corruptions of the Egyptians and to keep you in an united body in purenesse of religion and manners Every shepheard Those that did use grazing for to eate the flesh of cattell which the Aegyptians did not do Gen. 43. 32. Exod. 8. 26. And though they did bring up cattel Gen. 47. 6. 17. and Exo. the 9. 3. yet they made no use of them but only for the wooll the tilling of the earth to carry and to trade with strangers CHAP. XLVII VERS 7. BLessed Saluted him thanked him wishing him Gods blessing for his many good deeds V. 9 Of my pilgrimage Which I have passed without any settled habitation of mine own in strange countries which to the ancients was a figure of the spirituall pilgrimage here on earth Heb. 11. 13. short In respect of Noahs and other more ancient Patriarks V. 11 Rameses Which might peradventure be the chief City of Goshen V. 13 In all the Land Namely in Aegypt and all countries thereabouts as Gen. 41. 54 V. 18 The second yeare That was the seventh yeare of the fore-told famine V. 19 Buy us Let the King get the Dominion and propriety of us and of our Lands that we may become thy servants tenants and husband-men Seed To till and sow the ground for this yeare they took courage and did so because they knew the famine should end then see Gen. 45. 6. Desolate For want of inhabitants and tilling V. 21 Removed them That is to say brought the greater part of the people out the countrie to dwell in the Cities for handy-crafts traffick and trades to multiplie and increase the Cities wherein consists the glory and power of a Kingdome leaving only such a number without as should suffice to till the ground V. 22 Their Lands Their proper and hereditary livings V. 24 The first part This hath been and continueth in Aegypt from Josephs time to this houre V. 25 Let us finde A civill terme that is we be contented we accept the match and we hold it as a singular favour which we beseech you to continue always towards us V. 27 Had possession For their dwelling and use of the pastures for the King held his right and title in it as before and there remained also many Aegyptians living amongst the Israelites V. 29 Put I pray thee See concerning this kinde of ceremonie in swearing Gen. 24. 2 Deale With mine and with me also in carrying my body into Canaan saying this in testimony of his communion with the ot 〈…〉 Patriarks in expectation of the heavenly life of which this countrey was a figure and for an instigation to his posterity not to settle their mindes in Aegypt but to aspire unto the place of the rest and establishment of the Church see Genesis 23. 4. and 50. 11. 12. Heb. 11. 22 V. 31 Bowed himselfe upon the beds head The Italian addeth And worshipped Being not able to arise out of his bed he put himselfe in the posture of those that worship his body bended and his face upon the bolster 1. Kings 1. 47. Isa. 38. 2. and so worshipped God to give him thanks for all his good gifts but especially for the spirituall and everlasting gift which he apprehended by a lively faith in this last failing of all his forces and strength see Heb. 11. 21. CHAP. XLVIII VERS 3. APpeared unto me This seemeth to be remembred by Jacob to acknowledge that Josephs issue was an effect of that blessing of God and also to shew that since he had from God right in the land of Canaan he might by especiall authority dispose of it as he doth here adopting of Josephs children and placing them in the same ranke with his owne and by that meanes binding Joseph and his to keep themselves joyned to the body of the Church V. 5 Are mine That is to say I adopt them for mine and make them heires to an equall share with mine owne children and will have every one of them to be a severall head of a tribe see 1 Chronic. 5. 1. Reuben and Siâ—eâ—n Which were Jacobs two eldest sons V. 6 Shall be thine Shall be held in the number of my grand-children and shall not be severall tribes but must joyne with one of the two Manasses or Ephraim and carry the name of it and have a part amongst them as if they were their children V. 7 And as forme This seemeth to be also inserted to instigate Joseph to desire the Land of Canaan where his mother was buried and to shew that she dying in the floure of her age he would by adopting Josephs sons fill up the number which she might have had besides V. 12 Brought them out after Jacob had a while cherished Josephs children Joseph did put himself in an humble and reverend posture to receive the prophetiall and patriarchall blessing V. 14 Wittingly Not by chance nor through error but purposely and by divine inspiration V. 15 Fed me Provided for me in all my wants guided and conducted me V. 16 The Angel The son of God who appeared in the time of the fathers and in whom the everlasting Father did manifest himselfe unto them as in the person of the mediator See upon Genesis 16. 7. and is the same who was called God in the precedent verse Be named on them Let them beare the name of us Patriarks as our lawfull children not only according to the flesh but also according to the promise of which they shall be heires He saith so because that the name of Patriarks was quickly extinguished in Ismael and Esau his race who were cast out of the holy stock and remained appropriated to the Church Gen. 21. 12. Grow into a multitude The Hebrew hath it let them increase like fishes for the increase of fishes is more numerous than that of any other kinde V. 17 It displeased him Through the naturall affection of Father to their first borne though God hath almost alwayes put them back as Cain Japhet Ishmael Esau Zera Reuben the brothers of David and others to shew that his grace is not tied to any order of nature V. 20 Israel That is to say thy children shall be as a President of an excellent blessing amongst the Israelites see Ruth 4. 11. 12. and Jerem. 29. 22. V. 21 And bring you againe Shall at his appointed time bring your posterity back againe into the Land of Canaan of which he hath promised given a right to your fore-fathers and where they have dwelt as in their native countrey V. 22 To thee Besides the two parts which I have assigned to thy posterity in the division of the Land of Canaan I do order that Ephraim shall have moreover Sichem and the countrey belonging to it See John 4. 5. One portion In the Hebrew there is an ambiguitie between part and Sichem and by that Jacob sheweth that by that part he specially meaneâ—h Sichem With my With my sâ—ns swords who there wrought my revenge for the disgrace done to my daughter Gen. 34.
Iudah Iudg. 1. 8. But there remained yet the rock of Sion and one part of the city which David tooke in his time 2. Samuel chapter 5. verse 7. CHAP. XVI VERS 1. BY Iericho See Numb 22. 1. The water It might be some particular place called by this name which is specified because that the Easterne border of the Ephramites did not extend it self all along that part of Iordan which carried the name of Iericho yea onely to this place as it appeareth in the eighteenth chapter of Ioshua and the twelfth verse From the bounds of Benjamin which bordered with Ephraim V. 4 Manasseh The halfe of this tribe which had not had its share beyond Iordan V. 5. On the east side Namely on the North-east side V. 7 To Jericho Within the Territories thereof for otherwise the city of Iericho fell to Benjamins lot Ioshua the eighteenth chapter and the one and twentieth verse CHAP. XVII VERS 1. FOR he was Though hee was the first borne yet Ephraim which was the youngest was preferred by Iacobs appoyntment Genesis the eight and fortieth chapter verse the tenth As well in dignity being first drawne in the division As also in great largenesse of Countrey proportioned to the greater Number of Ephraims issue Because he was Wherefore they freely archieved the conquest of the land which Moses had given them Numbers 32. 39. and for the same reason they were chosen by him to inhabite in that place to stand as it were in defence of that dangerous frontier Gilead The one halfe of it as it appeareth Deuteronomy chapter 3. vers 12 13. V. 2 By their Whereof each one was a head of a nation which carried their name V. 5 Ten portions Five for the five brothers verse the second and five more for the five daughters of Zelophelâ—d the son of Hefer who was the sixth brother V. 6 The Daughters In this Tribe the division was not made onely according to the number of the males as in other Tribes but also of the females V 10 Met together The Italian Bordered These two Tribes descending both from one Patriarch Joseph being joyned together for otherwise if you did divide them Manasseh bordered upon the other two tribes V. 11 The Inhabitants who because they could not be driven out were brought into bondage as it is said afterwards V. 12 Would dwell Resolved to stand upon their owne defence to be admitted to capitulation that they might dwell in their owne Cities V. 14 The children Namely of the two Tribes Ephraim and Manasseh One lot They did indeed receive two severall portions but they would say that they both were worth but one in regard of their great multitude and that one of their tribes was sufficient to people them both especially seeing that a great part thereof was yet enjoyed and possessed by the Canaanites V. 15 To the wood Countrey It was some great wood between these two tribes V. 16 The hill The hilly part which wee have hitherto conquered and as for the plaine the Canaanites have the advantage of us by reason of their warre Charets Judges 1. 19. and 4. 3. Of Iron It was thought they were Charets for warre the axle trees armed with Iron-hooks and trimmed up every where with Iron both for offence and defence V. 17 Thou shalt not have As there is good reason thou shouldest have as much land as two Tribes so thou must employ a double strength in conquering of 〈◊〉 V. 18 For it is The Italian If it be If the rest of the countrey be a wood the best remedy is to cut it Thou shalt drive out with the help of God which will not faile thee so that thou employest thy sâ—fe in it valiantly and put thy confidence in him and his promises CHAP. XVIII VERS 4. DEscribe it Thou shalt take a note of the countrey and of the situation of it the bignesse of it and number of the Cities and Castles to make the shares equall V. 6 Yee shall therefore Joshua's words to the Deputies which were already chosen The Lord that is to say before the Ark. V. 7 The Priest-hood They have their portions assigned them out of the things which are offered and consecrated to God in recompence of their service V. 19 The North bay The salt sea or lake of Sodome stretched it self from the North and South and at the two heads it did restraine it selfe into two great poynts whereof the Northern was the end of the Land of Benjamin and the Southerne one of that of Judah Josh. chapter 15. verse 2. and the mouth of Jordan which went out into this lake was Southernly in regard of the head thereof which was northerly CHAP. XIX VERS 2. BEer-sheba This City and that which followeth next were both but one City divided by some river or wall otherwise in stead of thirteen Cities there would bee fourteen See 1 Chronicles 4. 28. V. 9. The Inheritance See upon Josh. chapt 15. verse 32. V. 11 The River Called Kishon Judg. chap. 4 verse 7. V. 15 Bethlehem This is another City of the same name as that which was in Judah where the Lord was borne yet it is not the same Twelve the whole number of the Cities which are named is sixteen But we must imagine that amongst this number there were some which were not of Simeons portion but did onely border upon it V. 27 Cabul This is not the name of a City for then in stead of two and twenty there would be three and twenty but it is the name of some Countrey lying in the outermost bounds of Palestina 1 Kings 9. 13. V. 34 To Iudah Jordan was the Eastern border of this tribe and of all the rest of the Tribes which lay upon it untill it came to Judah V. 38. Nineteen See how this number must bee understood upon v. 2. 15. V. 47. Went up That is to say afterwards After the death of Joshua Judges 18. where Lesem is called Lais which was at the Northerne end of the Countrey whereby Dan is after set downe for the northerne head opposite to Beer-sheba the southern head V. 50. Built Repaired it from the ruines of the warres increased it and made it fitting for his own use CHAP. XX. VERS 1. SPake In a sensible apparition as Jos. 5. 14. or in a prophetick revelation V. 4 His cause The true relation of the fact for his owne justification Take him Namely if they doe not find him guilty of wilfull murther V. 8 Assigned Confirmed and ratified that which was already appoynted by Moses Deuteronomy 4. 43. V. 9 Untill hee Till that after the death of the high Priest he did present himselfe before the great assembly of the people to be re-established in his owne house under the security of publike protection after his innocence was made knowne and the avengers wrath abated and qualified CHAP. XXI VERS 11. OF Anak The Italian hath it Anoe commonly called Anak V. 12 The fields Beyond the two thousand cubits
justice and beleef in thy merey see Ios. 7. 19. V. 36. teach them as well the knowledge as the practice through thy corrections V. 37. Plague all diseases and sicknesses which proceed immediately from superior causes or from God are so called in scripture V. 38. The plague namely their sin whereby they shall have wounded their conscience and whereby through thy punishments they shall be induced to seek remedy at thy hands through thy grace V. 39. According to not according to his former sinnes but according to his present repentance or impenitency V. 41. Thy names sake to worship and serve thee Or because he hath obtained the knowledge of thee V. 43. Is called that the name which it beareth of thy Temple is not vaine but accompanied with reall and admirable effects V. 44. Thou hast this is said to shew a lawfull warre undertaken by Gods command or according to common right whereby it must be undertaken by a necessary justice and a just necessity V. 47. Bethink themselves Heb. bring back the thing to their heart that is to say think seriously upon the true causes and remedies of their evills committed wickednesse or we have been wicked and guilty V. 49. Maintaine their cause against the unjust invasion and oppression of their enemies whom thou hast made use of to afflict thy people though they did nothing regard thee Isay 10. 5 6. and 47. 6. Zac. 1. 15. 51. Thine inheritance thine own peculiar people Deut. 5. 20. V. 59. Be nigh have thou them still in remembrance V. 63. Dedicated by solemn actions of prayers sacrifices and devotions began to settle it unto its proper sacred use see upon Num. 7. 10. V. 64. The King because the Altar could not serve for such a great number of sacrifices hee employed the whole Priests Court to that use being divinely inspired so to doe V. 65. Held a feast for seven dayes together the dedication was celebrated and for the other seven dayes following was the feast of the Tabernacles as may be gathered by 2 Chro. 7. 5. 9. the entring being the confines of the length of Palestine Numb 34. 5. 8. V. 66. The eighth day on the end of the last day of the feast of the Tabernacles see 2 Chron. 7. 9. Exod. 23. 15. for David his house and his successor CHAP. IX VERS III. I Have hallowed I have ratified the dedication which thou hast made of it that it may be the place where the signes of my presence and the manifestation of my glory on earth may remaine and that have I done within my selfe and made it manifest unto men that I have done it by the tokens of the cloud and the fire descended from heaven 2 Chron. 7. 1. for ever without any interruption untill the comming of the Messias So that you doe but keep the following conditions mine eyes the effects of my grace and providence shall there bee found and felt Deut. 11. 12. V. 7. Cast out I will withdraw my love from it and give over the protection of it and expose it to destruction as a foule and polluted thing V. 8. Shall hissâ— in scorn and horror V. 11. Gave Hiram for those Cities were as yet inhabited by pagans Iudg. 1. 31. 32. Wherefore Galilee was called of the Gentiles Isa. 9. 1. V. 12. Pleased him not and therefore he restored them to Salomon who did people them with Israelites V. 13. Cabul a name of uncertaine signification according to some it signifieth a durty or a sandy ground Others say that according to the Phenician language it signifieth a displeasing thing see Ioâ—h 19. 27. V. 14. Sent according to others he did send that is to say yearly as in way of tribute which is not very likely talents see Exod. 38. 25. V. 15. The reason the Italian the manner described vers 20. the levie of which see 1 King 5. 13. Millo this was a great terrace born up with exceeding strong walls set upon a deep precipice or valley which divided mount Sion from mount Moriah over against the Temple to the Southward see 1 King 11. 27. 2 Chron. 32. 5. V. 16. Gone up Gezer was a City within the Territory of Ephraim in which the Cananites had remained since the ancient times and were not driven out Iosh. 16. 10. Iudg. 29. And it is likely that either by reason of the difficulty of the enterprise or through some connivance of the children of Israel who had so long cohabited amongst these infidels Solomon suffered Pharaoh to assault it provided that the City being once taken should bee delivered into his hands in lew of a dowry or over dowry with his wife V 18. Tadmor some have believed that it is the city which in ancient times was called Palmira scituate in the confines of the Countrey toward Syria which was a small Countrey very fruitfull but encompassed round about with desart and sandy places and that it is the same as is called Tamar Ezec. 47. 19. V. 19. Of store for armes and victualls as Exo. 1. 11. for his Charrets see 1 King 4. 26. V. 21. Were not able see Iosh. 15. 63. and 17. 12. atribute of bond service this in the Italian is in vers 20. besides the tribute of their goods and Solomon herein seemeth to imitate that which was done to the Gibeâ—nites ' Iosh. 9. 23. and that these Cananites also were converted to the Lord for otherwise it was not lawfull to make any covenant with them Deut. 7. 2. Whereupon those nation were called the servants of Solomon Ezr. 2. 55. 58â— Neh. 11. 3. V. 23. Five hundred 2 Chro. 8. 10. this number is but two hundred and fifty but it is very likely that they did their service by turnes halfe of them at a time and that the fifty which are here over and above were as decurions or commanders of ten over the rest Now these Commissaries were Israelites the other inferior ones which were more in number 1 King 5. 16. were Strangers V. 25. Three times namely at the solemn feasts for he offered his daily sacrifices besides 2 Chron. 8. 13. offer by the hands of the Priests before thâ— Lord namely in the holy place over against the Arke the great curtaine and another partition being between V. 28. Ophir an Eastern conntrey of the Indies Gen. 10. 29. whence came the purest and finest gold Gen. 2. 11. 12. foure hundred and twenty 2 Chron. 8. 18. there are set down foure hundred and fifty whereupon some have thought that they are severall voyagâ—s which are mentioned for Solomon sent thither every three years 1 King 10. 22. CHAP. X. VERS I. OF Sheba of a part of Ethiopia Gen. 10. 7. the name which fame he had gotten through Gods benefits by meanes of his grace to prove him an ancient triall of wits used among wise men to finde out an ingenious explication of dark and intricate questions see Iudg. 14. 12. V. 5. His assent the Italian hath it the burnt offerings others
a ruler or a cleft sticke And write Set downe upon it that part of the people which is signified by it For the children of Israel Whereof many namely the two whole tribes of Levi Benjamin and many other particular men of the other tribes did joyne with Judah when the ten tribes revolted 2 Chron. 11. 12. 13. 16. Unto Joseph namely to the ten tribes whose head was the tribe of Ephraim which came from Joseph V. 19. I will take that is to say I will gather together and unite all mine elect of what nation soever they be into one spirituall body annihilating by Christs crosse the divisions and enmities of the nations as of Judah and of the ten tribes oftentimes used by the Prophets for a signe of the division which was between the Jews and the Gentiles Isa. 11. 13. Ephes. 2. 14 15 16. The stick of Ioseph of the ten tribes represented by this tree of Joseph by reason that the tribe of Ephraim had ruled over them V. 22. One King namely The Messias V. 23. Their dwelling places Wheresoever they shall be in exile or captivity as in Babylon in Egypt and other places of the world where either willingly or by compulsion they have beene partakers of Pagan Idolatries Jer. 44. 8. Ezek. 14. 3. and 20. 30 39. V. 24. David namely Jesus Christ the sonne of David according to the flesh V. 25. In the land A figure of the Church V. 26. will set my I will be present in my Grace Word and Spirit in their assemblies and in their hearts of which spirituall presence the Tabernacle and Sanctuarie heretofore were signes and pledges Lev. 26. 11 12. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephes. 2. 21. 22. V. 28. Doe sanctifie That doe take it and consecrate it to my selfe and by my presence do make it holy and inviolable against all manner of injuries and offences CHAP. XXXVIII Vers. 2. GOg Names of Scythian people this day called Tartars Gen. 10. 2. this Prophecie may be referred partly to the desolations that befell the Jewes which returned from Babylon by the King of Asia and Syria Dan. 8. 23. and 11. 31. And because that the Scythians had anciently overrun and possessed Asia minor and Syria whereof in Asia there was a city called Magog and another in Syria called Scitopolis the Provinces have taken their names from this cruell and barbarous conquering Nation to signifie the inhumanenesse of those Syrian Kings Alexanders successors towards the Jewes But it is likely that besides this the spirit of God did purpose to signifie a great oppression which the Church is like to suffer and especially the Jewes which shall be converted to Christ towards the latter end of the world by the said Scythians or Tartars as John seemes to point out Rev. 20. 8. Zach. 14. 2. The chiefe Prince namely A Province which commandeth those Provinces See Gen. 10. 2. V. 4. I will turne thee backe namely After thou hast assaulted my people With all sorts Or furnished and armed with compleat Armes V. 5. Ethiopia Nations of Africa joyned in this enterprize V. 6. Gomer People of Asia towards the North Gen. 10. 2 3. V. 7. Be thou An Ironicall kind of speech as much as to say Defend them if thou canst from my power and from the battell which I shall fight with them V. 8. Visited Like an instrument or weapon which was laid up and afterwards used to punish my people In the latter A little before the comming of Christ in the flesh in whom begins a new age if this be meant by the Kings of Syria But if this have a relation to the other great inundation of the Scythians it meanes the times which shall be towards the latter end of the world Alwayes waste that is to say For a long time likewise never to be restored to it former state V. 11. Villages Where the inhabitants either because of their continuall peace or by reason of their fore-past miseries have not cared or have not had the meanes to wall and fortifie their cities and therefore dwell in open villages V. 12. Turne thy hand Renewing the ancient desolations of this poore countrey restored from its ruines In the midst the Italian In the Navell namely In the heart of the land where they shall thinke themseves more secure then if they dwelt upon the borders See Judg 9. 37. V. 13. Sheba These people of Arabia and they that dwell upon the Sea-coast shall come to thee to have part of the prey and to buy the spoiles of thee The young Lyons The pirats and robbers upon the Sea who are like to wild Sea-beasts V. 16. Sanctified When I shall have shewed my selfe glorious venerable and terrible in sacred Majestie by my judgements upon thee V. 17. Art thou Seeing I have foretold thy comming and thine endeavours I must be acknowledged to be the director and moderator of them by my sacred Providence which shall suffer these evills but shall limit them and cause the issue of them to be to my glory and the comfort of my people In old time We finde no such prophecies before the time of Ezechiel and therefore the words old time must be understood in comparison not of the age in which the Prophet lived but of the time wherein these prophecies were fulfilled The Prophets namely Ezekiel in these two Chapters Zech. chap. 14. and Saint John Rev. 20. 7. Against them namely against my people V. 18. Shall come up A humane kind of speech taken from men whole nostrills puffe out when they are heated with anger V. 19. Shaking All creatures shall be astonished and terrified at the presence of my glorious Majestie when I punish mine enemies V. 21. Asword This was partly accomplished in the civill warres of the Kings of Syria whereupon followed the ruine of their Empire V. 22. Will raine I will cause a miraculous destruction and discomfiture to come upon them termes taken from the deluge the fire of Sodom and Joshuahs haile Josh. 10. 11. CHAP. XXXIX Vers. 6. A Fire namely An extreme ruine and desolation V. 7. Pollute By the blasphemies and insultings of mine enemies V. 8. It is come that is to say It will questionlesse come to passe V. 9. They that dwell Hyperbolicall termes to signifie an exceeding great discomfiture V. 11. The valley This valley is not made mention of any where else It is likely to some passage which was much frequented by strangers that came into Judea the intent is to shew the greatnesse of the slaughter by the greatnes of the burying place which was appointed which should be stopped up with the carkasses and bones of dead men that travellers should not be able to goe that way The Sea Hee seemes to meane the dead Sea or the lake of Sodom To stop namely their noses by reason of the stinke which shall proceed from thence V. 12. May cleanse For according to the law a dead carkasse not buried did defile the
sea then the â—apors of it resolved into raine V. 10. They hated him namely the Judges and Magistrates who kept their Courts â—eere to the gates of Cities cánnot endure the censures of Gods servants See Isay 29. 21. V. 11. Burthenâ— that little which he hath to relieve himselfe V. 13. The prudent that is to say the true Beleevers which judge truly of the calamities and of their causes shall in silence and with patience worship Gods justice without any murmuring or scandall V. 14. As ye as you make your boasts that he is you being his people Or as you desire and continually pray that he may be V. 16. Therefore because you reject all mine exhortations and admonitions Shall call as to a publick and generall mourning Such as are those teachers of funerall mournings whereof see Jer. 9. 17. 17. And in all in stead of the joyfull songs in time of vintage there shall nothing be heard but weeping and howling because of the spoile of the countrey I will passe as it were to do a generall execution of justice Exod. 11 4. 12. 12. V. 18. That desire by a prophane boldnesse as provoking him to bring that once to passe which he hath so long threatned Or by an impudent boasting of your own innocency as if God comming to judgement should finde you guiltlesse or at the least lesse guilty then the Prophets report you to be See Isay 5. 19. Jer. 17. 15. V. 19. As if a man these judgements of God shall be altogether unavoidable and he that shall escape one evill shall fall into a worser Job 20. 14 Isay 24. 18. Jer. 48. 44. V. 20. Not light of any comfort ease direction or good councell V. 20. Will not smell I will not accept of your sacrifices which you shall offer me at those times See Lev. 26 31. V. 23. Of thy songs he meanes the sacred songs which were part of Gods service which he reproves as defiled with impiety and hypocrisie V. 24. Run downe doe righteousnesse and justice in a firme and invariable way V. 25. Have ye â—ffered your forefathers even in the wildernesse were Idolaters neglecting a great part of the worship which I had appointed them See Deut. 32. 17. and you imitate them and heape up their measure V. 26. Yea have borne your forefathers making shew of serving me carrying my tabernacle and all things belonging to it in the wildernesse had notwithstanding their hearts bent upon their Idols and secretly carried some Chappell or Image of Molech the Idoll of the Moabites Others take the names of Tabernacle and Image Siccuth and Chim for the names of Idols or Planets Venus and Saturne The Star it is thought for certaine that Molâ—ch represents Saturne and the other Baâ—lims the other Planets Ye made you had made the images of them and had attributed divinity unto them and had consecrated and set them up for the object of your worship V. 27. Therefore because that after so many sinnes of your forefathers punished by me from time to time you have persevered in them yea have gone beyond them I will execute the finall judgement upon you in a totall desolation and dispersion into strange countries to the grievousnesse of which the captivity of the people in Syria caused by Hazaâ—l who reigned in Damascus shall no way be equall nor comparable 2 Kings 13. 3. CHAP. VI. Verse 1. OF the Nations namely of Sion or Jerusalem of Judah and Samaria and of the ten tribes Came commeth thither upon all businesses and occasions as to the Princes Court or Court of justice V. 2. Passe ye doe but consider these Cities which formerly were â—ightier and in greater prosperity then any of yours and yet ate decayed and ruined to take example thereby not to grow proud in carnall security Caâ—â—â—h a most ancient Citie in the Babylonian countrey Gen. 10. 10. Taken as Hamath also a famous City of Syria and peradventure destroyed also by the Assyrians Isay 10. 9. See Isay 23. 13. Gath the Scripture makes mention of no other desolation of Gath but only by Vzziah 2 Chron. 26. 6. V. 3. Puâ— far away you Chieâ—taines put away farre from you all thought and feare of Gods judgements Ezek. 12. 22. Amos 9. 10. and in the meane time draw neere to publick tyranny as if sinnes and their punishments could go the one without the other V. 5. That câ—â—unt namely at your feasts Like David who was a great inventer and master of musick and musicall instruments 1 Chron. 23. 5. which he imployed in praysing of God whereas these did use them for a provocation of carnall pleasure V. 6. In bowls that is to say beyond measure The affliction by reason of their publick calamities V. 7. Shall they goe they shall be the first and most noted in the punishment as they have been in degrees of honour and in sinnes V. 9. Iâ— there suppose that some number doe escape the enemies hand they shall fall by the pestilence if there be not men enough for to buâ—y them their bodies shall be burnt which was not used amongst the people but onely in cases of extreame necessity See 1 Sam. 31. 12. V. 10. Amans Vnâ—lâ— the neerest of kinne who 〈◊〉 the duty of consangâ—inâ—ty or to cleanse the house which is fallen to him by inheritance shall take care of these dead bodies To bring out to cause the house to be more easily and privately freed from this legall uncleannesse Num. 19. 14. To him he seemes to meane him that hath beene imployed in burning of these dead bodies Hold thy tongue tell no body what hath happened unto us for feare lest we be sequestred as uncleane by the law We mâ—y noâ—â— this extreame desolation doth dispence with us touching the lawes of God concerning these pollutions and the purifying of them Which were not observed even by the most scrupulous consciences in the greatest extremities See Lam. 4. 14 15. V. 11. For be hold all these things shall happen by reason of the utter extermination of great and small which God hath appointed V. 12. The horses shall we Propheâ—s continually cast away our labours upon you who are so desperately corrupted and turn all the good which is presented unto you and bestowed upon you into evilâ— as if a man plowed or digd a hard rock V. 13. Rejoyce you triumph and glory in your strength as if you could therewith overcome your enemies V. 14. But behold he gives a reason why hee hath called all their hopes and meanes things of naught From the entring these were the two uttermost bounds of the land of Canaan in length The River called elsewhere the river of Egypt Num. 34 5. Josh. 15. 47. CHAP. VII Verse 1. HE formed whither according to the letter he were shewen in this vision some great spoile done by their insects Amos 4. 9. Or that the Assyrians comming were figuratively represented as Na. 3. 15. In the beginning after harvest as Amos 4 9.
corporall favours did rather hinder then further Christ in hâ—s chiefe end which was the eternall salvation of men To the Priest to be searched according to the Law and being judged cleane to have permission to come againe into the company of men and of the Church For a Testimony that thou mayest witnesse that I am true God and that during the time of my humiliation I doe keep and cause Moses Law to bee kept which were the two chiefe heads whereupon the Iewes used to contest with Christ. V. 5. A Centurion A Roman and a Heathen but instructed and inwardly enlightned V. 9. A man And thou God I am a subject and thou a supreame Lord how much more than shall thy command be fulfilled V. 10. He marvailed He used some externall gesture of wondering to cause the Centurions faith to be so much the more commended and esteemed not that he was ignorant of the causes of it nor that it was a faith beyond Christs Capacitie which are the two ordinary causes of true admiration V. 11. Many Namely of the Gentiles such as the Centurion was Siâ— downe shall enjoy the fruits of eternall life with the holy Patriarches being by faith and in spirit become their children heires of the promises made to them and their posteritie V. 12. The Children Namely the Iewes who by the prerogative of Gods Covenant seemed to be the true heires of this Kingdome Darkenesse in the extreame misery confusion horror and torment of those who are eternally banished out of the Kingdome of heaven Gnashing the noise the rage and the blasphemies which are alwayes coupled to the everlasting torments of the damned Romaâ—â— 16. 9. 11 21. V. 14. His Wives mother For Peter had a wife 1 Cor. 9. 5. V. 16. With his word using no othre maneâ— but only his meere command V. 17. It might be fulfilled That he might verifie that which Isaiah speaketh in that place Namely that he is the only Saviour of soules and bodies according to the charge which he hath taken upon him and by the merit of his voluntary sufferances by which having appeased Gods wrath he hath cut oâ— the cause of all our evills and hath obtained his favour for us which is the fountaine of all good and happinesse V. 18. The other side Namely of the lake of Genesareth V. 20. The Foxes This is spoken either for a tryall of the truth of the Scribes protestation or for a preparative for him to keepe it being in time instructed in the condition which is in separably annexed to the Gospell namely the crosse without any constant proprietie of goods and without any peace or rest in the world Nests or places to go and shelter themselves in The Son Christ calls himselfe so oftentimes in the Gospell to signifie the truth of his humane nature and the excellencie of his person above all other men As who should say That man which hath in all ages bin foretold expected desired and seene by the Prophets in their visions as particularly Dan. 7. 13. for a prelude of his manifestation in the flesh V. 21. Bury that is to say assist him in his extreame old age untill the end of his life V. 22. Let the dead being called to the ministery of my word leave off these duties belonging to a mortall life to those that live and have their callings and places therein that thou mayest readily and without disturbance follow the duties of the spirituall life which are now at this present incompatible with the duties of a temporall life V. 26. Rebuked A kinde of speech very frequent in Scripture to signifie Gods power to appeale the commotion of any of the creatures especially if they rise against his elect whom they ought to serve V. 28. Gergasenes it is thought to be the ancient nation of the Gergashites Gen. 10 16 which afterwards were called Gerashites where the Citie of Gadara was whereupon Saint Marke and St. Luke call this Country of the Gadarenes V. 29. To torment us driving us out of that little light and libertie which is left us to wander up and down the world working our wills and shut us up in the darknesse and paines of hell as it shall be after the last judgment Before the time namely of the last judgment which they might know was not yet come V. 32. Into the Sea Namely into the lake of Genezâ—reth V. 34. They besought him not for any hatred they bare to him but for feare of that divine power which they only considered in him Luke 8. 37. An ordinary motion of a mans conscience not yet confident in Gods grace when he feeles his Majestie nigh him See Deut. 5. 25. 1 King 17. 18. Luk. 5. 8. CHAP. IX VER 1. INto his owne namely Capernaum where he made his ordinary abode Mar. 2. 1. V. 2. Thy sins which are the cause of thy disease sinne being the cause of all those evills that befall man V. 3. Blasphemeth attributing unto himselfe the power of pardoning sins which belongeth to God alone V. 5. Whether is according to your carnall judgment it is a higher and more difficult thing to heale this diseased man by my word then to forgive him his sinnes now I will doe that which you judge to be the most difficult and is sensible to shew that I can doe that which you esteeme to bee lesse and is spirituall and hidden both depending upon the same divine and supreame power V. 8. Unto men such as they thought Christ to be being not yet instructed concerning his eternall God-head V. 9. Matthew and Levi also Luke 5. 27. V. 10. In the house Namely of Matthew as St. Luke saith V. 13. And learne you hypocrites do set all your pietie and righteousnesse in ceremonies and an externall discipline and hold them to be prophane and unworthy of your conversation which doe not follow you whereas by this saying of the Prophet you might have learned that the most acceptable service to God is that mercy which I use towards poore sinners procuring their salvation and amendment by my familiarity with them seeing that grace by the Gospell which I am Mediator for and distributer of is but onely for all Repentant sinners V. 15. Of the Bride Chamber namely the bride-groomes most intimate friends and companions Iohn 3 26. The meaning is I will not disturbe the joy my Disciples conceave by reason of my presence after my departure out of the world they will have afflictions and sorrowes and time enough to feele them V. 16. No man besides this cause I have also a regâ—rd not to oppresse the weakenesse of those which are mine with too rigorous a discipline in these beginnings New cloth the Italian rough cloth as â—t commeth out of the weavers hand neither dressed nor fulled and therefore very unfit for any use especially to mend or patch clothes V. 18. Ruler they were certaine superior Ecclesiasticall persons which did preside in the Iewes particular Assemblies and there did
might be some Pagan superstition in them because he would utterly cancâ—ll all markes of the Chaldeans customes whence these came and where these eare-rings were used both by men and women Iud. 8. 24. Or because he would present his family to God in a habit of humilitie and repentance See Exod. 33 4 5. Hid them That is to say buried them privately V. 7 El-bethel The Italian hath it The God of Bethel See upon Gen. 33. 20 V. 8 Allon Bachuth The Italian hath it The â—ake of weeping It may be that this weeping hath a reference to that which is written Hos. 12. 4 V. 9 When he came While he was yet in the way before he came to his fathers house V. 10 Called his Confirmed in a vision his name which the Angell had already give him Genes 32. 28 V. 13 VVent up See upon Gen. 17. 22 V. 14 A drink offering The Italian hath it An offering to be spilt Of liquid things as of wine and oile to give God thanks according to Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 21 22 and to consecrate that stone Gen. 28. 18 V. 15 Called the name That is confirmed it solemnely in the presence of all his family and published that name which he had given it in secret Gen. 28. 19 V. 16 A little way Or a mile 2 of Kin. 5. 19 V. 18 Benoni The son of my sorrow Benjamin son of my right hand as who should say staffe of my old age see Psal. 80. 17 V. 26 Padan-Aram In the Italian it is verse 27 save only Benjamin CHAP. XXXVI VERS 2. ADah These women and their fathers were diversly named Gen. 26. 34 and 28. 9. either because they had more names or for some other unknown reason And that is very frequent in Scripture V. 6 Into the countrey That is to say further up into the countrey others have it in another countrey From the face voluntarily yeelding the place unto him Now Esau was before well seated in Seir Gen. 33. 14 16. having left his fathers house because of his wives and because he saw himself excluded from the holy race to whom the Land of Canaan was allotted by Gods order and promise Yet it is very likely that he did yet frequent the Land of Canaan and had some houshold there till that after the death of Isaac he altogether remained in Seir to avoid all occasion of strife with Jacob. V. 11 Zepho This name with diverse others that follow are diversly set down 1 Chron. 1. 36 V. 12 Timua It may be the same which is mentioned v. 22 as Aholibama 21. 2. was the same as the Horite was v. 25. and it is likely that these alliances with the Horites Esau his posteritie setled themselves in that countrie which at the last he made himself master of destroying the ancient inhabitants Deut. 2. 22 V. 15 Dukes That is heads and Princes according to whose number the countrie was divided into severall principalities and peradventure under one only supreame Lord head of all the nation Now in this partition Eliphaz as first borne had a double part his six sons being made Dukes as Esau his own children were see a like example 1 Chron. 5. 1. Those of Revel were so also it may be in part to equall Basemats progenie who had but one sonne with Aholibâ—â—us who had three V. 16. Korah This is not named amongst the children of Eliphaz v. 11. and therefore it is very likely he was his nephew V. 20. Inhabitea Who there had their habitation and command untill such time as Esau and his posteritie did drive them out of â—t Deuteron 2. 22. V. 24. The Mules By the mixture of the two kinds the asse and the horse So the Hebrews interpret it Others believe the word may be understood of certaine hot waters or minerall waters which he found out V. 31. The Kings Moses sets down the Kings which had been in Idumea before his time which he sheweth had been tyrants and usurpers or elective Princes without any right of succession seeing they were of diverse Cities and those being extinguished the state returned to its first forme of diverse Dukes v. 40. Any King before any forme of supreme governement was established amongst the people of God which began in Moses called a King Deut. 33. 5. So Esau condemned to servitude raigneth in the beginning whilest Israel who was the right master serveth in Aegypt but that was but for a little while untill the Kingdom of Israel was established and then Esau is subject unto it A pourtraiture of the world which raigneth in this age untill the Kingdome be given to the Saints Daniel 7. 22. 27. V. 37. By the river A City standing by Euphrates Gen. 10 11. V. 39. The daughter Or neece V. 40. The Dukâ—s After the Kings of Edom were failed for some reason which is not set down the Countrie was againe governed by Dukes and it should seem that the heads of Esau his nation came into their states againe And because here they are but eleven whereas before they were fourten v. 15. it is to be thought that some families were quite extinct or joyned to some other to strengthen themselves CHAP. XXXVII VERS 1. ANd Jacob This is a continuation of the narration broken off from Gen. 36. 7. V. 2. The generations Described Gen. 35. 23. now this â—eemeth to be added to take on the course of Jacobs history after the interweaving of Esaus Was feeding By reason of his youth and through the envie of his brethren he was held in the degree of a servant and in the company of the hand-maidens sons Jacobs concubines whom it is likely the other brethren disdained 〈…〉 l Of some facts or wickednesses not set dâ—wâ— in this place V. 7. Were bâ—ndâ—ng These two dreâ—mes signified the self same thing namely Josephâ— exal 〈…〉 ion above his brethren and their submission to him in their necessitie and the honour Jone to him by his father in sending his children to him before they knâ—w him V. 10. Rebuked him Being not yet perswaded that they were divine dreamâ—s or to trie whether there were no childish vanitie in this his saying or to abate his brethrens anger Thy mother Rachel Josephs mother was already dead Gen. 35. 19. but here is understood Leah his mother in Law who was Jacobs then only lawfull wife V. 25. A company A great company of merchants and travailers which were wont to travaile that way in great companies fearing the dangers of the countrie see Job 6. 19. Balm or rozen Myrrhe namely liquide myrrhe or Ladano V. 28. Midianites It is likely that this people was mixed of Ismaelites Midianites and Medanites see Gen. 16. 15. and 25. 2. V. 29. Reuben Who was not present at Josephs sale and beliâ—ved that his brothers had indeed killed him Gen. 42. 22. He rent a custome amongst the men of old times in some unexpected evill news or in some cruell case V. 34. Sack-cloth Or haire-cloth or a rough-cloth
the publike proclamation whereby all of that age were to appeare for to be mustered V. 10 Together with Korah It appeareth by Num. 16. 32 35 40. that Korah was not swallowed up by the earth but that he dyed by the fire sent from God but he is joyned with the other because hee was a confederate in the same misdeed and was punished by a miraculous death at the same time A signe a document and example of Gods judgements See 2 Pet. 2. 2. 6. V. 12. Of Nemuel Gen. 46. 10. and 1 Chron. 4. 24. and in the following verses there is some difference in these names V. 29 Of the Machirites whereof see Jos. 17. 1. and by that place it appeares that Machir had divers children whereof some took their names from Machir and some from Galaad his sonne And the word famâ—ly here signifieth one of the great branches of this Tribe divided into families See Joshuah 7. 14. V 30 Jezar called also Abiezar Jos 17 2 Jud. 6 11 34. V. 42 Shuham called Fusim Gen. 46. 23. The Families Which were divided into lesser families V. 54 To many As well of the Tribes as of a Familie of the Tribes to some of which Moses assigned their inheritance on this side Jordan and appoynted Joshuah to do the like beyond V. 55 By lot In regard of the countries situation wherein they were to take more or lesse land according to the number of the persâ—ns see Nu. 33. 54. V. 58 The families Namely the lesser Families V. 62 For they The other Tribes were mustered to equall the quantity of the inheritance with the number of thâ—m who being above the age of twenty years were capable of being heads of Families But in mustering of the tribe of Levi this reason took no place wherefore they were mustered from a moneth old at which time both the mothers and the children were purified to shew that they were consecrated to God for his service even from their birth See Numbers 3. 15. and 18. 16. V. 63 Neere Iericho The Italian hath it Of Iericho see Num. 22. 1. V. 65 Caleb It is true that Moses was yet living but he is left out because he was to dye also on that side Jordan without comming into the land of Canaan Num 20 12. and 27 13. CHAP. XXVII VERS 1. THen came They did not appeare in their order in the publike muster amongst the rest of the families of Manasseâ— V. 3 And he was not Our father had not committed any publike misdeed nor was not fallen into any interdict whereby he merited to have his name extingu shed or to lose his right in the land of Canaan whereunto God had condemned Korah's faction causing their families to dye and their goods to be swallowed up Nu. 16. 27. 32. now this would have befaln ' him if being one of the heads of the families of Manasseh we his daughters had not had right to represent that family for his inheritance In his owne sinne The Italian hath it For his sinne Generally belonging to humane nature which also cleaveth to Gods children in this life whereby they are also subject to death or for having been participant of the common sinne of murmuring and sedition Num. 14 yet having committed no sinne of Anathema or a curse which was imputed to all the people and insnared them in the punishment till the whole family of the Malefactor were rooted out see Deuteronomy 13. 15. Joshuah 7. 24. 1 King 16 34. V. 4 Give unto us Give order that in the division of the land of Canaan every one of us may be received by the poll see Jos. 17. 4. V. 12 Abarim It was a long row of mountains amongst which was mount Nebo Deut 32 49. and upon that the top of Pisgah Deut. 3 27 and 34 1 where Moses dyed V. 13 Gathered see Num. 20. 21. V. 14 In Kadesh This is added to distinguish this strife wherein also Moses did offend from the other strife in Rephidim Exod. 17. 7. in which he did not participate of the peoples sinne V. 16 Of the spirits Who onely hast created the soules of men framing them and inspiring them with thy gifts according to thy will for to imploy them in severall vocations V. 17 Which may goe May governe them at home and abroad in peace and in warre V. 18 The spirit A singular gift and inspiration of Gods holy spirit to produce extraordinary motions and heroicall actions in him See Gen 41. 38. Judg 3 10 and 11 29 1 Sam. 16. 13 18. And lay To consecrate him to God and likewise to imprint in him a new increase of spirit proportionable to the new charge which is conferred upon him see Deut. 34. 9. V. 19 Set him To cause him to be acknowledged and accepted of by all V. 20 And thou shalt put This outward ceremony of laying on the hands shall bee accompanyed by me with a new gift of my spirit in heroicall qualities which shall appeare in his carriage look and gestures to gaine him the same authority and respect which thou hast with the people see Nu. 11. 17. 25. 1 Sa. 10. 6. 9. V. 21 Shall stand In all doubtfull and difficult businesses and enterprises see Jos. 9. 14. Judg. 1. 1. and 20. 18. 1 Sam. 23. 9. and 30. 7. After the judgement That is to say by way of oracle seeing that the high Priest having Urim and Thummim about him gave answers in Gods name which were of infallible truth and made a supream determination see Exod. 〈◊〉 15 30. Ezt 2 63. Before the Lord Before the Tabernacle turning his face towards the Arke or presenting himself before him by prayer At his word namely the high Priest CHAP. XXVIII VIRS 4. AT even The Italian hath Between the two evens see Ex. 1â— 6. V 6 whâ—ch was Which was ordained and used for sometime and afterwards was intermitted in the desert as many other ceremonies which had been ordained Amos 5. 25. Acts 7. 42. V. 7. In the holy place In the court neere the comming in of the Tabernacle where the Altar was Exo. 29. 42. V. 15. One kidde of the Goates The Italian A hee Goat See Lev. 42. 23. Num. 15. 24. V. 16. The fourteenth See upon Exo. 12. 6. V. 23. In the morning Under which is also understood that of the evening but this only is named because it was the first from which the solemnitie began V. 26. After your weekes That seven weekes which was from Easter to Pentecost Leviticus 23. 15. 16. CHAP. XXIX VERS 18. AFter the manner As it is set down v. 3 4 9 10. concerning meat-offerings And concerning drink-offerings Num. 28. 7 14. CHAP. XXX VERS 2. TO bind his soule Voluntarily submitting his person to divine punishment if he did faile in his vow and breake his promise Some understand these words for vows of abstinence and mortifying ones selfe for some reasonable and lawful respect towards Gods service See v. 13. 1 Sam. 14. 24. He shall
See Judges 18. 12. CHAP. XIV VERS 4. THat he Namely Samson who enlightened with the knowledge of what he was called unto stood waiting to have the Philistims give him cause to contend with them to revenge himselfe or their tyranny over the people V. 6. Came mighâ—ly upon him In a moment he filled him with a supernaturall strength both of body and minde to confirme him by this act in his vocation as 1 Samuel chapter 17. verse 34. A figure of Christs first victory over the Devill by his death John chapter 12. verse 31. Hebrewes chapter 2. verse 14. He told not by the 8. verse it appeares that Samson did this act out of the way being gone aside from his father for some unknown cause V. 8. To take her To marry her solemnely a figure of the Gentiles calling Hosea chapter 2. verse 19. V. 11. They brought Under pretence of keeping him company and honouring him but it was indeed to sift him and look to him perceiving some terrible motions in him V. 12. Put forth According to the fine ancient custome especially at feasts to exercise their wits See 1 Kings Chapter 10. verse 1. A riddle A speech or obscure and intricate question hard to find out or resolve A figure of the Gospell which is a doctrine hidden from the knowledge of the flesh preached to the world in the time of the Gentiles calling 1 Corinthians chapter 2. v. 7. The seven dayes an usuall time for nuptiall feasts See Genesis chapter 29. verse 27. Sheets Which they carried about them as they do yet in these dayes in the East countrey to rubbe and dry themselves or to cast over their heads or other parts of their body or for other necessary uses See Genesis Chaptes 38. verse 18. V. 14 Out of the An expresse figure of the mystery of the sweet and saving food of the soule brought forth by Christs death by which he destroyed death and the devill See John chapter 6. v. 5. and Hebrew 2. 14. V. 15. Declare unto us By declaring it unto thee that so we may know it from thee A figure of the worlds vaine endeavours to comprehend the Gospell of themselves which cannot be understood but only by the revelation of Christs Spirit 1 Corinthians 2. 10. by the ministery of the Church which in the children of this aâ—e causeth a scossing of Christ and the persecution of his Church V. 17. The seventh day Beleeving it to be already beyond the prefixed time V. 18. If ye had not These words seeme to intimate some signe of suspicion of some secret and unchaste dealing with his wife which kindled a jealousie in him wherein the Spirit of God having a hand he was provoked had power to execute his vengeance upon the accursed and tyrannicall nation V. 20. To his companion To that Philistim whom Samson had chosen for his second-selfe in the nuptiall feasts according to the custome John chapter 3. v. 29. CHAP. XV. VERS 1. INto the chamber according to the ancient laudable custome by which women had their chambers severall from the rest of the houshold See Gen. 23. 2 and 2467. and 3133. V. 4. Foxes Whereof there was great plenty in that Countrey Cant. 2. 15. Now this act of Samsons containeth in it a figure of division of the wary councels of worldly men by which Christ setteth the world on fire Psal. 55. 9. Luke 12. 49. V. 6 Burnt A figure of the persecution of the Church whereby Gods judgements are redoubled upon the Church V. 7 Yet will I be the Italian hath it If I be not a manner of a reserved oath And after that I will not give over untill I have fully accomplished my revenge V. 8 Smote them He made a great slaughter of them without any weapons hurling them against the ground with spurnes and thrusts with his knees Etam See 2 Chron. 11. 6. V 9. Lehi A place so called by anticipation verse 17. V. 14. Loosed Not onely in the knots but even the very webs of them V. 16 With the In the Hebrew there is a kind of similitude between the word Asse and Heap as if he did say with the jaw-bone of an Asse I have made such a slaughter V. 17 Ramath-â—ehi That is to say the Hill of a jaw-bone or the slinging of a jaw-bone V. 18 A thirst A figure of Christs spirituall heat and thirst in the extremity of his combats and upon the very poynt of his victory upon the crosse John chap. 19. 28. Thou hast given Thou hast given him the meanes and power to obtain it V. 19 In the Jaw The Italian hath it A hollow stone according to others one of the teeth which was in the jaw-bone Enhakkore That is the well of him that called or cryed V. 20. Of the Philistims Namely when they ruled Israel for Samson did never quite free the people from the Philistims yoak that being reserved for David to doe who was the figure of Christ who shal accomplish the delivery of his Church at the last glorious appearing of his kingdome CHAP. XVI VERS 3. AND took A figure of Christ his glorious resurrection who could not be detained by death Psal. 68. 20. Acts 2. 24 V. 9 His strength From whence it came namely from the spirit of God and by what means his strength was preserved namely by meanes of his strictly keeping his Nazarite-ship through Gods siâ—gular grace which did tye Samson to that obedience whereby it is likely that he had some expresse manifestation from God though this gift was not common to all Nazarites V. 13 Weavest And windest it as the yarne for a web of cloth The seven Any haire divided into seven locks as the gift of the Holy Ghost are often represented by the number of seven in signe of perfection Exodus 25. 37. Zach. 3. 9. and 4. 2. Revelations chapt 1. verse 4. and chapt 5. verse 6. V. 14 Fastened To the loome having wound his haire about the yarne-beame V. 17 If I be shaven This did not depend upon the ordinary forme of the Nazarite who might be without the miraculous gift of corporall strength but it was a singular favour in Samson by Gods free will annexed to the necessity of his obedience in letting his haire grow For a figure of Christ true Nazarite in holinesse and also infinite strength and power and for a document that the spirit of sanctification ought to be and is in the faithfull a spirit of spirituall strength 2 Timothy Chapter 1. verse 7. V. 20 Was departed hath taken away his gift from him V. 21 He did grind In hand-mills as slaves did Exodus chapt 11. verse 5. Isa. chapt 47. v. 2. Mat 24. 41. V. 22 The haire And withall the gift of his former strength was restored unto him by the same free will of God even according as the sacred signe of his long haire waxed V. 23 Dagon An Idoll of the Philistims in generall though it seemeth his Temple was in
absence from Court V 9 Set over Or was there present amongst the servants The servants Namely the shepheards and Herds-men 1 Samuel Chapter 21. verse 7. V. 10 Enquired by The Urim and Thummim V. 15. Be it farre from me To conspire against the King or doe any thing offensible to him V. 18 Did weare Priests which did actually serve for here the Ephod seemes to bee the same Garment as the Coat was Exodus Chapter 28. verse 40. 43. See upon the first of Samuel chap. 〈◊〉 verse 18. V. 22. I knew it The Italian I did think it after it was done representing unto my selfe Doegs cruelty and malice I have though unadvisedly which notwithstanding I am heartily sorry for V. 23 That seeketh I take charge of guarding thy person as safely as mine owne CHAP. XXIII VERS 1. THreshing floores The corne which is already brought to the threshing floores V. 2. Enquired By the Prophet Gad who was with David 1 Samuel Chapter 22 verse 5. or by Abiathar who might be already come to David Numbers Chapter the seven and twentieth verse 21. V. 3 In Judah Namely amongst our own countrie men and our friends and yet wee are affraid of Saul because we are so few How much more greater danger shall we be in then if wee goe among the Philistims who are a compleat Army V. 6 When This seemeth to beâ— inserted to shew how David had his answers from GOD when hee had need because the high Priest was with him with the Breast-plate and Urim and Thummim which were inseparable from the Ephod Exodus the eight and twentieth Chapter and the eight and twentieth verse To Keilab Upon the time that hee was going to Keilah Others affirme that he came not to him but to Keilah and that that which was spoken 1 Sam. 22. 22. 21. is spoken by anticipation In his hands The Italian addeth the Ephod happened into his hands Hee tooke it up by chance suddainly and brought it away with him A signe of the Lords totall departure from Saul See 1 Samuel chapt 28. verse 6. V. 9. Bring hither Put on the Ephod and draw neere to give mee answer concerning what I shall aske of thee V. 12. They will If thou stayest here V. 15 Saw The Italian Stood to see Or saw meaning that he had good advice and intelligence from his friends V. 16 In God With reasons and comforts grounded upon the grace promises and power of God V. 17 I shall be I will voluntarily yield the kingdome unto thee and will be contented with being thy chiefe servant V. 18 Made Renewed and confirmed it in the presence of the Priest who represented God himselfe Or by oath onely by which a man doth present himselfe before GOD who is witnesse and judge V. 22 Prepare The Italian Certifie your selves Or prepare every thing better Dealeth in the wars or in warlike affaires V. 23 In the Land In any place of the land of Israel if he be not retired into the wildernesse according to his wonted manner V. 24 To Zâ—ph looking for David here and there in the Wildernesse and the countrey of this name Before Saul as his guides and fore-runners V. 25 Into a rock This was some place of strong situation in that wildernesse out of which David came immediately after V. 27 But there came see such another history 2 Kings 19. 9. V. 28. Selab-Hammalekoth The Italian The stone of divisions Because that Saul was forced to goe away and leave David there CHAP. XXIV VERS 2. THE wilde Goats They were steep and inaccessible Rocks where no other things could come but onely such kinds of beasts V 4 The Lord This occasion offered by God so opportunely ought to bee embraced and taken hold of by thee as if it were an expresse message from him V. 5 Heart He trembled and stirred up himselfe with horror that hee had proceeded so farre in this action as that it might be taken for an injurie V. 6 Seing he is Seeing God by his absolute power hath made him King it onely belongeth to him for to depose him And therefore I ought not to hurt him neither as an enemy nor as a misdoer for the quality of King swalloweth up that of an Enemie towards a subject and covereth that of mis-doer within his owne Kingdome V. 13 Wickednesse Let some wicked man doe that which thou wishest mee to doe for my owne part I am an honest man and will alwayes doe like one V. 14 A dead dog A man of no estimation nor power See 2 Sam. 9. 8. V. 17 Rewarded mee Or thou hast done mee good and I have rewarded thee with evill V. 22 Unto the hold Namely of Enghedi verse 1. CHAP. XXV VERS 1. OF Paran Which was in Idumea on the south side of Judah V. 2 Maon A City of Judah as Carâ—el also was neare to this southerly frontier see Joshua chap. 15 verse 55. V. 8 In a good day In a day of mirth and feasting upon which occasions all men are likely enclined to liberality Whatsoever commeth What thou wilt whatsoever thou shalt willingly doe V. 9 And ceased They shewed themselves neither importunate nor insolent but quietly wayted for his answer Others have it they rested themselves from the wearinesse of the journey which might aggravate Nabals incivility in causing them to stay and then send them away empty V 10 There be many I know David but for a runne-away and disloyall servant and I have no no reason to favour him for feare lâ—st the number of such of which there are two many already should encrease V. 22. Doe God a turning of the execration of the oath See Ruth 1. 17. Any that any male Others not so much as a dog A manner of speech amongst the Hebrewes signifying a generall extermination V. 24. Let this wreake thy wrath upon me without going any further But before thou doe any violent act heare what I will say to thee V. 25. Nâ—bal is his name that is to say foolish a man of nought V. 26. Hath with holden thee This good thought of comming to meet thee to appease thee and doe that which Nabal had inhumanely refused to doe is come to me from God Of avenging Revenging thine one injury Be as Nabal Beastly and vile persons unworthy thine anger out of Gods grace and the love of men V. 28. Forgive For my sake forgive Nabal from whom he being my husband I have nothing severall For the Lord Seeing the Lord hath made thee such excellent promises and that thou hast hitherto shewed thy selfe worthy of them through an innocent life oh doe not staine thy vertues by an act of cruelty â—and trouble not thy future happinesse by a remorse and sorrow for having proceeded too far therein V. 29. Shall be bound Thy person shall be preeiously preserved alive As out of See Jeremiah 10. 18. V. 31. No griefe The Italian No Stumbling it will be no blemish to thy vertues no disturbance to thy happinesse nor
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
neere to Jerusalem and very much abounding in Corne. V. 6. Grapes that is to say some small remnant of people shall remaine in the Countrey V. 7. At that day when these calamities have hapned that small remnant shall be converted to me and to my true seruice which came to passe in part under Iosias 2 Chr 34. 33. and was perfectly accomplished under Jesus Christ. V. 8. That which namely the Idols the Groves which were consecrated by the Idolaters Isai. 1. 29. Or the images see Lev 26. 30. V. 9. A forsaken Bough namely after all the fruit is shaken of V. 10. Of the Rock see Deut. 3â— 4. Shalt thou plant thoushalt tâ—ke much paines and use much industry in tilling of ground but the fruit thereof shall be carried away by thine enemies Strange slips rare and excellent â—â—ips which were brought a great way either through curiosity or for the rarenesse of them V. 11. The day of griefe namely of the last desolation of the Assyrians Country V. 12. Woe to a new prophecie of the discomfiture of the Assyrians Army by the Angel 2 King 19. 35. Of many people or many sorts of divers Nations whereof the Assyrians Army was composed V. 14. Trouble a horrible tumult by reason of such a sudden slaughter CHAP. XVIII Vers. 1. SHadowing which raiseth and sendeth forth such mighty Armies that they seeme to be thicke Clouds of Locusts which shadow the Earth which is ordinary in Ethiopia Joel 2. 10. see concerning these innumerable Armies of Ethiopians 2 Chron. 14. 9. So Armies are called wings Isa. 8. 8. This prophecie seems to have relation to the conquest which Nebuchadnezzar made of Ethiopia together with Egypt Beyond or along by he Rivers V. 2. Ambassadours Ethiopia is divided into the Easterne which was a part of Arabia and the Westerne and the Red-Sea in the middle Gen. 2. 13. Numb 12. 1. and it seems that the seat of the Kingdome as in the Easterne part so that they were faine to send messengers into the Westerne parts for to have levies of men made By the Sea namely the red Sea or Arabicke gulfe Of Bulrushes according to the ancient custome of those Countries which in some places lasteth to this day to make the easier way against the streame by rockes flats and fals of Rivers Scattered the Italian hath it Of a long stature Heb. a Nation of long extent which is a thing namely their tallnesse that hath beene obseâ—ed at all times in the Ethiopians Peeled without haire or smooth having no haire upon their bodies which is also a property of those Country bodies by reason of the excessive heat A terrible people namely the most savage and rude amongst them which are those that dwell in the innermost parts of Ethiopia farre from the Sea looking more blacke and horrid and being more barbarous then the others Troden namely a vile and abject Nation kept in extreame slavery a thing proper to the Moores and Ethiopians both in their owne Country and abroad The Rivers this is also one of the properties of Ethiopia namely that the Rivers Nilus and Niger overflowing by reason of the great raines in Winter doe wash away all the fatnesse of the Land whereupon Egypt was by the ancients called the gift of Nilus V. 3. All ye that is to say I doe bring the world tidings of the Chaldeans generall over-running the Country Wherefore so soon as ye shall perceive it once to begin you must expect the continuance of it untill such time as all that be accomplished which I prophecie unto you V. 4. I will that is to say I will give the Chaldeans leave to goe on with this their great enterprise and will no way hinder them onely I will have the eye of my providence open and sixed upon my Church to comfort conduct and defend her amidst all these tempests as I did at her comming forth of Egypt and in the wildernesse by the siery and cloudy pillar Isa. 4. 5. V. 5. For that is to say the effect of my sufferance shall be this that the King of the Chaldeans shall conquer and destroy the great states of the world before they be growne old and weake with age even as if one should cut and dresse a Vine where it is budded and ready to beare fruit V. 6. Left that is to say they shall be left for a prey to their Conquerours and new Lords or to the eves and robbers on the high way as it often falleth out in new conquered Countries V. 7. In that time namely after all these ruines and calamities the Ethiopians shall be converted to God under the Gospell and shall embrace the Christian faith which indeed hath been so and is so to this day see Acts 8. 27 37. Shall the a figurative description of that peoples spirituall subjection to Christs Kingdome with termes taken from tributes and presents which are brought to earthly Kings and Princes as Psa. 68. 31. 72. 10. Isa. 16. 1. CHAP. XIX Vers. 1. RIdeth a propheticall description of Gods sudden and unlooked for judge ments executed by the Chaldeans upon Egypt as Psa. 18. 9. 104. 3. The Idols all the divels endeavours who is served in those idols and thereby seduceth men making a shew of defending those that worship him shall be quite overthrowne see Exod. 12. 12. and the beliefe which men had in them shall vanish away and the images themselves shall be beaten down and destroyed Jer. 43. 12. or carried away into captivity according to the custome of the heathen Isa. 46. 1. V. 2. Set the raising warres and civill factions amongst themselves Kingdome namely a province or rectories for Egypt was divided into rectories V. 3. The Spirit namely their strength valour and heart shall faile them at their need familiar spirits see Lev. 19. 31. V. 4. Cruell Lord namely Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon Jer. 46. 26. V. 5. The waters a figurative description of an extream desolation of Egypt which had all its pleasure profit ritches and security comming in by Sea the chiefest meanes of their great traffique and by means of the River Nilus which is the cause of the Countries great fruitfulnesse V. 6. Turne the Rivers farre away the Italian the Rivers shall goe backe namely by reason of the falling of the waters Of defence Egypt is often times thus called by reason of the Hebrew names signification The Countrey being much strengthned by meanes of the waters Others construe it as though he meant great bankes raised up upon the sides of the Rivers V. 7. By the Brookes being sowne and growing upon grounds all wet and dirty by reason of the overflowing of the River Nilus Driven away they shall be all spoiled through the rage desolation of war which shal be like the overflowing of a River V. 9. In fine Flax which was one of the singular and choicest rarities of Egypt see 1 King 10. 28. Prov. 7. 16. V. 11. Zoan a most ancient City of
1 Kin. 22. 7. Jer. 21. 2. and 42. 2 20. V. 3. Your shame proving vain and unprofitable to you Jer. 37. 5 7. V. 4. His Princes namely of Zedekiah King of Judah Zâ—an Hanes chiefe cities of Egypt called by the Authors Tanes and Dâ—pâ—â—e V. 6. The burthen a prophesie of threatnings and curses against this sending of Ambassadours and Presents into Egypt which lieth South of Judea to desire aid Hosâ— 14. 3. Of trouble the Italian Distresse he alludes to the Hebrew name of Egypt which signifieth straitnesse or distresse to put the people in remembrance of their ancient oppression in Egypt and to admonish them that this aid in this present necessity would serve for nothing but to incense the King of Babylon so much the more and provoke him to their utter destruction From whence namely the people of Africa subject or confederate with Egypt whose Countrey brought forth those harmfull beasts shewing figuratively that Egypt never brought nothing but hurt and damage to Gods people Serpent see Numb 21. 6. Deut. 8. 15. V. 7. Have I namely I Isaiah in Gods name Their strength the Italian the true Rahab this is an ordinary name in the holy Language for Egypt and signifieth height and strength the meaning is it were better then any glory or strength whereof Egypt hath but a name to rest in faith and grace upon Gods assistance To sit still he seems to have a relation to that which Moses said to the people Exod. 14. 14. V. 8. Write namely the foresaid motto or sentence with some addition of explication as Isaiah 8. 1. for these Prophesies were not set downe at large in thâ—se books V. 9. The Law particularly in this point never to return into Egypt Dâ—ut 17. 16. V. 10. Which â—â—y that have forbidden my Prophets to relate truly unto them what I declared and commanded them in vision or have commanded them to prophesie according to their mindes and wils V. 11. Get ye out that is to say apply your selves unto us doe not perform your charge with so much strictnesse and uprightnesse Cause the doe not speak so much to us in his name V. 12. This word namely the word of my Prophets V. 14. Break it namely these iniquities and false means whereon you trust vers 12. Or all your designes that you have built upon V. 15. And rest quietly holding your selves to Gods commandments and resting upon his promises V. 16. We will â—lee he hath a relation to Hezekiahs flight Jer. 39. 4. or to the remnant of the people of Jerusalem their retreat into Egypt Jer. 43. V. 17. As a beaâ—on the Italian as a ship mast that is to say in very small number having no means nor wealth left you as signes of Gods Justice upon the whole body of the Nation and of his mercy upon the residue such signes and markes being ordinarily set up in high places V. 18. And therefore namely to the end that his threatnings may be fully executed he shall stay the return of his grace which he shall afterwards gloriously set forth when he shall be pacified again Of judgement in chastizing his children and afterwards punishing of his enemies for their unreasonable and unmeasurable persecutions V. 19. Shall dwell that is to say they shall be delivered out of the captivitie of Babylon to enjoy peace and libertie again in their own countrey Under this figure is comprehended the spirituall restauration of the Church by Jesus Christ. V. 20. Though the Lord that is to say notwithstanding these favours and graces God shall hold you in a strait discipline of afflictions but you shall be comforted by Gods Word and by his Spirit to be guided in all your wayes whether they be of affliction or of prosperity which are the right and left hand of this life see Isa. 59. 21. V. 22. Desile that is to say You shall heartily renounce all manner of idolatrie you shall abhor it and hold it in abomination which was verified in the Jewish Church after their returne from Babylon The covering by this may be understood the leafe silver wherewith their idols were silvered over being under that of some other baser mettall or stuffe V. 23. Shall â—e give a figurative description of Gods superabundant blessing namely the spirituall blessing V. 25. In the day namely after the Lord shall have discomfited his enemies and beaten downe their haughtinesse Isa. 2. 15. V. 26. The light that is to say under the Gospel the light of knowledge faith and glory shall be very great and infinitely increased in regard of what it was under the old Testament V. 27. Behold a new prophesie of the Assyrians overthrow by the Angel The name namely God of whom there is neither image nor representation did make himselfe known by his name or the glorious and renowned God Commeth he appeareth suddenly after his enemies have judged him to be absent and a great way off The burthen namely the punishment which he layeth upon them with whom he is angry V. 28. His breath namely his wrath armed with divine strength Causing them that is to say it overthrowes and confounds all their designes and turneth them in despight of them for to do contrarie to their intentions V. 29. Ye shall have that is to say You beleeving Jews seeing the miraculous slaughter of the Assyrians shall have a joyfull subject to magnifie the Lord. As in the night hee hath a relation to the night which was before the day of the Passeover in which the people rejoyced and feasted in remembrance of their deliverance out of Egypt see Exod. 12. 42. As when one for upon solemne feast dayes they did use to come to the Temple a far way with songs and musick Psal. 42. 4. V. 32. Every place the Italian every passing he hath a relation to the song of triumph which was sung by the Israelites in the same place as they passed the Red sea after Moses had divided it with his rod Exod. 15. 20 Psal. 66. 6. that is to say the very place of this miraculous overthrow shall bee frequented with publique joy and feasting The grounded this word seemeth to be added for to make a distinction betweene the rod of correction which doth not remain for ever upon the lot of the righteous Psal. 125. 3. from the rod of iron which is irrevocable and destroyeth for ever Of shaking the Italian of an heaved up hand that is to say with open force displaying his divine strength as Isa. 19. 16. With it thâ— Italian against them or with it namely the rod. V. 33. Tophet it was a place neer Jerusalem where the Idolaters did use to burne their children to Moloch whereupon by a similitude it is often taken for hell fire as in this place see Isa. 14. 9. Ezech. 32. 18. For the King namely Sennacherib CHAP. XXXI Vers. 1. HOrses wherein Egypt abounded Deuter. 17. 16. 1 King 10. 28. Ezekiel 17. 15. V. 2. Is wise this wisdome of God
Italian married that is to say returned into favour and communion with her husband which is God V. 5. Thy Sonnes that is to say thou shalt have Princes and Magistrates of thine owne Nâ—tion and not strangers Jer. 30. 21. under the supreame command of God and his Christ. V. 6. I have set Gods Word that is to say I have given thee Prophets who are like watchmen upon the wals to admonish thee by their preaching and to preserve thee by their prayers to God Isa. 21. 11. Ezek. 13. 17. 38. 7. Ye that Isaiah his words That make mention the Italian that remember the Lord that doe keep the knowledge and service of God amongst his people and the remembrance of his grace and promises by your preaching V. 7. And give him never let your fervencie and perseverance in praying grow slacke V. 8. By his right hand that is to say as true as he is almighty Give thy Corne thou shalt be no more exposed for a prey Figurative termes to shew the Churches security and spirituall tranquillity under the Messias his Kingdom A promise contrary to the threatning Deuâ— 28. 31. Jer. 5. 17. V. 9. In the Courts that is to say in my Church and as it were in my presence with thanksgiving He hath a relation to those sacred feasts which were kept in the Court of the Temple to give thankes unto the Lord in holy mirth see Deut. 12. 12. 14. 26. 16. 11 14. 26. 11. V. 10. Goe thorow that is to say O you beleevers which are already gathered into the Church goe and meet the Gentilesâ— whom God purposeth to bring into it And make their conversion â—he easier by your doctrine example and charity take away all stumbling blocks and le ts out of the way Gather out or pave the waies with stones V. 11. The Lord God hath appointed this to be publiquely declared by us Prophets that all men may receive him when he appeares His worke that is to say his redemption and salvation Or the recompence which he wil give to his V. 12. They shall call them namely those that shal joyne themselves to the Church vers 10. And thou namely O thou Church in general Sought out namely by God thy husband after he had cast thee off Isa. 54. 6 7. Now this terme sheweth that the beginning of conversion commeth from God CHAP. LXIII Vers. 1. WHo is this the Prophets words or the Churches brought in here wondring at Christs glorious triumph over all his enemies figured by the Idumeans the Jewes perpetual adversaries Bozrah a chiefe City of Edom. Died namely with blood I Christs answer That speake who have faithfully promised everlasting salvation to my Church and wil powerfully perform my promise V. 3. I have namely I have without the help or assistance of any man executed Gods just vengeance upon his enemies often set downe under the name of Vintage Lam. 1. 15. Revel 14. 19 20. 19. 15. V. 4. The yeere namely the time of the Gospel figured out by the yeere of Jubile in which every one re-obtained his liberty and his patrimony V. 5. I looked he sheweth how that the whole glory of this victory belonged to Christ alone see John 16. 32. My fury all my weapons and aid were nothing but my justice provoked and zeale for my Fathers glory V. 6. Make them drunke as who should say drowned in their own blood see Rev. 16. 6. V. 7. I will mention Isaiah or the Churches words giving God thankes for his infinite goodnesse V. 8. He said namely God said formerly when he brought his people out of Egypt Surely they he brings God in as a father conceiving good hopes of his children V. 9. In all he had a lively feeling of all those evils which were done to his people see Zach. 2. 8. Acts 9. 4. The Angel namely the Sonne of God in whom the father hath at all times revealed himselfe as being â—he lively Image of God who is invinsible see Exod. 23. 20 21. and 33. 14. Col. 1. 15. V. 11. Remembred namely in many deliverances of his afflicte people Moses namely his covâ—nant in which Moses had been the Mediator Or Moses his vehement intercession that he had used upon the like occasion Exod. 32. 11. Saying the Italian but now namely in Isaiah his time in the peoples great distresse neere the time of the Babylonian captivity Where is that is to say God seemeth to have given over the conduct of his people the outward conduct by his Word and the inward conduct by his Spirit With the shepherd the Italian with the shepherds namely by the ministerie of Moses and Aaron Exod. 34. 10. Psal. 77. 20. V. 12. With his that is to say he accompanied Moses his ministerie with his glorious and divine power V. 15. The sounding the Italian the commotion the fervency of that fatherly affection which thou formerly shewest V. 16. Though Abrabam though we are so much degenerate that if Abraham were alive againe he would hardly acknowledge us to be his children V. 17. Made us to erre that is to say thou hast by thy just judgement taken away the conduct of thy Spirit from us and hast forsaken and left us to our own blinde lusts and for a height of punishment hast given us over to the spirit of error see Job 12 16. Thyservants sake namely the ancient Fathers with whom God made his Covenant and who did also faithfully keep it for whose sake he prayeth God to be mercifull to their posterity V. 18. Have possessed it namely the countrey which thou hadst promised us we should enjoy for ever V. 19. Not called not accepted for thine own nor called by thy Name as children are by their fathers name CHAP. LXIIII. Vers. 1. OH that the Churches prayer to God that hee would bee pleased to shew his divine power for her deliverance as he did formerly when he brought her out of Egypt and gave her his Law Psal. 68. 8. V. 3. When thou didst namely in the old daies in the deliverance out of Egypt in the bringing of thy people through the wildernesse and in the bringing of them into the land of Canaan V. 5. Thou meetest thou wert most bountifull of thy favours towards this people that did endeavour to serve thee and doe good works with a willing heart Remember Isaiah his words the meaning is when thou hast executed thy judgements upon thy people by the Babylonians they will turn unto thee in their captivity and will call upon thee with a sincere confession of their sinnes Levit. 26. 39. Dan. 9. 4. V. 6. He are all we acknowledge that our persons and our actions even the most praise worthy of them namely those wherewith we did thy service were all contaminated with hypocrisie prophanenesse or some other vices wherefore thou hast rejected us as abominable Taken us away namely out of thy sight out of the blessed country into captivity V. 7. For thou hast because
brought up there See Isa. 23. 8. On all strangers also V. 18. At thy departure Because thou wilt be an exile and a captive V. 19. When I shall bring When I shall have rooted thee out by a most cruell warre V. 20. Bring thee downe When I shall cause thee to perish as so many nations and cities have done before thee especially in the generall deluge to which he seemes to have a relation having before likened the invasion of Tyrus to an over-flowing Shall set the Italian Shall restore I shall gloriously re-establish my people and cause them to live and flourish againe for to be the honour of the world See Ezech. 20. 6. V. 21. I will make thee a terror Thou shalt be brought into such an extreme desolation full of horror in thy selfe and a subject of terror to others Others translate it I will bring thee to nothing and to perdition CHAP. XXVII Vers. 3. THe entrie in a very commodious place for to resort unto by Sea from divers places and to carry merchandises from thence into the continent or firme land V. 4. Thy borders Thou werâ— encompassed round with the Sea V. 5. Shenir A hill in the confines of Palestine Deut 3. 9. V. 6. Thy benches Wherewith they covered the walls and floores of chambers and the decks of ships Câ—ittim of Greece and of the Archipelago Gen. 10. 4. V. 7. Elisha it is thought that hereby are meant the Eolians a people of Greece Gen. 10. 4. some doe take it for Italiâ— Covered thâ—e the Italian Thy â—anopie namely of the poop of thy ships V. 8. Aruad It is thought to be the Island called Arado neere to Sidon Gen. 10. 18. V. 9. The ancients namely the chiefe of this Nation famous for Architecture and Building see 1 Kings 5. 18. Psal. 83. The wise men The masters and most cunning workmen V. 10. Lud See Gen. 10. 13. Phur See Gen. 10. 6. They hanged according to the custome of garrison souldiers They set Their souldiers being there continually did much increase thy splendor and Majestie V. 11. The men The Italian The children Those of Arvad which lived by the Sea-coast v. 8. and thine owne souldiers kept a continuall watch about the city The Gammadims it was thought to be a people of Syria of a citie called Gamalah V. 12. Tarshish namely The people that lived along the coast of the Mediterranean sea and especially the city of Tharsus a Tyrian colonie others will have it to be Carthage V. 13. Of Javan Of Greece Tubal Meshech See Gen. 10. 2. The persons the Italian The soules that is to say Traded for slaves V. 14. Togarmah See Gen. 10. 3. Horsemen Men which were expert in managing and breaking of horses V. 15. Dedan People of Arabia Gen. 10. 7. They brought thee for to have the benefit of being free of thy Faires and Markets V. 17. Wheat the Italian Corne By 1 King 5. 9. Acts 11. 20. it appeares that Tyrus was furnished with corne out of the land of Israel Minniâ—h A countrey abounding in corne Fannag the Italian Fannag Some will have it to be the name of a countrey and the name of Phenicia to be taken from thence and others translate it Rozen â—alme or Turpentine wherein Gilead abounded Gen. 37. 25. Jer. 8. 22 and 46. 11. V. 18. Helbon A place of Syria which is thought to be that which at this time is called Aleppo V. 19. Dan He meanes those which after the captivitie of the ten tribes came and inhabited the ancient country belonging to Dan namely Laâ—sh a City neere to Tyre Judges 18. 28. 29. Going to and fro for the Greeks have alwayes beene great travellers V. 20. Clothes It is very likely that they were some faire shagged carpets wherewith they covered their horses and chariots to sit upon them V. 21. Kedar namely of Arabia Petrea Lambes That countrie abounding with cattell Isa. 60. 7. V. 22. Sheba Names of Arabia Felix V. 23. Haran Places of Mesopotamia Chilmad it is thought to be Media or some part thereof V. 24. Blew clothes namely Silks and Woolls died in this noble colour enclining to a Violet V. 26. Did sing of thee the Italian Were thy caravans as those places which are haunted with wild beasts upon the land are travelled through with great companies of travellers and loaded cattell so doe the ships flock towards thee in great numbers together Glorious enriched in goods V. 26. Thy vowers Thou hast been like unto a well furnished ship brought into the maine Sea of greatnesse riches and power by the governours and there left to suffer shipwracke The East-wind Most tempestuons and dangerous in those countries Psal. 48. 7. V. 27. Thy Calkers Heb. those which mend thy breaches which some take for the breaches of walls and buildings Shall sall Shall be all ensolded in thy ruine A continuation of the same similitude of a broken ship V. 28. The suburbs the Italian The beats the Hebrew word seemes to signifie a cock-boat which they throw out of the ship The meaning is that the colonies and cities subject to Tyre should be surprized with terror at the fall and ruine of their chiefe citie and all other lesser states should be likewise so terrified V. 30. Cast up dust Which is a signe of great sorrow and mourning V. 33. Wentsorth Thou wert the Magazin and staple of victuall and merchandize which thou didst transport by Sea and distribute them to divers nations V. 34. By the Seas that is to say By the over-flowing of warre Ezek. 26. 19. V. 36. Hisse at thee the Italian Whistle in token of wonder A terror a subject of terror to all men by reason of thy terrible fall or thou hast beene brought to nothing CHAP. XXVIII Vers. 2. I Am Thou art growne vaine and hast exalted thy selfe through thy glory wisdome and happinesse as if thou wert no more a mortall man but a petty God I sit I raigne in a strong place full of glory goods and delights which are the two properties belonging to heaven which is Gods habitation though thou set thy heart the Italian thou didst wake thine heart like Gods heart thou didst thinke thy selfe to be endowed with divine and more then humane understanding and wisedome the Tyrians wisedome being very famous Ezech 9. 2. V. 3. Thou art wiser in thine owne conceit and opinion Daniel who for the incomparable gifts of Gods holy spirit as well in prophecye as in counsell and wisedome Dan. 1. 17. was by a common proverbe set as a patterne of wisedome in Babylon where Ezekiel then prophecyed See Ezek. 14. 14. V. 4. Riches or power V. 7. Against the By strength they will overcome all thy counsels and arts of prevention and defence Or they will kill thee not respecting thy wisedome which maketh thee so majesticke and venerable V. 8. The deaths of them namely of all kinds of violent death in the generall slaughter of thy people See Isa. 14. 19. V. 10. Of
world over by which the consciences being moved shall come to him Hag. 2. 6 7. Heb. 12. 26. The children The true elect children of grace shall joyne themselves in spirit to the communion of the Church from all the ends of the world where they have beene scattered V. 12. Compasseth me In all their actions they are disloyall unto me Judah In the tribe of Judah which hath not forsaken Gods pure service there doth yet remaine the lawfull government of Davids posterity Is faithfull He persevereth in my covenant holding himselfe to the faith and Religion of his holy ancient forefathers or to that which is taught them by Gods holy servants the Prophets and Priests CHAP. XII Vers. 1. FEedeth He builds upon vaine means and feeds himselfe with frivolous and ruinous hopes the Easterne wind being very tempestuous in those countreys continuing in his sinnes and thinking to escape Godâ— judgements by strange and unlawfull covenants Oyle the Italian sweet smelling oyles Whereof there was great plenty in Judea 2 Kings 20. 13. V. 2. The Lord That which I have spoken in praise of Judah is not to free him from all defects for he hath also his grievous faults but because Gods true service is yet remaining there God wil yet reprove and redargue him with words but as for the ten tribes he will judge them with deeds seeing they are almost become incapable of all correction V. 3. In the wombe These histories seeme to be alledged here to reprove Israel for their ingratitude after so many great benefits of God towards their forefathers which he reduces to two heads figured here in these two histories One is Jacobs election before Esau his brother the Other his deliverance from all those evills wherewith God had tried and exercised him By his strength Which was given him by Gods grace A figure of the spirituall strength of the faith and spirit With God With the Son of God who appeared to Jacob in humane shape who also by reason of his office of Mediator is afterwards called Angel V. 4. He wept This weeping may be referred to that which is said Gen. 35. 8. And it seemes it was a weeping upon some solemne time of supplication With us namely With Jacob our father confirming Gods promises to him and all his Posterity Gen. 35. 11. V. 5. The Lord is He hath take this name of Eternall with his people Exod. 3. 14 15. for a pledge of the truth of his promises and therefore he will without faile performe them if we doe turne to him V. 7. He is namely Ephraim is degenerate and hath taken upon him the customes and manners of a Canaanite being wholly addicted to dishonest gaine to deceits and avarice see Ezek. 16. 3. Is a Merchant the Italian A Canaanite A Nation whose ordinary exercise was merchandizing with all the vices which were annexed unto it and therefore that Name is taken for a Merchant and very often also for a deceiver V. 8. My labours I have not stained my trading with any great misdeed onely I have used certaine subtilties and crafts therein as were not subject to the Law words of a prophane and cauâ—erized conscience V. 9. I that am Although thou beest so corrupt yet will I observe mine ancient covenant which I made even in the land of Egypt towards my true Israel in spirit An Evangelicall promise Will yet make thee I will deliver my Church from the spirituall Egypt and will make her passe through the wildernesse of the world in particular Churches aspiring towards the heavenly Canaan even as my people dwelt in Tents in the Wildernesse the remembrance whereof is celebrated in the feast of the Tabernacles Lev. 23. 43. See Zech. 14. 16. V. 10. Spoken the Italian I will speake I will largely manifest my selfe by my Word â—ee Joel 2. 28. Similitudes grave sentences and doctâ—ines illustrated with similitudes according to the Holy Ghosts stile V. 11. Vanity They are altogether drowned in Idolatry They sacrifice To Idols or peradventure also to the true God but beyond his command wherefore it is all Idolatry As heaps that is to say They are innumerable and at the end of every field see Hos. 8. 11. and 10. 1. V. 12. Fled The meaning seemes to be Remember the first voyage which was Jacobs in extreme misery and servitude and the second which was your comming out of Egypt in a glorious deliverance by the hands of Moses that you may be afraid left I cause you to make a third into wretched captivity V. 13. Preserved Even like unto a flocke of sheep Psal. 77. 20. Isa. 63. 11. V. 14. His blood He will not pardon him his sinne nor cleanse him from it but will keepe it still in remembrance to punish him for it at his appointed time See Ezek. 24. 7 8. CHAP. XIII Verse 〈◊〉 WHen time was that the tribe of Ephraim having the rule of the ten Tribes was terrible through its power but now that it hath strayed and is runne into Idolatry its strength and glory is come to nothing like unto a dead carkase V. 2. They say the Kings of the Tribe of Ephraim do command the people to follow the idolatry which they have established 1 Kings 12. 28. Kisse the whosoever will do Gods service let him come and worship the Calves which Jeroboam hath set up Kissing being an act and token of worship and religious honour See 1 Kings 19. 18. Psal. 2. 12. V. 3. They shall be they shall not be stedfast but shall quickly be dispersed and brought to nothing V. 5. Know thee that is to say I took care of thee and provided all things necessary for thee V. 6. According to their through too much fatnesse and plenty they are become fierce and untamed Deut. 8. 12. 32 15. V. 7. A Leopard which useth to lie in wait to set upon a man See Jer. 5. 6. V. 8. As a Beare See 2. Sam. 17. 8. Prov. 17. 12. that is to say I am become their implacable enemy The cause that is to say I wound them mortally And thâ—re namely upon the high way whereby are meant the instants and times appointed for Gods judgements See the like use of this word Psal. 53 5. Eccles. 3. 17. V. 9. Thou hast Many have wrought together to overthrow thee but I alone can save thee and not thy Kings in whom thou hast trusted V. 10. Of whom thou Some referre this to the first asking of a King 1 Sam. 8. 5. Others to the â—umultuaâ—y election of Jeroboam 1 Kings 12 16. 20. V. 11. I gave thee I have suffered thee to thy hurt and dammage to have a King according to thine owne will though I did not approve of it Hos. 8. 4. and I have aggravated my judgments the more upon thee by reason of the frequent violent deaths of thy Kings which doe bring the Kingdome into extreame ruine V. 12. Is bound up nothing shall escape me I will make them beare the punishment for
Obad. 17. V. 9. Like as Governing their dispersion by my providence in such sort that none of mine Elect shall perish in eternall perdition nor the remainder of my Believers be extinguished nor overthrowne V. 11. Will I raise up After I have thus punished my Church I will restore the Kingdome of David by the Messias changing it into a spirituall and everlasting Kingdome V. 12. That they That the true Israel according to the spirit joyned with Christ their Head may participate of the universall Kingdome which he hath gotten over his enemies such as the Idumeans were to the Israelites Others doe bring it in thus That they may professe the remnant of Edom and all Nations that are called by my Name that is to say Mine Elect and those who shall be converted to me by the Gospel Isa. 19. 25. and 44. 5. V. 13. The Plow-man Figurative promises of Gods spirituall graces and blessings to his Church See Lev. 26. 5. Shall drop Into precious liquors of honey milke oyle and must The Prophesie of OBADIAH ARGUMENT OBadiah denounceth to the Idumeans capitall and implaeable enemies of Gods people their finall and inevitable destruction by reason of the evils which they had done to the Church of God to which he contrariwise promiseth eternall Salvation and perfect restauration in Christ and likewise the totall destruction of all her enemies CHAP. I. Verse 1. A Rumour namely God having stirred up the Chaldeans and other Nations to the destruction of the Idumeans which as it appeareth by the other Prophets happened after the ruine and captivity of the Jewes And Obadiah prophesied before either of them V. 3. In the clefts he hath a relation to the strong and mountainous scituation of Idumea V. 7. Have brought thee the Italian Have accompanied thee have joyned their forces to thine to goe and withstand the enemies invasions but just at the instant that thou hadst need of them they have forsaken thee And prevailed he seemes to meane the Egyptians who by powerfull perswasions and by reason of interest of state had brought the Idumeans to declare themselves enemies to the Chaldeans They that eat thy bread c the Italian They have laid thy bread for a snare for thee a terme taken from hunters who with baits draw the boasts into their traps The meaning is the victuall which thou hast had out of Egypt hath been as it were a bait to thee to insnare thee in the league against the Chaldeans which hath beene the cause of thy ruine which with all thy famous wisdome thou couldest not perceave V. 9. Teman the name of a City and Countrey in Idumea V. 10. Thy brother namely the Israelites and Jewes which were descended from Jacob brother of Esau the father of the Idumeans V. 11. That thou stoodest not only like an idle spectator yeelding no assistance nor pittying the Jewes calamities but feeding also thine eyes therewith as with a pleasing object His forces the men of war taken with Zedekiah in his flight Jer. 39. 4 5. Or plainely the whole multitude carried away captive into Babylon Upon Ierusalem to part both the spoile and persons V. 12. That he becamâ— or in the day of his strange chance See Job 31. 3. Spoken proudly by scoffing them V. 16. For as ye as You my people have drunke of the cup of my judgements so your enemies shall drinke up the very dregs and shall be utterly destroyed thereby See Jer. 25. 29. 49. 12. V. 17 Their possessions which they were dispossessed of by their enemies A figure of the right to the eternall inheritance which the Devill and Sinne had gotten away from the Church to which it was restored by Christ. Others their possessions namely the possessions of those Nations which were their enemies V. 18. Shall be a fire the Church by the power of Chri 〈…〉 and of his Spirit shall consume all her enemies represented under the person of the Idumeans as easily as fire consumeth flaxe Shall kindle as fire doth kindle when it takes hold of some combustible matter V. 19. Possesse the Jewes shall be put into full possession of their Countrey with great addition and enlargement of their ancient bounds as of Idumea on the South side and the Philistines Land on the side of the plaine See of these countries of Judea Jer. 17. 26. and 32. 44. and 33. 13. the meaning is the same as v. 17. V. 20. Of this Host See upon v. 11. Zarep hath it is thought to be a City or Countrey of Caldea V. 21. And Saviours this may according to the Letter and in part be understood of the Maccabecs who subdued the Idumeans 1 Mac. 5. 3. but spiritually and fully it is referred to the Apostles and other of Christs Ministers who were to preach the Gospell for the salvation of the Elect and condemnation of the wicked See 1 Tim. 4. 16. The Kingdome Christ true God shall by his Father be established everlasting King of his Church and of all the World The Booke of the Prophet IONAH ARGUMENT THough the Subject of this Booke be Historicall yet it hath been put in the number of the other Prophets As well by reason of Jonahs person who was a Prophet in Israel as by reason of the principall action of this History which is a prediction of things that shall happen and a preaching of repentance By whicâ— God setting forth a beame of His Grace upon the City of Nimveh Head of that great Empire of the Assyrians sent His Prophet thither Who at the first withstood this Calling and was therefore persecuted and punished by the Lord. And being afterwards miraculously delivered he went to Niâ—iveh and there fulfilled what was commanded him denouncing to them their approaching ruins But this threatening having produced the effect of a publicke humiliation and repentance God did suspend the execution thereof for that time And Jonah discovering as much infirmity of humane Jense in being troubled at the effect of Gods mercy as he had shewed in being unwilling to be the instrument and proclaimer of his justice is by Him reprehended and instructed CHAP. I. Verse 3. To flee See the cause upon Jon. 4. 1. Unto Tarshish the most common opinion is that he meanes the City of Tharsus in Cilicia Others translate it to flee by Sea From the presence namely from the Land of Israel whore God made his abode in grace and vertue and where he appeared to his Prophets Or it is a phrase taken from slaves who by stealth run away from their Masters service to shew that he did run away because he would not fulfill Gods Commandement Joppa A Sea Port of Palestine so called Acts 9. 36. V 7. Let us cast knowing that this tempest was neither naturall nor ordinary They conjecture by Gods secret inspiration that there is some body in the Ship that is guilty of some grievous sinne Wherefore they desire to discover the truth by lots according to the Heathens custome but God overseeth
See Isa. 14. 8. Ezek. 31. 16. The spoile as oftentimes Wolfes and other ravening beasts are surprised in the greatest heate of their slaughter which blindeth them so the like shall happen to thee V. 18. What profiteth A scoffe at the Caldeans vaine confidence in their Idols A teacher Idols are so called Jer. 10. 8 14. Zech 10. 2. because that according to the opinion of Idolaters they are remembrances and visible documents of an invisible Deity And in the meane time they cause mans minde to goe astray from the true and saving knowledge of God revealed in his Word imprinting false opinions of God in him bringing him downe to sensible things in stead of raising him up to spirituall ones V. 19. Awakâ— to help me Teach that is to say counsell and direct thee V. 20. Is in his liveth and raigneth in Heaven in glory and is present in grace in Spirit in his Temple and it is â—itting that all the world should submit to him in all humility CHAP. III. Ver. 1. SIgionoth A terme of musicke The meaning whereof is unknowne See Psal. 7. upon the title V. 2. Thy speech namely the precedent prophecye concerning the â—â—ine of Babylon Wherefore in all humble reverence I submit my selfe to Thy will Only I pray thee that thou wouldst continue thy worke of grace in thy Church during The seventy yeares of captivity of which thou hast declared â—nto us the prefixed time V. 3. God he describes the glorious bringing in of Gods people into the Land of Canaan under Joshua inferring thereby that as God had miraculously brought his people into that Countrey so he might bring them in againe notwithstanding all lets and hinderances From Teman of Idumea within whose territories lay a great part of that Wildernesse through which the people passed Judg. 5. 4. Parâ—â— a place in the Wildernesse Numb 10. 12. Selah See Psal. 3. 4. Of his praise of his noble acts worthy to be praised in all ages and at all times Others of his Brightnesse V. 4. The hiding the brightnesse thereof was so great that it dâ—â—â—lâ—d the sight so that one could not see into it V. 5. Before him these scourges went before him and behind him as his Officers and executiâ—neâ—â— of his vengeances V. 6. He stood as it were in the frontier to mâ—â—â— out the Countrey for his people The Nations namely the Canaanites See Exod. 15. 15. Jos. 2. 9. and 5. 1. Everlasting which have never changed neither place nor forme since their Creation See upon Gen 4â— 26. Deut. 33. 15. 〈◊〉 all worldly heights which seemed immutable melted before him His wayes to him only belongeth to move everlastingly in the actuall exercise of his power to doe whatsoever he pleaseth V. 7. I saw that is to say all the neighbouring Nations as the Arabians that lived in Tents were terrified at the peoples passage through the Wildernesse See Exod. 15. 15. Numb 22. 3 4. Others thinke he hath a relation to the discomfiture of Cushan-Pisaraim by Othniel Judg. 3. 10. of the Midianiteâ— by Gideon Judg. 6. 1. V. 8. Was the Lord God did not cry out upon the Red Sea nor upon Jordan because he was angry with those creatures to destroy them or to alter their naturall course but only for the safe-guard of his people Psal. 114. 5. Thou didst ride every time that thou hast shewed thy selfe as it were in baâ—â—ell array it hath alwayes been for the deliverance of thy people V. 9. Thy â—â—w A figurative terme taken from that in those Countries the Archers did use to carry their bones in certaine cases Cleave A poeticall hyperbole Thou didst cleave the earth and causedst waters and streames to come forth every where V. 10. The overflowing thou pouredst downe from Heaven a strong and fierce raine Psal. 77 17. Uâ—teâ—ed his voice A poeticall representation as if the Sea had required mercy and pardon of God feeling it selfe strucken by his hand V. 11. The Sun this may be referred to that which was done by Joshuah Jos. 10. 12 13. or it is a continuation of the precedent representation Thâ—â—e â—â—â—owes namely of thy lightenings V. 13. Thine Aâ—â—inted namely Moses and Aaron or Joshua persons consecrated by God to be instruments of his peoples deliverances and victories See Psal. 77. 20. Isa. 63. 11. Woundeâ—â—â— thou destroyedst Pharaoh King of that wicked Countrey Aegypt with all his Army even as a house which were overthrowne to the very ground V. 14. With his staves causing his enterprize and the preparation which he made to follow thy people to be the occasion of his owne ruine Of his villages namely of all the Land of Egypt inhabited as the most part of Africke is in Castles and Villages See Isa. 1â— 2. Secretly being far from any reliefe or assistance A terme taken from high-way robbers Psal. 10 8. V. 15. with thine horses whereby are meant the windes or the cloudes Psal. 104. 3. or the Host of Angels who are Gods Horse-men Psal. 68. 17. V. 16. I heard the denuntiation of thine horrible judgments upon thy people so different from these thine ancient deliverances hath quite dismayed me Râ—ttennesse my spirit is gnawne and consumed therewith V. 17. The Fig-tree that is to say the Countrey shall be brought into extreme desolation V 18. Yet I will notwithstanding the naturall feeling of all these great evils I and all other true Beleevers will be comforted by the most certaine promises of deliverance Hab. 2. 4. V. 19. â—e will make he will at last doe his people that favour as to let them escape and save themselves in the Church under Gods protection as the Hinde hunted followed by the huntsmeâ— retireth to her covert To the See Psal. 4. in the title The Booke of the Prophet ZEPHANIAH ARGUMENT THis Prophet lived and prophesied but few yeares before the captivity of Babylon together with many others who by their preachings have kept off the imminent ruine exhorting That wicked people to repentance and conversion to prevent Gods judgements And such is also the only subject of this Prophecye in which Zephaniah denounceth the approaching desolation by the Caldeans for a punishment of their idolatries tyrannies oppressions and incorrigible wickednesses which raigned in all the people high and low from which he earnestly exhorteth them to turne Then he turneth towards the true Beleevers and the Elect whom he comforteth with the promises of deliverance from these evils and of everlasting salvation by Christ who should gather together His Church from amongst all the Nations in the World and should sanctifie it blesse it and glorifie it for ever and should ruine all her enemies CHAP. I. Ver. 2. I Will A threatening of the Countries desolation by the Caldeans V. 3. The fowles A kinde of amplification very frequent amongst the Prophets See Jer. 4. 25. and 12. 4. Hos. 4. 3. Stumbling blocks the Idols and all the objects and instruments of Idolatry by which men were induced to sinne even
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
spoken of the Passeover in regard of Mary who came thither of free devotion Others hold that the command of comming to the three feasts was restrained to the Passeover onely after the people were multiplyed and scattered into farre Countries Ver. 49. Businesse namely to doe such things as he had commanded me and performe his service beginning at doctrine Others translate it to look to my fathers house V. 52. In savour That is to say Gods gifts and graces and his favour to Christ did daily appeare more evident and abundant ver 40. whereupon hee also obtained by a secret vertue the love and good will of men See 1 Sam. 2. 26. Prov. 3. 4. Acts 2. 47. Rom. 14. 18. CHAP. III. VER 1. BEing Governour as a Proctor or overâ—â—â—r of the Emperours businesses 〈◊〉 there were some provinces reserved for Caesar distinct from them which belonged to the people of Rome whose Governours were chosen by the people Herod Sonne to Herod the great from whose other sonne called Archelaus the Romans tooke away Iudea reducing it into a province Tetrarch See upon Matthew 14. 1. Iturea these provinces were Countries of the ancient Palestine which lay beyond Iordan bordering upon Siria Abilene this was also a small Country beyond Iordan V. 2. Annas according to the Law there could be but one high Priest namely the first of Aarons lineage But this order was perverted in those dayes by the Iewes practises and the Romans tyrannie who had deposed Annas see Caiphas who was his Son in Law in his place though peradventure they had leâ—t Annas the title for honours sake Act. 4. 6. or peradventure he was his great deputie Numb 3. 32. 2 King 25. 18. The word that is to say he had an especiall command and revelation for to begin to exercise his office See Luke 1. 80. In the wildernesse see upon Mat. 3. 1. V. 6. The salvation namely Iesus Christ in whom consisteth the salvation of the world shall be manifested not onely to the Iewes as hee was formerly but to all Natiens indifferently V. 10. Shall we doe to bring forth such fruits as thou requirest of us ver 8. and to flee from the wrath to come V. 11. Let him impart shewing his pietie by acts of pure charity towards his neighbours V. 14. Falsly vexing him by cunning or malice and accusing him for false crimes c. V. 15. Were in expectation concerning the comming and the manifestation of the Messias that firme beliese being rooted in the mindes of them who lived in those dayes that the time of it was come as well in regard of the prophecies and the accomplishment of times as by reason of some secret inspiration of God V. 23. About the meaning seemes to be that he was newly entred into his one and thirtieth yeare Thirtie at which age the Priests began to enter into service Num. 4. 3. 35 39 43 47. which it seems our Lord did imitate who was the great spirituall Priest The Sonne of Heli the great difference that is betweene the two Genealogies of our Lord in Saint Matthew and in Saint Luke as well in the names as in the number of the heads sheweth plainely that they are two severallones In that of Saint Matthew Ioseph is mentioned in his owne proper name as issued by naturall generation from those who are there set downe In that of Saint Luke he represents other persons and especially that of the Virgin Mary whose true pedigree is set downe by St. Luke For in the Iewish genealogies women made no heads but if they were not heires the brothers only were named in them and if they were as the holy Virgin was they passed under their Husbands names who ought to bee of the same Nation And thereupon wee must note that the Ancients by originall tradition have written thaâ— Davids line by Salomon failing in Ieconiah the branch of Zorobabel issued of David by Nathan Mat. 1. 12. succeeded in the governement of the people And that out of Zorobabell of Abiud set down by S. Matthew and of Rhesa set downe by Saint Luke And that is happened that Matthan the Grandfather of Ioseph issued of Abiud Matth 1. 15. married a woman called Estha and of her had Iacob and that after the death of Matthan Melchi descended of the branch of Rhesa married this woman and had by her this Heli who is named by Saint Luke So that Iacob and Heli were brothers by the mother And so Heli being married and dying without issue Iacob married the widdow according to the Law Deut. 25. 5. and by her had Ioseph So that in Saint Matthew Ioseph is the proper sonne of Iacob But 〈◊〉 Saint Luke he is reputed the surrogate sonne of Heli in whose name hee was ingendred according to the Law Then that all the branch of Rhesa being reduced only into the person of the blessed Virgin Ioseph as being her neerest kinsman was betrothed 〈◊〉 to her according to the Law Num. 36. 8. So that Ioseph is inserted into the line of Rhesa by two titles as engendred to raise issue to Heli brother by the mothers side to Iacob and as Husband to Mâ—â— heire to all that line Whereupon the ancients doe say two notable things The first that this Hill was the Sonne of Melchi immediately without coâ—â—ting Matthat or Levi which Saint Luke puts in betweene Heli and Melchi The second that there are but seventy two generations in our Saviours geâ—â—â—logie set downe by Saint Luke and yet adding thereunto the foresaid Matthat and Levi there would 〈◊〉 seventy foure Whereupon may be inferred that 〈…〉 hat was the father of the Virgin Mary and that 〈◊〉 was the Sonne of Levi who was the brother of Hell both issued from Melchi So that these 〈◊〉 heads Matthat and Levi were in the Register 〈…〉 terally joyned to Helâ— with whom in respect of Ioseph they were reputed but as one generation Onely to shew that as Ioseph was come into this genealogiâ— by surrogation in the name of Heli so he had goâ—â—en also a second right by â—â—pousing Mary who was the heire And though Ioseph had no part in the generation of our Lord Iesus yet the Evangelists 〈◊〉 beene pleased to set downe these genealogies as they found them in the Iewish records in which questionlesse Iesus was set downe 〈◊〉 the sonne of Ioseph and Mary according to the common opinion corrected by the relation of the hidden truth concerning his miraculous birth V. 36. Of Aâ—phaxâ—d in your common Texâ—â— Câ—inan is set down betweene Sala and Aâ—phaxâ—d but that being contrary to Moses his History and being rejected by the best antiquity as a Sâ—riveneâ—s error caused by some Copies of the Greekish translation this Cainan hath bin here eâ—â— out Verse 38. Of God that is to say created by him CHAP. IIII VER 6. DElivered so the Devill is constrained to confesse that he hath no power over the world but only by Gods permission which hee â—â—alâ—â—ie termeth a gift
a Sons inheritance V. 6. Without faith because it is the onely means appointed by God to receive his grace in Christ who onely hath made peace with God For he he proves that no man is pleasing to God without faith because that to be in his favour is no work of man but Gods benefit Now the benefit is unprofitable unlesse it be received and this cannot be received but onely by faith John 1. 12. That commeth to namely this he that desires to be in Gods favour and covenant is partaker of his blessing That he is this is the first part of faith which consists in the understanding and knowledge and being alone is but an historicall faith and of bare notice which is also common with the Devils James 2. 19. And that he is namely that he will really fulfill the promises which he hath made of everlasting goods to them that enter into this covenant with him And this is the other part of faith consisting in the apprehension and singular application of the promise of grace to the beleever which is here called reward and recompence V. 7. By faith in this example and the following are declared the effects of certain particular promises and words of God as essaies and trialls of faith to the generall ones of his grace in Christ upon which also these particular ones were fastned as the branches upon the stock Moved with that is to say His beleefe that he gave to the â—idings of the deluge caused him to yeeld through a pious and obedient fear unto the onely means of saving himself which was propounded unto him by the Aâ—k which was a figure of Christ the onely means of eternall salvation and object of the justifying â—aith 1 Pet. 3. 21 He condemned not onely by his preaching 2 Pet. 2. 5. but also by building the Aâ—k he warned the men of that age to be converted in time which they refusing to do were made inexcusable and their rebellion was aggravated And became that is to say That benefit ought not to be taken in a carnall sense as if he had received nothing else from God but his bodily deliverance for he together with that received the gift of eternall salvation as Sonne of God by right of inheritance promised to the righteousnesse of faith Gen. 6. 8 9. Rom. 4. 13. Or by faith he received the gift of Christs righteousnesse which God bestoweth upon his children and by vertue of it all his other goods V. 9. By faith being encouraged and born up by faith in the promise of life and heavenly glory for a pledge whereof the land of Canaan was given him he suffered all the troubles of such a long pilgrimage With Isaac as those Patriarches did likewise after Abrahams death V. 10. A city namely Heaven a firme and everlasting habitation for all beleevers opposite to those moveable and ambulatory habitations of the Patriaches see Heb. 13. 14. Rev. 21. 2 10. V. 11. Through faith that is to say By means of Sarahs faith God wrought that miracle upon her according to Gods ordinary proceeding in his works of grace which is to present the promise of a benefit to a man before he gives him the full effect of it and if he by faith receives the promise into his heart like seed then at the appointed time he enjoyes the benefit otherwise he is deservedly deprived of it see Matth. 13. 5â— Marke 6 5. and 9. 23. V. 13. In faith to shew that the faith of those Fathers had not onely earthly goods for its object he declares that they died and never were put in possession of the promised Land whereupon we must conclude either that their faith was vaine or that Gods promise did extend it selfe to the everlasting goods into the possession of which they entered by death Seen them with the eye of the Spirit which is faith v. 27. Embraced them the Italian Saluted them that is to say having had a short and transitory fruition of the Land of Canaan as of a person which one saluteth from afar off or as one goeth by V. 14. For they that is to say those fathers protesting that they were pilgrimes even when they were in the Land of Canaan did declare that was not their true Countrey and if they meant the ancient Countrey of Chaldea from whence they were come they did in vaine labour to seeke after it seeing they might quickly and easily returne unto it And therefore we must conclude that their ayme was at the heavenly Countrey to which they could not come but onely by death V. 16. Wherefore God if their faith had ended with this life by their death they had perished all together and it had been an unworthy thing for God to have been called their God after their death as he is Exod. 3. 6. But because after their death they lived in heavenly glory it is a thing no way unbeseeming Gods Majesty See Matth. 22. 32. V. 17. By faith not onely by it overcomming all naturall affections contrary to this obedience but even assuring himselfe against all sence and reason that Isaac though offered in a holocauste could not perish irrevocably seeing that according to Gods promise the holy Seed was to be preserved in him and the Messias at the last was to come of him That had received that is to say had embraced them by a lively faith resting wholy upon them The promises of being head and stemme of the blessed seed by Isaac and his posterity V. 19. From whence the meaning is that Isaacs deliverance was a figure of the resurrection in respect of Abraham who in his owne conceipt did already account him as dead and had overcome all the griefe and naturall motions for him as if he had been already dead V. 20. By faith that is to say lively apprehending Gods generall promises he did by his blessing dispose of the promised goods as if he had already had them in possession and by beleeving the particular declaration which God had made to preferre the younger to the elder Gen. 25. 2â— he gave Jacob that blessing Gen. 27. 28. 28. 4. which importeth the continuance of the blessed race and of Gods covenant V. 21. By faith in this blessing of Josephs children Jacob exercised his faith because that thereby he made them partakers of the spirituall goods promised to the holy Seed into which he incorporated them as his owne children Gen. 48. 16 20. and of the temporall goods which were the figure thereof such as the Land of Canaan was though the first goods were not yet sensible and the other not as yet present Now the Apostle makes mention of the blessing of these children of Joseph rather then of the rest of Jacobs children because that they were borne in Egypt of an Egyptian mother and were rich and powerfull and yet Jacob laying aside all those false goods he turns his mind in their behalf to the goods belonging to the holy Seed whereunto he doth
to preserve it Divided that is ordained the heaven to turne continually about and that when the Hemispheare wherein the light was imprinted was above the earth it should then be day and when it was under the earth it should be night which was the beginning of the vicissitude or succession of day and night V. 5. God called God gives names to these great creatures which he reserved under his own governement Gen. 1. v. 8. 10. and 5. 2. And lets Adam give names unto them which he set under him Gen 2. v. 19. 23. Evening that is night at which the Jews begin their artificiall days The meaning is that in this first turning of the heaven none but the afore-named things were created V. 6. A Firmament in the middest that is the aire a thin and clear body which being at first confused in the masse of the Elements is now severed and set in its proper situation From the waters The Scripture placeth waters in the heavens Psal. 104. v. 3. and 148. v. 4. yet neither declareth the nature nor the use of them According to some they are the very substance of the heavens yet not fluent or running impure nor corruptible as the elementall Whatsoever they are it is not said that they were taken out of this lower masse The waters under do here also signifie the water and the earth mixed together in a kind of mirie stuff V. 8. Heaven a name common in the Scripture to the aire to the place of the Stars and the abode of glory V. 9. Into one place that is in the great deep under the earth Gen. 7. 11. which hath divets issues or openings above see Psa. 24. 2. V. 11. Grasse it is that Kind of grasse which groweth of it self without seed or manuring and is food for beasts V. 14. Lights great celestiall round bodies into which God reduced the light Now together with these bodies were their motions also established different amongst themselves and also from the motion of heaven Signes namely of naturall effects and chances as of heate cold raine faire weather c. signes of the occasions and seasons of many humane actions also fore-bodings of diverse extraordinary chances V. 16. Great though indeed the Moon be no bigger than any other Star but this is spoken in regard of our sight to which the Moon is neerest and also by reason of her more sensible operation Tâ— rule not only by the light but also by the greater influence and operation Joh. 38. 33. V. 20. Moving a common name to all living creatures as well of the water as of the earth which traile along creep or glide In this place are meant the water ones and v. 24. the Land ones V. 26. Let us make This manner of consultation of the Father with the Son who is his eternall wisdom and with his spirit whereof you may see other examples Gen. 3. 22. 11. 7. Isa. 6. 8. here used only in the creation of man seemeth to shew his excellency above other creatures Man that is the generation of men in their first stock and beginning Image set downe in the spirituall immateriall immortall qualities of his soule in the naturall faculties of it understanding memory reason and will in the supernaturall gifts of wisdom justice and holinesse in the dominion over other creatures all stamps set on man out of the everlasting modell of Gods perfections Dominion as well for the governing of them as for the makin use and employing of them V. 27. Male This is here spoken by way of anticipation to gather together the creation of man-kinde in its two sexes because that woman was made afterward Gen. 2. 18. V. 29. Herbe That is agreeable with your nature and so likewise of trees In this place there is nothing said of the use of the flesh of beasts as Gen. 9. 3. though it is likely that God did then grant it V. 30. Herbe Which is the same as V. 11. CHAP. II. VERSE 1. OF them Namely of the heavens to which this word of hosts is often attributed to give an inkling of the starres and the Angels as well in respect of their order as of their services under Gods command V. 2. He rested He ceased to shew his vertue and power in creating of new kindes of Creatures yet ceased not in working of their preservation sustenance and increase by order of nature and in guiding them with his providence Joh. 5. 17. V. 3. Blessed That is granted unto it this sacred prerogative of being free from bodily Labours to be imployed by men in exercises of piety and the publike service of God Because That is to say that he would have a perpetuall remembrance to remaine of this his cessation to teach man from time to time to with-draw himselfe from the cares of this life to apply himselfe in freedom and tranquillity to the meditations and actions of the spirituall life and by this meanes to dispose himself to the perfect repose of the eternall imitating God who had ended the worke of Creation on the seventh day in which he did as it were retire himself within himselfe to enjoy his owne blessednesse And made This seems to be added to shew that as by this rest God would not proceed in infinitum increaâ—ing so would he not leave any thing imperfect which he had intended to make V. 5. For The meaning is that the first plants were immâ—â—iately brought forth by God the order of nature being as yet not established and there being yet no raine nor labour of man under which two meanes the one naturall and the other artificiall are comprehended all other meanes of the earths yiâ—lding V. 6. But there After the first creation of plants God did appoynt raine engendred by vapours from below and created man to manure the earth and finally did establish the order of nature for the preservation and continuance of the kindes of them V. 7. Of the ground mingled with the other Elements yet in such sort that the earthly part did predominate Breathed it seemeth it was some created sensible and externall breath as Ioh. 20. 22. for a signe of the vertue proceeding immediately from God to create the soule of man without taking it cut of any other matter as hee had done the body See Num. 16. 22. Ioâ— 27. 3. Zach. 12. 1. Heb. 12. 9. into his nostrills to shew the means ordayned by God to preserve the union of the body and the soule which is continuall breathing Soule That is a living soule moving and operating whereas before the body was but a dead immooveable masse V. 8. Planted Hee caused a certaine parcell of ground to bring forth plants and trees most exquisite and usefull for man and enriched that place with more fruitfulnesse and beauâ—ie than any other part of the earth A garden called by the Hebrewes and Greeks Paradice a figure of the heavenly one See Gen. 13. 10. Ezek. 28. 13. in Eden A Countrey of Mesâ—potamia which
was afterwards called Eden that is to say a place of pleasures for its situation and most happy qualities See 2 King 19. 12. Ezek. 27. 23. Amos 1. 5. Eastward in respect of those parts where Moses was when he wrote these things V. 9. The Tree of Life A certaine Tree in whose fruit God had put this vertue that it should keep mans body in a perpetuall and equall state of health life and strength free fâ—om diseases decaying and old age And besides he had set it there for a Sacrament of the subsistence and spirituall life of man in the grace and communion of the Lord so long as he should persevere in Justice and Obedience And to it is correspondent Jesus Christ in the heavenly Paradice Rev. 2. 7. and 22. 2. Of knowledge Another Tree by which GOD would make proofe of mans obedience or rebellion By which man might also know by experience his true happinesse if he persisted in innocency or his unhappinesse if he disobeyed this commandâ—ment of tryall joyned to the perfâ—â—â— law of Justice which God had imprinted in â—â—s soule V. 10. A river It seemes that it cught to bee understood of the Channell of two Rivers Euphrates and Tigris joyned together which by the confluence of these two Rivers made a great circuit within which on the East side was the Paradice and so the word going out doth not signifie the head or birth of those Rivers but the extent of their course out of the limits of Paradise above the which those two rivers were distinct like two heads and below it two more into which this great channell did branch it selfe V. 11. Pison It seemeth to be Pasis or Pasâ—tigris as the ancients called it which did â—un through plaine and low countries whereupon according to the signification of the Hebrew name it was more like a pond than a river Havilah That Countrie which was afterward inhabiâ—ed by the posterity of Havila of the Generation of Sâ—m Gen. 10. 29. not the other which was inhabited by another Hâ—vila which descended from Cam Gen. 10. 7. which is comprehended under the name Cus or Arabia spoken of hereafter and was on the west side of this Channell See Gen. 25. 18. V. 12. Bdâ—llâ—um the Ital. Pearles The Hebrew word is so understood by the most learned though others doe take it for Bdellium which is a most precious Gum which thickens into very cleare drops like pearles Num. 11. 7. V. 13. Gihen The name of the other branch which runne along the high Countrey and swiftly which is signified by the property of the name of Ethiopia the Ital. of Cus one part of Arabia which bordereth upon Mesopotamia V. 14. Hiddekel which is the river Tigris Dan. 10. 4. over against according to the Italian the English hath it Towards the East of Assyria V. 15. Keep it To hinder and keep the beasts from spoyling of it or hurting it through his Majesticall and awfull presence V. 17. Shall surely dye That is thou shalt be guilty of death and thy body shall from that very houre become mortall subject to infinite number of chances diseases languishments and old age continually decaying unto its last destruction and as for thy soule thou shalt be deprived of my grace and shalt in thy conscience feele my wrath and curse to the finall condemnation of eternall death and totaâ—l separation from me from my life and from my glory V. 18. Sayd It seems that this happened before Adam was lodged in the Garden Good nor agreeing with my decree to multiply man-kind through him by meanes of matrimony nor pleasing or commodious for him nor becomming the dominion which I have given him over beasts which are all coupled nor fitting for my service which ordinariâ—y is best performed in holy society and by vertue of it nor according to the pleasure and delight I take in communion V. 19. Unto Adam This name was given the first man by God himselfe Gen. 5. 2. and signifieth of earth or earthly 1 Cor. 15. 47. And although all other earthly creatures were extracted out of the earth yet was this name appropriate unto man because that he only was apt to be instructed and humbled by his name Eccl. 6. 10. To see being willing by this meanes to establish him so much the more in the dominion which he had granted him a token or signe of which is to give and change his subjects names as he pleaseth V. 20. Gave not onely according to his censure but also with knowledge and reason for some hidden or apparent property which we may yet find in many Hebrew names Meet or correspondent that is of the same kind with distinction of Sex as in other creatures and by that meanes fitting to bee joyned in Matrimony V. 21. One of his Eve was formed not out of the head because the woman ought to be subject to the husband nor the feet because she must not be held as a slave nor trampled upon nor of the fore-part because she must not withstand nor of the hinder part because she must not be despised nor forsaken But from the side and from the middle of the body to shew the moderation which the husband ought to use in his superiority and the faithfull society they owe to one another V. 22. Brought her as a mediator to cause her voluntarily to espouse her selfe to Adam and to confirme and sanctifie that conjunction V. 23. This is now That is to say it being known to God and my self that amongst the other creatures I could not have a fitting companion to live with God hath now provided me one of the same nature as my selfe wih whom I may bee contracted in the most straight bonds of Matrimony See Ephes. 5. 30. V. 24. Therefore These doe seeme to be Moses his words and not Adams Leave That is shall become head of a nâ—w family being severed from his fathers and shall enter into a nâ—w society with his wife to which duty the naturall duties towards father and mother must yield not to be annihilated but to be brought into an inferior degree One Flesh as one person united in body in soule in covenant and indissoluble community V. 25. And were not Because that the soule being as yet in its originall purity there did not appeare in the body especially in the instruments of generation any spot of sin nor filthinesse of concâ—piscence nor discomposednesse of brutish motions and thoughts which are the true causes and objects of sâ—ame And not the body in its pure naturall nakednesse which is a glorious example of Gods works which being also by Christ re-established in perfect holinesse may at the happy Resurrection appeare in glory without any other ornament or garment but that of the image of God see 2. Corinth 5. 3. Rev. 3. 18. CHAP. III. VERS 1. THe Serpent Moses in all this historie under corporeall and sensible things doth comprehend the spirituall and invisible And by the Serpent naturally crafty