need for to assist them or whether Pâ—late suffered them upon this occasion to make use of them CHAP. XXVIII VER 1. THe other namely she that is called the mother of Iames and Ioses Matth. 27. 56 61. V. 2. There was a namely whilest these women were upon the way the Lord rising at that instant and comming out of the monument for by that time they came thither he was gone but the Angell remained there at whose sight the watch fled and in the meane time the women came who were told by the Angell that the Lord was risen and they went and reported it to Peter and Iohn Ioh. 20. 2. and these two Apostles comming to the Sepulcher the women came backe with them but they returning to the Citie Mary Magdalen stayed by the monument Iohn 20. 10 11 and it is likely that the other women staid there with her and Mary had a new vision of Angels and the Lord appeared first to her Mar. 16. 9. Iohn 20. 14. which she related to the other women by the way as they returned to Ierusalem for to make the second report thereof to the Apostles The Angell the first time there appeared but one the second time two Luke 24. 4. Iohn 20. 12. V. 7. I have told you assure your selves of it doe it and doe not faile as for my part I have discharged my commission V. 9. Jesus by Marke 16. 9. and Iohn 20. 14. it appeares that hee appeared to Mary Magdalen in some speciall manner before he appeared to the rest V. 18. Is given unto me in qualitie of Mediatour And in the personall union of the two natures divine and humane I have received from my Father the universall Kingdome of the world and the spirituall Kingdome over my Church and now I enter into the glorious possession and administration of it V. 19. Therefore namely to make knowne what I am to gather together my subjects and beleevers to governe and distribute the effects of my Kingdom un o them to bring tydings unto them of the judgment of the Nations which is done by the preaching of the Gospell See Psal. 110. 2. Isaiah 2. 3 4. All Nations indifferently without any distinction of Iewes or Gentiles Baptizing See Mat. 3. 6. for a Sacrament of my grace in remission and expiation of sinnes and regeneration to a new life And likewise for a token that they are bound on their side to consecrate themselves to me and give themselves over to the conduct of my spirit and to confesse my Name perpetually In the Name to consecrate them unto the onely true God revealed in three persons 1 Iohn 5. 7. by the baptisme administred by their power and authority which are also called upon to ratifie the externall ceremonie thereof each one by the speciall property of their operation V. 20. I am not in corporall presence Mat. 26. 1â— but in the presence of my God-head Spirit and vertue With you namely with my beleevers and true Church whereof ye now represent the body The holy Gospell of Our Lord Iesus Christ according to Saint MARKE Argument BEcause that in the sacred History this name of Marke is often mentioned amongst the Disciples and followers of the Apostles There was a doubt made first whether wee ought in all other places to take it for one and the same person called Iohn amongst the Iewes and Marke amongst the Romans as this diversitie of names was in those dayes very frequent Then if there were diverse of one name to which of them ought to be attributed the composing of this Gospell The opinion of the Ancients hath bin that whether there were one or many the writer of this book is he who is mentioned 1 Pet. 5. 13. called by S. Peter his Sonne whither it were because hee was by his meanes converted to the Christian faith Or because hee had taken him for a coadjutor and companion in preaching of the Gospell as an Evangelist whereby he might have received the gift of the Holy Ghost as it was very usuall in those first beginnings of the Church And as Saint Paul and other Apostles after they had founded a Church by their owne preaching at the first did afterwards employ these Evangelists in the directing and ordering of Churches in severall provinces So it is thought that S. Peter sent Marke to give a forme to the Church of Alexandria in Aegypt and peradventure to all the other Churches of that Country for to governe them And from thence also proceeded a constant opinion that Saint Peter did dictate this Gospell unto him to be as it were the foundation of the establishment and propagation of Christian dâ—ctriâ—e amongst those Churches Now there is a great conformitie betweene this Gospell and Saint Matthewes but only that Saint Markes is a little briefer and that there is some slight diversitie of order according to the liberty of the Holy Ghost in inspiring and directing his servants CHAP. I. VER 2. IIn the Prophets some Texts have it in Isaiah the Prophet V. 10. He saw namely Iohn Iohn 1. 33. V. 15. The time that is to say the time prefixed by God for the comming of the Messias which is therefore also called the fulnesse of times Gal. 4. 4. Ephes 1. 10. V. 25. Rebuked him refusing to have the father of lies to beare witnesse of him as Luk. 4 41. Acts 16. 17 18. V. 26. Torne him having shaken and stretched him as if he would have torne him in peeces V. 29. They were namely Christ and his Disciples V. 34. To speake others to say that they knew him Ver. 38. Came I forth that is to say sent by my Father Luk. 4. 43. come from heaven the habitation of my glory and appeared to the world in the flesh V. 45. To publish it to publish many things and divulge what was done Could no more by reason of the great multitudes which thronged unto him and hindered him from â—â—tering his doctrine which was his principall businesse CHAP. II. VER 2. THe word of God namely the Gospell V. 8. In his spirit the Italian By his spirit namely by his God-head and divine power V. 14. Levi called also Matthew V. 18. And they namely Iohns Disciples Matth. 〈◊〉 14. V. 26. Abiathar called also Ahimelech 1 Samuel 21. 1. V. 27. The Sabbath that is to say the Law of the Sabbath was made for the good of man as well his spirituall as his corporal good for to ease him of his labours And not to subject all necessary respects of man to an absolute and superstitious honour of the day in abstaining from every act whereby it appeares that if God commanded mans rest on the Sabbath day much more would he have his nourishment and sustentation Ver. 28. Therefore that is to say seeing that the intent of the Law touching the Sabbath is such it belongeth to me who am the Soveraigne Law-giver to know what belongeth to mans necessity and not to you false Iudges CHAP.
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
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
2. v. 8. V. 6. Wheat For their pay according to the ancient custome Under the fifth rib see upon the second of Samuel chap. 2. v. 23. CHAP V. VERS 1. THy bone Of the same bloud people and parentage Genesis chapter 29. verse 14. and therefore nature invites us to unite our selves to thee And the triall which wee have had of thee under Saul moves us to desire thee for to be our King and Gods calling thee unto it obligeth us to receive thee V. 3. Before the Lord Namely in the publick assembly where God was called upon and where he was present in grace and was called to bee witnesse and judge of the loyalty of the covenants Judges Chapter 11. verse 11. 1 Samuel Chapter 23. verse 18. Anointed Hee was consecrated by some Prophet or Priest with the consent and approbation of all the people for this signe was alwayes conferred upon one by some sacred persons 1 Kings Chapter 1. verses 34. 39. 2 Kin 9. 1. V. 4. Fourty Since David raigned seven yeares and a halfe in Hebron and three and thirty in Jerusalem if those yeares were compleat hee raigned fourty yeares and an hâ—lfe V. 6. Jebusites See Joshua Chapter 15. verse 63. and chapter 18. verse 28. Judges Chapter 1. verse 21. and chapter 19. verses 11 12. Thou shalt not The meaning is This place is so strong by nature that it would be impregnable though there were none but blind and poore Iame men to keepe it how much more impossible is it then to take it now it is kept by stout and valiant Souldiers Others will have it as if they had indeed in scorne set blind and lame men upon the wals as if they were sufficient to guard them V. 7. The strong bold Jerusalem was divided into two little hils Sion and Salem or Moriah Salem was already taken by the Tribe of Judah Judges chapter 1. verse 8. Sion was yet held by the Jebusites and in it there was a rock cut round about upon which this strong hold was built which afterwards was called the City of David where his Royall palace was V. 8. Getteth up Ascending and soaring up to give the assault To the gutter it might bee some conduit or cistern upon the plaine top of the Rock through which the raine water ranne therefore thereby is understood the top of the rocke That are hated By whom David hath so much annoyance they having been placed there in despight of him to guard the place Hee shall bee This is supplied by 1 Chronicles Chapter 11. verse 6. They said The Italian It is said May bee it was a kind of by word to say those blind and lame men could not keepe the place well in the Jebusites dayes therefore wee must not trust such men to keepe it but to employ the valiantest and ablest men to that purpose Unlesse that in remembrance of this act it was even from that time forbidden to suffer any blind orlame men to come into that place V. 9 From Millo The Italian hath it From the rampier Wherewith the wall was earthed within side The meaning is David did at his owne cost and with his own endeavours build and re-edifie the inside of the city and left the care of building the walls to Joab 2 Chr. 11. 8. V. 11 Cedar-trâ—es For the King of Tyre was Lord and Master of Lebanon which abounded in Cedars 1 Kings chapter 5. verse 6. And there were also in that countrey exccellent Architects Carpenters and Carvers Ezech. 27. 9. V. 13 Tooke him Against the Commandement Deuteronomy chapter the 17. verse the 17. V. 17 To seek David To sight with him wheresoever they should finde him Went downe out of his royall palace to muster up his forces and make preparation for warres within his City which was like a muster-place V. 18. Spread themselves Pitched their camp or made their excursions Valley which was in the land of Iudah Ioshua chapter 15. verse 8. V. 19. Enquired By Urim and Thummim Num. 27. 21. V. 20 Baal-Perazim That is to say in this place which was afterwards so called by this that happened there Breach That is to say a great floud or inundation which overfloweth all it meeteth with Baal-Perazim or the plaine of breaches See Isaiah chapt 28. verse 21. V. 21. Burnt them The Italian Put them away consuming them with fire 1 Chronic. 14. 1â— V. 24 The sound The signe of Gods comming with his Angels who are his Armies CHAP. VI. VERS 1. GAthered together The Italian addeth Againe After the first-time 2 Samuel ch 5 v. 3. V. 2. Baal It was that City which in other places is called Kiriath-Iearim 1 Samuel chapter 7. verse 1. 1 Chronicles chapter 13. verse 5. which anciently was called Kiriath-Baal Ioshua chapter 15. verse 60. That is to say the City of Baal and in detestation of the Idoll the name was changed into Baala Joshuah Chapter 15. verse 9. and into Baal Judah that is to say the plaines of Judah By the name Of that great and venerable name That dwelleth See upon 1 Samuel Chapter 4. verse 4. V. 3. They set This manner of transporting the Arke though it was peradventure done for the greater state as 1 Samuel Chapter 6. verse 7. was neverthelesse beyond Gods command who had appointed it should bee carried upon mens shoulders Numbers Chapter 4. verse 15. and Chapter 7. verse 9. And thereupon grew the occasion of the dismall chance V. 7. The Anger For it was not lawfull for any one but onely the high Priest and his sonnes to touch the Arke Numbers 4. 15. Smote him With some suddaine and supernaturall death V. 8. Had made a breach That is to say had smitten Uzzah with a violent death Perez Uzzah That is to say the breach of Uzzah V. 10. Of Obed-Edom According to some it is the same that is mentioned 1 Chronicles Chapter 15. verses 18 21 24. who was a Levite called the Gethite Namely of the city of Gath Rimmon which was assigned to the Levites Joshuah Chapter 21. verse 24. Others thinke that hee was a proselite of Gath of the Philistims as 2 Samuel chapter 15. verses 18 19. V. 14. Danced In signe of holy mirth Ephod See upon 1 Samuel Chapter 2. verse 18. V. 17. Tabernacle The Italian A Tent For Moses his Tabernacle was then in Gibeon 1 Chronicles Chapter 16. 39. And the Altar also 1 Chronicles Chapter 21. verse 29. And David by Divine inspiration made another in the meane time to have the Arke of GOD alwayes by him that he might at any time enquire of the LORD having already the building of the Temple in his minde V. 20. To blesse After hee had sent home the people with vowes and prayers to GOD for their prosperity he came home to do the like for his houshold and family Uncovered The gravity of the ancient manner of clothing left no part of the body to bee seene or uncovered Now peradventure David unadvisedly might not observe this
did present those things to the Prophets who supplied a great part of their charge and office twenty it is likely that the loaves were very small or else it would have been no miracle V. 43. And shall leave as Matth. 14. 10. and 15. 37. CHAP. V. VERS I. GReat man in dignity wealth power and favâ—ur V. 3. In Samaria not that his ordinary abode and dwelling were there but because hee was often there Vnlesse that by the head city the whole Kingdome be meant V. 7. Heerent detesting such an impious opinion as that hee shou'd have the power of God and for feare least under this so impertinent a demand there should bee some plot or traine hidden V. 10. Wash see upon 2. Kings 4. 41. V. 16. Hee refused prophets did use to accept of some small presents which came from aa honâ—st kinde of liberality or of things necessary for â—â—stenance See upon 1 Sam 9. 7. but here there were great reasons to disswade him from it as not to let the pagan conceive that he was avaâ—itious to not seeme to sell the gift of God Mat. 10. 8 Acts 8. 18. and to not make himselfe beholding to any great worldly man c. V. 17. Of earth of this countrey earth which countrey is consecrated to the Lord that I may offer sacrifices thereon and keepe it as a pawne of my communion with his people A demand which had a shew of good zeale but it was without knowledge for the holinesse of the service was not annexed to the materiall earth but to the observing of Gods command which was for worship by sacrifice in that place only V. 18. I bow though it bee without any intent of idolatrizing but only for a ceremony of honour to the King my Lords presence and devotion So hee acknowledgeth that he did sin in that through the remorse or doubt hee hath of it Rimmon an Idol of the Syrians V. 19. Goe in peace the Prophet doth not approve of this dissimulation or division of the heart and the act of the body but it seemes that the Lord having given him no commission nor revealed unto him that hee should instruct him any further in the true religion or incorporate him into the body of his people hee only takes his leave of him without otherwise answering his question As saying content thy selfe with the benifit which thou hast already received a little way the Italian a mile or a stadium see upon Gen. 35. 16. V. 24. Tower the Italian the rock it might bee some Fort standing upon the high-way or peradventure the place it selfe where Elisha dwelt V. 26. Mine heart hath not God revealed the act unto mee in spirit as well as if I had been there bodily present is it a time was this a proper occasion to shew thine avarice taking a present to enrich thy selfe couldest thou not perceive by my resusing of it that the thing was unlawfull Or at this time wherein true Prophets ought to glorify God and justifie their function by vortue which is contrary to false prophets vices wouldest thou staine my house and mine office Or in these times of the Churches desolation wouldest thou think upon thy private dishonest gaines V. 27. VVhite see Exod. 4. 6. Num. 12. 10. CHAP. VI. VERS I. THe place out Schoole or Colledge V. 2. May dwell others where wee may sit that is to say keep our Colledge and doe our exercises V. 6. Cast it see upon 2 Kings 2. 21. V. 8. My camp I will there lie in wait V. 10. Sent to know the truth of it V. 11. VVhich of us or who is it that holds with Israel or taketh their paâ—t V. 13. Dothan a City neare to Shâ—â—hem Gen. 37. 17. V. 15. The servant if it be still Gehazi as may be gathered by 2 Kings 8. 4. 5. wee must beleeve that his leprosie 2 Kings 5. 27. was not of that kinde as that it should hinder his conversation with other men the whitenesse being generall over all the holy Levit 13. 13. V. 17. Open make him see and know by some corporall and apparant vision the true and reall though invisible protection of thy holy Angels see Psalm 34. 8. V. 17. Came down that is to say assaulted the City or came into it V. 19. This is not see of the converting of a narrative truth without offence of conscience for the good even of them who are perswaded to this falshood upon Exod. 1. 19. 20. Open free them from this blindnesse which indeed did not quite take away their sight but did only hinder them from plainly seeing that which was before their eyes V. 22. Those whom how much lesse then oughtest thou to slay them who are faln into thine hands by Gods meere miracle who by mee forbids thee to hurt them V. 23. No more to robbe or make inrodes only for they did come againe with whole armies V. 25. A cab it was a measure of dry things containing as it is thought so much corne as a man could eat in a day doves dung by meanes of which there is alwayes some small corne sound cut of which one may gather some nourishment or salt in extream want Others understand the Hebrew word for the maw where there might bee peradventure found some corne not digested V. 27. If the Lord the Italian hath it let not the Lord save thee words of anger as if hee should say the Lord confound thee thou wicked woman how wouldest thou have mee to helpe thee with bread or wine which I have not V. 30. Upon the wall where there was much people to guard and defend the City sack cloth which might bee seene after hee had rent his garment Now hee were it in signe of griefe and in a superstiticus way of humblenesse yet without any true repentance as first Kings 21. 27. V. 31. If the head hee imputed all these evills to Elisha as having cursed the people and threatned them with these mischances or for refusing to pray for them or to work some miracle for their deliverance imagining it was in his power to doe it when hee would V. 32. The Elders some godly magistrates of the City who were comforting and encouraging one another with the Prophet being come to him to desire and intreat Gods assistance by meanes of his prayers this sonne of namâ—ly Ioram the sonne of Ahab who had murthered Naboth and so many Prophets shut the doore to keep out Iâ—ram who is comming to see mee put to death in his presence hold him namely Ioram who commeth after the messenger V. 33 Hee said as from the King meaning to keepe the Prophet in talke untill the King came which was presently after as it appeares by 2 Kings 7. 2. this evill all thy talk tends to having us put our trust in the Lord and to returne to him by prayer but all is in vaine for the Lord will have us overthrown words of a prophane desperate man CHAP. VII VERS I. SAid to
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
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.
the uncircumcised of prophane and accursed people like to the ancient Cananites which were accursed See Ezek. 32. 21. V. 12. Thou hast sealed up the summe the Italian thou wert at the height Heb. thou sealedst the summe or thou didst make up the account a terme taken from them which tell money and make up what is wanting of the whole summe V. 13. In Eden like to a tree planted in an earthly Paradise Gen. 2. 8. Ezek. 31. 8 9. the workmanship Hee hath a relation to the art of musick which was alwayes held in great esteem amongst the Tyrians Isa. 23. 16. Ezek. 26. 13. was prepared in the Even at the first founding of thy state musicke began to flourish in thee V. 14. Anointed endowed by God with severall Prerogatives Cherub amongst the great ones of the world which are Gods Ministers upon earth thou wert exalted in glory even as the Cherubims are amongst Gods other Angels in heaven that covereth the Italian the protector being a secure defence to thy people covering them with thy wings which are attributed to this King because he is called Cherub whose shape and forme is set downe in the Scripture with wings The Holy having likened him to a Cherub he compares his seat being full of magnificence to mount Sina where God appeared with millions of his Angels having a fiery pavement under his feet Exod. 24. 10. V. 15. In thy wayes the Italian in thine imployment Heb in thy wayes which may be also understood of the state and condition or of the enterprises From the day He seemes to allude to the fall of wicked Angels till iniquity whilest thou hast continued in justice and integrity I have borne thee up But since thou and thy City have given your selves to violences deceits and other manner of wickednesses thy ruine hath been ready at hand V. 16. Cast thee that is to say I will subvert thy glorious state V. 17. Thou hast corrupted thy glory and greatnesse have caused thee to lose thine understanding and wise carriage for which thy predecessors were admired and thine owne splendor hath dazled thee V. 18. Thou hast thou hast made thy chiefe City which ought to have been a holy Seat of justice and vertue a den of theeves and of all manner of wickednesse From the mids He seemes to intimate that the occasion of the ruine of Tyre did succeed from its selfe by some meanes or accident which the History doth not specifie V. 22. Shall be in the manifestation of my justice and power exercised over thee Sanctified I shall have given sufficient subject for to be feared and worshipped yea and blessed and praised V. 25. When I shall This prophecye hath in part and according to the letter a relation to the returne from the captivity of Babylon but perfectly and in spirit to the spirituall re-establishment of the Church by the Messias CHAP. XXIX Ver. 1. THe tenth namely of the captivity of Jehoiakin Ezek. 1. 2. V. 2. Pharaoh likely this was Pharaoh Hophrah Jer. 44 30. V. 3. Dragon the Hebrew word signifieth any great creature that liveth in the sea Here is meant the Crocodile the figure of Pharaoh the river I possesse a most fruitfull kingdome and so strongly situated by reason of the river Nilus that it cannot be taken away from me by any humane strength I have made it I doe not depend upon any one as I have gotten and increased my kingdome of my selfe so am I sufficient to maintaine it against all men V. 4. Hooks I will draw thee out of thy country which is so strong together with all thy subjects which will follow thee to goe and meet Nebuchadnezzar to the end that you being all slaine by him your bodies may lye for food for the fowles of the aire and the wilde beasts of the field Psal. 74. 14. V. 5. Gathered to be buried V. 6. They have been they have solicited my people to rebell against the Caldeans promising them assistance and have violated their faith and so have not only been unprofitable but also very hurtfull to them V. 7. Madest all their loines thou hast left them to defend themselves with their owne strength and alone to beare the burden of the warre which they had undertaken for your advantage V. 9. And I have he speaks in the person of this King or in generall of all the Kings of Aegypt his predecessors who with great charges and labour had brought Nilus with channels over all the land of Aegypt V. 10. From the tower from one of the ends of Aegypt to the other Of Seventh it hath been commonly thought by reason of the likenesse of the name that it was the city of Siene standing upon the confines of Aegypt and Aethyopia where there might be some tower to marke the defect of shadowes in the very day of the Summer Solstice as there was a Well also to that purpose But because here are set downe two bounds from the North to the South and that Siene was the Southerne bound we must with more likelihood take it to be the branch of Nilus called Sebenniticus upon which there was in former times Pharus called by the Greeks the tower of Persons which was the Southerne bound or confine V. 14. A base namely subject and tributary to the Persians who shall people it againe See Ezek. 17. 6 14. V. 16. Which bringeth that by reason of these unlawfull practises through which my people trusting upon Aegypt have forsaken their beliefe they had in me and have broken their faith to the Chaldeans I may not againe call them to account for all the sinnes which they have committed imitating the Aegyptian idolatries Ezek. 8. 10 14. and 23. 19 20 21. V. 17. Seven and twentieth It is not likely that this yeare must be counted after the taking of Jehoiachin as the rest of the yeares are in this booke See Ezek. 29. 1. and 30. 20. but after the Jubile Unlesse this prophecye be inserted out of the order of times and was directed to the Prophet after the taking of Tyre the enterprise of Aegypt being already begun V. 18. Caused his army namely to execute my judgements upon Tyre and therefore I will requite him And if that ancient Histories be true that siege lasted thirteen yeares Every head that is to say they have suffered long and hard labours and toiles and have worne out themselves about it V. 20. For me to execute my judgements though they did not know my will nor had no intent for to obey it V. 21. In that day when I shall beat downe the Aegyptians then will I begin to raise up again my people in Babylon by the exaltation of Jechoniah Jer. 52 31. which questionlesse caused a great deale of ease and liberty to the Jewish prisoners To bud See Psal. 132. 17. will give thee I will make it so that thou Ezekiel and all the rest of the beleevers may freely and with open mouthes praise the Lord in your
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
the fruits of the earth are come to full maturitie CHAP. XV. Vers. 1. THe seven namely the commission of putting them in execution V. 2. Of God that is to say divine harpes resounding the praises of God in a manner altogether heavenly V. 3. The song that which he sung after the utter discomfiture of Pharaoh in the red sea Exod. 15. 1. A figure of the triumphal song for Christs victories over all his enemies Of Saints the Italian Of nations other Texts have it Of ages V. 6. The seven A more particular description of the plagues of the world for the refusing of the Gospell touched in general Rev. 14. 15. CHAP. XVI Vers. 1. TO the seven There is great likelihood that these seven Angels with their vials which represent the reiterated executions of Gods judgements upon great Babylon are correspondent to those seven Rev. 8. 6. who had with their trumpets pronounced the sentence thereof in all these plagues there is a great deal of obscuritie impenetrable to any humane understanding clear it is that part of them are expressed under the figure of the ancient plagues of Aegypt by Moses V. 5. Of the waters namely that had commission to change the water of the rivers into bloud V. 12. The water it seemes that to describe the preparations for the last ruine of the spirituall Babylon he takes this circumstance from the taking of the ancient Babylon by Cyrus who turned away the waters of the river Euphrates and came into the City through the drie channell of it see Jer. 50. 38. and 51. 32. V. 13. Of the false Prophet according to some this may have a relation to Mahomet but most likely it is to be understood of that particular person that shall possesse the throne of the Empire intimated Rev. 13. 11. V. 15. Keepeth that is to say constantly and in a pure conscience retaineth the gift of faith by which he is clothed with my righteousnesse and covered with my Spirit V. 16. Armageddon the meaning of this word is very doubtfull peradventure he meanes that God will suffer his enemies to assemble themselves to make war against him to the end that it might befall them as it befell the Cananeans who were miraculously destroyed neer the waters of Megghiddo Judges 4. 15. and 5. 19 20. by meanes of which accident peradventure that place was anciently called Armageddon that is to say the discomfiture of Megghiddo Or this name was newly framed by the Holy Ghost for the same correspondencie V. 17. Saying that is to say the final sentence is given against the Beast presently shall follow the execution of it V. 21. Of a talent which was the weight of one hundred five and twenty pounds and twelve ounces see upon Exod. 38. 25. CHAP. XVII Vers. 1. THe great whore so is the spiritual Babylon and all her state called not onely for her idolatries and superstitions but also for her arts and practices with the Kings and Nations of the earth onely to satisfie her unsatiable covetousnesse of goods and honours see Isai 23. 15 17. That sitteth that is to say as the ancient Babylon was situated upon the great river Euphrates Jer. 51. 13. so the spiritual Babylon hath dominion over many People and Nations verse 15. V. 3. Into the Wildernesse the Italian into a Wildeinesse so seemes to be meant the state of the Church desolated by the foresaid damnable Dominion A Scarlet coloured beast which signifies the great City or state which is the seat of that great whore Of blasphemy that is to say usurping the titles which belong onely to God and to Christ see 2 Thess. 2. 4. Seven heads see v. 9. 12. V. 4. Filthinesse namely of the spirituall pollutions of Idolatry and adherence to her selfe to which she induceth the world stupifying it as by Witchcraft or by a love-drinke such as strumpets use to compound of abominable ingredients V. 5. Mystery it may be this sheweth that the following names ought to be understood mystically that is to say not in a litterall but in a figurative and spirituall sence see Rev. 11. 8. or that her whole state is a mystery of iniquity 2 Thess. 2. 7. that is to say A form of religious state which hath outward seemings clean contrary to her inward state As Gods mysteries have weake and corporall appearances in their signes but inwardly have their power and being altogether divine spirituall and heavenly this contrariwise hath a religious out-side but the inward being and end is altogether wicked and worldly Babylon named so figuratively for the oppression of the Church for its pride and for its pretence to the universall empire over all the world The mother that is to say The great mistresse of idolatries and arts to captivate and ensnare mens spirits into her love V. 8. Was for the Angel shewed that great City to Saint John in a vision no more as a heathen City but as the head of Apostasie And yet is because that the Roman Empire is in a manner revived by this second beast Revel 13. 11 12. V. 9. Here is that is to say in these things it is necessary to be enlightned by the Spirit of divine wisdom to understand them and to gather the fruit of instruction out of the revelation that is given of them Seven mountains this particular doth sufficiently declare of what place he notoriously speaks V. 10. Kings that is to say Divers forms of government which may be gathered out of Histories One is namely now at this present that I speak unto thee which was the Monarchiâ—all form of government And the other namely that other form pointed at Revel 13. 11 12. V. 11. The eighth the Italian an eighth King that is to say an eighth form in as much that though it be grounded upon the seventh yet it is by reason of its new absolute and infinite usurpation so far different that it is become as it were a new beast And goeth into that is to say I will in this vision readily shew thee her future destruction V. 12. Ten Kings he seems to mean the Kingdoms which are framed in the western parts out of the ruines of the Roman Empire whether he take the number of ten for a certain and definite number or whether he meane it for an indefinite number according to that which is said Dan. 7. 7 24. V. 13. These have that is to say all these kingdoms shall voluntarily submit themselves to the foresaid domination V. 14. Shall make warre namely by persecutions and oppressions of the truth and of the Church of Christ untill the time prefixed for their conversion vers 16 17. Shall overcome namely in the end the obstinate by destruction and others by a sweet spirituall subjection And they that namely his true Church which is as it were his armie by which and with which Christ spiritually fighteth against the powers of the world V. 16. These shall hate the Italian are they that shall hate