewed their valours in just warres You use nothing now but thefts and murthers V. 9. The Women namely the poore widdowes out of those houses where they had lived all their time in esse with their Husbands and children Taken away you bring them into such a state of misery and slavery that the splendor and honour of being my children and members of my people appeares in them no more V. 10. Arise you have
right according to Law ended controversies and punished exorbitancies V 23. The minstreâ—s they were certaine hired people which did play mournefull tunes at funeralls according to â—he custome of the Iewes 2 Chron. 35. 25. and of other Nations Verse 24. Is not dead In respect of mee and of my Dâ—vine power this death is but as sleepe I will revive her with my meere word as if she were but a sleep See Acts 20. 10. Verse 28. To doe this Namely to restore your eye sight unto you which was all their desire V. 30. See that See upon Matth 8. 4. V. 32. A dumbe either naturally dumbe and besides that possessed with an evill spirit or dumbe onely by the working of the evill spirit which possessed him Verse 34. Through the Prince Namely by Magicke art and by a covenant made with the chiefe of Devills called elsewhere Beelzebub by whose authoritie and power hee driveth out inferiour Devills Verse 36. Moved with compassion Not so much for their corporall labour in following of him as because hee knew them desirous to heare Gods Word which was not preached to them by their ordinary Teachers and Pastors V. 37. The harvest There are many who by the inward operation of the Holy Ghost are as it were already ripe and disposed to receave the Gospell and to be gathered into the Church as it were into the Lords barne V. 38. Send forth the Italian thâ—ust forth a terme which representeth Gods powerfull operation in stirring up and moving men to the painefull worke of the holy ministery See Jer. 20. 7. and also the necessitie which is imposed upon them of preaching the Gospell 1 Cor. 9. 16. and also the promptitude which is required therein CHAP. X. VER 2. APostles A Greeke word which sig 〈…〉 fied sent or deputed to doe some businesse Ambassadours So were the twelve called because they were to have no certaine abode and that their ministery was to be about the world as in a strange Country out of the Church to carry the Ambassage of Gods reconciliation and to gather his Elect together the first not onely in the order of the list as eldest and first called with Andrew Matth. 4. 18. but also as it should seeme in conduct and presidencie by the Lords owne disposing for the time they lived together for when they were separate there is no such thing spoken of and all without any superiority in degree and much lesse in domination is called by a sur-name given him by Christ Himselfe V. 3. Lebbeus Who is the same as is called Iudas the sonne of Iames the sonne of Alpheus Luke 6. 16. whos 's the Epistle is intituled of Saint Iude. It is thought that Lebbeus the Hebrew word and Thaddeus the Syriacke word are of one and the same signification that is to say a man of heart or of breast V 4. The Canaanite which is according to some of the Citie of Cana according to others it is the name of a Religion or Sect Namely of Zelotes or Zelautes as it is set downe Luke 6. 15. Wherewith the Hebrew Word may very well agree Iscariot it is not certainely knowne from whence this surname is taken Some interpret it a mercenarie Apostata Or the man that doth revolt or shall revolt â—or profit or for reward It may be he was so named by way of anticipation for his avarice which did appeare afterward Others a man of Cheriot a City of Juda Ios. 15. 25. V. 5. Goe not This and those things which follow are but onely concerning this mission or time they were senâ— Samaritans it was a mixture of Pagan Nations who after the captivitie of the tenne Tribes were brought in and seeled in their Country where they set up a false worship in the mountaine of Garzim See a King 17. 24 29. Iohn 4. 20 Whereupon it was but as a bastard Nation and held as Pagans V. 6. The lost That are in the way of perdition thorow their ignorance and by meanes of the false doctrines and evill conduct of their teachers Isaiah 53. 6. Ier. 5â— 6. V. 9. Your purses The Italian Girdles wherein anciently they carryed their money as in purses V. 10. Neither shooes In Saint Marke the Lord suffereth them to take shooes and a staffe in their hands Whereby it appeares that the meaning was plainely that they should speedily and freely take their journey without any pâ—eparation for to furnish themselves being sure that God would provide for all their wants being his Ministers V. 11. Is worthy That is to say prepared by Gods inward grace and vertue to receave the preaching of the Gospell with doâ—ilitie humility and a servent desire See 1 Cor. 3. 5. There with such a man yee goe the 〈…〉 namely out of that Citie or Castle V. 13. Returne Those desires and well wishings of yours being unprofitable to the house let them be as a witnesse before God of your zeale and good will V. 14. Shake off in token that you will have no communion with that Nation and also that Gods curse and vengeance shall bee powred downe upon them See Neh. 5. 13. V. 16. Aâ— Serpents See Gen. 3 1. the meaning is mix your simplicity and cleernesse of conscience towards me with warinesse towards men dâ— no man wrong and see that there be none done to you Provoke ye no man and keepe your selves from the worlds indignation by milde wayes retiring your selves and going away Finally beware of offering or suffering any violence which is incompatible with the true profession and preaching of the Gospell and if that both these vertues will not free you then remit your selves absolutely to God Harmelesse or sincere and innocent V. 17. But beware trust not nor associate not your selves with any that are against the Gospell suspect them alwayes for the hatred against the Gospell iâ— above all naturall or civill respects Beware therefore of them so farre as conscience and your vocation will suffer you Councels the Italian Consistories they were the Iewes Courts of judgement to whom it was permitted by the Romans to proceed against those who offended and did contrary to their law so farre as scourging but not to any capitall judgement nor punishment Mat. 23. 34. Acts 5. 40. and 22. 19. V. 18. For a testimony God shall suffer it and so dispose of it to the end that the Iewes who shall give you up and the Gentiles to whom you shall be given up may by your free confession of my name and truth have notice thereof and so be convinced and made inexcusable for their obstinacy V. 23. Flee ye quickly go into another place where you may performe your charge and doe not think it to be a lost labour to runne so up and down from place to place for in a short time I shall make the truth of my comming appeare Till the Sonne till it doth cleerely appeare especially to the elect that the promised Messiasis come in the flesh such sâ—all the power of
Palestine and Syria was for the most part inhabited by the reliques of the ancient Canaanites who in those dayes used the Greeke tongue and rites which were brought into that Countrey by Alexander and his successors Kings of Syria V. 23. Answered her not to try and sharpen her faith the more Send her away granting her request V. 24. I am not sent my fathers will is that whilest I am in this world I should direct my ministery and distribute my favours only upon the Israelites Rom. 15. 8. V. 26. To dogges To prophane and uncleane persons such as the Pagans were in their false religion and customes in respect of the people of God which were adopted and sanctified by him V. 27. Truth Lord a confession of her unworthinesse not to be quite put off without any hope as the wicked are when they be convinced but to come on with a more fervent invocation joyned with a deepe humility V. 29. Vnto the sea namely unto the lake of Genazereth V. 32. Three dayes in which time it is likely they had spent all their provision which they had brought with them V. 36. Gave thanks by this word is meant the same as by the word blessing Matth. 14. 19. namely the act of piety which was used before meales as an acknowledgement and praise to God for his benefits CHAP. XVI VER 1. TEmpting not with an upright intention to be instructed and conformed but with a temerary essay to try Christs power whose ordinary miracles they did vilifie and cavill at and for to have a pretence for their incredulity if hee denied their request as hee had formerly done Matthew 12. 39. as if it had beene for want of power V. 3. Ye can though the conjecture of the future temper of the aire be of it selfe very uncertaine yet men by long custome have observed certaine naturall signes which doe seldome faile Why doe not you then use the same industry to gather the signes of the Messias his comming which signes are given by the Prophets by the succession and termination of times and in Saint Iohn Baptists preaching by the properties and circumstances of my person and of my workes and doctrines if so bee you doe sincerely desire to bee cleered of it But all that you doe is nothing but meere hypocrisie V. 5. They had They found they had forgotten Verse 7. They reasoned as wondering at it Or they argued as laying the blame upon one another by a double errour First because they thought Christ had forbidden them to make use of the same bread as the Pharisees did Secondly because that they mistrusted they should want food because they had not then provided any V. 13. Philippi this 〈◊〉 set downe to make a distinctio between two Cities oâ— one name whereof one hath bin built by Heroâ— the Great and the other by Philip the Tetrarch his â—on neere unto Lebanon V. 14. Iohn risen againe from the dead V. 17. For slesh that is to say no humane light understanding or vertue which is in thee or any man else Thus often times is called all that is in man and that proceedeth from him through his own pure naturall beginnings which without the work of regeneration and oâ— Gods Spirit are in regard of spirituall things like unto a body without light understanding and motion V. 18. I say also in exchange of that thou hast confessed me I tell thee that as I have given thee this sirname of Peter Iohn 1. 42. for a signe of the stedfastnesse of faith which I will grant thee Luke 22. 32. and of the office of Apostle accompanied with the infallible light and guide of the holy Ghost I will cause the doctrine of this selfesame faith to be the foundation of my Church authenticall truth worthy to be beleeved without any further proofe as immediately inspired by God and the rule oâ— every ones doctrine Now as Pet 〈…〉 hâ—d spoken in the name of all the Apostles for a signe and proofe of their unity of faith So Christs answer belongeth to them all in regâ—rd of their common doctrine and equall Apostleship See Rom. 15. 20. 1 Cor. 3 10. Ephel 2. 20. Rev. 21. 14. The gates that is to say according to the phrase of Scripture the Devils Citty opposite to the City of God spoken of before and 〈◊〉 the gates thereof spoken of hereafter and thereby is meant his kingdome his endeavours his deceipts his plots and the devices of his whole faction V. 19. I will give unto thee I will make thee the steward of my Gospell and of the spirituall goods of my house an office signified by carrying the keyes Isay 22. 22. Rev. 3. 7. So is the doctrine of faith called he key of the kingdome of heaven â—uke 11. 52. and the Ministers of the Gospell the Steward 's Luke 12. 42. 1 Cor. 4. 1. Tit. 1. 7. 1 Pet. 4. 10. Bâ—nde a similitude taken from masters of great houses who had authority over their â—lâ—ves to punish them with imprisonment stockes or any other way to shew the authority of the ministery of the word Mat. 18. 〈◊〉 Iohn 20. 23. over the members of the Church for to exercise a reasonable discipline over them to tye and captivate their consciences by censures and denunciations of Gods judgements and exclude them from the externall communion of the Church by excommunication for their errours or to restore them and set them free upon their conversion and repentance and all this ministerially and declaratively by power of and according to the rule of their commission not absolutely and out of a full liberty and power Others understand the word binding for to declare a thing to be unlawfull and by the word loosing to suffer a thing that is lawfull the conscience being bound by the forbidding and loosened by the permission V. 20. Charged he it should seeme he did it because hee would remaine unknowne for that little space of time untill his death and to make as it were a pause in manifesting himselfe to the world to give way to the execution of Gods councell concerning his rejection and suffering by the Iewes V. 22. To rebuke him driven thereunto by his love to Christ more carnall than spirituall and thorow his naturall â—ervencie which savoured of rashnesse and presumption and the false hope â—ee conceaved of Christs worldly kingdom and being fearfull of the Crosse. V. 23. Satan a proverbiall kind of speech used when one would reject an evill and pernicious councellour who either wittingly or ignorantly made himselfe and instrument of the Devil See 2 Sam. 19. 22. An offence a disturber and hinderance as fat as in thee lieth of my vocation Thou savourest not thy judgement and affections are yet but carnall both groveling as yet upon the earth and not enlightned by the Spirit of God in divine and heavenly things V. 24. Deny that is to say let him lay aside all manner of presuming upon his owne understanding and for sake all