by his neighbours the Arabians and other Easterne nations as being upon their confines beyond Jordan according to the custome of borderers He makes an allusion between the Hebrew name for troopes of souldiers and forragers and the name of God At the last Or at the last he shall prey and forrage V. 20 Out of Asher The Italian hath it Out of Ashers countrey That is to say he shall have aboundance of all things to live on in his own countrie V. 21 A hinde A nation of a quick and ready wit yet courteous and loving without gall or offence to others like a tame hinde Prov. 5. 19. which needeth no watch nor locking V. 22 Bough A figurative description of the marveilous increase of Josephs progenie chiefly by Ephraim Gen 48. 16. 19. V. 23 The arâ—â—ers Though he hath always been as the But at which too many unjust persecutions have shot by his brothers his master his mistresse yet hath he through Gods grace withstood all these assaults without diminishing either in state or faith and he hath alwayes raised him up greater and happier to be the relief of his Church in the extremitie of famine V. 24 Of the mightie God the Italian hath it Of the mightie of Iacob that is God in whom lieth all his Churches strength see Psa. 132. 2. V. 25 Of heaven In dewes raine sunne-shine and other celestiall influences Lev. 26. 4. Deut. 28. 12. Of the deep By springs and streames which do all issue out of the great masse of waters which is under the earth Of the breasts by the copious bringing forth and bringing up of children and cattel Deut 28. 4. 11. V 26 The blessings The favours I have received of God have abounded above them of my forefathers as in respect of the great number of children which God hath given me as in regard they are all admitted to be of the blessed seed and none of them hath been cast out as in the families of Abraham and Isaac besides other wonderfull gifts wherewith God hath blessed me Vnto the A proverbiall manner of speech which signifieth the highest of a thing as the tops of the high hills are above the plaines Now he saith the everlasting hills as Deut. 33. 15 Hab. 3. 6. because that for the most part they were from the beginning created in the same forme and manner as they have continued in ever since They shall As I have received thâ—se favours through Gods blessing so I do wish them in thee through my blessing which I assure my self God will ratifie Of him Of thee Joseph whom God hath made remarkable in spirituall and temporall gifts and raised to so excellent a dignitie V. 27 A Wolfe A description of the warlike customes of this tribe V. 28 All these This is the state of the partition of the twelve tribes of which Jacob had spoken in this his propheticall will According That is to say according to those gifts as God would bestow upon them which will was revealed to Jacob. V. 33 Gathered up An act of a sweet and quiet breathing his last as of a man that falleth a sleep CHAP. L. VERS 2. IMbalme This custome of the Aegyptians was grounded upon vanitie and the fond desire of shunning or prolonging the condemnation of sin which is returne to dust Gen. 3. 19. But since God having spoken nothing thereof in his Law it hath been held as a thing indifferent V. 4 Spake Because that those which mourned did not go abroad Gen. 2. 32. and it was not lawfull to appeare before the King in mourning habit Hest. 4. 2. as well by reason of the sadnesse of the spectacle as also because the meeting of such a one was held for an evill signe V. 5 Digged In that great cave or hole in the rock Jacob had caused a monument to be cut according to the fashion see 2 Chron. 16. 14. Isa. 22. 16. Matth. 27. 60 V. 7 The Elders of his Councellors Senators and Officers V. 11 Abel-Mizraâ—m That is the Aegyptians sorrow or the plaine of the Aegyptians sorrow for Abel signifieth both sorrow and plaine V. 17 Forgive the Words of messengers and intercessors V. 18 Behold we be We yeeld our selves unto thee and we acknowledge that thou hast reason to requite us for the slavery we sold thee into V. 19 Am I in To work my own revenge which belongeth to God alone Deuteron 32. 35. and to oppose my selfe to his Councell and decree through which I was to be afflicted and tried Psal. 105. 19. and to turne that to be an evill to you which he had ordained for your good Gen. 45. 5 V. 23 Upon Iosephs knees He held them as his own and brought them up tenderlie even from their infancy V. 24 His brethren Under which name were comprehended his nephews also Visite you Shall make you feele the effects of the care he taketh of you by delivering you out of captivitie See Gen. 21. 1 V. 25 My bones That is my dead body see the reason of this desire Gen. 47. 29 THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES called Exodus THE ARGVMENT THis book hath been by the Graecian Interpreters called Exodus that is to say the comming forth because the chief subject thereof is the history of the miraculous comming forth of Gods children out of Aegypt where they had been detained after the death of Ioseph in long and cruell slavery and oppression untill the time appointed by Gods promises for their deliverance to bring them into the Land of Canaan promised to their forefathers And just then the Lord by the hands of Moses and Aaron set the people in full libertie after he had with many and terrible plagues broken and tamed Pharaohs pride causing them to passe drie foot through the red Sea where he drowned Pharaoh and all his host that pursued them That the people after that time might not have nor acknowledge any other God and Lord but the everlasting Sonne of God who had manifested himself unto them by a new glorious and most singular name which he revealed unto Moses and had instituted the new Sacrament of the Passeover for a remembrance of this miraculous deliverance After which he himself conducted them through the desert even to mount Synai where he more particularly and solemnly renewed hâ—s Covenant with them giving them his Law together with many ordinances ceremonies and Statutes as well Ecclesiasticall as Politick to consecrate and appropriate them altogether to himself and to sever them from all intermixture with prophane Nations and chiefly to keep them alwayes ready through faith and desire for the comming of the Messias in the â—lesh in whom was to be the accomplishment and substance of all these shadowes and figures of the Law Appointing also the Priesthood and ordinary service of God amongst his people and a holy Tabernacle in manner of a moveable Temple with all its ornaments and parts amongst which the Arke of the Covenant held the first place over which the Sonâ—e
and afterwards of Alexander the great undertooke the building of the Temple of Garizim Iob. 4. 20. and to him there joyned themselves many Iewes and Priests who had also entangled themselves in such unlawfull marriages whence began the Samaritans superstition and false worship in that Temple THE BOOK OF ESTER The ARGUMENT THis Book containeth a short History of certain notable accidents which hapned to the Iewes that remained in Babylon after their brethrens return under Ahasuerus or Xerxes King of Persia who by Gods singular providence having put away Vasthi his wife espoused and raised to royall dignity Ester a Jewesse and raised to one of the highest degrees of the Kingdom Mardochous her Cousin and bringer up by reason of a faithfull service which hee had done him when he was in great danger So that by the meanes of their two powers and authorities the whole Nation was delivered from a bloudie plot which Haman had laid and was alreadie decreed against them to revenge himselfe of Mardocheus for refusing to give him divine honour But was returned at last upon the authors head by the death of him and the destruction of all his progenie and faction For which deliverance there was a solemn annuall commemoration appointed which is to this day observed and kept by the Iewes for a notable document of Gods protecting and providing for his people even in their oppression and captivity and of the excellent vertues piety loyalty magnanimity charity and justice which hee preserved in many of the members of the said people for the saving of the whole body CHAP. I. VER 1. OF Ahasuerus the most probable opinion is that this is the same as is mentioned Ez. 4. 6. called by the Historians Xerxes the terror of Greece V. 2. Sate that is to say raigned peaceably as 2 Sam. 7. 1. V. 3. The power the Italian hath it the Hoâ—st gathered together for some notable enterprise Xerxes having performed many of them unlesse he meane onely the chiefe and officers of it V. 6. The beds after the ancient manner especially of great ones which was to eat lying upon beds and not sitting at Table see Ester 7. 8. Ier. 23. 41. Amos 2. 8. and 6. 4. of red the Italian of porphyre the Hebrew names for these stâ—nes are of a very uncertaine signification V. 8. Compell which otherwise was a custome amongst the Persians V. 13. To the wise men namely to his councellers or to the Astrologians and Magicians by whose advices all businesse of importance were taken in hand Est. 6. 13. which knew who by rules of Astrologic a science much used amongst those Nations did professe they could tell at what instant of time any thing might be prosperously undertaken or else they were men of great experience and knowledge of what had passed in former times and therefore were able to give advice in things that daily happened see 1 Chron 12. 32. Isa 3. 1. Law for these Astrologiars were employed in publike judgements and councells V. 14. Which saw that is to say were familiarly intimate with the King and were his ordinary Councellors who had free accesse to the King at all times which was not granted to other men in Persia see Ez. 7. 14. V. 16. To the King by disobedience and to others by ill example V. 18. Say the Italian dare to speak that iâ— to say shall be bold with their tonguos and contradict contempt of women towards their husbands and husbands wrath against their wives V. 22. That it should be published the Italian that he should speak that every man should keep and observe the liberty of his own Nation by commanding his people and governing his own family without any contradiction Some understand it also that the husband in signe of superiority might use his own native language although the wife were a stranger CHAP. II. VER 1. HEe remembred he be thought himselfe of what he had done in his beat of wine and wrath Being grieved that hee was constrained by reason of the Law to leave her soâ— a cause that was not very just nor honest And therefore his Officers doe free him of this annoiaâ—câ— by shewing him a way whereby hee might satisfie his desires and make good his losse V. 3. To the house of it was such a place as is now in these dayes called a Serraglio and there were two of them one for Virgins and the other for Coneubines whereof each one had its Eunuch to governe it and â—ook to iâ— verse â—4 V. 6. Who had namely Kish V. 7. Hadassah this name is a Caldean name and the other which followeth a Persian according to many mens opinions V. 12. Of Myrrhe which was very abstersive or cleansing and good to get wrinkles out of the skinne and to make the substance of the body solid to drive a way evill smells and sents and generally to purifie or beâ—utifie V. 13. Whatsoever she desired either for jewells rich garments or any other ornaments V. 14. Of the women namely of the Concubines who had beene knowne carnally by the King V. 16. Tebeâ—h which is the December Moone called the tenth Month not according to the Persian manner of counting the Moneths from September Ez. 10. 9. but according to the Iewes accompt who begun their yeare in March Est. 3. 7. V. 18. Made a release of all imposts and â—ributes according to the manner of Kings great feasts V. 19. And wheu namely after the King had chosen Ester for Queen and that the rest were shut up in the Virgins Serraglio to purifie and beautifie themselves untill it pleased the King to call any of them sate as one of the guard or a courier which he perad ventare was admitted to for Esters sake to be ready at the Kings command and neere to Ester to give her good instructions and to have notice from her of any thing that happened V. 23. Of the Chronicles of Records and publike Acts before the for the Kings of Persia had Secretaries continually by them which wrote all that the King said or did and any thing that befell him CHAP. III. VER 1. THe Agagiâ—e it is thought that hee meanes Amalekite or of the bloud royall of that Nation whose Kings were called by the common name of Agag Num. 24. 7. set his seat according to the custome of Persia by which great Lords had their seats appointed neere the King and set in order according to their worths or according to the Kings favour Est. 1. 14. see 2 Kings 25. 28. V. 2. Boxed not because that according to the custome of Persia those honours did somewhat savour of divine worship wherefore a Iewes conscience would not suffer him to yeeld any such kindeâ— of honour to man V. 4. That hee was and that therefore it was not lawfull for him nor hee would never doe it V. 7. Nisan which is the March moone see Ester 2. 16. Pur a Persian word which signifieth lot Est. 9. 24. for those people
seeke after this conversion of the Iewes wishout fearing to be therfore reiected as the Iewes had bin for theirs V. 13. For Ispeake Isay that as the fall so the rising againe of the Iewes shall bee for the Gentiles advantage and in this manner doe I honour those to whom mine Apostleship hath bin specially destined not to cause them to grow proud ver 17. but to induce the Iewes to a holy concurrencie Ver. 14. Them which are Namely the Iewes of which Nation I am And might save to bee even from this houre an instrument of their salvation untill God recall the body of the Nation 1 Cor. 7. 16. and 9. 22. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 5. 20. V. â—5 For if this re-establishment of the Iews ought to be desired of all beleevers because that if upon occasion of their rejection the Gentiles have had part in Gods grace by the Gospell by their recalling they shall obtaine a joy and glory much like to the heavenly one by the spirituall resurrection of this so noble part accompanied with a glorious manifestation of CHRISTS Kingdome and admirable effects Ver. 16. For if God chusing and sanctifying Abraham for the first fruit and stocke of the blessed race hath also out of his free will given his naturall progenie this priviledge that they shall never wholly and for ever fall from his grace and covenant See Ier. 31. 35 36. and 33. 24 25. The first fruit these similitudes have no relation to the proving of the ground of the forsaid priviledge which is nothing but Gods free will but onely to set down the effects of it as in the Law the use of the fruits of the earth was sanctified and blessed by God by meanes of the offering of the first fruits which were offered unto him Lev. 19. 24. Deut. 26 2. and in the order of nature the boughes follow the nature of the roote Matth 7. 17. and 1. 2 33. So God having consecrated Abraham did doe it likewise for the benefit of his posterity to have alwayes some respect of grace towards it to restore it into his covenant though he suffer many ecclipses and interruptions to happen in it V. 17. The branches the roote is Abraham the Olive tree is the Iewish nation and Church the broâ—â—en branches are the unbeleiving and reprobate Iewes the wilde branches which are grafted in are the Gentiles graffed into the body of the Church and admitted into the covenant made with Abraham the fulnesse and sap are the blessing and promises made to Abraham and his seed V. 18. Boast not doe not attribute this benefit to thine owne merits and doe not insult over the Iewes for if thou doest it in respect of the Nation know that thou art thorow grace incorporated into Abrahams blessed race and not it into the Gentiles if thou doest it in respect of thine election and their reprobat on humble thy selfe rather seeing that all thy substencie is but only out of Gods grace and be instructed to persevere in faith with holy sollicitude and dâ—ffidencie of thy selfe to crave continuall assistance at Gods hands 1 Cor. 10. 12. Ver. 22. In his goodnesse Namely in the state of grace in which thou hast beene set and if thou heaâ—est the fruits thereof and art accordingly thankefull unto the Lord for it Otherwise all this ought to be understood of the externall incorporation into the Church by profession of which many hypocrisie have part and not of that lively internall and perpetually and effectuall into the mysticall body of Christ by a lively faith and communion of the spirit according to Gods election which is alwayes accompanied with perseverance See Ma 〈…〉 15. 13. Ver. 23. Shall hee graffed shall be restored into the communion of the Church Ver. 24. Of the Olive true Namely of the heathen race who were not regenerate by the spirit 〈◊〉 manured by Gods word without sweetnesse of grace or fruit pleasing to God Ephes. 2 3 12. Contraâ— to by the voluntary worke of grace The 〈◊〉 rall the native off-spring of Abraham who is their stocke V. 25. Mistery namely of the last conversion of the Iewes obscurely touched by the Prophets Isa. 11. 11. Zech. 12. 10. and more clearely manifested in the Gospell Matth. 23 39. Luk. 21. 24. 2â— or 3 16. Rev. 12. 6. and fully revealed to Saint P 〈…〉 as well as many other secrets In part in respect of the greater part of the people out of which hath only beene excepted a small number of Elect. ver 1. 5. The fulnesse Namely the great number opposite to those few Iewes who then and since have joyned themselves to the Christian Church V. 26. All Israel Namely the body of the people in generall shall be put againe into the way of salvation and re-established in the Church Others understand this of the whole Church composed of Iewes and Gentiles Which seemes to remaine unperfect so long as the Iewes are excluded out of it Out of Sion Isaiah speaking of the first comming of Christ in the flesh saith he shall come into Sâ—on But the Apostle applying that passage to the second manifestation in grace and power towards the Iewes saith out of Sion that is to say out of the middest of the Church where hee makes his abode in spirit he shall call and gather together the Iewes V. 27. For this is the Apostle relates none 〈◊〉 the beginning of the 20. ver of that 59. chap. Isay without setting downe all the rest which is of the substance of this covenant and makes more for this present subject When I shall this seemes added 〈◊〉 of Isa. â—7 9. very sittingly for this matter V. 28. They are that is to say the Iewes for the present time are alienate from God by reason of their rebellion against the Gospell which onely can unit soules to God 1 Thes. 2. 15. For your sakes Namely for your benefit because the Iewes apostacle hath given occasion for your vocation ver 11. and moreover because God hath redoubled his grace towards the Gentiles by the fall of the Iewes as a Father will love one of his children more dearely after the death of the other As touching the God doth yet beare some love to this people for hee hath freely chosen them and by a singular priviledge above all other people appointed never to reject them totally v. 16. Ier. 31. 36. For the Fathers for the speciall favour 〈◊〉 bore to the ancient Fathers V. 29. For the gifts God never recalls his grace which by absolute decree hee will communicate to some person or nation to call them to him and to have right to his covenant Now the election of this people hath beene such above all others in the world Who being once called have and may fâ—ll totally and irreparably whish this people cannot Without repentance that is to say irrevocable of which God never repents Psal. 〈◊〉 10. 4. Ver. 30. For as wee must supply The intersection of the fruition of
justice exercised by men in the behalfe of God V. 7. Bring forth Or goe and come as Gen. 8. 17. V. 9. I establish I give you an authenticall promise and through it I doe in a manner bind my selfe to you V. 10. From all As well the present as them that are to come V. 11. Of a Flood Namely a generall one for there have been and are oftentimes particular ones V. 13. I doe set The Rain-bow is a naturall impression in the Cloud and was before the Floud but here it receiveth a new use of remembrance and confirmation by Gods ordinance who may use what signe hee pleaseth for a seale of his grace and promise although there bee no correspondence between the naturall operation of it and the thing which is signified V. 14. Shall be seen for that purpose it is sufficient if it be seen but at some times V. 16. I will A humane kinde of speaking which is as much as to say I will as surely keep my promise as if I did see the bond by which I was bound to doe it continually before mine eyes V. 20. A Vineyard whose plants were preserved by miracle and Noah began to dresse and trimme them anew See Gen. 8. 11. V. 22. Told In an impious and scornfull kind of mock V. 25. Canaan God governed Noah's spirit and tongue that he thus cast out this curse against Cam in the person of that child of his whose whole progeny hee had excluded from his grace willing to have it destroyed at the appoynted time Namely Canaans generation For the rest of Cam's posterity have tasted of Gods grace under the Gospell Of Servants That is the most base and abject Now by this kind of slavery is figuratively meant the condition of the children of the world who are deprived of the spirit of adoption and debarred of that liberty of glory which Gods children have to be subject to the slavery of sin the devill and death and to the curse of God eternally See Gen. 25. 23. and 27. 29. 37. Gal. 4. 25. V. 26. Blessed From Sâ—m descended Abraham in whose posterity Gods people were preserved Now in stead of blessing of Sem as hee had cursed â—am he blesseth and prayseth God to signifie that all the good and advantage he should have should proceed from this onely head that God should be his God His Namely Sem's posterities who are here comprehended under the name of their father V. 27. Enlarge Grant him a numerous issue and posterity and a spacious Countrey and especially after they shall turne Heathens May it then be Gods will to enlarge them out of the prison of ignorance and wickednesse by the preaching of the Gospell Others have it perswade or draw unto him that is by bringing of that posterity to the obedience of faith Shall dwell finally under Christs Kingdome let it be incorporated into the body of the Church which till then shall be restrained within the Jewish nation which descended from Sem. This prophesie was fulfilled when the European Gentiles were called which descended from Japliet CHAP. X. VERS 2. I Aphet To whose lot fell Europe and the Northerne Asia the memory of him remained amongst the heathen under the name of Japetus Gomer It is thought he was the father of the Cimbrians a northerne nation of Europe Magog from whom came the Scithians Ezek. 38. 2. Madâ—i from whom the Medes came Iavan The Father of the Ionians or Greeks Tubal The father of the Iberians or the Albaneses and of Asia Meshech By the affinity of the name and the northerne situation it is gathered that this was the father of the Moscoviters Tiras The father of the Thracians V. 3. Ashkenaz The Jewes doe firmly believe that he was the father of the Germans Riphat the Father of the Ripheans in the farthest northerne parts Togarmah The father of some northerne nation hitherto unknowne Ezek. 27. 14. and 38. 6. The Jewes believe that the Turks were his posterity V. 4. Elishah From whom descended the Eolians in the lesser Asia Tarshish The father of the Cilicians where the City of Tharsus was Kittim The father of the Macedonians Num. 24. 24. Dan. 11. 30. 1 Mac. 1. 1. Now under these names which have a plurall termina 〈…〉 it should seem â—ught to be understood the head 〈…〉 its descent Dodoenim The father of the Epi 〈…〉 s the Albaneses of Europe in which Cou 〈…〉 stands the City of Dodoena V. 5. The Isles Here and else where by this name is meant the Islands of the Mediterranean Sea and in generall all the provinces of Europe encompassed and divided by the sayd Sea After To shew that this separation was after the confusion of Languages at which time God by miracle caused every race to take a severall one to it selfe V. 6. Cush Father of the Ethiopians on both sides of the Arabian Sea Mizraim Father of the Egyptians Phur the Father of all the Eutei a people of Affrick V. 7. Seba From him and his brethren have the countries and nations of Arabia the Sabcans Sabateans Caulateans c. taken their names Finally Cam peopled the south Japhet the north Sem the east V. 8. Began He was the first after the floud that presuming upon his strength and greatnesse of his mind set up an absolute and violent domination such as some were before the floud in stead of the loving government of fathers of families of the first borne and of the wise V. 9. Before This in a manner of speaking sheweth either a great eminency as if one should say mighty as any one under the heavens can be or an open profession and manner of living It is said By common proverb for an example of strength and incomparable valour V. 10. And the beginning His reigne began in these Cities but afterwards it extended it self a great deale further Babel This name being given after the confusion of languages it is very likely that Nimrod did also then begin his reigne Shinar That is Mesopotamia the land between the two rivers Euphrates and Tigris and that is the meaning of the Greek and Hebrew name Ashur The sonne of Sem verse 22. And it seemeth that Ashur not able to endure Nimrod his tyranny who usurped other mens parts as Chaldea which Nimrod had seized upon was Sems part went away beyond Tigris where he founded the Empire of Assyria whose chief City was Nineve Isa. 23. 13. And afterward destroyed that of Babilon till such time as Nineve being destroyed by the Medians Babilon or Babel did rise again in the dayes of Nebucadnezzar the great V. 13. Ludim The father of the nations of divers Countries of Africk Lâ—bahim The father of the people of Libia V. 15. Sidon This and they that follow with their nations are the inhabitants of that countrey which God did afterwards bestow upon his people V. 18. Spread abroad and were divided into many lesser branches V. 12. The father The first stock of the Hebrews Gods
Fathers To death which hath already carryed away all thy fore-fathers V. 16. Generation It seemeth hee meaneth an hundred yeares which time or thereabouts was in those dayes the age of man Others take these words for a lineall degree and take the beginning of it at the peoples comming into Egypt For the I deferre the giving of this Countrey to thy children till that time because I will doe it to the destruction of those wicked people and I have set downe so long a time for my patience to last towards them See Mat. 23. 32. 1 Thes. 2. 16. V. 17. Furance A Type of Gods Majesty who is a devouring fire yet hidden from man as a fire in an Oven is yet there comes a blaze out which did represent some manifestation of God passing through the middest of the parts of those beasts to confirme his covenant now it is uncertaine whether this did happen in a mentall or in a corporall visiâ—n V. 18. From the River It was a little river upon the confines of Egypt elsewhere called Sihon V. 19. The Kenites Which are the Midianites See Num. 24. 21. Jud. 1. 16. 1. Sam. 15. 6. Here so named by anticipation Kenizites This nation is named no where else it seemeth they were Idumeans descended from Kenaz of Esau's race Gen. 36. 15. 42. Now though in the first conquest of the countrey God did forbid the invading of the Idumeans Deut. 2. 4. yet were they afterwards subdued by David 2 Sam. 8. 14. Kadmonites or Easterly these were the Arabians Jud. 6. 3. and 7. 12. CHAP. XVI VERSE 2. HAth râ—strained me the Italian Hath made mee barren The Hebrew hath shut me up Goe in Through the great desire she had of having issue by Abraham to whom the promises were made Sarah perswadeth Abraham to take this Concubine unto him which was in those dayes tolerated though contrary to Gods first order Mal. 2. 15. See Gen. 30. 3. 9. Obtaine Adopting for mine owne those children which she shall beare which I may doe being her Mistresse See concerning these ancient adoptions Gen. 30. 3. 2 Sam. 21 8. Hest. 2. 7. V. 5. Be upon thee Thou oughtest to right me chastising and rebuking thy servant for by thy connivence thou makest thy selfe guilty of the wrong she doth me or I being thy lawfull wife the injury done unto me redounds upon thee into thy bosome for to be thy Concubine V. 7. The Angell This was the everlasting sonne of God which appeared personally to the fathers under corporall shapes cloathed with some beams of brightnesse and other celestiall qualities and therefore V. 13. he is called everlasting Lord by reason of his essence and Angel by reason of this speciall embassage and his generall office of Mediator Ex. 14. 19. and 23. 20. Isa. 63. 9. Mal. 3. 1. Shur A place in the desert betweene Egypt and Palestina V. 10. I will mâ—lâ—iply This sheweth that hee that spake was true God V. 11. Ishmael That is to say God hath heard or will heare V. 12. A man That is to say he and his posterity a fierce and rough people that shall live in no civill conversation with their neighbours but in continuall warre The Italian hath it Like unto a wilde Asse because that kind of beast will never be tame Job 39. 8. In the presence That is to say the nations that shall descend from Abraham â—s hee doth as the children of Ketura Abraham's second wife and the posterity of Esau shall be forced to let thy posterity live by them though it shall much trouble them with incursions thefts and wars and shall not be able to destroy it nor subdue it V. 13. Seest me The Italian hath it God of the sight because thou hast given man his sight and preseryâ—st it as thou hast now done by mee strengthning me that I am able to endure the brightnesse of thy Majesty Thus saith Hagar after she knew him that she spake with to bee the true God Have I Words of admiration as if she should say And is it possible that my life my light and my sences have remained entire after I have seen God in corporall vision an astonishment which ordinarily mortall fraile and sinfull man falleth into when God appeareth unto him See Gen. 32. 30. Exo. 24. 11. and 33. 20. Deut. 5. 24. Jud. 6. 22. and 13. 22. Isa. 6. 5. Luke 5. 8. V. 14. Beerla hairoi The Italian hath it The well of the living after the vision Or of the person that hath remained alive after it hath seen God CHAP. XVII VERS 1. VVAlk That is beare me alwayes in thy mind to rest thy selfe upon me by faith to depend upon my providence and to regulate all thy actions occording to my will V. 2. Make Having made my covenant already I will make it firme and not to be changed V. 4. As for me Every covenant being mutuall God here sets downe his promises and V. 9. he doth demand of Abraham his duty V. 5. Abraham That is father of a great multitude whereas Abram was but onely high father or father of height Father Not onely by corporall generation of the numberlesse people of Israel but chiefely by his ingrafting of all nations indifferently into the body of the Church through the imitation of Abrahams faith whereof he was an exemplary and borrowed father Rom. 4. 12. 17. V. 6. Make thee That is as much as to say I will make thee a father of many nations which shall proceed from thee V. 7. God unto thee That is by vertue of my Covenant I will communicate unto thee the effects of all my perfections and all that which I am in my selfe I will be in thy behalfe so that as I doe live eternally so will I cause mine to live likewise As the Lord concludeth Mat. 22. 32. and so on the other side I wil be he alone that thou shalt serve acknowledge worship as God forsaking all the false Gods of other nations V. 10. My covenant Circumcision was a condition of the Covenant through obedience and a Sacrament of it through faith Now the corporall Sacrament is named by the name of the spirituall thing according to the scriptures stile because that on Gods side this is alwayes joyned with that by vertue of Gods order and promise See Exod. 12. 11 and 40. 15. Mat. 26. 26. 1 Cor. 10. 13. Ephes. 5. 26. Circumcised As in the genitall parts was imprinted a more expresse mark of sinne Gen. 3 7. So God ordained for a Sacrament of his grace this cutting off in the same part for a figure and seale First of the annihilating of the fault through remission Rom. 4. 11. Secondly of the extirpation of vice and corruption and of the life of sin through the spirit of Regeneration Deut. 30. 6. Jer. 4. 4. Rom. 2. 29. Philip. 3. 3. Col. 2. 11. V. 12. He that is borne The Italian hath it The servant that is born meaning the Proselite who of his owne free will
during the journey in the desart to be poured down at the bottom of the Altar and the far burned upon it v. 5 6. after the comming into Canaan this Law was restrained only to the beasts which were sacrificed Deu. 12. 5. 15. 21. V. 4. Shall be imputed Hee shall be judged and punished as a murtherer for violating my Law in the spilling of bloud as well as if he had transgressed it by murther See Isay 66. 2. Shall be cut off hee shall be put to death if the thing be known Or he shall be punished by me if the fact be hidden from men or if they do not execute justice See upon Gen. 17. 4. V. 5. To the end I will have those sacrifices of thanksgiving which the people useth to offer to idols here and there in the fields making thereof their prophane meats to be cut off by this strict Law which shall bind them to consecrate all the flesh they eate to me only In the open field to idols in remote and severall places sought out by idolaters to withdraw themselves from the sight of men For Peace offerings Whereof they that offer may eat those parts which the Lord had not reserved for himselfe Levit. 39 14. 4. V. 6 The bloud The sprinckling of the bloud and offering of the fat of this common flesh had a resemblance to these offerings of thanksgiving but when such offerings were expresse and formall there were other ceremonies and other parts also reserved for God Lev. 17. 11. V. 7 Unto divels That is to say idols wherein whether the idolater have such an intent or no the divell is served under diverse names resemblances see Deut. 32. 17. 2 Chron. 11. 15. Psa. 106. 37. 1 Cor. 10. 20. Rev. 9. 20. the Hebrew word signifieth shaggy or hairy because the divell appeareth in such ugly shapes to them that serve him see Isa. 34. 14. A whoring Spiritually by idolatry See Ezech. 23. 8. This shall be Namely to have every sacrifice offered to the true God and only in the place dedicated to his service for otherwise the foresaid Law was restrained after the comming into Canaan see upon v. 3. V. 10 Set my face That is to say I will declare my self to be his adversary and will persecute him in my wrath by the hands of men and by the way of Justice or by my own judgements V. 15 That eateth That is to say hath eaten thereof unawares V. 16 He shall beare If he have offended wittingly and that the fact is known he shall be punished by the Judges if it be secret he is guilty before God and if he have sinned unawares yet must he purge himselfe by sinne offering See upon Levit. 5. 1. and 7. 18. CHAP. XVIII VERS 2. I Am As I am your Soveraigne Lord I command you these things out of absolute authority and as I am God most holy I declare unto you that you can have no Communion with me committing these following misdeeds V. 5 If a man According to the first Covenant of God with man at the first creation this may be understood of the perfect observing of Gods Law which had the promise of eternall life annexed But because man by sin hath deprived himself of the power of attaining to this perfect obedience this must be understood of the disciplinary and externall accomplishment of the Law which hath also its temporall reward Oâ— according to the Covenant of grace of the new internall and spirituall obedience created in the faithfull by the gift of the holy Ghost which hath the promises of this and the future life 1 Tim. 4. 8. V. 6 To uncover To violate with any act or in any manner the chastity or respect due to the bloud V 7 Of thy father These words are spoken to the daughter and the next words to the son V. 8 Thy Fathers wife Thy mother in Law It is Thy father and she by the vertue of matrimony are all one flesh and therefore the prohibition of carnall copulation is in the same degree as that of fathers and mothers with their children and so interchangeably see Ezech. 22. 10. V. 9 The daughter By another wife Of thy mother By another husband She be borne Either lawfully begotten or a bastard According to others it meaneth sister by the same father and mother or sister only by the mother V. 10 Is thine own They ought to be to thee as thine own children V. 11 Thou shalt not uncover This verse seemeth to be added for an exposition of the ninth verse for marrying with the mother in Laws daughter is forbidden when both have one and the self same father but not when they have two fathers V. 12 She is She is in a degree of consanguinity forbidden by all Laws and even abhorred by nature it selfe V. 14 Thou shalt not approach This is an expostion of the precedent clause see upon v. 8 Thine aunt Neerenesse of affinity hath as much force to forbid joyning in marriage in certaine degrees as the neerenesse of consanguinity V. 17 For they are Between thy wife and them there is the degree of consanguinity descending by a direct line therefore in the degree of affinity is also forbidden in infinitum V. 18 shalt thou take Such a conjunction is incestuous verse 16. seeing there is the same reason for the sisters husband as for the brothers wife but here is also added the reason of the inconvenience it being a kinde of confusion to make two sisters rivals to one another to produce continuall strifes and jealousies as an example may be seene in Jacobs marriages which in those first ages were tolerated To vexe her The Italian hath it To be her rivall The Hebrew word is her adversary 1. Sam. 1. 6. V. 21 Molech An idoll of the Ammonites which seemeth to be the same as Milcom 1 Kings 11. 5. 7. and the Pagans Saturne in honour of whom the idolaters caused their children to passe through the fire of his sacrifices either by some manner of expiation and dedication or by really slaying of them see 2 Kings 3. 27. Psa. 106. 37 38. Isa. 57. 5. Neither shalt thou prophane Let not the glorious title of being Gods children and people which you beare bee contaminated by such a commixture of idolatry V. 25 Vomiteth out The Land is over-burthened therewith as with a thing most abominable and is no longer able to beare them see Jer. 9. 19. and 10. 18. Mic. 2. 10. CHAP. XIX VERS 8. HE hath prophaned Breaking the commandement in the observing of which consisteth all the holinesse of Gods service V. 16 As a tale learer The Italian hath it Speaking amisse of others Or spying and reporting other mens words and actions or calumniating and maliciously accusing see Prov 11. 13. Neither shalt thou sâ—and The Italian hath it Shalt thou arise That is to say thou shalt not lay waite for his life thou shalt not raise any unjust sâ—â—t nor beare false witnesse against him
Shall reckon Those Lands which were so consecrated might be redeemed by him that had made the vow or if they were not redeemed they were sold to others who were to enjoy the fruits of them untill the next Jubile and then they were the high Priests own and therefore it is ordained that the rate of fifty shekels should be abated according to the number of yeares more or lesse that remained untill the yeare of Jubile V. 20 He will not When it is set to sale publikely V. 21 Devoted See upon v. 28. and Num. 18. 14. V. 23 In that day The same day that he shall enter into possession V. 24. Unto him To him that made the vow by which he could not give but onely what was belonging to himself namely the fruits not the Land in the which the seller had the right of ransoming and to'be restored unto it at the Jubile Levitic 25. 15. 23 24. 30. V. 26 Shall sanctifie it By a voluntary vow because of necessity and by right it is the Lords already V. 28 Devoted thing It was a kind of vow byâ— which man for ever renounced his right and use of theâ— thing vowed which by vertue of this vow was to be destroyed to Gods honour and in execution of his justice if mention were of things belonging to Gods enemies overcome in War of their Cities or goods Num. 21 2 3. Jos. 6. 17. 1 Sam. 15 3. Or belonging to rebells and apostata's Deut. 13. 15. Or it was consecrated to holy uses as for sacrifices if the vow were of cleane cattel belonging to private persons or for the high Priests maintenance if it were of Land or uncleane beasts which were not fitting for sacrifices Num. 18. 14. Most holy See upon Lev. 2. 3. V. 29 Of men Some referre this onely to the persons of accursed natioÌ„s whose destruction ordained by God was to his gloâ—y as an execution of his Justice Others hold that the Law was generall for all persons in which he that made the vow had any right and hereunto they do referre Jâ—phtas vow Judg 〈…〉 30. 34. V. 30 Holy See Lev. 21. 22. V. 32 Passeth By this is meant cattel of one herd or flock which going out at a narrow gate were told by the shepheard with a rod one by one see Jer. 33. 13. THE FOVRTH BOOK OF MOSES called Numbers THE ARGVMENT THis Booke containeth the continuation of the history of Gods people leading through the desert for the space of eight and thirty yeares and nine moneths And fist is set down how by Godâ— command the eleven Tribes which were not consecrated were numbred from twenty years of age upward and the Tribe of Levi by it selfe together with the order which they were to observe in their marching and encamping in the said voyage Then is set down the new forme of publick government established by adding of seventy Elders to Moses whose authority neverthelesse the Lord still maintained untouched no withstanding Aurons and Miriams opposition as Aarons priestly dignity against the viâ—lâ—nt faction of Core Dathan and Abâ—ram And afterwards is rehearsed how that the people being come upon the confines of the land of Canaan Moses sent twelve men to discover the Country ten of which at their returne daunted the people maliciously making the difficulty of the enterprise farre greater than it was And though Ioshua and Caleb did endeavour to encourage them yet they beleeved the others relations and made an insurrection wiâ—h an intent to returne into Egypt Wherefore both the people and the spies were austerely punished by the Lord who pronounced the sentence of death in the desert against all those which were numbred and came out of Egypt save Ioshua and Caleb And therfore God caused the people to turn back into the desert where he made them to wander up and down for the said space of eight and thirty yeares during which time he gave them and renewed diverse Laws concerning his service and politick government and justice And after forty years were expired since their comming out of Egypt he brought them again to the confines of the land of Canaan where he gave them many great victories against the Kings and inhabitants of Canaan and the Amorites which dwelt beyond Iordan although the people did here also go astray after diverse abominable idolatries by Balaams dâ—ceitfull advice and after that Countrey beyond lord in was subdued it was divided amongst two Tribes and a halfe and it was appointed how they should proceed in the division of the rest beyond Iordan And in the mean time God co 〈…〉 ded that the people should be numbred again which were found almost as many as they were in the last muster whereof non◠〈◊〉 left alive buâ— Moses Ioshu and Caleb And because this Book begins with the first mustering and ends with the last it was called by the Greeks the Book of Numbers ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 2. TAke ye This is the same Muster which was mentioned Exo. 38. 26. as it may appeare by the comparing of that place with Num. 1. v. 46. Families h 〈…〉 peoplâ— in generall was divided into twelve Tribes and the tribes into seventy two great Families Num. 26. 5. and these families into lesser families called of the Fathers or belonging to the fathers because every one of them bare the name of the head of the branch See Josh. 7. 14 17. V. 3. Al that are able who by any defect or dâ—bility of members Deut. 23. 1. or by reason of old age are not unfitting or unable to beare annes V. 14. Devel or Revel as it is Num. 2. 14. V. 16. These were They that represented the whole body of their tribes in the great assembly of the councell of all the people and it is likely they were the first borne of the tribes others expound it famous and honorable 〈◊〉 See Num. 16. 2. V. 47. After Because that it being of it selfe one of the â—â—ibes they might be numbred as the rest in then order V 49 Shalt not numler Not at this time because this muster was made to set the campe in order for service of war and 〈◊〉 to pay the halfe the s 〈…〉 kel 〈◊〉 Exo. 30. 13. where with the Tabernacle was to be built where those Levites did minister and therefore it is likely they were not comprehended within the command of â—ansâ—me but afterwards they were mastered and numbred Num. 3. and 4. and 26. 57 1 Chr. 6. and 21. 6. V. 50. Of testimony Set up chiefly for to put the Arke of the Covenant in it in which were the Tables of the Law which was called the Testimony Exod. 16. 34. Minister unto it to set it up take it down Keep it c. And after that these kinds of services were 〈◊〉 â—y reason of their setling in the land of Canaan David did assigne unto the Levites other standing services to do in stead of these walking services 1 Chron 23. 26. V. 51. The stranger
holinesse who 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nazarite of the Lord Matth. 2. 23. and also of he vow of entire sanctification in the faithfull in wâ—â—m there is no part so base oâ— feeble which they may not or must not consecrate to Gods sâ—â—vice See Cant. 4. 1. And all the cutting and 〈◊〉 off the hayre was a â—â—gne of mourning and 〈…〉 ny Lev. 12. 5. Ezr. 9. 〈◊〉 Job 1. 20. Ezek. 7. 18. Contrariwise the nour 〈…〉 of the Loâ—ks a signe of glory and jâ—y so the faithfulls holinesse is the Crowne of their Joy and glory which filleth them with Comfort inwardly and Respect onâ—wardly V. 6 He shall come at no Which did Cerimonially pollute a man Numb 19 11. and therefore was unsusserable to the profâ—ssion of the Nazarites puritie V. 7 The consecration The Italian hath it The Nazarite-ship as he beareth in his haire the mark of his â—â—nsecration to God so he ought to beware from violating of it either ceremonially or inwardly in spirit V. 9 The head The profession of a Nazarite whereof he carrieth the 〈◊〉 in the haire of his head Of his which cleansing was commanded all them who were polluted by comming neere unto a dead carkasse Numbers 19. 14 19 Sâ—â—l hee shave it To beginne againe the whole time 〈◊〉 his Nazarite-ship V. 11. He sinned That is to say he shall offer though he be unadvisedly fallen into that legall pollution incompatible with his consecration See upon Lev. 5. 2. A figure of the inavitable sinnes of the spirituall Nazarites for which there is alwayes a remedy namely the bloud of Christ upon whom is also layd the bond of new beginning the course of their sanctfication Shall hallow shall renew his vow and his profession of Nazarite for so long a time as he had vowed at first without reckoning the time before his casuall pollution V. 13 Be brought The Italian hath Let him bring it That is to say let him come with his locks the token of his Nazarite-ship to the Tabernacle and there cut them off v. 18. V. 14 For a burnt offering A kind of an expiaterie Sacrifice for all the sinnes of the person as the sinne-offering was for the sin of action And thereby is signified that in every exercise of holinesse which the faithfull doe use there are alwayes two defect◠〈◊〉 one in the person the other in the action which have alwayes need of purging and of Christs intercession Ex 〈…〉 28. 38. As for the third ofâ—â—ring of thanks-giving 〈◊〉 Nazarite did thereby make an acknowledgement God for all the good strength and grace in having vowed holinesse and bee able to keep it And so ought every faithfull man give thanks unto God for his sp 〈…〉 ll gifts V. 15 And their meat-offering and their think offrings They were câ—râ—ainâ— additions of Flower Wine and Oyle to the sacrifices of Beasts See Exo. 29. 40. V. 18 Of his Upon which heâ— hath let his hairegrow according to the Law of the Nazarite-ship V. 19 And shall put them Because that this sacrifice was for a persin consecrated by vow there are many such like ceremonies in the sacrifice of the conecration of Priests Ex. 29. 24. V. 20 Wave them See upon Exod. 29. 24. May drinke He shall be absolved from his vow and may returne to the ordinary manner of living like other men V. 21 Hath vowed Namely the Nazarite during the time of his Nazarite-ship shall offer two kinds of offerings the one commanded and necessary annexed by the law of God to the Law of the Nazarite-ship the other of a voluntary devotion according to his power V. 23 Yeâ— shall blesse publikely and solemnly Lev. 9. 22. V. 25 Make That is to say shew thee his grace by effects V. 26 List up A signe of grace and good will as contrariwise the turning of his face away was a token of wrath and hatred See Psal. 4. 6. V. 27 Shall put By their payer and blessing poynted out by the stâ—â—tching forth and laying on of their hands may they draw on and keep the presence of my grace power and spirit in the middest of my people CHAP. VII VERS 3. COvered Made after the fashion of horse-litters or coaches with arched covers V. 5 The service To help in part to supply the want of carriage of the things belonging to the Tabernacle for otherwise six such waggons could not suffice for all According to his according to those parts which were left to the conduct and looking to of the two families of the Gershonites and the Merarites Num. 4 24. 31. V. 7 Two Moses divided these waggons according to the proportion of the greater weight and bigneste of those things which were committed to the Merarites charge Numbers ch 4. v. 3. And the lesser weight which the Gershonites had Numbers chap. 4 v. â—4 V. 9 Upon their Without the help of any waggon Numbers 4. 6 8 10 12 14. 2 Samuel 6. 6. 13. V. 10 For dedicating This was a holy Ceremony which was done with prayers Sacrifices Musicke Feasts and Rejoycings when any Fabricke being finished was to begin to be employed to its uses either holy or ordinary to dedicate it first to God and draw his blessing upon it See Deuteronomy chapter 20. verse 5. 1 Kings chapt 8. verse 63. Ezr. chapter 6. verse 16. Neh. ch 12. v. 27. Psal. 30. v. 1. V. 89 When Moses After Aaron the Tabernacle and the Altar were consecrated when Moses enquired of the Lord within the Tabernacle without the Curtaine God spake unto him with a distinct voyce which did not proceed from nor was not framed by the Organs of any body assumed for a time nor in diverse places as he did before but alwayes from above the Arke by a voice divinely framed according to his promise made in the five and twentieth chapter of Exodus and the two and twentieth verse See upon Exodus chap. 40. vers 34 35. Hee spake Moses to GOD Others have it and so hee spake unto him namely GOD to Moses CHAP. VIII VERS 4. THe shaft By the shaft is vnderstood or meant not onely the chiefe middle stock but also all the branches divided with their vessels and knabs to the flower of Gold beaten out with the hammer V. 6. Cleanse them From all exteriour and ceremonniall uncleannesse Exodus chapter 19. vers 10 15. that they may be imployed in the service of the Tabernacle Numbers 4. A figure of the spirituall purification of all Gods true Ministers yea of all the faithfull Isaiah chapter 52. verse 11. 1 Thessalonians chap. 4. verse 4. 2 Timoth. chap. 2. verse 21. V. 10. Shall put That is to say lift up and stretch forth their hands towards them wherein the people imitated that which was done in sacrifices where the person that offered layd his hands upon the offering as well to dedicate it to God as for to transferre the punishment of death upon it to which the person himselfe was subject so the people consenting to the
warlike speech where the runners doe search diligently the Countrey for the Army which followes them so that to walke and lodge securely and commodiously So from the top of the cloud God did chuse convenient places and wayes Ezech. 20. 6. V. 34 By day And by night in a pillar of fire Exod. 13. 21. Deut. 1. 33. V. 6 Return The Italian Reconductest a Warlike word when after winning of the battaile the Captaine causeth a sound to assemble the souldiers together and doth reconduct his men in rest and security CHAP. XI VERS 1. HE did shew Begin to give some signes and to let fall some words of murmuring The fire some heavenly fire created and sent from God as a miracle One of the extremities Or one part V. 3 Taberah Burning A Flame V. 4 They did reâ—urâ— after the murmurings or after his coplaining on the same ocasion touched Ex. 16. 21 V. 7 Bdessium The Italian Pearl See Gen 2. 12. Others doe translate Bdellium to be a kind of transparent and pretious gumme V. 8 Fresh Oyle The Italian hath it Dayntiâ— pstae meat Al the Elders Interpreters do so expound the Hebrew word and so as it is related Exo. 16. 32. The Modernes do translate green Oyle or fresh or floure of Oyle V. 9 Vpon it Or upon the same field V. 11 Host thou afflicted The Italian Hast thou done this Gave this great annoy and labour V. 14 Alone There was already the helpers in the peoples overnment as the seventy Ancients and the other heads and Rulers Exo. 18. 21 â—4 but those doe not work except with their wits and naturall prudence as inferiours to the Prophetical and heroicall supremacy of Moses Deut 33. 5. and also sheweth that that subalterne dignity should be suspended See Exod. 33 11. But now Moses required that that Monarchical form might be changed into a government of good men to the which God consented distributing that same Propheticall spirit of Moses to the seventy so that the beginning and foundation of the government should be continually the same in the command of his spirit and word but that should be divers Organs of the same for an 〈◊〉 to Moses V. 15 Let meant see The Italian That I see that I prove the fury of the people for some tumultuous and ignominious death which I doe feare V. 16. Sevenly This Senate of the principals of the people was already established Exod. 24. 19. but without the gift of the Propheticall spirit Of the Elders chosen of the greater number of the other heads of the people Exod. 18. 25. for to constitute the great Councell or Senate Thou knowest Those thou hast chosen in thy own offices or else thou hast acknowledged and approved them in their owne exercises V. 17 I will come down see upon Exod. 34. 5. I will put a word taken from humane separations not that the gift of the spirit should be in any manner wanting in Moses but onely was made common to all the seventy in the publike government that insallible conduct of the spirit of God the which untill then had been peculiar to Moses V. 18 Sanctifie your selves By abstinence and purification of any impurity corporall or spirituall for to see an extraordinary apparition of Gods Majesty and for to participate the effects of it Exod. 19. 10. Others doe expound it simply Preparations V. 20. Vntill that In such abundance that not only it should be sufficient to satisfie you but also to make you have no mind unt it because otherwise their owne greedinesse had not been satisfied Psalm 7. 8. Vntill it come out which falls out sometimes when the stomack is turned and the food is violently vomited out Despised By incredulity and diffidence as contiariwise he is embraced and retained through faith V. 21. Foot-men Compleat and strong men as Exod. 12. 37. V. 22. Slaine Words of admiration joyned with some kinde of curiosity to enquire out a meanes the knowledge of which was onely reserved to Gods secret Providence yet not ioyned with any distrust of his power and much more free from any prophane scoffe at his promise as 2 Kings chapter 7 verse 2. Psalme 78. verse 20. John chapter 6. verse 7. See Luke chap. 1. ver 18 20 34. V. 23 Is the Is his power lesse now than it hath been heretofore in doing as great miracles as this V 24. Went out Of the Tabernacle where he received his answers from within the Sanctuarie Num. 7 89 V. 25 Come downe See upon Exodus 34. 5. Rested This gift of light and supernaturall guide was not conferred upon them for a short tâ—me but to remaine with them continually See the second of Kings chap. 2 verse 15. They prophesied Their spirits were enlightned with supernaturall knowledge and their hearts filled with heavenly vertue and their tongues set forth in a divine manner with holy and spirituall motions and gestures which were all Propliets properties See the first of Samuel chap. 10 ver 5 10. Did not cease This was a continued gift bestowed upon them in the execution of their places as in Moses some expound it and they continued no longer that is to say onely this first time the spirit which was to guide them all the time they were in office shewed it selfe in the afore-sayd extraordinary effects afterwards it was but an inferiour gift V. 26. Remained In their Tents being stayed there upon some lawfull occasion as by reason of some Ceremoniall pollution see 1 Samuel 20. 26. Jeremiah 36. ver 5. That were written By Moses in the number of those seventy which God had commanded to chuse V. 28 One of his young men The Italian hath it From his youth Others have it amongst his selected young men Forbid them It should seem that Joshuah did not know that these two bad been chosen amongst the rest to be members of the Senate and that hearing they prophesied that is to say spake in Gods name with extraordinary power and authority he did feare some schisme or that he feared the duminution of his Master Moses dignity and credit See Luke 9. 49. John 3. 26. V. 31. From the Lord Miraculously and at the very instant as Gods will was and upon the present occasion for otherwise sometimes the wâ—â—d ordinarily bringeth abundance of Quailes from beyond the seas The sea That is to say the red or Arabian sea V. 32 Omers A kind of measure called Corus which contained ten Ephas Ezcch. 45. 11. Spread them The wind had cast downe the quailes in heaps and the people because they should not be stifled nor spoyled laid them abroad and put them in the Aire that they might be good to eat for many dayes the propertie of these kindes of birds being such that they use to lye as it were astonieâ— for a time after they have beene driven any way by the wind wherein there might also be some divine operation V. 33. Yet it was chewed The Italian hath it Before it was spent or all eaten
we feare these things that are strangers and enemies unto them CHAP. XIV VERS 4. AND let us return which God had expressely forbidden them Deu. 17. 16. Because that Egypt being the figure of spirituall bondage God would have the people to have it for a perpetuall document to abhor to return under the old bondage of sun out of which God of his grace had freed them and also that such a glorious effect of his power might never be annihilated V. 5. Fell on their To prepare the people with their humility to give over this enterprise or to pray to God to turne them from it by his spirit and power Num. 16. 4 and 20. 6. V. 6. Rent In token of extream grief and anger V. 8. If the Lord It wee do not provoke him to wrath by our sins V. 9. They are bread God hath given them into our hands to destroy them and to get all their goods Their defence the Italian hath it their shadow their protection and safety which had hitherto been nothing but Gods patience their measure being not yet ful heaped Gen. 15. 16. to make an opposition between those accursed people abandoned of God and the children of Israel which lived secure under the shadow of the cloud See Ex. 32. 25. Is 22. 8. Mic. 1. â—1 V. 10. The glory Some extraordinary light brightnes signe of Gods glorious presence in the cloud come down lower and spread above the Tabernacle see Ex. 26 16 17. and 40. 34. Lev. 9. 23. Num. 16. 19. 42. and 20. 6. V. 13 For thou I fear lost the Egyptians upon whom thou hast hitherto glorified thy self in the deliverance of thy people now take an occasion to blaspheme thee by reason of their destruction V. 14 Art seen In the signes of thy presence though not in any visible likenes Deut. 4. 15. which was reserved for Moses alone Num. 12. 8. V. 15 As one man At once at one stroak V. 17. I beseech thee let the Accomplish thy work to shew that nothing can be done contrary to thy will V. 18 Cleering The pardon to which I am inclined is not an indisterency or connivence at sin which I always late and punish in all those that continue in it through impenitency and cause the very repentants after I have remitted them their punishments as I am judge to feele my fatherly corrections and punishments See Ex. 23. 7. V. 20 I have pardoned I doe remit unto them the punishment of present and universall death dâ—nbunced by my threatnings v. 12. V. 21 All the earth As I am jealous to maintaine the glory of my justice and providence over all the World much more will I be jealous in doing it in the middest of my people Others all the earth shall be or ought for to be filled that is to say as I will by my works and finally by my word be known and worshipped all the world over for what I am so I will by effects make it knowne to them to whom I have already revealed my self V. 22 Tempted me See upon Ex. 17. 2. ten times that is to say very often as Gen 31. 7 yet some will take this in its proper signification V. 24. Caleb which whom â—s Joshua also to be understood as v. 30. and 38. Spirit hath been moved and inspired by a better spirit namely by Gods spirit Followed 〈◊〉 hath believed in mâ— with an entire heart without varying or wavering Whereinto see upon Num. 13. 33. V. 25 The Amalekites since I have consented unto thee not to destroy this people upon a suddain take heed lest they run from themselves into ruine voluntarily going on against mighty enemies without mine ayd Canaanites these are the Canaanites of the mountaines or the Amorites being different from the Canaanites which were by the sea coasts Num. 13. 31. and 21. 1. In the valley Beyond the hill where you now are Of the red sea Toward Egypt whereunto you had conspired to return V. 28 As you have spoken Namely desiring to die in the desert v. 2. V. 30 Doubtlesse ye shall not The Italian hath it if you doe come into A shortned kind of an oath To make you dwell Namely your Nation in generall V. 33 Wander The Italian hath it shall seed leading heards-mens lives without any firme habitation as the Arabians in the wildernesse Others wandring like sheep in the pastures Fourty untill the fourtieth yeare after the comming out of Egipt because that after this threatning untill they came into the land of Canaan there were but eight and thirty yeares Deut. 2. 14. Whoredome That is to say idolatries which are the spirituall fornications of the soule by a breach of faith to God wherein the people are taxed to have failed often in the wildernesse Num. 15 39 Deut. 32. 17. Amos 5. 25. Act 7. 43. V. 34 Each daie for a yeare The Italian Each year for a day See Ezech. 4. 6. My breach The Italian I will break A kind of humane speech that is to say I shew you that my promises made in generall to my people doe not belong to unbelievers and rebells but onely to them which observe the conditions of my covenant and towards them onely shal my promises never change nor alter V. 37 By the plague Of some strange suddaine and violent death sent supernaturally by the Lord some take it to be the plague it selfe V. 41 Transgresse For God had comanded them to turne their faces towards the red sea v. 25. V. 44 The Arke By which was to be guided every removall in this voyage See Num. 10. 33. V. 45 Hormah A place called by anticipations see Num. 21. 3. CHAP. XV. VERS 4. A Tenth deale called an Omer Exod. 16. 39. V. 15 Before the Lord in holy things belonging to my service there ought to bee no difference between the native Israelite and the Proselite or believing stranger and I will accept of and be propitious to the one as well as to the other V. 19. When yee Every year when harvest is ended you shall eat new corne V. 24 Of the congregation Lev. 4. 13. There is some diversity whereby it seemeth that either God hath here expounded and aggravated his Law to make the people more circumspect or that it is not spoken in both places of the same faults committed by ignorance But that in Levit. is spoken of common errors and faults and here of those onely which are committed in those actions which belong to Gods service V. 30. Ought that is unlawfull or wicked Presumptuously premeditately on porpose through boldnesse and arrogancy See Lev. 26. 21. Job 15. 26. Psa. 19. 13. or publikely and boldly as Exod. 14. 8. Cut off punished with death V. 31. Shall be Let the misdeed returne and the punishment remaine upon the sinner himselfe and let it not through connivence to him be imputed to all the people V. 33 The Congregation In this and the like places it should seem by the Congregation is
God and not be prophaned by any common use or left at randome see Lev. 27. 28. V. 38. Of these sinners Who through their sin have been the causers of their own deaths Of the Altar of burnt offerings which was of wood Exodus cha 27. 1 V. 45. They fell To beseech the Lord and make intercession for the people as Num. 20. 6. V. 46. Take A signe of intercession by a prayer of charity and publick office see Rev. 8. 3. is a figure of the only intercession of Christ by merits The plague that is to say the mortality which happened suddainly and by miracle CHAP. XVII VERS 2. To the house That is to say the Tribe V. 3. Aarons As head of the hense of Levi. V. 4. Before the In the holy place of the Tabernacle right over against the place where the Arke of the Testimony was within the Sanctuary the great curtain being between Where I See upon Exod. 25 22. Num. 7. 89. V. 7. Before the In the holy place over against the Arke V. 10. Befo e the By Hebrews the 9. 4. it appeareth that this rod was layd and keep within the great curtaine V. 12. Behold Words of terror by reason of the slaughters which had lately happened V. 13. Commeth any thing neere Rashly and without being called The people would infer thus We are and may every day be guilty of this fault shall we then continually remain in the terror of these horrible judgements CHAP. XVIII VERS 1. SHall beare Now having confirmed you in the Priesthood I will cause you only to give me an account of all errors that shall be committed therin V. 2. Joyned An allusion to the name of Levi which signifieth joyned Gen. 29. 34. And minister See Num. 3. 6 7. Minister The Italian hath it Stand as well to stay there continually Num. 3. 38. as to attend upon the Sacrifices and offerings which were offered upon the Altar before the Tabernacle V. 3. Nor you also Because that cannot come to passe but only through your negligence V. 4. A stranger That is not a Levite V. 5. Of the Sanctuary Of the holy place to light the Lamps to renew the shew bread and to make the daily perfumes Exod. 27. 21. and 30 7. Lev. â—4 3. Num. 8. 2. of the most holy place to go in once a yeare with the bloud Exod. 30. 10. Lev. 16. 2 17. That there be no As it was when Korah and his sect intruded into the Priests office V. 6. For the Lord The Italian From the Lord Or for the Lord to help you in his service V. 7. And within In the most holy place See Exo. 26. 31 33. if so be by the curtaine the carpet be not meant which was at the coming in to the holy place Exod 26. 36. I have given you for a property incommunicable to others V. 8. I also have given thee By my precedent Laws Lev. 6. 16 18 26. and 7. 6 32. Num. 5. 9. By reason of the by reason of the Priesthood sealed by the holy unction as Lev. 7. 35. V. 9. Most holy See upon Lev. 2. 3. Reserved after the part which ought to be offered to God hath beene burnt upon the Altar as Lev. 2. 2 3. and 7. 5 6 7. Trespasse offering For holy things taken through ignorance Lev. 5. 15. V. 10. In the most holy place At the entrance of the Tabernacle called here the most holy place to distinguish it from the peoples court and every other place about the Campe which was not uncleane Lev. 6. 16 26. and 14. 13. V. 11. The heave offering See Exodus chapter 29. verse 27. Leviticus chapter 7. verse 32. Of their gift Of their voluntary offerings of thankes-giving c. Leviticus chapter 7. verse 14. and 10. 14. With all the Because that all which was offered to God was thus waved See Exodus chapter 29. verse 24. V. 12. The best The Italian The floure Their first fruits which they must also offer unto me of all the best fruits of the earth V. 15. Of men Which were offered unto God when they were specially consecrated to his service Num. 8. 11 21. V. 16. A moneth The first borne before they were redeemed ought to bee presented to God in his Temple Exodus chapter 13. verse 12. Luke chapter 2. verse 22. And that could not be done before the mother was purified which required forty dayes time Leviticus Chapter 12. verse 4. According to thine See Leviticus Chapter 27. verse 〈◊〉 V. 17. Upon the Altar Upon the hornes therof by sprinkling and the residue at the foot thereof by powring Leviticus Chapter 4. 7. cha 25. v. 30. and 5. 9. V. 18 Wave breast Of all sacrifices that were not wholly burnt upon the Altar V. 19 Heave offerings Any part or member of the beast voluntarily offered which the offerer shall be willing to offer unto God by heaving A Covenant An order for the recompence of your service which I cause the people to give you Of salt Authenticall inviolable as anciently the most solemne ceremony that was used in Covenants was to take and eat of the same salt and it was esteemed more sacred and firme then to eat at the same table and drink of the same cup see 2 Chro. 13. 5. Before the of which I have been the only appointer and will be the maintainer of it V. 20 I am My rights which I appoint thee to receive of the people in offerings tithes first fruits c. are thy revenues and maintenance see upon Jos. 13. 14. Inheritance As for Aaron and all his descent which were high Priests this is absolutely understood of them for they had no other inheritance But as for other Priests the meaning is that they were not to possesse any Lands for tillage or fields or vine-yards but they might have Cities and pastures for beasts Jos. 21. 4. Jer. 32. 7 8. V. 22 Come nigh To do any part of Gods service V. 23 Shall beare I will have them recompensed for their service and I will have them also beare the punishment for any faults that shall be committed therein V. 24 Which they offer This offering was a kinde of first fruits which belonged unto the Priest Deuteron 18. 4. and it was different from the first fruits touched verse 13. because that in these there was wine oile and corne made ready in the other there were nothing but grapes eares and olives And by this addition out of which the offering was taken these titles are distinguished from those which are mentioned Deuteronom 14. 22. 28. and 26. 12. of which nothing was taken out for the Lord. V. 26 For the Lord To be given unto his Priest V. 27 Shall be reckoned unto you The Lord hath accepted of it in your behalfe no lesse than if it had preceeded out of your owne labour and work Fulnesse of the wine presse The Italian the Muste of the wine Heb. fulnesse see Exo 22. 29. V. 28 To Aaron To
beene troubled Jer. 48. 11. The Hebrews refer it to Baals evill favoured picture which sheweth its but tooks bare to the worshippers Or to the shamefull manner of worshipping him presenting their hinder parts unto him and doing their ordures before him V. 18. Edom This according to the letter was also accomplished under David 2 Sam. 8. 14. and spiritually in Christ Amos 9. 12. Obad 18. Seir a mountain of Idumea Gen. 36. 8. V. 19. Out of The Italian hath it And one descended from Namely David who dest oyed all the males out of Idumea 1 Kin. 11. 14. 16. Of the City Not only those that shall be in armes in the fields but all the males though they be at home and dwelling in the cities of Edom. V. 20. The first God having decreed in his appointed time to cut down as by a harvest the accursed nations hath begun with Amaleck whence as he hath as yet taken but the first fruits Exod. 17. 13. but the rest shall be all reaped under Saul 1 Sam. 15. 3. Or Amaleck is a head of nations a principall people making of it self a body of a nation and kingdom but its last condition and abasement shall be beneath all other people even to perdition and extreame ruin V. 21. The Kenites That is to say the Midianites or the one part of them for Jethro being a Midianite Exo. 3. 1. is called Kenite Jud. 1. 16. 1 Sam. 15. 6. V. 22. The Kenite The Italian hath it Kain the first founder and father of the Kenites which is not mentioned any where else Wasted spoyled and sacked by diverse incursions and at last they shall be carried away captive by the King of Chaldea sometimes in the Prophets called Assyria because that the Babilonian or Chaldean empire had swallowed the Assyrian empire and was grown great by it see Jer. 49. 28. 31. V. 23. Doth this The Italian Shall have raised him that is when he shall by his Soveraigne providence have given to Ashur and Chaldea the great command and empire of the Universe Dan. 2. 37 38. Because that he shall over-run all the neighbouring countries V. 24. Aâ—d The Italian And afterwards The great Empire of Asâ—â— first held by the Assyrians afterwards by the Chaldeans and last of all by the Persians shall â—e destroyed by the people beyond the sea Namely by the Greeks and Macedonians properly called Chittim Genesis 10. 4. Isay 23. 1. 12. And afterwards by the Romanes who came over into Asaâ— out of the harbours of Grece Dan. 〈◊〉 30. Eber The Jewish Nation and their countrey shall be much infested by the Grecians of Syria and Egypt Dan. 8. 11. 〈◊〉 31. and then utterly destroyed by the Romans Dan. 9 27. He also The Italian they also The Greeks shall bee ruined by the Romans and the Roman Empire shall also perish before the end of the world 2 Thesselon 2. 7. V. 25 To his place Yet he came not to it for he remained amongst the Midianites and was slaine there Num. 31. 8. CHAP. XXV VERS 1. ABode was encamped as Num. 24. 1. Commit whoredome being inticed by the Midianitish women according to Balaams counsell Num 24. 14. and 31. 16. Rev. 2. 14 V. 2 Vnto the sacrifices That is to say to the feasts which they made of the flesh consecrated to idolls whereof one part was already offered See that prohibited Ex. 34. 15. V. 3 Joyned himself Committed idolatry which is a spirituall fornication and adultery communicating with the Idoll by participating of his table by which was signified an acknowledgement of and a dependency from him See upon 1 Cor. 10. 20. Baal-Peor An idoll of the Moabites Baal was a name common to many Idols especially such as represented any starre or planet and signifieth Master Lord. The addition of Peor is taken from the hill Peor where he was worshipped Num. 23. 28. V. 4 The heads Those which have consented dissembled or participated in this wickednesse Hang the 〈…〉 By this punishing of the guilty give my justice satisfaction and appease my wrath which is kindled against the people See upon Deut. 21. 23. 2 Sam. 21. 6. Before publikely for a spectacle layd open to all mens view V. 5 Judges See Exodus 18. 21. His men Which are under his charge and jurisdiction according to the order of the rulers of the people set over a certaine number of families Exod. 18. 25. V. 6 The Congregation Namely he great councell of he people Numbrrs 1. 16. and 16. 2. Were weeping through extream grief making intercession for the peoples sinne towards God as Numbers 20 6. V. 8 The tent The Italian hath it The brothell The Hebrew word signifieth certaine little houses or tents set up neere to the Idols Temples where prostitute persons went to commit fornication See 2 Kin 23. 7 Thrust both of them through An act of extraordinary zeal and motion of Gods spirit in a cruell and fierce delict which was approved in Phineha's by God after the act was done and by Moses the supream Magist ate the execution being done under his eyes and knowne to him Through her belly Or through the naturall parts Others have it in the Brothell house The plague This word in like Histories signifieth some suddain mortality caused by Pestilence or otherwise and it is likely that some such destruction happened at this time besides the execution which was done by the hand of men V. 9 Twenty and foure The Apostle 1 Cor. 10. 8 speaketh onely of three and twenty thousand but it seemeth he speaketh onely of them that dyed by the hand of God and that Moses addeth thereunto a thousand more which were put to death by the Judges V. 11 Hath turned Having wrought my revenge having strongly and angerly conceived mine indignation V. 12 My Covenant By expresse covenant I conferre upon him and his posterity the dignity of high Priest for to be an everlasting Mediator for peace between me and my people as he hath been at this time by appeasing my wrath Or else which dignity he shall quietly enjoy without any disturbance See Mal. 2 4 5. V. 13 His seca This suffered some interruption through some unknown cause or accident when Eli who was of Itamars line obtained the high Priest-hood and left it to his children afterward but a little while after by vertue of this promise it came again into Eleazar Phinchas his stock in Zadock See 1 Sam. 2. 35. 1 Kings 2. 26. 34. 1 Chron 24. 3. An atonement by just revenge and punishment not by expiation or satisfaction V. 14 A chief house One of those great households whereinto each tribe was divided See Numbers 1. 2. V. 15 Head over a people A principall man amongst his people who was Lord over some part of the Midianites and peradventure it was the same Zur as was called King Numbers 31. 8. Joshuah 13. 21. V. 18 Of Peor Of the Idoll Baal-Peor CHAP. XXVI VERS 4. FRom A briefe way representing
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
received the gift of regeneration Which is the plainer because that the most part of these statutes were confessions remedies and expiations of sin CHAP VII VERS 7. MOre in number As in worldly Kingdomes dominion over a great and powerfull nation is more esteemed than the dominion over a little and feeble one seeing greater glory profit and service is to be expected from it And according to this quality may be valued and rated all other qualities which amongst men may incite others to love or desire any thing V. 10 To their face As an enemy withstanding him face to face or openly as they do who by reason of their great powers do work their revenges openly not privately and by wiles Or thus shaming them by the reproach of their impiety V. 16 A snare A meanes and occasion of ruine and perdition V. 22 By little and little He will not employ his omnipotency therein to work against them in an instant without meanes but he will do according to the quality of humane meanes which he will make use of herein which is to worke by succession of time and by the order and pursuite of the issues V. 25. Snared therein Subtilly and unawares brought into some idolatry and so brought within the compasse of punishment V. 26 Lest thou be Lest thou be irremissibly condemned to utter destruction as the idols and all their substance are to be rooted out CHAP. VIII VERS 2. TO know A humane kinde of speaking for God hath no need of triall to know by signes or effects that which he seeth in the springs affections and motions of the heart But it is to shew that God discovering the secrets of the heart openeth the way for the works of his providence either in justice or in mercy V. 3 By every word Namely by any thing to which God shall bee pleased to grant the power of nourishing Or by the onely issuing forth of his power called in the Scripture word without using of any externall meanes in which sense this passage is alleaged Mat. 4. 4. V. 4 Waxed not old This happened by miracle as also the preservation of their bodies in full health and vigour Deuteronomy 34. 7. Josh. 14. 11. Psal. 105. 37. V. 7 Depths Great and deep springs V. 8 Oyle olive Olives wherewith oyle is made differing from your wilde olive trees which are barren V. 9 Whose stones Which aboundeth in metall mines V. 16 Humble thee This ought not to be referred to the next words of water and Manna but to the words which went before of the voyage in the wildernesse V. 18 To get wealth The Italian To carry thy selfe valiantly Or for to get wealth CHAP. IX VERS 3. VVHich goeth over In the tokens of his presence in the Arke of the Covenant and all the appurtenances thereof like a Generall see upon Num. 1. 53. Jos. 3. 6. V. 10 Of the Assembly The generall Assembly of the people to receive the Law Exod. 19. 17. V. 18 As at the first Namely the first time that I was upon the mount Exodus 32. 11. So it is likely that he was three times upon the mount within the time of fourty dayes The first when he received the Law Exodus â—4 18. The second when he made intercession for the people Exodus 32. 30 31. And the third when he received the new Tables Exodus 34. 28. V. 21 Your sin The matter the object and the instrument of your idolatry which is the greatest of all sins see Hos. 10. 10. CHAP. X. VERS 1. AN Arke Some take it to be some little chest or coffer to lay these tables in for a time untill the Arke of the Covenant was made where they were to be kept alwayes Exod. 25. 16. 21. and 31. 7. Others take it to be the very Arke of the Covenant as if Moses did set down the thing thus generally without observing the order of times and with this seemeth to agree that which is spoken v. 5. V. 6 Mosera This is not Moserot Num. 33. 30. and it is not mentioned in any other place and by the circumstance of Aarons death it is likely that it was some place neere to the mount Hor and that Moses having generally touched the distance from Beeroth to Mosera he doth now divide it into some severall stages v. 7. V. 7 From thence Not from Mosera but from Beeroth Gudgodab Otherwise called Horhagidgad Num. 33. 32. V. 8 At that time After he was appeased with the people concerning the golden calfe V. 14 Behold the heaven The Italian hath it The heavens Aswell this first and neerest heaven which is the aire that encompasseth the earth as the aethereall heaven which encompasseth the aire 1 Kings 8. 27. V. 16 Circumcise Let the spirituall meaning of the bodily signe of Circumcision be set a work cutting off your vitious naturall affections putting off and mortifying the old man and endlessely applying your selves to your sanctification Deut. 30. 6. Jer. 4. 4. Rom. 2. 29. Col. 2. 11. see Lev. 26. 41. Jer. 9. 25. V. 17 Is God The highest true God and Lord of whose God head and dominion those which are called Gods have some likenesse a false one if it be through abuse and a true one if it be by a lawfull and approved representation Joh. 10. 35. 1 Cor. 8. 5. V. 21 He is thy praise He that alwayes gives sufficient cause and matter to praise him for Or he who maketh thee alwayes glorious and worthy to be esteemed Psa. 22. 4. and 109. 1. Jer. 17. 14. CHAP XI VERS 2. FOr I speak It belongeth to you who have been eye witnesses of Gods great benefits to make an acknowledgement of them and not put off the care of it to your posterity who having but onely heard of them cannot be so lively touched therewith as you are by the sight of them Which have not Being unborne or very young when the deliverance out of Egypt was for Moses here speaks to them who in the time of the said deliverance were under twenty yeares of age see Num. 14. 29. The chastisement His punishments upon the Egyptians or his severe corrections upon his people aswell during their captivity in Egypt as indiverse corrections in the desert V. 4 Overflow Having unbound the miraculous heape which he had made to give his people way to passe Exo. 14. 42. 27. Unto this day The memory effects whereof do last unto this day by the weakning of the power of Egypt V. 6 Their housholds The Italian Their houses that is to say their families V. 10 For the Land The meaning or sense is not to preferre the Land of Canaan for fruitfulnesse to the Land of Egypt which was very equall to it Gen. 13. 10. But to shew that the fruitfulnesse of the Land of Canaan did not depend upon humane art as that of Egypt did for the most part but only upon Gods blessing through raines dewes and other blessings from heaven to induce the people
Italian hath it Python See Lev. 19. 31. Necromancer That calleth up the dead and enquireth of them 1 Sam 28. 8. Isa. 8. 19. V. 13 Perfect Pure and sincere in his service clean from all mixture of idolatry or superstition V. 14 Hath not suffered thee so to doe The Italian hath it Hath not given thee such things hath not ordained suffered or approved any such meanes to enquire of secret or future things but in stead of such meanes hath given thee his Prophets V. 15 A Prophet The great revealer of all the mysteries which needed to bee knowne Who is the Sonne of God himselfe Psal. 27. Dan 8. 13. Joh. 〈◊〉 18 By whose spirit all the Prophets have spoken Eccl. 12. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 11. and 3. 19. who at the last hath manifested himselfe in the flesh and in that hath fully accomplished that sacred function Like unto me That is to say true man and also having the office of Mediator of which I am but the figure Gal. 3 19. V. 16 Of the assembly Namely the generall asembly of the people Exodus 19. 17 Deuteron 19. 10. V. 22. Speaketh By way of meere and absolute prediction as 1 Kings 22 28. Jeremiah 9. for even the true Prophets did oftentimes foretell things which did not come to passe but that was only by way of threatning or of promise or according to the order of naturall causes and upon a condition sometimes revealed and sometimes not revealed unto the Prophet yet it might and ought to bee taken out of the generall maxims of Gods word as Isai. 38. 1. Ion. 3. 4. Be afraid hove no respect unto his person nor fear not to offend God by proceeding against him to a just corporall punishment CHAP. XIX VERS 2. SEparate Dedicate them to that use and assigne them thereunto by publike declaration Three Beyond Jordan as Moses had already assigned three more on this side Jordan Deut. 4. 41. V. 3 Prepare thee On every side of the countrey establish the Cities in such places that one may come to them from all parts by short and direct wayes or make new ways on purpose to cause the guiltles mans escape thither so much the easier v. 6. V. 6 While his In his first and suddaine heat of bloud by reason of his kinsmans death before hee have truly examined and found out that it was done by chance V. 8 Enlarge This happened in Davids time who enlarged the bounds of Israel to Euphrates according as God had promised Gen. 15. 18. 2 Sam. 8. 3 2 Chron. 8. 2. 6. yet we doe noe read any where that he did adde these three Cities unto the other Cities of refuge it may be he did not drive the Pagans out which were beyond Lebanon but onely subdued them and made them tributary V. 10 Innocent Namely the unwillingâ—and casuall man-slayer V. 12 The Elders that is to say the Magistrates deliver him Let them suffer him to bee questioned criminally by the dead mans next kinsman in a judiciall way even to the sentence of death and execution thereof see Num. 35. 24. V. 13 The guilt Which comes to be common to all the people if there be any publike connivence or neglect of punishing the sin V. 15 Shallnot rise up Others shall not availe It established The Italian be verified The Hebrew word signifieth firm or stable V. 26 Against any man In case of a secret seducement from Gods true servicce he that had been solicited though he were alone ought to detect the seducer Deut. 13. 6 8. and the Judges ought to proceed therein as upon an advice and denunciatiation not as upon a formall accusation which had required two witnesses And if the calumnie was made to appeare unto them they were to observe this Law if it were a truth that of Deuteronomy 13. 9. CHAP. XX. VERS 2. THe Priest For ordinarily some of the chief Priests went along with the army with the holy trumpets Num. 10. 9. and 31. 6. V. 5. Officers Those were the magistrates of particular communalties Deut. 1. 13. which also followed the armies Num. 31. 14. What man A precept of equity to preserve him from danger who hath yet received no profit of some laudable enterprise or fact which he hath already undertaken or done Dedicated solemnly blessed the first enjoying of it by prayers holy hymnes and rejoycing according to the use of those times see Neh. 12. 27. Psal. 30. 1. V. 6. Eaten of it The Italian Begun to enjoy it according to the common use of it for by the Law Lev. 19. 23. the fruit of the first three yeares ought to lie abandoned of the fourth to be consecrated to God and the fifth the owner began to enjoy it V. 7. Betrothed That is to say made a promise according to the ancient and very laudable custome which was to have some time interposed between the promise or the betroathing and the wedding see Gen. 19. 14. Deut. 22. 23. Mat. 1. 18. V. 9. Captaines These were Captaines for the wars which were appointed by publick authority with solemnity and binding of the souldiers to obedience V. 10. Commest nigh In a just and necessary war V. 13. Every male See Num. 31. 7. V. 19. Thou shalt not destroy This must be understood of a generall destruction of all the trees of the countrey through the fury and rage of war not of some particular cutting down for use or necessity in the siege For the Tree thou needest not to feare that the trees will stir to get into the besieged towne the chief care of the besiegers being to cut off all way of relief from the besieged V. 20. Build bu 〈…〉 ks c. The Italian hath it Build what shall be necessary for the siedge c. Hebrew the siedge namely engines towers stakes or other necessary fences subdued The Italian Fall that is to say untill it be forced or taken CHAP. XXI VERS 2. THy Elders It seemes we ought to understand his word for some of the great councell Num. 11 16. or some of their deputies V. 3. The Elders These were the Magistrates of each particular communalty Of that City For it being the next city the suspicion of the misdeed was likeliest to fall upon it V. 4. A rough valley The Italian A desert valley Hebrew harsh rough and hard that is to say which hath not been manured Strike off for a signe that hâ—likewise ought to be slaine who in some solitary place had committed the murther if he came to be discovered V. 5. By their word As Expounders of Gods Law in any thing that might be thereby decided not that they had any absolute or arbitrary power of themselvs Stroke See upon Deu. 17. 8 V. 6. Shall wash To protost of their innocencies see Mat. 27. 24. V. 8. O Lord It is likely that this prayer was spoken by the Priests And lay not The Italian And suffer not c. Preserve thy people from any such misdeed impute not that unto
people And they these great acts shall bee archieved by these two numerous and warlike tribes come out of Joseph whereof that of Manasses who was the elder shall yeeld in power and number to Ephraims who was the second brother according to Jacobs Prophecie Genesis chap. 48. v. 19. V. 18. In thy Of the commodity thou shalt have thy land bordering upon the sea to make many voyages which will be very profitable to thee In thy in thy peaceable and home led life free from enterprises and altogether employed in governing of thine owne private affaires See Genesis chap. 25. verse 27. V. 19. They Namely the Zabulonites by their frequent voyages into farie Countreies shall invite many Nations to come and worship the true God in his Temple in mount Sion There these nations by the Zabulonites enducements shall serve the true God in that only manner which he hath approved of and appointed Or the Zabulonites themselves being delivered from the dangers of the seas and enriched shall come to yeeld sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord Psal. 107. 32. Jon 2. 9. The abundance The great riches which navigation brings in In the sand the sea-shore which though of it selfe it be very barren brings in great revenues by reason of the sea trading V. 20. He that Namely the Lord who hath bestowed upon the tribe of Gad a large and spacious Countrey and although it lye upon the frontiers and therefore be often invaded yet it shall have strength and heart to defend it selfe V. 21. He provided God hath assigned unto Gad the first land which was conquered from the Amorites on this side Jordan See concerning these first fruits of the countrey Numbers 24 20. Because there because this part of the Country was that alone which God let Moses see and which he would have him divide amongst certain tribes And he came This is spoken by propheticall anticipation concerning the Gadites company and faithfull assistance which they lent their brethren in the subduing of the land of Canaan and executing the Lords vengeance upon the accursed people See Jos. 4. 12. V. 22. A lions whelp The Italian Like a lions c. It shall be a warlike nation which out of his mountainous frontier shall often invade its enemies V. 23. With favour With Gods grace and favour which will make him acceptable amongst his brethren Gen. 49. 21. Possesse thou the Italian Thou shalt possesse See Jos. 19. 32. V. 24. Dip He shall enjoy an exceeding fat countrey Gen. 49. 20. V 25. Thy shoes It seemeth to be a proverbiall kind of speech taken from shoes which are made of a solid and hard matter to signifie a continuance of strength without wearing out as Deuteronomy 29. 5. V. 27. Underneath As in heaven is the pacificall feat of Gods glorious resting place so here on earth is the theater of the works of his providence and omnipotency through which he rules the world V. 28. Alone From other people as a Nation consecrated to God and by him protected against all assaults V. 29. Bee found Ciars The Italian Shall dissemble Hebrew Shall lye unto thee that is to say shall be constrained to yeeld obedience unto thee though it be but a feigned and forced one See Psalme 18. 44. and 66. 3. and 81. 15. Shalt tread Shalt beat downe their loftinesse shalt assault and conquer their country and all their forts CHAP. XXXIV VERS 1. VNto the mountaine See Numbers 27 12. Unto Dan This chapter hath beene added to Moses his books by some Prophet after the division of the land of Canaan and therefore these countries are by anticipation called by the names of the tribes to whose lot they fell Now Dan had the uttermost Northern frontier Judg. 18. 7. V. 3. Of Palme trees Jericho is so called Judges 1. 16. 2 Chronicles 28. 15. Because that the territories thereof did abound in such kind of trees and this very name is also given to it by profane authors Zoar A city situate on the furthest part of the sea of Sodom Gen. 19. 22. V. 6. Buried him He caused his body to be laid in the earth by the ministery of Angels or by some other meanes No man It is likely that it was done to take quite away all occasion of superstition and Idolatry See Jude 9. V. 7. His eye By divine miracle Deuteronomy 8. 4. Joshua 14. 11. It may also be that the use of Manna did somewhat helpe towards it it being an exquisitely pure kind of food of an aereall and not very corruptible substance Naturall force Hebrew greennesse that is to say a fresh and thriving constitution of body as Psa. 32. 4. V. 8. So the dayes In this moderate length of time was this mourning ended which amongst other nations was much prolonged for such kind of persons see Gen. 50. 3. V. 9. Of the Spirit Of a supernaturall gift and infused with wisdome under which are comprehended all the vertues belonging to a heroicall and excelling soule See 1 Kings 3. 9 12. Had laid For a signe and sacred meanes of that divine infusion of the holy Ghost into him the Lord going along with the ceremony with his internall operation according to the true property of all Sacraments V. 10. Whom With whom God hath parleyed and to whom he hath communicated himselfe by a cleare and ocular representation without any abstraction or oppression of the senses without any doubtfull speeches visions dreams or other hidden meanes See Numbers Chapter 12. verses 6. 8. V. 12. Hand Operations of Divine and Omnipotent power which did accompany Moses his Ministery See Deuteronomy Chapter 4. verse 34. and 7. 19. THE BOOK OF JOSHVA THE ARGVMENT IOshua who very likely did by divine inspiration write and compose this History and joyned it by way of appendix to the Originall volume of Moses his bookes kept by the Priests in the Tabernacle Sets down in it how that he being whilest Moses yet lived appointed and consecrated his successor after his death entered upon the conduct of Gods people being instructed and strengthened by Gods own Word and authorized by his miraculous and glorious power which accompanied him and accepted and acknowledged by the generall consent of the people And afterwards how he passed over Iordan and after he was come into the land of promise he again sanctified and purged the people putting Circumcision in practice again which had beene intermitted in their pilgrimage in the wildernesse After which the people beginning to enjoy the fruits of the land Manna ceased And the Son of God appearing corporally to Ioshua assured him of his conduct and power through which he in six years conquered with armed hand the Land of Canaan destroyed the accursed Nations and Kings according to Gods Commandement and afterwards divided the Land amongst the nine Tribes and a halfe which had not received their inheritance beyond Iordan appointed the Priests and Levites Cities for their habitations settled Gods Tabernacle in Shiloh observed punctually all
their foresaid sins see 1 Mac. 4. 58. Gilgal that is to say discharging or taking away V. 10. Of the month The first month Jos. 4. 19. V. 11. Of the old corne The Italian Of the Corne of the new harvest after they had presented unto the Lord the first fruits as it was appointed Lev. 23. 10 14. 16. V. 13. A man That was the Son of God in humane shape which he diverse times tooke upon him as it were for a frequent preamble of his incarnation For it was he as may appeare by Joshuas religious adoration and his acceptance of it which a created Angell would have refused Rev. 19. 10 and 22 9. and by that is spoken v. 15. V. 14. Of the host Namely ofall the Angels which fight for the Church and also of the Militant Church See Exodus chapter 23. verse 20. Daniel chapter 10. v. 13. 21. and 12 1. Revelations chapter 12. verse 7. and 19. 11 14. Now come This apparition is a signe unto thee that I am even now going to employ my self in this my calling fighting with and overcomming mine enemies for thee whereas heretofore I have only shewed my selfe a peaceable conducter of my people What saith words of admiration or a question what will it please you to command me CHAP. VI. VERSE 1. STraitly shut up The Italian Shut and barred up The gates were not only shut as they were ordinarily but strengthened with rampires and fences as in danger of war V. 2. The Lord Which was the Son of God himself and head of the aforesaid army Men Those which defend it the men of war V. 4. Trumpets of rammes hornes The Italian Trumpets that sound sounds of joy distinguished by these words from Trumpets of strife and warre whereof God would not have any signe or token be in this assault but only of rejoycing and of the triumph of Faith which is the victorie of the Church V. 5 A long blast Not in quavering and broken sounds but with an equall sound as they use to do at the end of the sound to shew an accomplishment of the victory of Faith Flat ruining themselves even from the very foundation V. 9. Rereward Of which see Num. 10. 25. V. 10. Nor make With cries or military noises V. 15. Seven times In signe that the perseverance and continuance in Faith and the actions thereof at last obtaine the victory and that the neerer the end of the combate is the more ought the faithfull man to be diligent and laboursome therein V. 17. Accursed All that may be destroyed let it be destroyed to the honour of God forbidding straightly to touch any thing and those mettals which can not be consumed by fire let them be consecrated to his Service See Leviticus chapter 27. verse 28. Now a General might thus vow unto God the destruction of persons and Cities And Joshua did so by Jericho as it were to offer the first fruits of the Land of Canaan to the Lord See Numbers chapter 24. verse 20. V. 18. Make the Compe That ye be not the occasion wherefore God should destroy the whole Camp as that thing which is stollen away from him should have been Deu. 7. 26. V. 19. Shall come into Shall be laid up in the Tabernacle to be employd in Gods service see Num. 31. 54. these holy treasures are often made mention of V. 21. Destroyed This execution and the like being grounded upon Gods exprrsse command Deu. 20. 16. admit no contradiction of humanesense V. 23. Her kindred Her next kinsfolks which were all come into her house And left them as uncleane things untill they were purified according to the Law Num. 31. 19. to be afterwards incorporated amongst Gods people by instructing Profession Circumcision c. V. 25 Dwelleth being also married into the Tribe of Judah to Salmon the son of Nâ—hâ—sson V 26 Adjured them The Italian Caused anoath to be sworne By which the people submitted themselves and their posterity to the execrations pronounced by Joshua by divine authority and inspiration In his first borne Shall be punished for his presumption by the death of his two sons as the event confirmed it 1. Kings 6. 34. CHAP. VII VERS 1. THe children One of them whose misdeed was imputed to all the people untill such time as by diligent enquiry and just punishment they were justified and the offence purged verse 12. Achan called Achar also 1 Chron. 2. 7. Zabdi who is also called Zimri 1 Chro. 2. 6. V. 2. Go up For out of the plaine of Jericho they went towards the mountainous places of the Countrey V. 6. Put dust A ceremony used in great mournings and lamentations 1 Sam 4. 12. 2 Sam. 13. 19. Neh 9. 1. Job 2. 12. Now Joshuas grief was not for the small number of the people which was lost but because it was a signe of Gods wrath because he favored not this enterprise according to his promise and might thereby turne the peoples hearts from beleeving and cause them to saint V. 7. Would to God There is some excesse in this wish contrary to Gods expresse command but the generall sense is good It had been better for us to have had lesse land and fewer goods and that thy name had not been exposed to the blasphemies of thine enemies through these accidents if thou wilt suffer them V. 9. What wilt thou do How is it possible that thy great glory should not be disabled by this our losse Exo. 32. 2. Num. 14 13. V. 1â— My Covenant The command which they had accepted of with a voluntary submission to the punishment V. 12. They were by this offence they have made themselves guilty of the same destruction to which the accursed thing was condemned The accursed man who is guilty thereof and is thereby become accursed himselfe V. 13. Sanctifie Prepare them by ceremoniall purifications abstinences prayers and devotions to appeare before God that the offender being discovered and punished the people may be freed from the offence see Jos. 3. 5. V. 14. To your tribes See concerning this chusing out and severing the people upon Exo. 6. 14. Taketh which shall be drawn by lot or pointed out some other way not specified whereby that tribe may be stayed until the offender be found out the other tribes being sent away free V. 15. That is taken That is discovered to be guilty of it Be burnt as the accursed things ought to be Deu. 13. 16. V. 17. Man by man By poll the heads of families which â—â—scended from Zâ—â—a Gen. 38. 30. V. 19. Give Humble thy selfe before him by a sincere confession acknowledging him to be the searcher of the hearts the witnesse of all secret facts and the judger of sins 1 Sam. 6. 5. Jer 13. 16. Joh. 9. 24. V. 23. Laid them out This phrase seemeth to shew some detestation Before the Lord before the Arke of God where this solemn act was done V. 24 Of Achor Of trouble so called by reason of this acciident v.
26. V. 25. Stoned them An extreame severity for example which neverthelesse admitteth no complaint seeing God was author thereof whose judgements are always just though incomprehensible and beyond all human reason V. 26. Raised According to the custome over the bodies of them which died ignominiously Jos. 8. 29. 2 Sam. 18. 17. Lam. 3. 53. CHAP. VIII VERS 7. THen When I shall give you a signall V. 12. Five thousand Whether they were other ambushes laid in another place to make the execution so much the surer or whether he chose these five thousand out of the thirty thousand which were spoken of before when he was in the place to make the adventure so much the easier V. 13. Joshua went Drawing neere the city with the body of his army V 14. At a time appointed From all parts of the city at once V. 19. As soon as he Whether that Joshua stood in a place where the ambushment might see this signall or whether upon this stretching out of his hand he people raised a cry to give them which lay in ambush notice of it V. 20. They had Being inclosed betweene the city and the camp before and behind V. 24. S 〈…〉 ote it The reminant of the men the women and little children V. 26 Drew not he did not cause the retreat to be sounded V. 29 Assoon as According to the Law Deut. 21. 22 23. Jos. 10 26 27. Raise See Jos. 7. 26. V. 32 A copy As Deut. 17. 18. Others expound it the repetition of the Law meaning Deuteron or a summarie thereof V. 33. Should blesse And also denounce the curses opposite unto them Deut. 27. 12 13. The first time These words are added in the Italian and are not in the English After the comming into the Land of Canaan for this was to be done once in seven years together with the publike reading of the Law Deut. 31. 10. yet not with any speciall restraint to these places CHAP. IX VERS 1. OF the great sea That is to say of the Mediterranean sea V. 4. They did work wâ—lily to provide for their owne safeties by deceit as the others did by strength V. 7 Ye dwell You are of the people of this countrey which God hath given us with whom God hath forbidden to make any Covenant Exodus 23. 32. V. 8. Thy servants Not thine enemies as the other Canaanites are V. 11 We are Wee will take our Law from you and accept of such conditions as you shall propound to us amongst which it is to be imagined the first was that they should embrace the true religion and the pure service of God V. 14. The men Namely the chief of Israel Took as accepting this for a proof of their saying without enquiring of the Lord by Urim and Thummim Num. 27. 21. V. 19 We have sworn See how this Oath was broken by Saul and how hee was punished for it 2 Sam. 21. V. 20 This we will doe That is specified in the next verse Wrath of God the revenger of perjury V. 21. Hewers Subject together with their whole posterity to doe these base offices belonging to strangers Deut. 29 11. For all the sacrifices and all the service of Gods house It seemeth these are they which afterwards were called Nethinims 1 Chron. 9. 2. Ezr. 3 43. confirmed in these offices by David Ezr 8. 20. V 23 Cursed Gods generall curse upon all the people of Canaan would require that you should be destr yed as the rest but by reason of the Oath which hath been made unto you this curse shall bee only to slavery and not to death V. 27 For the Congregation To doe these works belonging to the service of God which otherwise was imposed upon the people to doe CHAP. X. VERS 1. AND were Had taken their part were of their Religion and lived amongst them and may be they were already imployed in that service whereunto they were doomed V. 12 Then spake Desiring him to doe the ensuing miracle and after that he was heard and was certified by some unknown means of Gods will he commanded the Sun to stand still stand thou still In the same place of heaven as thou art in now that we be in Gibeon And thou It seemeth he spake this towards evening having by the benefit of the 〈…〉 ayes length followed the enemies as far as Ajalon and being desirous to goe yet further he desired the Moon being up to stand still also to favour with her light the pursuit of the victory all the night V. 13. And the sun See the like miracle 2 Kin. 20. 10 11. Of Josher The Italian hath it Of the upright or of the right as 2 Sam. 1. 18. The subject nor the Author of this book is not knowne being lost as many other History books were See upon Num. 21. 14. V. 16. Fled Whilst Joshua followed the victory V. 21. At Makkedah Where the Armies campe was but after the end of the victory they all returned to the great camp where all the people were who remained still in Gilgal v. 15. 43. None moved None durst assault them or offer them the least injury See Exod. 11. 7. V. 24. Put your feet For a disgrace and to shew that he had quite subdued them V. 26 Vntill the evening according to the Law Deu. 21. 22. Jos. 8. 29. V. 41. Goshen The name of a City in the land of Canaan Jos. 15. 51. CHAP. XI VERS 2. CInneroth It was that Countrey which was by the lake of Genezareth where the City called Cinnereth was Deuteron 3. 17. Dor A City and Countrey which afterwards fell to the Tribe of Manasseh Jos. 17. 11. V 3 Hermon The name of a hill towards the North part of Palestine Mizpeh A city whereof see Gen. 31 49. V. 6 Thou sha't hough God did never allow his people to make such great preparation of warlike instruments because they should believe and hope only in his ayd See Deuter. 17. 16. 2 Samuel 8. 4. Psalme 147 10 V 8 Mizrephothmaim The Italian The hot waters Some have thought them to be Saltpits where they boyled salt And some waters belonging to glasse-making V. 10 The King Be it either that Jabin verse the first was gotten into his City being escaped out of the battaile or that being slaine there the people of Hasor had suddeinly created another King for the defence of the chief City V. 17 Halak That is to say smooth or a bare rock without herb or trees V. 21 Anakims A race of Giants Num. 13. 33. Deu. 1. 28. Of Israel Of the other tribes beside Judah for even in those dayes Judah was distinguished from the other tribes by his power and preheminence V. 22 In Gaza These were of the Philistims Cities which were not conquered at the same time CHAP. XII VERS 8. SOuth Countrey The Hebrew word may also bee understood of great Lands as the precedent word wildernesse of a Countrey of pastures CHAP. XIII VERS 2. GEshuri A people towards
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
specified Num. 35. 5. V. 16. Two Tribes Namely Judah and Simeon verse 9. V. 27 The other halfe Tribe Besides that half which had its share beyond Jordan CHAP. XXII VERS 3. THese many dayes See upon Jos. 14. 10. V. 8. With your brethren With those of your Tribes which stayed behind for the safeguard of the countrey according to Moses his order Num. 31. 27 see 1 Sam. 30. 24. V. 10 To the borders Others to the bounds Others doe keep the Hebrew word Gheliloth as it were a proper name as Ios. 18. 17. V. 11 At the passage The Italian On the side of On this side Iordan in the other Tribes Countrey V. 14 Each chiefe house Namely the chief in every Tribe Now the halfe Tribe of Manasseh which was on this side Iordan is here set downe for a whole tribe V. 16 Rebell For as much as this Altar had been built to offer ordinary Sacrifices upon as it was very likely seeing it was not slightly built as your extraordinary Altars were which were not built to endure Exodus 20. 24 25. It would have beene a mark and occasion of Schisme and division in the Church and a disobedience and alienation from Gods true service which was not acceptable to him but onely upon one altar Deut. 12. 26 27. for a figure of Christ his Crosse which was the onely true Altar V. 17 From which For many which were guilty thereof whom God spared at that time when the evill was committed did notwithstanding suffer for it many yeares after as Numbers chapt 14. vers 20 22. V. 19 Be uncleane In your judgement and opinion as having not in it the holy signes of Gods presence in the instruments of his service Of the Lord Which the Lord hath acquired and consecrated to himselfe for his Churches habitation and a place of the siâ—nes of his presence such as the Altar the Tabernacle and the Arke were Against us Severing your selves from the communion of the Church in which alone is the true service of God and the participation of his grace and Covenant V. 20 Wrath The discomfiture before Ai Ioshua chapter 7. verse 5. That man Namely the thirty men which were slaine by the enemies and the whole family of Achan which was put to death with him causeth us to feare lest all Israel bee entangled in the punishment of your sin V. 24 What have you to doe You are not of Gods people being separated from the holy land by the river of Iordan V. 25. Make our children They might coole their zeale in the service which is yielded unto him in the place which he hath chosen and consecrated V. 26 Build us By graving some inscription upon it or keeping in our treasurie of Monuments some publike record when by whom or to what end that Altar was built V. 27 Before him Before the Ark the place by him chosen to shew his presence in grace and power V. 31 Among us With his grace and blessing by not suffering so grosse an abuse Delivered Have not drawne upon them some severe judgement of God V 34 Ed We have so set it up in the middest of the Tribes which are on both sides Iordan for a token that we doe all equally acknowledge and worship the same God whom we all can ought and will serve in his Temple CHAP. XXIII VERS 4. THat remaine Whose countrey hath not yet been conquerod V. 7 Come not among You joyne not your selves carnally with them in marriages or otherwise Cause to sweare The Italian Use them in oathes in oathes which you shall make of your selves or swear them at other mens requests V. 8. As ye have done Since you came into the Land of Canaan under my conduct V. 11 To your selves The Italian Upon your soules as you tender the welfare of your owne persons and especially the salvation of your soules Or upon paine of most grievous punishment upon your persons V. 14 I am going I shall shortly dye 1 Kings 2. 〈◊〉 as it is appoynted for all men once to dye Hebr. 9. 27. CHAP. XXIV VERS 1. SHichem In Silo which was within the Territories of Shechem where the Tabernacle and the Arke were V. 2 The floud Namely Euphrates V. 3 Multiplyed By Hagar and Keturah Gave him For heire and partaker of my Covenant by speciall grace and power V. 10 Out of his hand Namely Balak V. 12 The two Sihon and Og. V. 15 And if This is spoken not to free the people from their service to God but to trye them and binde them more strictly unto him as having chosen him to bee their God of their owne free will and so come within his Covenant as your pleasingest bonds are the strongest See Ruth chapter 1. verse 8. 1 Kings chapt 18. verse 21. Psal. 119. verse 173. Prov. chap. 1. verse 29. Ezech. chap. 20. ver 37. V. 19 Ye cannot Take care what you promise because you must religiously observe it and one can hardly hope for that at your hands knowing your naturall rebellion and inclination to Idolatry which will provoke Gods wrath V. 25 Ioshua Who representing Gods person in the quality of his servant and in his name renewed and confirmed his Covenant with the people V. 26 In the Book Ioyning it by Gods order and inspiration to the book of the Law written by Moses Deuteronomy chapter 31. verse 9. 26. Set it up As the custome of those dayes was to set up such stones or pillars for signes and monuments either with or without inscriptions Genesis chapt 28. verse 18. and chap. 31. verse 45. and chapter 35. verse 14. Exodus chapter 24. verse 4. Deuteron chap. 27. verse 2. Ioshua chapter 4. verse 3. and chapter 8. verse 32. By the Sanctuary Within the precinct of the Court which was about the Tabernacle 〈◊〉 27. It hath heard It shall represent unto your Consciences the promises you have this day made as a living witnesse would doe that had been desired to be present at the making of a contract V 33 Given him By some particular and speciall liberality for the commodiousnesse of Gods Service established in Siloh a place of Ephraim to the end that the high Priest might dwell neare For otherwise all the Priests Cities were taken out of Iudah Simeon and Benjamin Ioshua chap. 21. verse 4. THE BOOK OF JVDGES THE ARGVMENT THIS Book which seemeth to have beene gathered by some Prophet 〈◊〉 of publike Records and the treasures where they were kept containeth the Historie of the chiefe things which happened to the people of God after the death of Ioshua untill the dayes of Eli high Priest The sum of which is that God after Ioshua's death having left many of the accursed people remaining for a continuall proof and exercise of his people they by their unlawfull practises contracts and marriages with them were thereby misled into severall great corruptions in the service of God and into a boundlesse Idolatry and corruption of Life and Manners Whereupon
at a mans hands do this as God shall helpe thee Or else it is a kind of threatning Hearken unto me and then may God prosper you as you deserve V. 8. The trees See a parable or a fable like unto this 2 Kings 14. 9. You Sichemites Gideon having refused the command which you had proffered to him Judges 8. 22. have chosen a most wicked man to be Lord over you if you have dealt justly in this election then may you enjoy the fruits of a just government but if you have dealt perfidiously and ungratefully with Gideon then may it please God to revenge it by causing you to destroy one another 〈◊〉 57. V. 9. God and man Being that oyle was used in offerings and in the consecration of persons and instruments for Gods Service and amongst men it is also employed to honourable uses Others translate it by which by my meanes God and man is honoured namely in consecrating Kings and Priests and to beautifie the face upon occasion of feasts and banquets V. 13. Which cheareth God Because that wind was used in offerings powring out the wine in Sacrifices of a pleasing odour to the Lord. V. 15. If in truth That is to say if your chusing of Abimelech to be your King be not joyned with a cruell treachery against my father and his issue may you with security enjoy his government verse 19. The cedars Namely the most noble and powerfull that are amongst you for your tyrants chiefly aime at the overthrow of such V. 18. Maid servant Of the Israelitish kind which might be taken for concubines Exodus chapter 21. verses 8 10. V. 22. Over Israel Not that he had the same command over all the people as he had 〈◊〉 Sichem but by reason of some preheminence which he might have as being acknowledged for Gideons heire and successor V. 23. Sent Loosed the reines to the devils malice that he might raise discords for a punishment of their precedent hurtfull agreement See 1 Kings 22 2. Psalme 55. verse 9. Hosea Chapter 10. verse 2. V. 25. Set Lyers in wait To catch him if he wâ—nt by evill accompanied or to spie him if he passed along with any great troope and to giye notice of it troubling passengers in the meane time according to the licentiousnesse of anarchy V. 26. Put their confidence That is to say chose them for their heads reposing great trust and confidence in their valour and conduct V. 27. Made merry The Italian And sang According to the custome of the vintage Isay 16. 9. 10. Jeremiah 25. 30. The Italian addeth Songs The Hebrew praises for the originall of these Songs was to praise God See Leviticus Chapter 19 24. V. 28. Who is That is to say Is there any reason that a city of such antiquity and power as Sichem is should be subject to strangers such as Jerubbaal the father of Abimelech was Zebul This was some governour of the city under Abimelech who though he were borne in that place was neverthelesse subject to envy and hatred because he was his officer Serve the If you will have a master take me rather or some of my family who are descended from that ancient Hamor Genesis 34. 2. as the residue of the Canaanites were mingled amongst the people of Israel V. 29. And be said He challenged him openly though in his absence and did send the challenge to him by some one or other V. 31. For â—fie That is to say they use all their shifts and endeavours to cause the city to rebell against thee and to become Lords of it themselves V. 37. By the middle The Italian From the navell that is to say from above or from the middle or from the open country for the other squdron came by hidden and close wayes Meonenim the Italian Of Southsayers the occasion of this name is unknowne it might be some grove dedicated to some southsaying idoll V. 41. Arumah Concealing his ill will against the city as though he had meant it to Gaal to sin prize the inhabitants unprovided V. 42. Went out Expecting no more enmity from Abimelech V. 45. And sowed it As in abomination condemning it to perpetuall barrennesse as the barrennesse of salt ponds V. 46. Of the Tower It was some forteresse or rock about the Temple of Baal-berith The God Berith The Italian Baal-berith Or of the God of Berith CHAP. X. VERS 4. THat rode Ordinarily for a token of dignity according to the use of those times See Iudges 5. 10. and 12. â—4 Havoth-Jur The Italian The Villages of Jair Like to the other villages of Jair Num. 32 41. the name of Jair being here renewed in one of his posterity V. 6. Baalim See Iudges Chapter 2. verses 11 13. V. 7. Sold them He forsooke and abandoned them like slaves See Iudges Chapter 2. verse 14. V. 8. Eighteen The Italian hath it The eightenth namely after Iairs death v. 5. V. 11. And the Lord The Son of God appearing in 〈◊〉 visible forme or speaking of his oracles out of the Sanctuary which were related to the people by the Priest V 12. Maonites It is uncertaine what people these were 1 Sam. 23. 24. there is mention made of the wildernesse of Maon in the Tribe of Iudah neere to Idumea whereof these Maonites might be a part CHAP. XI VERS 1. OF an baâ—lot Kept by Gilaad as his concubine Gilead one of Gileads posterity the son of Machir whose name was Gilead V. 2. Wife His lawfull wife V. 3. Tob It was a Countrey in the confines of Arabia and it is imagined to be the Tubienites land which histories make mention of Went out Followed him in the excursions which he made upon the enemies of Gods people in those frontiers whereby the Gileadites knowing his valour were perswaded to chuse him for their Captaine V. 7. Expell me Hence it may be gathered that he was banished by publick authority V. 8. Therefore If thou hast received any wrong by us we come now for to make thee amends and to re-establish thee by publick decree V. 9. Shall I be Will you acknowledge me for your governour perpetually Meaning thereby to prevent his brethrens injuries which they might have done him being a private man V. 10. The Lord We promise and sweare it unto thee in his name calling him to be a witnesse and a judge thereof V. 11. Ultered Made a Covenant upon the same promises in the publick Congregation of the people encamped in Mizpeh Judges chapter 10. verse 17. both parties appearing before God who was the maintainer of the oath V. 13. Tooke away Israel took nothing from the Ammonites Deuteronomy Chapter 2. verse 19 â—ut upon Sihon who peradventure before had taken some part of the children of Ammons lands Joshua Chapter 13. verse 25. Now though that countrey was for the most part Moabs Numbers Chapter 21 verse 24 26. The King of Ammon sâ—th it was his for it is likely that he commanded Moab seeing 〈…〉 t Chemosh
I am Gods Prophet and treat in his name I cannot absolve nor free you as you have freed me For I am innocent towards you but you are guilty towards God by transgressing his law and in being ungratefull for his infinite benefits V. 8. And made them conducted them safe to the borders of this countrey and set them in the way of taking possession thereof V. 11. Bedan there is no mention of this Judge in the history some have imagined that it is Jair Judg. 10. 3. Others Sampson V. 14. Following shrowded under his conduct and protection V. 16. This great thing this miracle of thunder and sudden raine by which ye shall perceive that the desiring of a King hath been displeasing unto him V. 17. Wheat harvest a season wherein it seldome raines in Palestina Proverbs Chapter 26. verse 1. V. 18. Sent thunder In some unaccustomed and terrible manner which affrighted the people for to confute them and bring them to repentance as Exodus 10. 9. V. 21. After vaine things An ordinary epithet given to idols V. 23. I should sin Failing in my duty of Prophet in not praying for you Or by being moved with some revengefull spirit for your refusing of me CHAP. XIII VERS 1. ONe yeare The Italian addeth When these things happened namely Sauls confirmation and Samuels speeches V. 2. Three thousand Distributed into certain places of abode to have them always by him and ready upon any occasion V. 4. Saul He hath again raised war against the Philistims which had been intermitted for a while 1 Sam. 7. 14. V. 6. Distressed Greatly weakened by the Philistims tyranny disarmed v. 19. and unable to maintaine war High places Of high towers or sorts V. 9. Bring hither To implore Gods helpe in this pressing danger which suffereth no delay He offered or caused it to bee offered by some Priest which was there 1 Sam. 14. 18. for if he had attempted to do it himselfe it had beene a double sin which Samuel notwithstanding doeth not here taxe him for V. 11. Thou camest not Sauls rashnesse and disobedience was in not staying for Samuel untill the end of the seventh day which day Samuel came V. 12. I forced my selfe That is to say forcedly and against my will I have transgressed thy command V. 13. For now This triall hath discovered thy heart to be evill disposed towards obedience to thy God and to the putting of thy confidence in him by which thy Kingdom might now have been established For ever without interruption untill the end of the time prefixed by God for Israels temporall Kingdom to last V. 14. Hath sought him A phrase taken from men that is to say he hath wisely appointed and of himselfe prepared one that should be â—itting for this office V. 15. That were present Namely after a great number of them three thousand verse 2. was departed verse 8. V. 19 There was The Philistims after they had gotten the command of the Israelites for to disarme them had slain or carried away prisoners all the smiths 2 Kings Chapter 24. verse 14. Jeremiah 24. 1. See Judges 5. 8. V. 21. File in stead of forges when they could not goe into the land of the Philistines V. 23. The passage It seemeth it was some narrow place betweene the two hils of Michmash where the Philistines were and Gibeah where the Israelites were and that this was kept by Sauls men 1 Samuel 14. 4. CHAP. XIV VERS 3. AHiah which is the same Abimelech that is spoken of 1 Sam. 22. 9. 11. 20. Brother this specification seemes to be added because that in the history of Eli there was onely mention made of Ichabod 1 Sam. 4. 21. and not of Ahitub Wearing he was there in the campe with tâ—e Arke v. 18. as High Pâ—iest in pontificall ornaments the chiefe whereof was the Ephod with the breastplate Exod. 28. 4. to enquire of God by Urim and Thummim Numbers 27. 21. V. 10. A signe unto us the event sheweth that this was a divine motion to be assured of his being called in so dangerous an Act. See upon Genesis 24. 14. V. 13. They fell through a feare sent upon them by God V. 14. That first the beginning of the Philistines overthrow which was afterwards followed by Saul within as it were this is added here to make the miracle the more evident the Philistines standing in array and close together noâ— scattored nor flying V. 15. All the people namely the Philistines V. 18. Bring hither You Priests bring the Ark hither that Ahiah may stand before it and enquire of the Lord by Urim and Thummim With the children in the campe being sometimes brought thither upon some dangerous occasion for aide and for a direction and to stirre men to prayer and to call upon God Num 31. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 3. V. 19. Withdraw forbeare a while to enquire of the Lord the urgent occasion will not now permit us nor give us time to do it words of prophane impiety V. 21. The Hebrewes slaves or others who having their habitations families and goods amongst the Philistines were forced to fâ—llow them in the wars against theer brethren Before that time according to the Philistines custome during the time that they were Lords and Masters V. 23. The â—aâ—â—ell That is to say the pursuit of the men which fled V. 24. Adjured It was an irrevocable kinde of submitting ones selfe to death used in those dayes Now there was a raihnesse and inconsideratenesse in Saul through a blinde desire he had of following the victory without resting and was lawfull for the governours to take those oathes and therewith binde the people also See Jos. 6. 17. Judg 11. 31. Cursed let him be rooted out as an accursed thing V. 27. Heard not Peradventure he did not returne to the campe after he had assaulted the Philistines His eyes He was revived which appeared by his eyes which were enlightned and cleered V. 29. Hath troubled hath caused the people to be mightily hindered from obtaining a full victorie V. 32. With the blood Having not the patience to presse the blood out or to give it time to runne cleane out according to the law Levit. 17. 10. 19. 26. V. 33. Stone Of which it should seeme he made an Altar v. 35. Vnto me that I may see how you shy your cattell that you may let out the blood exactly V. 35. An Altar either onely for a monument as Josh. 22. 10. Judg. 6. 24. Or for some extraordinary sacrifice Exod. 20. 24. Deut. 27. 5. by Gods speciall approbation V. 36. Let us draw neer let us present our selves before the Ark to enquire by Urim Num. â—7 21. V. 37. Answered him not a signe that God was angry as 1 Sam. 28. 6. not with Jonathan who was innocent but against Sauls temerity who was the author of that foolish oath only to shew the religious respect which was due to the oath V. 38. The chiefe the Italian All the communally namely
over his people see Isay 52. 5. Ezech. 36. 20. 23. Rom. 2. 24. V. 15. Strake With sicknesse proceeding from Gods hand not naturall infirmity V. 17. The Elders His chiefe counsellors and officers V. 18. On the seventh Of the sicknesse or birth of the childe V. 24. Called his name By Gods appointment 1 Chro. 22. 9. Solomon that is to say Peaceable A type of Christ triumphant as David had beene of the same Christ militant V. 25. Iedidiah Beloved of the Lord a second name of the same person as it was the custome of the Hebrewes to have two names Of the Lord by reason of the love he bare to him V. 26. The royall City It seemeth to be a part of the same City of Rabba wherein stood the royall palace encompassed round with waters both for safeguard and delight V. 28. Be called The conquerours using often times to give names to conquered places V. 30. Their Kings the Italian Malcam it is the same as Molock or Milcom the Idoll of the Ammonites upon whose statue was set this crowne of such an unreasonable weight for the talent was of one hundred and five and twenty pounds Exod. 38. 25. Others translate it their Kings namely the Ammonites and in this sense this crowne was not set upon their heads but onely hanged or carried by other men over it Set on That is to say hanged or borne over it Others understand it that the gold thereof being melted there was of a competent quantity thereof a crowne made for David V. 31. Under sawes A kinde of most terrible torture See Amos 1. 3. Heb. 11. 37. CHAP. XIII VERS 1. SIster By the father and mother which was Maacah 2 Sam. 3. 3. V. 2. A virgin And therefore of her selfe more alien from any such unchaste thoughts and kept the more strictly V. 3. Shimeah called also Shammah 1 Samuel 16. 9. V. 13. Shall I cause How might I cleanse my selfe of my shame Now therefore she saith this only to get out of his hands because she could by no meanes be his wife V. 16. Greater In regard of my dishonouâ— which will be so publickly proclaimed by this my sending away whereas otherwise the injury which thou hast done mee might have beene conccaled V. 19. Put ashes A signe of extreame sorrow Josh. 7. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 12. Job 2. 12. Laid her A gesture of women that were extreamely grieved as Jer. 2. 37. V. 20. He is thy Therefore we must take care not to publish his disgrace which in some sort is common to us all and also he being our brother we cannot so well revenge our selves upon him as we might do upon some other body V. 23. Baal Hazor In the plaine of Hazor Josh. 15. 22. 25. Invited For upon such occasions they made great feasts and banquets See Gen. 38. 12. 1 Sam. 25. 36. V. 37 Talâ—â—ai Which was his grandfather by the mothers side 2 Sam. 3. 3. CHAP. XIV VERS 2. TEkoah A City of Judah 2 Chronicles chap. 11. v 6. V. 7. My coale The only remainder of our family in which as on a chimney-hearth there is nothing left alive but only one peece of brand or a kindled coale V. 9. The iniquity If there be any error in this thy pardoning I pray God the punishment therefore may fall upon me and mine and not upon thee V. 11. Remember Sweare unto me by him to performe what thou promisest and sayest to me V. 13. Wherefore then since thou art pleased to doe my sonne such a favour why doest thou not do the same to Absalom for the Lords peoples sake they setting their eyes upon him as upon thy lawfull successor by birth-right being new thine eldest See the like insinuation 2 Sam. 12. 1. Deeth speake Speaking as he now doeth to me His banished namely Absolom V. 14. We must needs death is unavoidable to Kings as well as others and therefore it is time for thee to assure thy people of a lawfull successor which by birth-right is Absolom V. 15. Have made me Because I have feared lest the people discontented through Absoloms absence should runne headlong upon some dangerous resolution as to call him home against thy will and make him King in thy life time or some other way rise up against thee V. 16. Out of the inheritance That is to say out from amongst thy people V. 17. The word that is to say the answer which he shall give me concerning Absoloms returne shall be peaceable To set my mind at rest and the whole kingdome in peace staying all popular insurrections As an Angell He is inspired by God to judge aright in every thing as shall be propounded unto him Whereby he may plainely perceive that what I speake unto him is for the publike good V. 19. Canturne Cannot gainesay but that the businesse is true as thou speakest V. 20. To fetch about for to make way under this feigned accident of my sonne to desire this pardon for Absolom of thee V. 22. Thanked the Italian Blessed That is to say thanked him and withall prayed to the Lord to grant a happy issue to all these affaires V. 26 Kings weight That is to say of a just current and ordinary weight it is thought to be the same as else where is called the Sanctuary shekel Exod. 30. 13. V. 29. He would not Fearing lest David thereby might suspect that there was some secret practise or conspiracy betweene them V. 30. Set it on fire Burne the barley that is there Now that was done for to give him cause to come and speak with him V. 32. Had been good My fathers wrath had not been so grievous to me being farre from him as it is now I am so neere to him neither would the infamy have been so notorious nor remarkable which may now alienate the peoples hearts from me who in mine absence did desire my returne CHAP. XV. VERS 1. PRepared him Begun to get a train and household like a Prince and successor to the kingdome being the first borne since the death of Ammon For Chileab 2 Sam. 3. 3. Was either dead or uncapable Men That is to say footmen V. 2. Of the gate Of the royall palace or of the Court of justice V. 6. Stole Did stealingly and deceitfully with-draw the peoples dependency from David to himselfe V. 7. Forty It is uncertaine whence these yeers must begin to be reckoned some take it from Davids first consecration 1 Sam. 16. 13. Some from the first establishment of a kingdome under Saul For these notable changes many times serve to alter the times from which they begin their computations V. 8. I will serve the Italian I will sacrifice unto namely sacrifices of thanksgiving the Hebrew word signifieth I will serve as Exod. 8. 1. V. 10. As soone as When I shall send about every where to gather the people unto me and if they aske the reason of it you shall answer as from your selves that I have been accepted of for
It is the City of Laish at other times called plainly Dâ—n Jos. 19. 47. V. 7 To all the cities In which those people remained mixed with the Israelites Judg. chap. 1. ver 31 32. V. 10. Snote him By a remorse occasioned in him by the holy Ghost See 1 Samuel chapter 24. verse 5. Take away See a Samuel chapter 12 verse 13. V. 13 Seven yeares Because that 1 Chronic chapter 21. verse 12. There are but three yeares spoken of it is thought that David committed this fault the yeare after the three years famine 2 Sam. 21. 1. was stayed Whereupon if hee had made choyce of this scourge with three other successive yeares of famine the number of seven would have been compleat V. 14 Into the hand That is to say his hand immediately for when men are imployed in these punishments they mixe their owne passions and oftentimes exceed the measure not of the secret providence but of Gods manifested intention which aimes at correction and not at destruction See Isa. chapter 47. verse 6. Zac. chapter 1. verse 15. V. 15 Time appoynted That is to say of three dayes verse 13. Others take the Hebrew word for the ordinary houre of the evening sacrifice of the same day and so they believe that God shortened the terme of three dayes out of his superabundant mercy V. 16 Repented him See upon Genesis chapter 6. verse 6. Araunah who is also called Araniah verse the eighteenth and Ornan in the Chronicles The Jebusite That is to say a Proselite of that nation V. 17 When be saw Because hee appeared unto him in a visible forme 1 Chronicles Chapter 21. ver 16. V. 18 Rerâ— This was the same place that Abraham had led his sonne to for to offer him and where the Temple was built afterwards 2 Chron. 3. 1. which place was consecrated by this Altar upon which was made the first essay for a publike atonement V. 22 Here be Oxen See 1 Kings Chapter 19. verse 21. V. 23 As a King The Italian King Araunah It is likely that he had been a King or of the bloud royall while the Jebusites were in possession of Jerusalem and afterwards being converted to the true religion he remained in Jerusalem in some degree of honour Accept thee Namely in this sacrifice which thou art going to offer for the deliverance from this scourge V. 24 Bought The threshing floore for sixe hundred shekels of gold 1 Chronicles chapter 21. verse 25. and the oxen and instruments for fifty shekels of silver others doe reconcile this place with that of the Chronicles in this manner that in this place by silver ought to bee understood not the mettall in kind but the value of fifty shekels of Gold and that in the Chronicles the six hundred shekels were of silver but disbursed and layd out in fifty shekels of gold which according to the proportion of the common value of twelve shekels of silver for one golden one comes to the foresaid six hundred shekels THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS The ARGUMENT THe holy Ghost continuing the sacred History setteth down in this Book made by one or more Prophets how that by Gods expresse order and Davids appointment whilst he was yet living Salomon was chosen and consecrated King over Gods People notwithstanding the eldership of his brother Adonijah and the power of his faction and consequently hâ—â— after Davids death hee began his reign by executing his Fathers last commands And how God appeared to him in a dreame and according to his holy and well guided request did endow him with divine and incomparable wisdome to govern his people wisely and happily to know and understand the secrets of nature and to conceive and utter sentences and notable sayings for the Churches instruction By which he got the voluntary love respect and obedience of his people the good will and esteeme of Kings and Princes farre and neare peace and inviolable securenesse in his state and established an excellent order in his house and all his affaires But above all things hee was moved to undertake and had meanes gloriously to accomplish the structure of the Temple of God the seat of the manifestation of his grace truth vertue and spirit and a place peculiarly and alone consecrated to yeeld unto him holy and acceptable service by him required and commanded So that Salomons reigne accomplished with a politick and religious happinesse represented the triumphant Church in heaven as Davids reign had been a figure of the Church Militant upon earth And all by vertue of Gods promises made to David by meanes of his perseverance in pietie which God had required for them by necessary conditions To which Salomon was also lively exhorted and confirmed in by the Lord by a second appearing to him But according to the manner of all temporall things and by the meanes of mens ordinarie corruption who can never for any continuance of time guide and rule themselves in a happy estate the heigth whereunto Salomons reigne was come began quickly to decline through his own fault who should have beene the man that should have made it firme to leave it so established and perpetuall to his posterity For having entangled himselfe in the love of an exorbitant number of women which were heathens and idolatrous in his old age he grew slack suffering their Idelatries and the open exercise of their abominations neare unto Ierusalem as one might say under the very eyes of God Whereupon even in his life time the threat of the rending of his kingdom was denounced unto him which happened soone after his death by the meanes of Rehoboam his sonnes pride and evill governed understanding who having alienated his peoples love from him did drive them to chuse Ieroboam King over the ten Tribes under the name of Israel the other two of Iudah and Benjamin only remaining under the obedience of the house of David which never had any more permission nor power from God to bring those other Tribes unto their former obedience This revolt or division of state was followed and seconded by a heavie and mortall scisme in Religion Ieroboam forbidding his subjects to frequent the Temple at Ierusalem and setting them up two Calves to the likenesse of the old one in the Wildernesse for to have them worship the Lord in those similitudes and yeeld him in them all manner of worship due unto him and did also at his pleasure alter the Ceremonies and Servants Which things quickly drew the wrath of God upon his house which was wholly rooted out Neither did his Successors of other Families any way amend themselves but grew still worse and worse even to the publike bringing up of the Gentiles Idolatries accompanied with all manner of wickednesses as well in their private conversations and lives as in their publike government As for Solomons posterity it varied much for sometimes there were very wicked Kings and sometimes again the Lord did raise pious and religious ones who re-established
religion and reformed the manners of private living and of publik government God still employing towards both kingdoms excellent Prophets using sundry punishments and visitations to bring back the people from their errors and strayings which through his mercie was never without fruit and amendment in Iudah where the holy seed and the Church of God was preserved But in the ten Tribes it served to no other end but onely to gather together some remnants of Gods elect and to reprove the peoples unbrideled malice to assure them of their approaching condemnation and to justifie Gods judgments after his long patience CHAP. I. VERS I. WAs old because hee was almost seventy years of age 2 Sam. 5. 4. V. 3. A Shunamite of Shunem a Citie of Issacar Ios. 19. 18. V. 5. I will be King because that after the death of Ammon and Absalom he was the eldest but God the Soveraign Lord of the people had long before named Salomon to bee Davids Successor 1 Chron. 22. 9. he prepared as Absalom had done 2 Sam. 15. 1. V. 6. Very goodly and therefore beloved of the people and peradventure of David himself his mother by birth-right he was next to Absalom though by another mother 2 Sam. 3. 4. and therefore David took no notice of Adonijahs desire reserving the relating of his own will which was agreeing with the will of God in the behalfe of Salomon untill the ending of his dayes because hee would avoid troubles V. 9. En-rogâ—l some place neere Ierusalem to the Eastward see Ios. 15. 7. and 18. 16. 2 Sam. 17. 17. V. 12. Save for it was cleare by Salomons being excluded from this feast that Adonijah had a great jealousie of him which jealousie was grounded upon the notice hee had of Gods Oracle concerning the succession ordained to be Salomons V. 21. With his Fathers see Gen. 15. 15. and 47. 30. offenders as having desired the Kingdom and secretly sought for thy good will against his right of first-borne V. 23. Hee was come Bathshebah being gone out at that instant as it appeareth by vers 28. V. 31. Let my Lord might it have pleased God would this change had never been but that thou mightest have lived and raigned perpetually Dan. 2. 4. V. 33. The servants the houshold servants garders and officers belonging to me your King shall even from this time belong to Salomon mine own a token of communicating or transferring of the Royall dignitie Gen. 41. 43. Est. 6. 8. to Gihon it was a hill neere Ierusalem on the West side opposite to Rogel where Adonijah had gathered his Associates together and was chosen out by David for this act of consecration to shew the contrarietie of these two Parties and to avoid any encounter which might have bred a tumult or skirmish see upon 1 Chron. 29. 22. the reiterated and solemne confirmation of this consecration which was here but summarily done V. 36. Say so too let the Lord be pleased to ratifie by his Soveraign will and decree that which thou hast now made known to us for to be thy will V. 39. A horne see upon 1 Sam. 10. 1. out of the Tabernable not Moses his Tabernaâ—le which was yet in Gibeon 1 Chron. 16. 39. and 21. 29. but that which David had set up for the Arke 2 Sam. 6. 17. V. 47. To blesse to congratulate with him for this his happy succession and to testifie their joy therfore by vowes and wishes and to give him thanks for having nominated a successor freeing them by that meanes of all care and the Kingdome of divisions and revolts bowed himself hath confirmed all this by an expresse thanksgiving to God as Gen. 47. 31. V. 50. Caught hold either going to Gibeon where Moses his Altar was at that time 1 Chron 21. 29. or to Davids Altar which he had set up in Araunahs threshing floore 2 Sam. 24. 25. Now though there were no law for the freedome of malefactors in that place yet custome had brought up this refuge to avoid any present violence and also for a signe of craving mercie in Gods name who by the sacrifices made there layed open his mercie to sinners see Exod. 21. 14. 1 Kings 2. 28. CHAP. II. VERS II. I Goe as Ios. 23. 14. a man wisely valiantly like a man of ripe and full age making good by thy vertues thy want of years thou being yet but young 1 Chron. 22. 5. V. 4 There shall not there shall never want some of thine issue which was verified in Christ Ier. 33. 17. V. 5. Put the blood putting his bloody sword up into his scabbard and wearing it so at his girdle and his shoes also all bloody in a bold and publick way as it were bragging of his murthers V. 6. In peace by a naturall and peaceable kind of death V. 7. So they came using such kindnesse towards me as I desire should be used towards them V. 9. Hold him not examine and look well into his actions for his malice will yeeld thee occasion enough to adde that old fault of his to other new ones which he will questionlesse commit so that thou maist punish him for both together V. 13. Peaceably with a friendly intent or for some good as 1 Sam. 16. 4. speaking thus because she knew Adonijah had reason to be angry with her for having procured the Kingdome for Solomon her Son V. 15. Was mine by order of birth-right being I was the elder brother V. 6. And now being frustrate of those great pretences obtaine me for my comfort this small request of Solomon and I will rest satisfied therewith V. 19. On his right as the most honourable place next to the regall throne see upon Psal. 110. 1. V. 22. Aske for him Solomon by divine inspiration perceived whereto Adonijahs request tended namely to trouble him and contend with him for the Kingdom and for to gaine the great ones good wills with whom Abisha was very gracious and besides it was the successors right for to have the deceased Kings concubines 2 Sam. 3. 7. and 12. 8. and 16. 21. For he is doe not you perceive that by this meanes he meaneth again to revive his pretences by reason of his eldership even against Gods expresse command For Abiathar the Priest for all those of his party who will strengthen him and egge him on to the destruction of me and all mine V. 24. Hath made me hath given me a firme and lasting â—â—ate which shall passe to my posterity by a lawfull succession 2 Sam. 7. 26. V. 26. Anathoth a city belonging to the Priests Iâ—sh 21. 18. Thou barest thou wer 't High Priest and didst alwayes adhere to my Father even in his greatest dangers when it was needfull to transport Gods Arke as 2 Sam. 15. 24. at which time the High Priest was of necessity to be present as a President and Superintendent Num. 4. 15 19 27. V. 28. The Tabernacle it is likely that it was Moses his Tabernacle that was in Gibeon with
the Altar 1 Chron. 16. 39. and 21 29. Caught hold see upon 1 Kings 1. 50. V. 31. Blood the guilt of his murthers with which I should be burthened if I did not punish him for it V. 34. In the wildernesse a place for pasturage and feeding of cattell and was part of that countrey which belonged to the tribe of Iudah V. 35. Put in the roome putting in execution by his soveraigne power Gods order concerning the succession of the first borne to the Priest-hood Zadok being descended from Eleazar Aarons first borne 1 Chron. 6. 50. and 24. 3. and his expresse declaration made afterwards 1 Sam. 2. 31. V. 37. Thy blood thou shalt beare the punishment of thy capitall offence and shalt be the causer of thine own death V. 43. Of the Lord made in his name he being the maintainer of it the said oath having all its efficacy and vertue from him and by his ordinance V. 45. Before the Lord being wholly consecrated to his service Or through Gods perpetuall care and providence V. 46. Was established after all the heads of factions and dissentions were cut off CHAP. III. VERS I. AND took seeing Solomon was not blamed for entring into this kindred and that hee yet remained in the perfect state of wisdome and piety we ought to beleeve that it was done upon condition that the woman should turne to the true service and worship of God which seemes to be confirmed in the verse following contrary to that which he did afterwards 1 Kings 11. 4 5 7. V. 2. Only this verse ought to bee joyned to the next in this sence In all but this namely of having a constant and setled place for sacrifices according to Gods commandement Deut. 12. 5. Solomon in his beginning was a most religious observer of Gods true service in high places upon certain little hills and rising places through a perverse imitation of the ancient Patriarkes And although Moses his Altar were in those dayes in Gibeon the people assumed liberty to sacrifice elsewhere straining that to an extraordinary abuse which had been tolerated onely in some extraordinary cases and to some certain persons See Exod. 20. 24. Deut. 27. 6. The name of namely unto God who did manifest himselfe in the sacred signes of his presence Deut. 12. 5. V. 4. The King in the middest of this variety of Altars which was tolerated for a time Solomon notwithstanding bare a singular devotion to Moses his Altar V. 7. To goe out I know neither how to govern my selfe nor my people having not yet sufficient wisdome or experience through want of yeares V. 9. To judge that is to say to govern by doing them justice V. 12. Any King or Prince equall unto thee in the art or quality of well governing V. 15. And behold by the lively feeling of Gods spirit and through the light and impression which remained in him he knew it was a divine dreame as Gen. 41. 7. V. 16. Harlots common harlots being forbidden Deut. 23. 17. we ought to beleeve either that the law was not strictly observed or that they were some particular mens bond-women that were not married or that they were sojourners according to the other signification of the Hebrew word as Ioshua 2. 1. V. 26. Yerned or waxed warme V. 28. Of God or divine infused into him through Gods spirit CHAP. IV. VERS II. VVHich he had the Italian of his Court or which belonged unto him V. 3. Recorder see upon 2. Sam. 8. 6. V. 4. Abiathar if it be the same as is spoken of 1 Kings 2. 26. it must be understood that though he was degraded by Solomon yet he kept the name and next degree under Zadok V. 5. The officers of which verse 7. Principall that is to say his favorite or private friend and the second person in government V. 9. Makaz this name of city or countrey is not mentioned in any other place but by the rest which are here added they belonging to the tribe of Dan it is very likely that this was also of the same tribe V. 10. In Aruboth this place is not mentioned any where else but by the aforesaid reason it should be in the countrey belonging to the tribe of Iudah V. 11. Dor see Iosh. 17. 11. V. 12. Taanach see Iosh. 17. 11. Zartanah this is not the same as Ioshua 3. 16. and 1 Kings 7. 46. Abel-Mehola see Iudges 7. 22. Iokneam it seemeth to bee the same Iokneam as is mentioned Ioshua 19. 11. and 〈◊〉 34. which was in the confines of Zabulon V. 14. Mahanaim Ioshua 13. 16. V. 21. The River namely Euphrates according to Gods promise Gen. 15. 18. V. 22. Measures the Italian hath the Hebrew word Cors which was the name of a large measure which contained ten Epâ—as V. 23. Fâ—llow Deer the signification of the Hebrew word is very uncertaine but most interpreters hold that it was a kind of wild goat V. 24. Tiphsah this was some city of Syria neare 〈◊〉 Euphrates V. 26. Forty thousand 2 Chron. 9. 25. there is mention made but onely of foure thousand stalles therefore we must imagine that in each stall there were ten severall distinct places to place a horse in each one V. 30. The East namely Arabians or Caldeans who as well as the Egyptians Acts 7. 12. were very skilfull in liberall arts and naturall sciences V. 31. Ethan there were Israelites of the tribe of Iudah descended from Zerah and therefore Ethan was called the Ezrahite see 1 Chron. 2. 6. Psal. 88. 1. and 89. 1. V. 32. Proverbs part whereof are set downe in the book of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes V. 33. The hysop it is so called ordinarily by reason of the similitude of the Hebrew name yet others â—old iâ— to be rather wall-Rue CHAP. V. VERS III. VNto the name which should beare the name of the Lord and should be peculiarly consecreated to his service and presence 1 Kings 3. 2. V. 9. Food for Tire and Sidon wanted food and made provision thereof in the land of the Israelites Ezr. 3. 7. Ezech. 27. 17. Acts 12. 20. For my houshold or for my Court this was the price of the timber besides other quantities of co 〈…〉 e which Solomon gave the workmen for their labours 2 Chron. 2. 9. V. 11. Measures see 1 Kings 4. 22. pure oile the Italian virgin oile see upon Exodus 27. 20. yeare by year which by all likely-hood lasted no longer then while the Temple was building and those workmen and materials were employed V. 14. Over the levie to make the levie and to see them follow their work V. 15. That bare these were strangers as also the three thousand of the verse following 2 Chron. 2. 2. V. 16. Three hundred in the selfe-same place of the Chronicles there are six hundred but certainly three hundred were over and above to make the number compleat at any time upon any chance V. 17. Costly the Italian fine namely by reason of the hardnesse and
were the Cherubins and thereby is understood the whole Arke and consequently the sanctuary wherein it stood and more generally the holy place and the whole body of the Temple V. 12. By the Spirit of God who revealed unto him all that should be done to the Temple as he had antiently told Moses the so me of the Tbbernacle Exod. 25. 40. see verse 9. the treasuries as much as to say that those Chambers should be employed to put up the holy treasures in for the Officers lodgings which served weekly according to their turns and to keep the vessells and other things of the house of these two kinds of holy treasures see upon 1 Chron 25. 20. V. 15. The Candlesticks these are others besides the ten golden Candlesticks which were in the holy place 1 Kings 7. 49. for these served in the Chambers for their domesticall uses who ministred V. 16. The Tables of there is no mention made else where of these silver Tables nor what use they were for but questionlesse they were for some particular and domestick use V. 18. The charret the Arke is so called which was as Gods throne not constant as it is in heaven but moveable As much as to say a signe of his presence in grace and power which served only to direct the faithfull to the heavenly Throne which is the seat of Gods eternall and glorious presence neither was it fixed in the Church but that it might depart from thence if the people did shew themselves unworthy of it as Ezech. 1. 26. and 10. 13. 16. V. 19. Vpon me the Italian hath it which was brought unto me namely by some Prophet V. 21. Every willing the Italian besides those that shall willingly employ themselves namely to build and make the vessels of the Temple as Exod. 35. 25 26. CHAP. XXIX VER I. WHom alone none else of my children nor all of them together to divide the Kingdom amongst them young it appeareth by â—eâ—â—â—â—ams age 1 Kings 12. 13. that Solomon was married but he was not yet â—â—me to the perfect age of man being not above eighteen years of age 〈◊〉 thereabouts V. 3. Of mine own which I had gathered for my selfe after I had consecrated to God his part V. 4. To overlay with little plates beaten out and so laid on the houses the gold was to cover the Temple walls and the silver to cover the other sacred roomes which were about it V. 8. Stones precious or fine ones as jasper or porphirie c. V. 11 The Victory the Italian hath it the eternity or the victory and strength V. 15. For wee acknowledging that by reason of the brevity of our lives we cannot perpetually enjoy these things we doe out of meere devotion and piety consecrate them unto thee which thou out of thy meer bounty wilt requite with eternall life and glory see Matth. 19 21. Luke 16. 9. abiding the Italian hath it hope of escaping from death see Psal. 49. 10 and 89. 48. V. 18. keep this this holy and free-will of consecrating themselves and all they have through thy grace and bounty to thy service V. 21. For all Israel for every particular person amongst the people V. 22. The second time besides the first time 1 Kings 1. 33. For that consecration was upon a sudden and in a manner tumultuarily in the sight of those of Ierusalem only to break off Adonijah his faction but this was done with good respite and great solemnity in the presence of the heads of all the Tribes unto the Lord to be consecrated unto him in the government of his people Priest namely High Priest after that Abiathar was deposed 1 Kings 2. 27. V. 23. Of the Lord of the Kingdom by him established and sanctified to govern his people and to be figured of Christs Kingdom and where himselfe was Soveraign Lord and Law-giver V. 24. Submitted themselves unto the Italian hath it laid their hands under they sweare to bee faithfull unto him with the ceremonie of laying their hand under his thigh as Gen. 24. 2. and 47. 29. Others plainely submitted themselves unto him 29. In the book in the two books of Samuel composed by these three Prophets V. 30. The times the variety of chances which happened in his dayes both prosperous and adverse THE SECOND BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES The ARGUMENT THe subject of this Book is the same as that of the two Books of Kings save only that after the separation of the ten Tribes this gives over the History of the Kings of Israel and insisteth only upon that of the Kings of Iudah untill the time of the captivity of Babylon CHAP. I. VERS V. SOught unto it they went thither to pray and offer sacrifices and doe their devotions V. 10. Goe out that I may conduct them as their King Captaine Guide and Shepheard Iudge that is to say governe them by way of Iustice. CHAP. II. VER VI. SAve only to shew that he did not intend to build a house to the infinite God in that manner as Idolaters did build houses for their Idols to keep them shut up and tie them to their wills but only to serve him and call upon him according to his command V. 7. In purple in wooll died in these colours Exod. 25. 〈◊〉 V. 8. Algume see upon 1 Kings 10. 12 V. 10. Twenty thousand this was another provision then that which is mentioned 1 Kings 5. 11. for that was for the house of King Huram yearely and this was for the Sidonian workmen during the whole time as they wrought CHAP. III. VER I. WHere the Lord appeared to the Italian had shewed to or where the Lord had appeared to David V. 3. The first measure this might be some measure which was bigger then the common and ordinary measure as who should say geometricall cubits see Ezech. 40. 5. and 41. 8. Others translate it in the first measure there were sixty Cubits that is to say in the body of the building properly called the Temple severall from the porticoes and the Courts and which was first designed these measures were observed V. 5. Greater that part of the house which was called the holy place which was forty Cubits in length whereas the most holy place was but twenty 1 Kings 6. 16. 17. house namely the floore thereof 1 Kings 6. 15. for the walls and seilings were covered with cedar boards 1 Kings 6. 9. 10. 15. over-laid laying over the boards little golden plates fastened on with mailes whose heads were of the same metall V. 6. Garnished the Italian covered he had great store of them set in amongst those chaines which were upon those walls which were covered with gold Parvaim the signification of this word is uncertaine some by reason of the affinity of the letters hold it to be that which in our dayes is called Peru and that Solomons ships did use to saile thither even in those dayes V. 9. Of the nailes of each one of them and they were nothing but
Lords exemplary justice in being thankfull unto him and also to know that whatsoever is not in him is contrary to his will and hee will punish it V. 8. Of Israel of that part which was subiect unto him for the judgement to judge in Ecclesiasticall causes or those which were of the written Law set down in the Law of God For in Ecclesiasticall causes it should seem the Priest and Levites only were Iudges in the other the Ecclesiasticall temporall judges were joyned the first to set down what was the Law and the others to examine the fact and see the Law executed for controversies this seemeth to be referred to causes which are only meerely civill and of reall and positive right as contracts sales bargains c. they returned whetherit were by meanes of the parties appeal of which there is no expresse mention in the Law or by the recourse of the Iudges themselves in difficult and ambiguous causes as Exod. 18 26. Deut. 1. 17. according to the commandement Deut. 17. 8. V. 10. Between blood see upon Deut. 17. 8. between Law in cases where each partie shall pretend to have right and ground on the Law of God doe you endeavour to finde out the true meaning of it and to resolve the seeming ambiguities and contradictions and to know to whom according to its true meaning it giveth the right V. 11. Of the Lord Ecclesiasticall businesse pertaining to the religious order and service of God or in causes which may be decided by the declaration of the Law ruler see 1 Chron. 27. 16. the Kings matters depending upon the Kings statute being of positive right officers it should seeme they were some inferiour magistrates from amongst the Levites which were in stead of censors and correctors to maintain the use of the Law and governe the peoples behaviours in each city and they received their orders from the great consistory in Ierusalem CHAP. XX. VER I. BEside the of their subjects or confederates V. 2. The sea of Sodom V. 4. Gathered themselves every one in their city to celebrate the fast with prayers and publick devotions came namely to Ierusalem V. 5. The new court it is likely it was the Priests court which might be renewed either in its building or in its use after some publick precedent prophanation as the alter had been 2 Chron. 15. 8. V. 9. Sword warre sent for the punishment of mens sinnes thy name that as it is called by thy name thy house so thou walt be pleased to shew in it the true signes and effects of thy presence V. 10. Mount Seir namely the Edomites invade to possesse it or shew any hostility in it V. 14. The spirit hee was suddenly overcome by a prophericall inspiration and moved by the holy Ghost to utter it V. 15. Is not yours God takes it all upon himselfe and will have all the honour of it to himselfe V. 19. Kohathites namely the holy singers whereof some were descended from Korah 1 Chron. 6. 33. 37. the other from Gershom the sonne of Kohath 1 Chron. 6. 39. 43. V. 21. Consulted concerning what was right and what ought to bee provided concerning their vocation remitting all the rest to God singer which shewed that by faith hee was already assured of the victory and that oven then hee did celebrate the triumph of it and give the Lord thanks therefore V. 22. Set hâ—e raised some secret and unlooked for occasion of strife amongst those nations which occasion was taken upon a plot and perfidious designe whereupon they fell out amongst themselves as Iudg. 7. 22. 1 Sam. 14. 20. V. 33. The high places this must be meant by those high places which were consecrated to the true God for Iehoshapbat had destroyed those which belonged to the Idols 2 Chron. 17. 6. CHAP. XXI VER II. OF Israel by right hee was King over all the tribes but really of a part of them V. 11. To commit fornication spiritually by idolatry V. 12. Elijah the great Prophet Elijah was already taken up into heaven in these dayes as appeareth by 2 Kings 2. 11. wherefore this must be another Elijab or else it must bee that the great Elijah had written this prophecy in his life time and appointed that in its due time it should bee delivered to Iehoram V. 16. The Philistines who before were tributaries 2 Chron. 17. 11. and were afterwards subdued againe by Vzziah 2. Chron. 26. 7. V. 17. Into it as farre as Ierusalem which they also took Ieâ—â—abaz called also Ahaziah and Azariah 2 Chron. 22. 1. 6. V. 20. Departed or hee walked without any pleasure that is to say hee lived in continuall misery CHAP. XXII VER I. AHaziah called also Azariah v. 6. and Ieloahaz 2 Chron. 21. 17. slaine after they had carried them away into captivity 2 Chron. 21. 17. V. 2. Forty and two 2 Kings 8. 26. it is said that hee was two and twenty yeares of age which is confirmed by that that Ieboram the father of Abaziah was two and thirty yeares of age when he began to reigne and reigned eight years which in all is forty whereupon hee could not have a sonne of two and forty yeares of age when hee succeeded his father This difficulty is in dissoluble and it is likely that there is some alteration happened in these accompts or in the figures by some unknown meanes V. 6. Azariah which is the same as Ahaziah and Iehaâ—haz 2 Chron. 21. 17. V. 8. Of the brethren of his nearest kinsmen for his brethren were all slain 2 Chror 21. 17. and 22. 1. V. 9. In Samaria in the ten tribes countrey whose chiefe city is Samaria for otherwise this happened in Iezreel 2 Kings 9. 16. 27. slaine â—im hee was wounded to death by Iehues people but he â—led to Meggido and there died 2 Kings 9. 27. said they Iehu or his people who suffered the body to bee carried to Ierusalem Or Ahaziah his own people in reverence of his grandfather Iehoshaphats memory had no power either by reason of their tender age or for want of partakers or by reason of Athalias might none could take possession of the Kingdome nor bee established in it by the people V. 10. The seed royall as well the children of Ahaziah which were her own grandchildren as the other neere kinsmen V. 11. A bed chambar one of the chambers where the Priests lay V. 12. With them namely with the high Priest his Family CHAP. XXIII VER I. INto covenant hee bound them with an oath to take his part and defend his person and State V. 4. The doores and especially that of Shur 2 Kings 11. 6. V. 5. The Kings house see 2 Kings 11. 5. of the foundation see 2 Kings 11. 6. in the courts in the peoples court which was divided into severall gâ—eat courts encompassed with porticoes V. 6. Into the house within the Priests court they that minister for besides singers and porters the Levites had this third office also to
humble thy selfe before him in this affliction but wilt contend with him Therefore trust thou the Italian judge thy selfe in his sight and then wait for him recall thy selfe and condemne thy former proceedings and give glory to God and then dispose thy selfe to an assured hope 1 Cor. 11. 31. CHAP. XXXVI VER 2. ON Gods behalfe to defend his justice which thou questionest V. 3. From a farre from the generall grounds of his nature justice and works I will come to thy particular cause Ascribe I will acknowledge it preach it and maintaine it to be just for his glory onely and not for any private respect of mine own V. 4. Not be false namely proceeding from flattery to insinuate into Gods favour against mine own conscience or without any motion from the heart a thing wherewith Iob had taxed his friends Joâ— 13. 7. and 17. 5. V. 5. Mighty not by a tyrannicall might having no regard to justice As it should seeme Iob had intimated Iob 19. 7. 23. 13. 30 21. but such a might as is alwayes governed and guided with justice and wisedome Despiseth namely in denying of justice in respect of the inequality of their conditions according to Iobs complaint Iob 10. 3. strength and wisdome the Hebrew strength and heart V. 8. In fetters he calleth afflictions fetters they being as a prison to the faithfull who are fallen into some sin for their correction and to prevent judgement see Iob 13. 27 42. 10. Psal. 107. 10. V. 9. Hee sheweth them namely by the publike ministery of his word see Iob 33. 23. V. 10. Sheweth them he admonisheth them in secret by divine revelations Iob 33. 14. 16. V. 12. They obey not seeing hee here yet speaketh of the just vers 7. opposite to the wicked ver 13. by this disobedience can no way bee meant an obstinate rebellion but a carelesnesse in the expresse amendment of some sin by which others may prevent Gods last visitation in this world V. 13. But the hypocrites the Italian the prophane that is to say the wicked doe not only remaine unconverted in their afflictions but become more wicked whereby their punishment is also increased V. 14. Among the unclean the Italian among the Sodominâ—s namely such as commit the abominable kinde of lust Ayming at the destruction of Sodome V. 15. In his affliction when in their afflictions they voluntarily humble themselves see Ier. 31. 18. V. 16. Have removed thee if thou hadst chosen this way for thy conversion V. 17. But thou hast thou seemest in some manner to imitate the wickeds extream and irre missible sin which is to contend with God saying that he hath wronged them in their perdition Now Elihu did onely intend to disswade Iob from such an impiety to which his specches seemed to incline But Iobs aime was no other but to maintaine the seale of Gods Spirit against all appearances and reasons which might be urged to the contrary which is the good combat of the faith but it was followed by Iob with a little too much excesse Iudgement thou art already as it were a guilty man in the judges hands therefore thou oughtest so much the more to beware least thou doe further provoke him V. 20. Desire not desire not death in this manner aâ— thou dost for in the state in which thou art thou oughtest to feare an extraordinary kinde of death even by Gods hands whereby many people have passed even to eternall death as in the deludge Sodâ—m aâ—d Egypt V. 21. Iniquity the Italian vanity namely that vain desire of death only to ease thee of some corporall paine never regarding the eternall state of the soul chosen thou hast desired rather to fall into the hands of God by such a kinde of death than to endure these torments see Job 3. 13. 20. and 6. 8. and 10. 1. V. 22. God if thou say est thou wouldest argue with God not to contraty him but only to relate thy reasons unto him that he might proceed with thee according to them Who art thou that shouldest teach or direct him who is in such heigth of Majesty and command V. 24. Which men of which they are neither iudges nor censurers but onely spectators and adorers V. 25. A farre off either for reverence or through weaknesse being not able to come neere so great a light V. 30. Hee spreadeth hee shooteth out his lightnings every way Psal. 28. 13. 15. and 144. 6. Covereth with thick clouds and the gulses and armes of the Sea which seeme to be so many rootes of a great tree V. 31. â—or by them that is to say Gods providence is incomprehensible for with one and the selfe same storme hee tâ—under-striketh the wicked and watereth the earth to cause it to bring forth fruit V. 32. With clouds c. the Italian hee hideth the â—â—ame with the palmes of his hands and directeth them what they should meet he hath as a man should say both his hands armed with thunders which directly hit whatsoever he will have them CHAP. XXXVII VER 2. HEare it should seeme that at that time it thundered the noise of his voice the Italian his terriblethunder or his thunder with terror V. 4. After it not because that the lightning is before the thunder but because that the thunder is heard after the lightning is seen by reason that the â—eâ—ce of hearing is â—lower then that of seeing â—â—ay them namely the raine and stormes V. 7. He sealeth up the hand of every man the Italian he shutteth up every man at home becauseth by reason of those kinds of weatherâ— every one to retire home out of the fields Exod 9 19. that all men way knâ—w his work the Italian that hee may know 〈…〉 workmen aâ— a master of a family calleth his slaves or his workmen together for to take the number of them V. 9. Out of the south the Hebrew word signifieth a hidden or secret place for the Antarctick or Souththren Pole is hidden from our hemisphere Iob 9. 9. V. 10. By the breath by cold winds raised by him or by his command V. 11. Wearieth that is to say by show ring down of much raine hee dissolveth and dissipateth them He scattereth his bright cloud the Italian and scattereth the clouds with his light namely with the Sunne which disperseth them with his beames V. 13. For correction Hebrew his rod as Exâ—d 9 18 23. 1 Sam. 12. 17. 18. Ez. 10. 9. For his land for the earth which is his creature wherefore he provideth for it at its need as he doth for all his other creaâ—ures or that part of the earth which is not inhabited which God only and not man taketh care for Iob 38. 16. 17. Or for mercy some singular and extraordinary mercy as 2 Sam. 21. 10. 1 Kings 18. 45. V. 15. Disposed them namely those foresaid meteors raine snow c. The light namely the raine-bow or the Sunne thorow the clouds when they are severed or after
have it to be a signe of exclamation or exaggeration V. 3. My glory hee in whose favour and assistauce I doe glory Or the author and defendor of the glory of my Kingdome which is in question the lifter up who comfortest and rejoycest mee freest me from dishonor and contempt heartenest and settest mee free raisest mee in dignity and honour All which things are meant by lifting up the head V. 4. I cryed hitherto I have alwayes found God propitious to my prayers and therefore I have the same confidence now at this present Or in this present occasion I feele my heart strengthned by faith in the grace of God by meanes of prayer of his holy hill namely out of his tabernacle set up in Sion hill 2 Sam. 6. 17. where the Arke was over which the Lord shewed himselfe present in grace and power V. 7. For thou hast thou hast alwayes broken overthrowne and beaten downe mine other enemies or thou hast already taken away from these all strength and meanes of hurting mee accomplish therefore the work of thy deliverance PSAL. IV. THE title to the the Italian given to published by David for the use of the Church though it was penned before upon some particular occasion chiefe Musician it appeares by first Chron. 15. 17. that even from time out of minde there had been amongst the ministers and officers of the Church sacred musicians under certaine heads or masters the originall whereof is unknown the Law making no mention thereof Afterwards David having invented new instruments and illustrated the art of Musick Amos 6. 5. did also appoint singers in the Temple and divided them into three companies and Asaph was chosen by him to sing those things which hee composed 1 Chron. 25. 1. 2. whereupon it is likely that it is he is meant in these titles of Psalmes on Neginoth that is to say upon stringed instruments the meaning may be that this Psalme was sung to such kinde of instruments or that it was sent to the chiefe of the musicians which played upon such instruments Every generall sort of instruments having it severall company of musicians 1 Chron. 15 19. 20. 21. V. 1. Of my righteousnesse witnesse judge and defender of mine innocency and right V. 2. Sonnes of men the Italian you chiefe men it seemeth he directeth his speeches to the officers of the Kingdome and to the heads of the eleven tribes who after the death of Saul did for a long time refuse to accept of David to be their King 2 Sam. 2. c. and 3. 1. my glory will ye contemne and seek to beat down my royall dignity which God hath conferred upon mee and of which I already begin to have possession in the tribe of Iudah vanity namely vaine and unprofitable designes to maintaine your greatnesses under the pretence of the house of Saul opposing mee who am your lawfull King seeke after frame deceitfull plots and false conspiracies to withstand mee V. 3. That is godly namely mee David whom hee hath endowed with true piety to re-establish his true service which is spoken in opposition of Saul who was reproved and of his abominable race see Psa. 89. 20. V. 4. Commune consider within your selves the great error which you commit and examine what your duty is and be still forbear plotting and taking councell together Heb. hold your peaces or be silent V. 5. Offer the dispose your selves by submiting to my government to have part in Gods true service in his Church before his arke in the holy place according to Gods order that you may have certain assurance of his grace and blessing which hath not been done in Sauls time 1 Chron. 13. 3. of righteousnesse pure and right ones according to Gods command Psal. 51. 19. V. 6. Lift thou up cause us to feel the effects of thy grace at full even as the son shooteth out his beams at full mid day PSAL. V. The title Nehiloth it seems that this word ought to be understood of all winde instruments V. 1. Meditation the conceits of my soule conceived and framed with deliberation and uttered with a low and humble voice yet with a most vehement affection all which is comprehended under the proper signification of the Hebrew word V. 3. Look up the Italian expecting or stand looking as Psa. 130. 6. V. 5. The foolish namely those which run eagerly upon sin and are as it were mad and enraged to commit evill V. 8. Lead mee give unto my actions and businesses a good direction that my actions may be holy and righteous and my businesses and affairs happy and blessed in thy the Italian with thy in thy law which declareth thy righteousnesse Or by thy firme loyalty and uprightnesse in the promises of thy grace Or in thy obedience V. 9. An open they gape continually with open mouth after the death and ruine of others like unto the sepulcher which never faith enough Prov. 27. 20. and 30. 16. Or their false discourses are like so many pits to cause a man to fall into or likeâ— the throats of ravening wilde beastr to teare in peeces and devoure PSAL. VI. The title Neginoth see Ps. 4. upon the title Sheminith the Heb. word signifieth the eight and is a terme of musick opposite to Alamoth 1 Chro. 15. 20. 21. and it seems that by the first may bee understood the highest and shrillest tunes by Alamoth the lowest and by Muth-Labben Psa 9. the mean ones V. 2. My bones namely my strength the strongest parts of my body are cast down V. 3. How long shall thy wrath and thy punishment last how long wilt thou delay to aid me V. 5. For in the meaning of such like speeches which are very frequent in scripture is that God doth afflict his children for their triall or correction that by their deliverance he may produce matter of glory and praise unto himselfe in the middle of his Church Psa. 50. 15. so that God seemeth to be frustrate of his end if his children die before they bee restored or hereby is shewen the fear of Gods children anguished by feeling of his wrath least they should die out of his grace unreconciled and by that meanes be excluded and debarred from their desired aime to be everlastingly instruments of his glory V. 6. In the grave or in hell as it seemeth to be implied in the precedent verse V. 7. Waxeth old that is to say faint failing and dimme by reason of the disgrace and despight which mine enemies doe mee PSAL. VII THE title Shiggaion it seemeth to be some kinde of song to a pleasing and delightfull aire or some kinde of musick as Haba 3. 1. Cush this was very likely to have been some courtier of Sauls who had slaundered David see 1 Sam. 24. 10. V. 2. Tear my soul that is to say my person or body V. 3. Done this which is most falsely laid to my charge namely to have plotted Sauls death and the peoples revolt c. V. 4. That
of any other happiness and finally are against thee and thy Church holding with the world see Ier. 17. 3. with thy hid treasure that is to say with thy temporall goods V. 15. In righteousnesse if I endeavour my selfe to holinesse and righteousnesse I shall have thee alwayes present by thy grace in this life and after my happy resurrection I shall see thee face to face as thou art and I shall bee fully and perfectly enlightned by thy glory Matth. 5. 8. 1 Cor. 13. 12. thy likenesse not with any created image or representation but with the essentiall manifestation of God as hee is really himselfe and in his glory which is the forme of God Phil. 2. 6. and shall see God as hee is 1 Joh. 3. 2. PSAL. XVIII VER 2. ROck my strong and inpregnable hold and defence Deut. 32. 4. The horne my strength valour defence and victory A frequent phrase in Scripture taken from horned beasts or from the ancient custome of wearing hornes made of iron or some other metall upon their Helmets for a crest or militarie ornament whereupon the raised horne was a signe of victory and the horne beaten down a sign of being overcome V. 3. I will call or praising the Lord I will call upon him and I shall be delivered as now I prayse him for his past deliverances and from them I take a resolution alwayes upon the like necessity to flie unto him with certaine assurance that he will surely deliver me V. 4. The sorrowes or bonds see upon the next verse The floods sudden and violent assaults like the overflowing of a great multitude V. 5. The sorrowes the Italian the bonds namely the dangers of present death A figurative phrayse taken from the bonds and linnen wherein they wrapped up dead corpses when they buried them see Iohn 11. 44. and from the cords wherewith they bind malefactors when they are had to execution V. 6. Out of his Temple namely from heaven the holy seat of his glory V. 7. Then a poeticall description to shew that Davids deliverance had been altogether miraculous and meerly divine beyond all order of nature and humane power V. 10. Cherub that is to say Angels see Gen. 3. 24. V. 11. Dark water vapours dark and thick clouds V. 20. To my rightcousnesse integrity and innocencie of life beseeming a true believer and a childe of God which hath it reward from God in grace and not according to the rigour ofâ— his Law V. 23. From mine that is to say from my naturall corruption whereof some reliques doe remaine and work even in regenerate men Rom. 7. 17. Gal. 5. 17. see the like manner of speech 1 Cor. 7. 5. V. 25. Vpright namely in keeping thy word and promises V. 26. Froward the Italian frowardly that is to say roughly and cruelly withstanding him in all his actions V. 27. The high looks namely the proud the raising up of the eye-browes being a naturall signe of pride Psal. 101. 5. Prov. 6. 17. V. 28. Light my in the darknesse of ignorance and in my perplexities evills and dangers thou dost give mee the light of knowledge direction joy and comfort Iob 29. 3. V. 30. God his way all his actions and directions are most just and his words most true having neither vice vanity nor deceit in them V. 32. Perfect the Italian plaine that is to say easie and happily directed in all my actions and enterprises Isa. 26. 7. V. 33. He maketh my he hath endowed me with that excellent militarie vertue of promptitude and celerity in taking hold of opportunities and putting in speedy execution all my deliberations And setteth me he gives me grace not onely to conquer by valour but also to establish my selfe through magnanimity and wisedome in those high degrees of honour from which without these vertues the fall would bee ruinous and unavoidable V. 34. A bow this seemes to bee understood of Davids admirable strength 1 Sam. 17. 35. V. 36. Enlarged given me a happy issue in all my straights and difficulties V. 41. Vnto the Lord without any faith or pietie yea rather to make the Lord a companion or favourer of their wickednesses or it is done in an extreame dispaire of any other help see Psal. 109. 7. Prov. 28. 9. V. 43. From the strivings he seemes to meane that resistance which was made him by the major part of the tribes after the death of Saul 2 Sam. 2. 9. 10. and 3. 1. A people this is to be referred to the strange nations which were subdued by David 2 Sam. 8. V. 44. As soone as they heare at the very first newes of my arrivall or at my first command or bidding Shall submit the Italian have fained Hebrew have lied unto unto me not out of any sincere good-will nor loyally but forcedly and dissemblingly have yeelded themselves unto mee and have acknowledged me see Deut. 33. 29. Psal. 66. 3. and 81. 15. V. 45. Fade away the Italian are faded the have lost their courage and have fainted and beene asraid see Exod. 15. 14. Iosh. 2. 9. 11 and 7. 5. V. 46. The Lord liveth the Italian may the Lord live that is to say as the Lord liveth and is eternall within himselfe so let him be acknowledged and worshipped by all Psal. 104. 31. A manner of speaking taken from the acclamations and wishes of long life which are made to Kings 2 Sam. 16. 16. Dan. 2. 4. and 3 9. V. 47. Avengeth me the Italian that giveth mee meanes to revenge my selfe not by a private passion or viciously but by way of publike justice V. 50. Great deliverance as Psal. 17. 7. and 20. 6. PSAL. XIX VER 1. DEclare they are as a miraculou pourtraiture of God their Creators wisdome power and eternitie and of the Majesty of that soveraign King who hath his residence there in glory and they instruct man as powerfully by the eye as he could be instructed through the eares by being spoken to Rom. 1. 19. 20. The Firmament see Gen. 1. 6. Isa. 40. 22. V. 4. Their liue as who should say their writing grosse and in plaine drafts others their delineation that is to say their structure perfectly set up and framed V. 7. The Law by this word Law Testimony c. is meant the second means of revelation which God hath used and that is his word Is perfect it seemeth that this perfection is contrary to the line which is spoken of before namely a rough revelation by creatures which declare nothing but the generality of Gods nature whereas the word reveales at full both his nature and his will as farre as is necessary for mans salvation Converting the Italian it restoreth it is the true light which revives the soule as the Sunne revives the body Others converteth the soule that is to say brings it back directly to God whereas the creatures through mans fault and defect doe often detaine him too long with themselves in love confidence and admiration the testimonie see Exod.
V. 10. Open that is to say if thou dost obey mee I will make thee fully happy and contented and will fulfill all thy just desires V. 12. Hearts lusts the Italian hardnesse of their hearts or to the imagination or to the pervernesse of theirhearts V. 13. O that a humane manner of speaking to shew what pleasure God takes in mens obediences for their own goods Deut. 〈◊〉 12. 13. V 15 Submitted themselves the Italian yeelded fained obedience they should have been forced though but faâ—nedly and against their wills to have submitted themselves unto him as Psal. 18. 44. and 66. 3. Their time that is to say their happinesse V. 16. Out of the Rock a hiperbolicall kinde of speech as if God had made honey to distill out of the Rock as he made the waters to issue forth of it in the Wildernesse PSAL. LXXXII VER 1. STandeth the Italian is present namely by a particular vertue and providence as soveraign Lord and chiefe Governour of his people Of the mighty the Italian of God that is to say of the Princes and Governours of his people who are but Gods Ministers from whom they have all their power and from whom they receive their Lawes as from their soveraigne and supreame Lord see Deut. 1. 17. 2 Chro. 19. 6. Rom. 13. 1. Hee judgeth that is to say hee examineth and discereuth their thoughts motions judgments and actions to approve of an ratifie the upright and holy ones and reprove and difannull them that are not so The Gods a name which is sometimes attributed to Magistrates by reason of their vocation and because they represent Gods Majesty and Soveraignty V. 5. They know not a complaint of the Prophet against the Magistrates of his time The walk on they proceed in their actions without the guide of Gods Spirit and the light of his Word which are onely directions of all uprightnesse Foundations that is to say from the corruption of the heads proceeds a generall disorder and ruine of the whole state see Psal. 11. 3. and 60. 2. and 75. 3. V. 6. I have said I have called you gods verse 1. because you represent Gods Majesty in the governing of men and because hee hath stamped in you a character of his glory and finally by reason of Gods gifts and vocation and of the duty which you are bound to not to exempt you from the generall condition of other men nor from Gods judgement both being apparant in you by reason of death V. 7. Of the Princes which were before you who yee know died all Or like unto the Princes of other Nations you having no priviledge by being Princes of Gods people V. 8. Iudge that is say seeing thy Ministers and Officers have subverted justice come and re-establish thy Kingdome in the world by the Spirit and word and chiefly by the presence of thy sonne Psal. 96. 10. Thou shalt the Italian thou oughtest seeing thou hast determined to take in hand the government of the whole world in thy sonnes person as by right and naturally it belongeth to thee let not that interest which thou hast in thy people decay through the malice of men PSAL. LXXXIII VER 3. THy hidden ones who in thy Church wherethou art present doe shelter themselves under thy protection in humility feare and faith see Psal. 27. 5. V. 4. From being that they may be wholly dispersed and rooted out from being a body of a Nation or having any forme of Common-wealth And let the Church whose being consists in Congregation and Communion be no more which can never be see Ier. 31. 36. V. 6. The Tabernacles the Italian the Tents that is to say the Edomites who for the most part lived in the fields in tents as the Arabians have alwayes done Isa. 13. 20. Now this combination of Nations may have a relation to the History of 2 Chron. 20. 10. Hagarens people of Arabia desended from Ismael the sonne of Abraham by Hagar 1 Chron. 5. 10. 20. V. 7. Gebal people of Phenicia Ezech. 27 9. V. 8. They have holpen the Italian they have been an arme the Assirians have been the principall nerve of this league and combination being a most mighty Nation the children namely of Ammon and Moaâ— which came from Lâ—t Gen. 19. 37. 38. who were chiefe of this enterprise V. 10. Endor this place is not specified in the history but by conferring of Josh. 17. 11. with Iudg. 5. 19. it appeares that this battell was fought neere to that place V. 13. Make them overthrow both them and their designes as a bowle thrown down a steep place see Isa. 17. 13. and 22. 18. V. 14. The Mountaines namely the woods which grow upon them which are often fired either by fire from heaven or by some other accident V. 16. Seeke make them yeeld unto thee and desire mercy and forgivenesse at thy hands see Psal. 66. 3. V. 18. That thou or that thou who bearest the name of everlasting art the most high PSAL. LXXXIV VER 3. THe Sparrow a poeticall figure as saying I am through my absence more wretched then these small birds which may come neere thy Temple and make their nests there even thine Altars the Italian neere to thine some divide these words from the precedent Alas thine altars as if it were an exclamation of a most servent desire V. 5. Strength is who by thy grace and power hath that vigour of body and minde that he can come from the place of his abode into thy Temple to solemn feasts In whose heart who are moved by a holy zeale freely to undertake these holy voyages according to thy command Exod. 23. 17. V. 6. Who passing who though they meet with many difficulties upon the way as penury of water in dry places as peradventure this valley of Baâ—a might be 2 Sam. 5. 23. or generally any place which abounds with such trees as delight in dry soile they overcome them all with their zeale digging wells of spring water or gathering of raine water in pits or cesternes Which is chiefly meant here because that in these journeys where there were great multitudes of people and great store of caâ—tell the want of water which was ordinary in those countreys was very troublesome V. 7. They goe they never faint but doe alwayes encrease in strength and courage V. 9. And look shew thy grace and favour to me David by thee annointed to be King and now driven away by Saul V. 10. A doore-keeper that is to say in the poorest and most abject degree and place as a doore-keeper is in great Lords houses V. 11. 〈◊〉 a Sâ—nne that is to say the author of all joy and goodnesse to his children and their Protector against all evils PSAL. LXXXV VER 1. THou hast been he hath a relation to some notable former deliverance after which God had visited his people with new afflictions V. 3. Thou hast turned thou hast turned away thy wrath that it might not be kindled V.
comfort and joy to men Shall fear so that they shall not dare to attempt any more against it seeing by proofs that God was present in it by the miraculous communication of his graces V. 13. The â—locks he hath a relation to the custom of shepherds namely to count their sheep one by one at their comming out of the sheepcoat or pen and at their comming in again with a wand in their hand see Levit. 27. 32. Ezech. 20. 37. and thereby is shewed the peaceable estate of a country yet he thereby chiefly meaneth Christs spirituall conduct who knoweth all his sheepe and calleth them by their names John 10. 3 11 12. V. 16. Be called not that the Christian Church is called so literally but the meaning is that all true beleevers whereof the Church is composed shall be justified before Christ by Christs onely righteousnesse who is the true everlasting God see Isa. 62. 4. Ezech. 48. 35. V. 17. Shall never want that is to say Christ the true Son of David according to the flesh shall live and reigne eternally V. 18. The Priests that is to say Christ who was figured by the ancient Priests shall continue for ever exercising his spirituall priesthood by his perpetuall intercession with God And the inferiour parts belonging to the said office namely praises beneficence c. shall be performed continually under him by his Elect made priests by him and especially by his sacred Ministers by the preaching of his Word and all true Evangelicall service V. 22. The seed namely all true beleevers made spirituall Kings and Priests by Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. Revel 1. 6. and 5. 10. V. 24. Two families namely the principall branches of the people of Israel to wit the ten tribes and Judah Despised they make no account of the small remainder of people as if it were incredible that they should ever spring up again to be a Nation in form of state and common-wealth CHAP. XXXIIII Vers. 5. IN pâ—â—â—e that is to say by a naturall death and not a violent one Burne odours see 2 Chron. 16. 14. and 21. 19. V. 8. Had made that is to say when he had solemnly bound the people by oath every one to observe Gods Law in this point Proclaim by the fourteenth verse it appears that that yeer was the Sabbathicall yeer in which bondmen were to be set at liberty Exod. 21. 2. Deut. 15. 12. Now this Law being but badly observed was renewed in this distresse of the siege in manner of a publike repentance V. 11. Afterward thinking they were out of danger because that the Chaldeans had retired themselves from the siege vers 21. to goe as it is likely to fight with the reliefe that was comming out of Egypt Jer. 37. 7 11. V. 13. I made that is to say I gave them this command with the rest joyned with promises and threatnings V. 16. Polluted namely violated the sacred honour which was due unto me by your perjury and sleighting of the promise which you made in this Temple V. 17. I proclaim that is to say I doe give you over to these scourges I doe renounce all title of property in you and leave you to your own protection V. 18. Passed see concerning this Ceremony Gen. 15. 9 10 17. the meaning whereof it seems was to shew the correspondency of wills to which the contracters did binde themselves and the punishment of a violent death to which they submitted themselves in case they brake their promises vers 20. V. 19. Eunuchs or officers of the court V. 21. Gone up for a small time see upon v. 11. CHAP. XXXV Vers. 2. REchabites it was one of the families of the Kenites which descended from Jethro Moses his father in law which inhabited amongst those of the tribe of Judah see Jud. 1. 16 and 4. 11. 1 Chr. 2. â—5 The chambers of one of the great Porticoes which went about the courts of the Temple V. 4. Of the sons certainly it seems to be some family of Priests or other sacred Officers whose turn it was to wait upon the service that week according to the custom see 2 King 11. 5. Man of God namely a Prophet or peradventure the same man as is spoken of 2 Chron. 16. 7. Princes namely the two chief Priests under the high Priest or the chiefe of those who were in service that week Keeper that is to say one of the porters 1 Chron. 26. 1. and because the porters of the Temple had also the keeping of the holy vessels some have translated it The keeper of the holy vessels and ornaments V. 5. And said onely for to try them V. 6. Jonadab some think it was the same as was mentioned 2 King 10. 15. and so the word Father was to be taken for one that was born before him Others think it was their father indeed and that that order was but newly made Drinke no wine this was not enjoyned to establish any new arbitrary service or any rule of greater perfection of life but onely in imitation of the Nazarites Numb 6. 3. for to certaine his posterity in a discipline of life free from delights and enticements of the flesh and more conformable to the pastorall life of the M dianites who were their ancestors and more befitting them who professed to study and meditare upon holy things 1 Cor. 2. 55. Now their obedience to this humane command did aggravate the Jews rebellion against the Law of God V. 7. Strangers for being Midianites they were incorporated into the body of Gods people and grafted upon that stock Judg. 1. 16. V. 11. When this is added to shew that it was not of free will but compelled through necessity that they were come into Jerusalem V. 19. To stand those that were of Hamaths posterity from whom the Rechabites came had continually much applied themselves to the study of holy Writ 1 Chr. 2. 55. and did teach it publikely in the Temple see Jer. 36. 10. and therefore many of them were there very frequently And the continuation of this gift is here promised to the Rechabites together with Gods blessing CHAP. XXXVI Vers. 2. A Roll according to the old fashion of making books of long lists of skins rolled about a stick see Isa. 8. 1. V. 5. Shut up in the house and may not goe forth The cause is not set down and peradventure it was by reason of some legall pollution for the cleansing of which there were certain dayes prefixed Numb 19. 11. V. 6. Fasting day it was some extraordinary fast which was to be proclaimed afterwards v. 9. V. 7. Will present the Italian their prayer will fall before the Lord that is to say It will be presented by them with humility and shall be lovingly accepted at Gods hands V. 9. The ninth namely of the yeer current and not the yeer of Jehoiakims reign whose fifth yeere began but then as it appeares by vers 1. and 22. and this moneth was the November moon V.
of it over cannot keep it from ruining as strong plaister will for a time keep up an old ruinous wall V. 11. Overflowing shower Hereby are meant Gods extreame judgements V. 12. Shall it not be said You will beare the just reproofes for your flattering predictions V. 14. In the midst You shall be infolded in the ruines of it V. 15. The wall is I will presently destroy both the wall and the dawbers V 18. The women They were certaine false prophetesses that did use these signes and ceremonies after the manner of the Prophets And it should seeme that the pillowes were a signe of peace and ease for the one and the vailes of mourning and calamity for the other according to the custome of covering their faces in the like cases 2 Sam. 15. 30. and 19. 4. Est. 6. 12. and 7. 8. Job 9. 24. And to this seemes to have a relation that which is spoken v. 19. and 22. Allarme-holes indifferently to whom they please without regarding either Gods will or the worth or unworthinesse of men Every stature the Italian Of persons of all statures namely of all conditions and qualities great and small young and old to hunt to ensnare them in errour and consequently in perdition at your pleasures V. 19. Pol'ute me making me the authour and maintainer of your lyes and deceits without any respect to my most holy name For handâ—uls that is to say for any sleight reward Mic. 3. 5. To slay denouncing death and unhappy chances to good men and raising persecution against them amongst the people And contrariwise promising life and prosperity to wicked men and defending them against the justice of men V. 20. Behold I will quickly cause you and your false ceremonies to perish V. 23. Ye shall see I will root you out that you may no more seduce my people with your deceits CHAP. XIV Ver. 1. OF the Elders namely of the heads of the people which were in Babylon V. 3. Set up that is to say they are Idolaters in thought and affection though peradventure they are not so in any outward action as if their heart were the temple of their idols and put they doe seeke out objects and baites fitting to nourish and kindle that wicked inclination to idolatry and seeke occasion to fulfill it See Zeph. 1. 3. Or they themselves by their sinnes will be the causers of their owne ruine Ezech. 18. 30. Should I being such is it not a meere hypocrisie and scoffe in them to come to me to aske for help and counsell in their disasters seeing their hearts are separate from me and being the only causers of the evils which they suffer Others translate it shall I answer them when they seeke to me V. 4. According to His Idols shall not shut up nor close my mouth but they shall rather cause me open it to denounce the sentence of punishment against them V. 5. That I may that is to say mine answers shall be like to many snares to consciences convinced by my word and therby will I keep him as it were shut up in expectation and feare of mine unavoydable judgements V. 7. Separateth Like unto a harlot that forsaketh her husband See Hos. 4. 14. and 9. 10. My selfe not according to his desire that asketh the question nor according to the Prophets mind but according to my most holy truth and Justice V. 8. A signe namely for a spectacle of my judgements of whom every body shall speake V. 9. If the Prophet that is to say if this Prophet to whom these idolaters doe come he any way possessed with the spirit of errour and answereth them flatteringly to please them yet their condition shall be never the better For I in my judgement shall have given way to it to the end that being seduced they may perish past recovery See 1 King 22. 20. Job 12. 16. Jer. 4. 10. 2 Thes. 2. 11. Hath spoken namely some false Prophet shall have uttered any thing without commission I will stretch though he doth but what I by my secret providence have suffered him to doe yet will I punish him because he sinneth against my Law which is the rule of humane actions V. 13. The Land the meaning is when I have resolved to punish a land with some kinde of scourge I will not forbeare to doe it for any manner of intercession how much lesse then can I be appeased now that I have decreed a generall punishment of all manner of evils to fall upon Jerusalem for its extreame sinnes Jer. 7. 16. and 11. 14. and 14. 11. V 14. Noah These three persons are set down for patternes of singular piety escaped out of extreame desolations Daniel carried into captivity before Ezekiel under Jehoiachim Dan. 1. 1. who already had given manifest proofes of his holinesse and vertue See Ezek. 28. 3. V. 19. In bloud that is to say with great slaughter V. 21. For thus that is to say I doe alleadge all these examples of particular scourges to conclude that I shall much lesse be intreated when I shall resolve to joyne them all together for a deluge of evils which are brought up to their height V. 22. Come forth Within a very short time they shall be brought hither to Babylon in captivity like you Shall be comforted when ye shall know their grievous sinnes you will have cause to acknowledge Gods justice and strengthen your selves against the scandall of this destruction and give glory to God CHAP. XV. Ver. 2. WHat is The meaning is as your Vine trees pulled up or the vine branches cut off are good for nothing but the fire Iohn 15. 5 6. especially when they have been in the fire which hath dried up all the moisture of them whereby they cannot be set againe nor grow Even so my people which once was my vine being cut off and cast away by me is of no value nor good for any thing especially being more hardened and seared through my judgements More then A vine that is planted and liveth is of more value and excellency then other trees but being pulled up the wood thereof is worse to burne then any other wood CHAP. XVI Ver. 2. CAuse Ierusalem namely the remnant of the Jewes which are in Ierusalem which represent the whole body of the Nation and State V. 3. Thy nativity Though you be of Abrahams race yet you are so degenerate that you deserve rather to be called Amorites and Hittites which were two accursed and execrable Nations See Isa. 1. 10. Hos. 12. 7. Iohn 8. 33 37 40. Rom. 2. 28. and 9. 7 8. V. 4. For thy nativity An Allegory continued in all this Chapter wherein the peoples estate is represented by a wretched maid married exalted and enriched through meere grace Now the peoples birth seemes to be referred to the time as being come to some forme and perfection of a body of a Nation in Aegypt they began to be persecuted there See Exod. 1. 7 8. Thy navell termes taken
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
spirituall enemies V. 26. And I will I will blesse them and their habitation and their pasture abundantly V. 27. When I have broken when I have freed and redeemed them by the bloud of my sonne from the spirituall captivity of the devill and sinne V. 29. A plant Jesus Christ glorious in his divine Majesty and force who shall make his Church famous through his gifts and graces being her true tree of life See Isa. 11. 1. Jer. 23. 5. V. 31. Are men all the aforesaid things are to be understood spiritually with a relation to the soule of the elect and the salvation of it so that the correspondency which is betweene the sheep a bruit beast and the shepheard which is man is found in spirit between man and his God CHAP. XXXV Ver. 〈◊〉 MOunt towards the land of Idumaea or Edom. V. 5. Hatred against Israel See Ezek. 25. 15. Amos 1. 11. Of the children the Italian overthrowne the children that is to say hast assisted the Caldaeans in making a horrible slaughter of my people Psal. 137. 7. Ezek. 25. 12. that their the Italian at the fulnesse of their iniquity at which time the measure of my peoples sinnes being full I also caused my judgements to fall violently upon them Ezek. 21. 30. 31. V. 6. And bloud namely the sword and violent death V. 10. Two Nations thou hast perswaded thy selfe that thou shouldest possesse the land of Judah and of the ten Tribes Whereas the Lord the Italian though the sword though the Lord have taken it for his owne proper habitation placing his people there and his Temple with the signes of his presence V. 11. Make my selfe I will make my selfe knowne to my Church by new trials of my justice and power against her enemies and of my love and mercy towards her V. 14. So shall the Italian when the whole earth rejoyceth namely when I shall give all the world cause to rejoyce at my peoples deliverance and their re-establishment in their countrey then will I increase thy desolation This was partly verefied in the Idumaeans but hath been accomplished in the enemies of the Church whose curse and condemnation increased when salvation appeared to the elect and beleevers through Christ. CHAP. XXXVI Ver. 2. HAd said hath triumphed and scoffed at your desolation The high places the Italian the everlasting hils an epithet ordinarily given to high hils Gen. 49. 26. Deut 33. 15. Hab. 3. 6. by reason of their immovable firmenesse but by this figure is chiefly meant the Church founded upon Gods promises V. 3. And ye are taken up ye have been derided by prophane Nations V. 7. I have lifted that is to say I have heaven V. 8. Shoot forth you shall be endowed with new fruitfullnesse which my people shall enjoy being shortly to come out of captivity A figurative description of the happinesse which shall be in the world under the Messias in the behalfe of the Church V. 12. Thou shalt no more he attributes the desolation which happened to his people by hunger pestilence and warre to the countrey by a similtude of evill women that doe kill their burthen in their wombe V. 13. Devourest up as who should say an accursed countrey condemned to all manner of misery the inhabitants of which cannot live the Canaanites having first been rooted out of it and since that the Israelites V. 14. Thou shalâ— thou shalt no more be subject to those frequent calamities which have made thee infamous V. 17. As the uncleannesse which is extreamely abominable V. 20. They prophanâ—d Through their misery and slavery occasioned by their owne sins they have given their enemies occasion of blaspheming me as if I their God could not have saved them or as if I were not faithfull in my promises V. 21. I had pity For to free my Name from these imputations I have resolved to forgive my people and to re-establish them V. 23. Sanctifie I will cause my divine perfections to be knowne by the effects contrary to those slanders that my holy name may be respected and honoured by all men as it ought to be V. 24. I will take you By the returne from Babylon is figured and comprehended the salvation oâ— the Church by the Messias together with the abundance of all spirituall graces V. 25. I will sprinkle I will largely communicate my grace â—nto you and grant you pardon for all your sinnes parchased with the price of my Sonnes blood which was shed for the sinnes of the world Ephes. 5. 26. Heb 9. 14. 1 John 1. 7. V. 26. The stony heart namely The hard heart which hath beene inflexible to my spirit insensible of my Word and Judgements and impeneâ—â—ble to my grace Of flesh pliable and capable of being vivified and governed by my spirit as amongst naturall bodies there is none fitting nor apt to receive and containe the vitall spirit but â—nely the fleshly body V. 29. Save you By my free Justification I will free you from that punishment which your filthinesse deserves and by the sanctification of my spirit I will free you from the corruption and slavery of sinne I will call By mine Almighty Word I will cause all manner of good things to be brought forth unto you V. 32. For your sakes Not for any desert or worth that is in you V. 37. Be enquired that is to say The abundance of goods shall be such that they shall desire nothing but for to have a number of men sufficient to enjoy those goods V. 38. As the holy flocke Which was brought into Jerusalem at the three solemne feasts for sacrifices in innumerable quantity CHAP. XXXVII Vers. 1. IN the spirit namely In extasie and rapture of minde Bones Dead mens bones V. 3. Can these bones By any way or naturall power that thou knowest V. 4. Prophecie Be thou the instrument of mine Almightie Word by which in vision these bones shall seeme to thee to have life put into them for a signe that by my power my people shall be re-established in their former estate V. 7. Aâ—â—oyse A signe of Gods glorious presence shewing his power in a miraculous and supernaturall worke To his bone Joyning themselves againe to thir naturall joynts V. 9. To the wind the Italian To the spirit According to some to the soule of man and according to some to the holy Ghost it selfe whose personall property is to vivifie and cause all things to live Psal. 104. 30. From the foure For to signifie the restauration of the people from all those places where they had been scattered Breathe upon Send the soule and spirit of life into every one of these dead bodies by the operation of thy divine power Hee seemes to intend to represent the manner of the creating and infusing the soule into Adam described Gen. 2. 7. V. 11. Our bones Wee are destroyed beyond hope of restauration Wee are in Babylon like dried bones in sepulchres Psal. â—41 7. V. 16. One sticke Some little piece of boord or
sendeth him both one onely God and everlasting Lord as Isa. 48. 16. and Zech. 2. 8. V. 10. For who A reproofe of many Jewes prophane contempt in those weake beginnings of the Churches restauration For they shall Notwithstanding all their disdaine and diffidencie they shall one day have occasion to rejoyce seeing the worke perfected Those seven Of which Zech. 3. 9. and 5. 6. the meaning is my providence shall as soveraigne architect over-see this work whose director Zerubbabel is to blesse it direct it and accomplish it V. 12. And I It seemes that in this vision when the mystery of the institution of the Church by the Messias was shewen to the Prophet Hee saw two great olive trees v. 3. But when God called him backe to that which belonged to the re-edifying of the materiall temple by Zerubbabel the resemblance of these two trees was suddenly changed into the resemblance of two small branches to signifie Zerubbabel and Jerusalem figures of Christ in his Kingdome and Priesthood wherefore likewise it is no more said that they give oyle into the great bowle but onely to the lamps two little spouts to shew the difference that there is between Christ the Author Possessor and Distributor of the fulnesse of the goods of the spirit in inward efficacie and his Ministers as well in the Ecclesiasticall as Politique order which are the two spoutes who have but a small measure of gifts nor no property nor power to administer by vertue of these two foresaid orders any thing but the externall meanes of the influence of Christs mysticall universall and effectuall conduct of his Church The golden namely The pure yellow oyle which did shine like Gold V. 14. These Hee doth not answer concerning the question of the Olive trees but onely concerning the Olive branches for by understanding of these it is an easie matter to comprehend the meaning of the Olive trees by comparison and proportion The two namely Zerubbabel and Joshua two sacred persons by reason of the holy unction to be Gods Ministers and figures of Christ. CHAP. V. Verse 1. AFlying roll Of paper or other stuffe to write upon after the ancient manner This roll or booke signified Gods judgements upon his people pronounced by his Prophets the flying of it the generall execution of them the greatnesse the weight and long lastingnesse of them V. 3. The curse Gods curse throwne upon all the land of Israel and Judah For every one God hath punished all the times as well those which were against the second table of the Law as those that were against the first all comprehended under these two kindes of swearing and theft others expound it on that side that is to say according to the prediction happened the execution V. 5. That goeth forth That appeares againe to thee in vision V. 6. An Ephah A figure of the just measure of Gods judgements This is It seemes that the Angel turned himselfe towards some apparition of the Lords which did represent his providence and shewed it to the Prophet Their resemblance the Italian The eye namely of the three persons of the most holy Trinity as Gen. 1. 26. and 3. 22. and Isa. 6. 8. By this resemblance or eye is meant Gods universall providence Zech. 8. 9. and 4. 10. and 9. 1. 2 Chron. 16. 9. which presideth over his judgements V. 7. A talent The woman sitting in the Ephah is sinne which by little and little filleth up the measure and the same woman throwne into the middest of it is sinne punished and beaten downe the talent of Lead is the immoveable decree for the punishing of the wicked V. 9. Two women A figure as it should seem of Gods two properties namely Mercy towards his Elect and Justice towards his Enemies wherewith hee transports upon these last the judgements by which he had punished his owne people which is done with admirable celerity V. 11. Of shinar Of Babylon Gen. 10. 10. and 11. 2. Wherby are meant all Gods and the Churches enemies It shall be Hereby is shewne the irrevocable eternity of the punishments of the wicked opposite the termined and short lasting punishments of the Church figured before by the flying booke or roll CHAP. VI. Ver. 1. FOure charrets whereby are signified as it were foure squadrons of Angels which execute Gods judgements upon the Churches enemies See Zech. 1. 8. Two mountaines whereby it seemes is meant the Heaven the high and firme habitation of Angels opened and as it were cleft to give way for the comming out of these spirits V. 2. Red houses A signe of execution of wrath Zech. 1 8. Rev. 6. 4. Blacke horses A signe of execution of death Rev. 6. 5. V. 3. White horses See upon Zech. 1. 8. V. 5. The foure Spirits foure principall Angels as it were Commanders of squadrons V 6. The blacke the greatest execution of my judgements hath been done upon Babylon which lyeth Northward from Judea v. 8. The white the Angels of peace and deliverance which goe with them that are to destroy Babylon to deliver my Church out of it Of the grizled to signifie that the punishments of Egypt which lay Southward from Judea should be mixed with some clemency which should not be so with Babylon V. 7. To goe to make as it were a generall survay of the world and punish other Nations which had no communion with the Church And he said namely the Son of God Commander of all the Angels Zech. 1. 8. V. 8. Have quieted perfectly executed their charge and given me satisfaction V. 10. Take the aime of all this action is to shew that as Joshua and Zerubbabel restorers of the Church which was at that time were each one for their severall part in their severall office figures of the Messias so Christ should for ever enjoy the two offices of King and Priest which he shall enter into possession of by his death and passion Heldai it is not certainly knowne who these were but it is very likely that they were some heads of the people who were induced by Zechariah to make this offering of gold and silver which was bestowed in making of these crownes which were to remaine in the Temple for a remembrance of this solemne promise which God had made And goe into to have from him a part of this offering V. 11. Make Crownes two to signifie the two foresaid offices Joshua not upon Zerubbabel also to shew in the spirituall application to Christ that he was crowned with glory and had taken the possession of the heavenly Kingdome by reason of the accomplishment of his Priesthood upon earth in so much as concerned the offering of himselfe Heb. 2 7. V. 12. Behold in Christ who shall appeare in the flesh at the appointed time shall be verefied that which is taught and consirmed unto thee by this action Grow up like a plant that sprouts up and growes by vertue of its living root even â—o shall Christ by his owne power without
any humane meanes advance his Kingdome Or he shall grow up from under himselfe that is to say by secret wayes without any humane shew as Isa. 11. 1. The Temple namely the universall Church gathered together united and built up by him alone Heb. 3. 3. V. 13. Shall build in the quality of a King even as those temporall Commanders Moses Salomon and Zerubbabel were chosen by God to over-see the building of the Tabernacle and the Temple The glory namely the royall glory Upon his namely in the heavenly glory where he shall eternally execute the other part of his Priesthood in making intercession for his Church Heb. 24. 9. The Councell these two offices and properties shall for ever be united together in Christ and shall perfectly agree one with the other though they seeme to be very different the one having the administration of justice to command and punish the other of mercy to expiate and pardon but Christ shall expiate and pardon that he may be obeyed when he commands Psal. 130. 4. having brought men into Gods favour to make them receive the Spirit which inclineth them to a voluntary obedience V. 14. And the after thou hast thus prophesied of Christ setting these two materiall Crownes upon the head of Joshua lay them up againe in the Temple in their names as an offering offered by them peradventure with some inscription or remembrance of their names to be a sacred memoriall of these my promises Holem Hen It is likely these are the same as were before Helda and Joshua v. 10. V. 15. And they namely the Gentiles who are now far from the knowledge and Covenant of God Isa. 57. 19. Ephes. 2. 17. And build they shall co-operate to the establishment of the Church and advancement of Christs Kingdome See Isa. 60. 10. This shall you shall in effect finde to your owne deliverance the truth and power of Gods promises which I his sonne doe propound unto you by my Prophets CHAP. VII Ver. 1. OF the ninth which is the November Moone V. 2. They namely the Priests and Levites who yet remained in Babylon Before the namely in the Temple which was re-edefied in Jerusalem V. 3. Should I are we in conscience bound to keep the solemne Fast appointed to be in the fifth Moneth by reason of the destruction of the Temple which happened at that time 2 King 25. 8 9. Jer. 52. 12 13 now that it is re-edefied and Gods service restored seeing the keeping of it is not commanded by the Law of God See Mal. 3. 14. Separating from feasts company of women and all other carnall delights See Exod. 19. 14. 1 Sam. 21. 5. V. 5. Seventh this other Fast was appointed for the death of Gedaliah which happened in this Moneth 2 King 25. 8 9. Jer. 41. 1. whereupon followed the totall dispersion of the remainder of the people Seventy during the captivity Zech. 1. 12. Unto me to humble your selves and turne with your hearts to me was it not only through a carnall feeling of your evils Isa. 58. 3. Hos. 7. 14. V. 6. And when yea in your mirth and rejoycing you have not regarded me to yeeld me honour and thanks for my benefits Hos. 8. 13. and 9. 4 Now the answer to the aforesaid question is referred to this point your Fast might be sanctified by piety and devotion but you had better to omit it then prophane it as you doe and in stead of your Ceremonies endeavour your selves to serve God internally by meanes of which I will change these your dolefull dayes into dayes of feasting and giving thanks for new benefits Zech. 8. 19. V. 7. Should ye not hath not God sufficiently declared his will concerning these externall actions and especially concerning a Fast prophaned through wickednesse Isa. 58. 3 4. Was inhabited or a foot or in its former state The South those parts of Judea which had most felt the desolations of war See Jer. 17. 26. and 32. 44. V. 11. The shoulder A terme taken from yoaked Oxen which are unwilling to draw Nch. 9. 29. Hos. 4. 16. Zeph. 3. 9. V. 14. After them after they have been carried away out of it For they laid they have been the cause that their fine and pleasant Country hath been laid waste CHAP. VIII Ver. 1. THe word it appeares by ver 19. that this is a continuation of Gods answer to the question concerning the said Fasts V. 3. Iam or I have turned to Sion Of truth or of loyalty V. 4. There shall yet I will blesse the Inhabitants of Jerusalem with peace health and long life A figure of the spirituall blessings of the Church as Isa. 65. 20 22. V. 6. If it be even after the accomplishment these things shall seeme incredible and impossible but nothing is impossible to an omnipotency Luke 18. 27. V. 8. In truth faithfully performing my promise which I have made to them in my Covenant and enlarging my bounty towards them which is often signified by the word Righteousnesse See Hos. 2 20. V. 9. Of the Prophets Haggai and Zechariah V. 10. There was mens and beasts labour was in vaine by reason of the curse which I laid upon your carelesnesse in restoring my service Hag. 1. 6 10. I set I suffered the Land to be full of robberies and enemies incursions V. 11. But now seeing you have cheerfully gone on to the re-edifying of my Temple V. 12. The Seed I will set downe the true causes and meanes of a true and perfect peace and prosperity and will cause it to increase and multiply See Psal. 72. 3. V. 13. A curse as it were a formulary of execration Psal. 102. 8. V. 14. Repented not I have executed what I had determined and have not revoked it before I had brought it perfectly to passe V. 19. The Fast this is the principall answer to the question which was propounded in the former Chapter containing a promise of changing the estate of the Church Of the fourth appointed for a remembrance of the taking of Jerusalem by the Caldeans which was in this Moneth Jer. 52. 6 7. Of the fifth for the burning of the Temple Jer. 52. 12 13. Zech. 7. 1 5. Of the seventh for the death of Gedaliah Jer. 41. 1. Zech. 7. 5. Of the tenth for the siege laid before Jerusalem Jer. 52. 4. Love if you desire to have these good things come to passe V. 20 It shall yet A Prophecye of the calling of the Gentiles V. 23. Ten men A figurative description of the great number of Gentiles which should come into the Church which in former times was restrained within the Nation of the Jewes CHAP. IX Ver. 1. THe burden A prophecye of threatenings and curses See Isa. 13. 1. Jer. 23. 3â— Of Hadrach it was an Idoll of the Syrians which represented the Sunne The name signifieth the only King to which they added a goddesse called by Authors Atergati which signifieth only Queene and that represented the earth both of them were figured
by 1 Chro. 6. much lesse that did command in war and state businesses in the countrey belonging to the ten tribes where Bethulia stood within the territory of the tribe of Zabulon And though after the conquest of Assyria by the Babylonians the name of these two Empires are often set downe one for another yet that could not be done before the said conquest and yet in this booke Nebuchadnezzar a Babylonian is alwayes called by the title of King of Assyria And besides it is a thing notoriously false that that King did command in Egypt before the conquest of Judea by meanes of which Egypt the onely opposer of the Babylonian Empire was at last set upon and conquered That is also false which is said in the eighth Chapter verse 15. 16. namely that all manner of Idolatry was then banished from amongst the people if these things happened under Manasses whose raigne is shamefully defiled with Idolatry Contrary to truth is also that which is spoken in the third Chapter namely that Jerusalem did at that time command the rest of the land of Palestine where Bethulia was and there should be so much zeale of piety and so much conjunction of Religion with Jerusalem after the captivity of the ten tribes and the mixture of those heathen nations which were setled in the countrey And the multitude of names of places is not to be omitted as Ezdraelon Kellussa Kiâ—mon Scitopolis Bethulia and the like which were never heard of before the Babylonian captivity And the name of Holophernes himselfe being a Persian name seemes to be very unfitting for a generall of a Babylonian or Assyrian army and besides that it were a most absurd thing to thinke that the Babylonians or Assyrians should not know the people of Israel as is set downe Chapter 5. 3. Seeing they had newly overrun the countrey and spoyled it divers times and had led the people into captivity which lived dispersed in their Provinces and after they had spoiled Judah and besieged Jerusalem they had also taken Manasseh who was at that time in their hands To which times it is also impossible that should have relation which is spoken Chap. 4. 2. and 5. 16. namely that the people should be returned out of any captivity and that the Temple had been ruined and afterwards re-edified and likewise it cannot be proved by any history that Nebuchadnezzar did ever intend to make himselfe the onely God upon earth and root out all other religions as is said Chapter 2. 10. Finally if Iudith lived one hundred and five yeeres Chap. 16. 21. and that after that happened which is set downe in this booke and a long time after her death people were not assaulted nor troubled by any wee must conclude that this Rest lasted above one hundred yeeres seeing that when Iudith did this she was in the flowre of her age and beautie Now this cannot agree with the sacred history which will have the most tragick desolations of Judea to be after the death of Iosias three and thirty yeeres after the death of Manasseh Wherefore it is plaine that this history cannot take place before the captivity and after it much lesse For then there was no mention of Nebuchadnezzar nor of Nineveh nor of the Assyrian Empire The Persians held all these Empires by the conquest of Babylon whose Provinces they did not take one after another as it is said in the first and second Chapter of this book neither is it to be believed that the Jewes should be unknowne to the Persians who had so solemnly given them leave to depart out of Babylon at so many severall times and they holding Palestine which was governed by their officers who would have hindred the Jewes from commanding there in any matter of State or Religion as it is set downe in this booke Whereas contrariwise the stories affirme that neither in one nor the other the ten tribes had any communion with Jerusalem wherefore we may by good reason gather that this is nothing but a feigned narration according to the custome of the Jewes and other nations for a morall representation of the Church under the name of Bethulia that is to say Virgin of the Lord and of the assaults of the world against her and of the Prince thereof signified by Nebuchadnezzar and of the victory obtained against them not by the meanes of Kings Princes and worldly powers but by the faith and prayers of pious soules or of the true spirituall Jewes and Believers signified by Iudith Which being granted it is an easie matter to resolve upon the second question namely That it is not a booke endited nor enspired by the holy Ghost which never made use of any false histories for the Churches instruction which is sufficiently done by true ones For the short parables inserted amongst other discourses and made plaine by their expopositions adjoyned to them are altogether of a different quality besides Simeons act which he did to the the Sichemites Gen. 24. 25. condemned by Iacob Gen. 49. 5. is here commended Chap 9. 3. by an unavoydable contradiction It is yet very hard to affirme at what time or to what particular end this booke was made and set forth It is likely that it was made by some Christian Jew as some other Apocripha were in the honour of his Nation and peradventure against the Romans covertly meant by Nebuchadnezzar Now as being of base authority it was also carelesly kept even from the beginning and from thence commeth the great diversity of copies whereof Saint Hierome speaks who translated it out of the Chaldean tongue with a great deale of libertie But the Greek texts which wee have followed in this translation seemes to be every way more sound and entire The Booke of Wisdome THough this Book do commonly beare in the title the name of Solomon and the author himselfe do set himselfe downe to be so yet it hath in all ages beene knowne to be the work of a Greekish Jew that is to say one of those Jewes which lived for the most part after the Greeke manner and amongst the Grecians and especially in Egypt where they had their chiefe Synagogue in the City of Alexandria And indeed the stile it selfe being altogether rhetoricall and poeticall sheweth that it was made rather amongst the Greeks then amongst the Hebrews whose inditing especially in sacred Books is altogether stamed to simplicity sobriety and severity The common opinion as well of ancient as moderne agreeth in attributing of it to Philo a Jew a person of excellent learning wisdome and eloquence who lived in the Apostles time and it is likely that to hide himselfe from the Egyptians hatred and to gaine authority and respect from his own nation he took upon him the name of Solomon in this book wherein his end seemes to be to comfort and strengthen the Iewes which lived in Egypt and were grievously oppressed and persecuted by the Egyptians in his time as the Iewish History relateth
himselfe from her unlesse it be for adultery Mat. 19. 9. V. 12. If a woman the law of God makes no mention of divorces undertaken by women a thing which was unheard of amongst the people of God and contrary to all modestie yet in those dayes it was used in imitation of the Romans and Grecians See upon 1 Tim. 5. 9. V. 15. Shall not shall not submit himselfe by obedience of faith to the Gospell thorow which God re-establisheth his kingdome amongst men and mâ—keth them partakers of the good things thereof As a little laying aside all pride malice presumption of carnall wisdome and putting on the true humility docility simplicity and innocency which is in little children Sâ—e Psal. 131. 2. Mat. 18. 3. V. 21. Loved hâ—m he shewed him some signes of favour as congratulating with him for this outward and disciplinary holinesse not any way approving of his pride and hypocrisie nor being contented with this outward bark of action Neither that he dissembled against his thought but in a kinde of gracefull contempt of his vanity V. 32 Amazed by reason of his frequent predictions by which he foretold his aproaching sufferings and death in Ierusalem whâ—ther they saw him going V. 42. Which are accounted the Italian that account themselves who though they ought to acknowledge themselves to be Gods servants for the good profit of their people do attribute unto themselves thorow immoderate presumption an absolute power over them 1 Sam. 18. 11. Others which are accounted c. that is to say whose sovereignty is only in the false figure and appearance of the world and not in truth which is only in the kingdome of God V. 46. As he went out Saint Luke saith â—hat this hapned at his comming thither and not at his departure and S. Matthew speaks of two blinde men But this may be reconciled saying that the Lord staid some time in Iericho going out and comming in again that at one time being gon out comming in againe he met with two blinde men whereof this Bartimeus was of most note CHAP. XI VER 16. ANy vessell namely that was not wholly for the service of God but for these Merchants and other mens uses which was a kinde of prophanation See Nâ—h 7. 8. Zech. 14 20. 21. V. 17. Of all nations or for the use of all nations or amongst all nations V. 18. Destroy him secretly and by cunning See Mat. 21 46. and 26. 4. 5. 22. In God namely such a faith as he every way requireth in all parts and qualities and such an one as he ingendreth in his beleevers by his Spirit CHAP. XII VER 10. NOt read the meaning is That passage of the Psalme hath a reference to you as this my parable hath V. 15. Shall we give this repetition seemeth is not superfluous for the first question may be understood of the rigour of right and the other of what was expedient or decent by way of councell and advice V. 34. Thou art not because he was pliant to be taught by Christ and that the spirituall meaning of the law taking off the marke of the hypocrisie of externall Dâ—scipline is that which guideth and presseth the consciences to flye to Christ to be saved from the curse of the law which in this spirituall sense bindeth all men Rom. 3. 20. and 7. 7. From the kingdome namely from Gods grace in the Gospell by which he re-establisheth his kingdome in salvation and blessing which had beene violated by sin V. 38. In his See upon Mark 4. 2. V. 41. The treasury the Italian the chest of offerings there were two kinde of offerings offered in the Temple the one of money for the repairing of the building to buy the ordinary offerings for sacrifices and other uses Which in ancient times were put into the Priests hands and afterwards were by them carried into a chest in the inner court 2 Kings 12 9. But it is likely that ininsuing times to avoid â—l manner of fraud diverse chests were placed in some place not specified of the peoples Court where every one cast in what money he pleased as it is here said See Iohn 8. 20. The other kinde was of other goods which were laid up in certaine magazines belonging to the Temple Nehem. 10. 37 38. V. 44. Of her want of her exceeding small store as 2 Cor. 8. 2. CHAP. XIII VER 4. SHall be fulfilled namely these things which thou foretellest V. 6. I am Christ the Italian I am he namely the promised Messias the King of the Church See Mat. 24. 5. V. 27. Of heaven a popular terme For to the eye the heavens seeme to terminate the earth round about See upon Mat. 24 30. CHAP. XIV VER 12. WHen they the same day as according to the law they were to kill the Passeover though the Iews by tradition did transferre the feast to the day following Mat. 26 â—7 See why the Lambe is called a Sacrifice upon Exod. 〈◊〉 27. 2 Chro. 35. 11 12. V. 35. The houre that is to say that he might not come to that terrible point of his extreame sufferings V. 36. Abba it was a Syriack word which little children used to their fathers which was afterwards used in all affectionate prayers to God Himselfe See Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 6. V. 41. It is enough so the Lord doth in earnest correct those words which before he had spoken ironically V. 50. They all namely his Disciples Ver. 51. A certaine there is no certainty either what this young man was or why hee followed the Lord in this habit Some conjecture that it might bee some of the servants of the house where Iesus had eaten the Passeover who for curiosity or for affection might rise out of his bed when he law the Lord goe forth in the night so to seâ— the issue of the words which he might heare from himselfe concerning his apprehension Others will have it be some one that did rise sodainly at the noise A linnen cloth it might bee his shirt or some oâ—her night raymenâ— The young men namely the Souldiers V. 55. Agreed not or were not sufficient V. 61. Of the blâ—ssed namely of God to whom all glory and praise is due And this was a name of God very frequent among the Iewes V. 62. Of power namely of the glorious God according to the Iewes custome See upon Mat. 26. 6â— V. 69. A maide the Italian the maide in Saint Matthew it is said that it was another but it may be that the first which was she that kept the doore Iohn 18. 17. told the other and she told the slanders by V. 72. He wept or he went out and wept CHAP. XV. VER 7. IN the insurrection he seemes to intimate some new and notable insurrection V. 21. Of Alexander knowne and famous persons in the Church at that time V. 23. Wine this should seeme to be another kinde of drinke besides the vineger mingled with gall Matth. 27. 34. For
bee altogether rejected Or by singular miracle having not beene framed noâ— prepared before by the LORD as the other Apostles were but in an instant advanced to mine office V. 9 The least namelie concerning that which is in me and mine owne Though he elsewhere protest himselfe to be no way inferior to others in gifts or vocation 2. Cor. 11. 15. Gal. 2. 6. V. 10. His grace namelie his gift and calling In vaine that is to say vnprofitable to the Church and not imployed by me to the uttermost oâ— my power But the grace not onely the gift it selfe but also the will and power the occasions and means to make use of it all comes from Godsgrace See Matth. 10. 20. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Phil. 2. â—3 V. 12. There is no it is likely that it was the same error which is noted 2. Tim. 2. 18. as if by resurrection so cleerly taught in the whole scâ—ipture nothing should be meant but the renewing of the world by the Gospell and the spirituall regeneration of soules by Gods spirit V. 12. If there be if that be absolutly denied it must also be denied in Christ also if it be denied in the faithfull Chrisâ—s also is disannulled taking away the vertue principall and inseparable effect of it which is to raise his faithfull to his owne likenesse Iohn 11. 25 and 14. 19. Rom 4. 25. 2. Cor. 5. 15. 1. â—hâ—sse 4. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 3. V. 14 Vaine false and unprofitable seeing the ground of it is Christ risen Now his meanning is that seeing it is impossible that you should have such an opinion of our preaching having undoubted proofes to the contrary râ—ject likewise any thing as may induce you thereunto by a necessary consequence also vaâ—ne which you will not agree unto seeing you yet persevere â—â—d glory in the profâ—ssion o 〈…〉 V. 15. 〈…〉 d we which likewise was most abâ—urd and impossible to â—erswade the châ—â—ches unto who werefully assured of the trueth of the Apostles doctrine V. 17. Ye are yet theyare not yet purged since the payment is not fully made nor God appeased if Christ doe yet remaine dead seeing he cannot deliver others from death if he himself remaine overcome by it V. 18. A â—â—llen a sleep namly those beleevers who are dead in Christs faith of whose salvation it was as unjust as inhumane to doubt V. 19. If in this lâ—fe by this false doctrine we make our selves utterly wretched for seeing it takes away from us eternall happinesse and that our condition iâ— this world is alwayes mostwiâ—tâ—hed we shall find our selves deprived of all manner of good both present and eternall Now the ground of this is that the immortality of the soul and the perfect happinesse of it is by Gods order insepable from the resurrection of the bodyes so that hee which donieth the one annihilates the other See upon Mâ—tch 22. 32. V. 20. The first fruits not onely the first in order of the resurrection which is in beleevers as it wâ—eâ—a wakning from death but also in the quality of chief the cause and pledg of it in all his members inseparable vnited to him by communion of spirit Rom 8. 11 even as under the law in the first fruites offered to God the people had an assurance of Gods blessing upon all their harvest See upon Rom. 11. 16. V. 21. For siâ—ce he proves that by Christs resurrection that of his members necessarily followth for in the order of grace Christ hath bin by God appointed head of all the elect as Adam had bin of all men in the order of nature seeing then that Adam hath communicated his sinne and his death to all those who are his Christ likewise communicates his righteousnesse and his life to his belevers See Rom. 5. 14. 15. 17. by mâ—n the Italian by no man by one who beeing true God is likewise true man in which regard he is the meritorious cause of resurrection by this perfect obedience and likewise gives his beleevers assurance thereof by the community of human nature joyned to the communion of the spirit V. 22. All die all men that are by nature the sonnes of Adam and are enfolded in his condemnation shall all namly all beleevers whose father is Christ by grace and in spirit by vertue whereof being engrafted in his body they are also partakers of his life and resurrection V. 24. The end namly of the world and of temporall things and withall the accomplishment of all Gods promises of Christs kingdome and the sâ—ivation of his elect when he shall namely when the sonne oâ— God who in quality of Mediator hath bin established king or the whole world â—â—d especially of his church like his fathers great deputy togather together governe and bring unto himselfe all his elect and to destroy his enemyes shall have brought his work to an end and the father with the sonne and the holy Ghost in vnitie of essence shall begin to raigne immediatly over his church in a manner altogether new namely by himself without any outward meanes wiâ—hout the work of angels or men or Ecclesiallicall or politick orders as it is in this world and likewise without adversaries or opposition filling all his with his light love life and glory which indeed will not a whit disannull Christs kingdom but only ch 〈…〉 g the meaner forâ—e thereof into a more subline and perfect one See Dan. 2. 44 and 7. 14. 27 Luke 1. 33. Rev. 11. 15. 17. and 12. 10. V. 25. Must reigne namely the sonne of God must execise his empire in this manner and inferior dispensation by his word by the established orders in perpetuall oppositions etc. V. 26. death whose power shall be quite annihiliated in Christ member by the resurrection V. 27. When he saith we must not thinke that the father by bestowing the office of king upon his sonne hath dispossessed himself of his soveraigne empire but after the sonne shall have accomplished his worke the father shall manifest and exercise his kingdome of glory and essencein all eternity V. 28. Also himself not in his divine nature wherein hee is alreadie equalâ—e to the father Philiphans 2. 6. but in this humane nature and as coucerning his church which is his body and the forme of his government which then shall give way to the forme which is above described that God may of himself immediately and absolutly worke fully in his elect perfectly united unto him and may possesse and rule them for ever V. 29. Which are from this manner of speech it appeares that the Apostle means not an ordinary â—ite of the church but a particular custome of some whereof antiquity makes mention and it should seeme that the beginning thereof was if not altogether good and laudable yet at the least to terrable Which was that when anyone died in Christs faith before he was christened some of his kindred or friends comming to be Christened would be baptized both in his own name also in the
unite them Leaning upon the Hebrew text hath it he worshipped upon the beds head or toward the beds head as 1 Ki. 1. 47. but S. Paul in a thing indifferent by Apostolical authority hath followed the Greek Translation in which the Jewes that lived amongst the Grecians were more habituated the meaning is the same namely that Jacob having had a promise from Joseph that he would bury him with his fathers thanked God and though he were growne impotent through age that he could not stirre himselfe nor get out of his bed apprehending by faith the heavenly goods of the communion of Saints whereof that company in his grave was a signe and an earnest The same ought to be understood in the following example of Joseph V. 23. By faith the meaning is that the sight of that divine beauty of Moses Acts 7. 20. did againe revive in his father and mother by some divine inspiration their faith in Gods promises that he would deliver his people out of Egypt Whereupon for a time they were imboldned to keepe and bring up the child Against Pharaohs command though the same faith afterwards partly decaied againe in them V. 24. By faith Moses apprehending by faith the promises made to Gods people because he would participate of them did separate himselfe from the society of the Egyptians amongst whom he was brought up in great dignity to joyne himselfe with the servile and ignominious condition of his brethren V. 25. Of sinne namely prophane and hurtfull pleasures joyned with sinne and alluring a man to forsake God and his true service V. 26. Of Christ that is to say of his Church whereof he hath alwaies been the head and which he even then made conformable to his future sufferings see 1 Cor. 10 9. 2 Cor. 1. 5. Heb. 13. 13. Had respect through faith and the Spirit Unto the to the heavenly reward which the Lord out of his meere grace had promised to his afflicted beleevers in this world V. 27. By faith this must be understood of the last departure out of Egypt before which and in which Moses did with an incomparable strength and force of faith overcome the feare of Pharaohs rage and threatnings never swerving from Gods Commandement As seeing being in Spirit and through faith assured of Gods aide and protection which was invisible to the sence of seeing Psal. 16. 7. V. 28. Through faith when he celebrated the Passcover according to Gods appointment he did by a lively faith apprehend the benefits which God would signifie and seal by that Sacrament The Sprinkling upon the lintell and postes of the Israelites doores Lest he that that marke being appointed for that purpose V. 29. By faith they adventured to goe thorow the middest of the Sea being confident in Gods promise Or Gods promise produced that miraculous effect by the meanes of faith which is the ordinary condition of such miracles V. 30. By faith namely by means of faith in Gods promises joyned with the observation of his order in going about the City V. 31. By faith Rahab because she verily believed that which she heard concerning Gods promises to his people Ios. 2 9. did convey away the spies whereupon she was saved from the destruction of the City With them that namely with the Canaanites who had likewise heard of Gods promises and workes Josh. 2. 10 11. and yet through incredulity grew obstinate to resist the Israelites whereupon they were exterminated V. 33. Wrought did many good and holy workes performing their generall or particular callings and through faith overcomming all oppositions and difficulties Promises namely they obtained those things which God had promised V. 35. Were tortured the Italian Were beaten to death he meanes a cruell kind of putting to death which is yet used amongst your Easterne people to lay a man all along and beat him with wandes till he swell all over and die Now he goeth on in describing the strength of their faith in former times in suffering of persecutions and torments especially in Antiochus his time which are set down in the Books of the Maccabees Deliverance which was oâ—red them if they would deny God and his service A better namely the blessed and everlasting deliverance from death and from all evill opposite to that temporall evasion which to the flesh might seem a kind of resurrection V. 37. Sawen asunder an ancient manner of putting to death 2 Sam. 12. 31. Tempted that is to say solicited to apostacie by martyrdomes and torments V. 39. The promise namely the accomplishment of Gods promises made to the fathers concerning the Messias his comming his Kingdome and the abundant sending of his Spirit V. 40. God having namely the said accomplishment having been reserved for our times under the Gospell which is therefore called the better covenant upon better promises Heb. 7. â—2 8. 6. seeing the Law which hath made nothing perfect Heb. 7. 19. having no power to bring the fathers to that last marke and degree of the state of the Church under Christs Kingdome to which both they which are now in Heaven and we who are upon Earth joyned both under one head Ephes. 1. 10. Col. 1. 20. Heb. 12. 23. have now attained CHAP. XII Vers. 1. ARe compassed about terms taken from those publike sports of Races and the like that were performed in your Circles or Amphitheaters The beleevers which are already glorified are the witnesses as well because their example ought to instruct men in the duties of the Race and assure them of the end of it as likewise because they are as it were spectators from Heaven of the Churches Combates looking after her victories rejoycing at her constancy which God reveales unto them by the relation of his Angels or otherwise Revel 12. 10 11. the burthen or weight are all manner of worldly cares affections or desires Or vice and corruption The Race is the continuall progresse to Heavenly glory which is also the marke and end of the Race the length of the Race is all our life time See Phil. 3. 13 14. Which doth so easily beset us the Italian Hinder us the similitude seems to be taken from such long and large garments aâ— were wont to be laid off in such Races to be so much the freer Now sinne is often times called a garment or robe Ephes. 4. 22. Col. 2. 11. 3. 9 10. Other copies have it sinne which cannot be restrained like a garment that cannot be girded close enough but that it will hinder one from running and therefore is better to be laid quite away Or sinne which is so easie and therefore a man may so easily slip into and is opposite to that hard and laboursome spiritual race V. 2. Unto Jesus to take from him a most perfect and lively example of constancy and so secure us through faith in him who is the head of this warfare of faith And who doth likewise by his power beare up our faith and brings her strivings to