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
did wholly dedicate himselfe to Gods service and to all exercises of pietie without any distraction of worldly affaires or digressing into any vices by some expresse profession and rule of living See Gen. 6. 9. and 17. 1. and 24. 40. And begat So it appeareth that the use of matrimony in its purity may stand with the strictest rule of holinesse V. 24. Was not That is God by miracle gathered up his soule into the glory of heaven by a sweet separation from the body without passâ—ng through the horrors and pains of death or hee might also transport him into heaven both body and soule cloathing him in a moment with the qualities of glorified bodies as hee did Elias See Hebrewes 11. 5. V. 29. Noah That is to say rest or refreshing This same It is like that Noah's father had divine Revelation that by him man-kind should bee saved from the generall deluge which he mis-understanding might believe that Noah should be the Saviour of the world through whom Gods curse should bee annihilated V. 32. Begat That is began to beget CHAP. VI. VERS 1. VVEre After the world was peopled and that through the multitude of women mens concupisences were excited the faithfull themselves took leave to use poligamy and mariyed themselves into strange kindreds out of the blessed generation V. 2. The sonnes That is many of the sacred stock and members of the Church Gen. 4. 26. â—f men of the accursed progeny of Cain that had no part in the spirituall regeneration nor in the Sacraments thereof Faire More curious in the enticements of the slesh and in the art of setting forth that gift of nature with painting ornaments and â—alliances c. which was always ordinary among prophane people And by this circumstance it is noted that the end of their marriages was onely pleasure and not a desire of holy company and issue which without using any distinction for spirituall matters or religion which common piety and reason did intimate was to be done and had questionlesse beene either commanded or inspired by God and was afterwards renewed Gen. 26. 35. Exod. 34. 16. 1 Cor. 7. 39. 2 Cor. 6. 14. From this mixture came the holy races corruption in Religion and manners wherefore God determined to destroy the world by the floud seeing the world subsisted but onely for the elect and they being almost all failed the cause of the worlds preservation seemed also to faile V. 3. Spirit Which through the Prophets teachings 1 Pet. 3. 19. and by internall motions reproved the world and pressed it to repentance For that They are altogether incorrigible the light of my regenerating spirit being quite extinguished in them and all his power smothered up whereby the externall action and benefit thereof is in vaine imployed about them By the word flesh opposed to the spirit in Scripture is understood the corrupt nature of man and deprived of Gods life the true subject of death and corruption as the flesh without soule or spirit is See Joh. 3. 6. Rom. 8. 5. His dayes The time which I will give them to bethink themselves V. 4. Giants Men of extraordinary stature and strength of a fierce disposition which violently usurped and tyrannically exercised domination over other men And also There did arise such tyrants in the Church of God after the mixture of the two generations V. 5. Imagination Internall conceits and secret discourses which are as it were the modell of all externall humane actions V. 6. It repented There can bee no repentance in God which is a sorrow for a fault committed and an alteration of his mind towards the selfe same subject 1 Sam. 15. 11. but bythis word taken from men is meant an alienation of Gods will and liking towards a thing which of good was become evill V. 7. Beast Because that being created for man and given to him God would punish him not onely in his person but also in his goods and instruments V. 9. In his That is all the time that hee lived before and after the deluge which was a new age of the world Or else amongst the men of his time Walked See above Gen. 5. 22. V. 12. Flesh That is man or person V. 13. Before me I have already decreed it and will shortly put it in execution the thing is already present before me God opposeth his certain knowledge to che worlds conceit concerning their happinesse and security and the decree of his will to naturall likely-hoods With the earth As much as concernes the beauty of it the fruits and goods but not the substance of it nor yet the highest and strongest plants V. 14. An Arke A great Vessell on the inside like a great Chest of a slangrell forme with divers partitions and inclosures The briefenesse of the narration leaves it doubtfull whether this bodie was not contained within some other more apt to swimme above the waters and preserve this Gopher It seems to be a generall name for all trees that have Rozen in them some hold it to be the Cedar anciently used in building of Ships Ezek. 27. 5. V. 16. A window The Italian hath it Give light It is likely that this light was taken from the top of the Arke by an opening which is called a Lanthorn through which the ayre and light came in and so was distributed into divers stories and rooms of the Arke by windowes and other overtures Whereof see Gen. 8. 6. Some translate it make a window Above The roof raised in the middle a cubit to cause the falling off of the raine-water V. 18. Establish I will take thee into my charge and protection as by an expresse covenant which I doe now make promise of and will assuredly keep my word V. 19. Of all Flesh Of every kind of creatures Two That is generally of all sorts of beasts for of those that are cleane hee commandeth Gen. 7. 2. That he should take seven couple of each V. 20. Shall come By a secret instinct and by Gods motion As Gen. 2. 19. CHAP. VII VERS 1. RIghteous That is righteousnesse of faith Heb. 11. 7. which consists not in perfection of works and merit but in the acceptation of Gods grace followed by true obedience and holinesse produced by the spirit of grace yet never without infirmities defects and combats in this life and therefore alwayes joyned with humble confession and recourse to the same grace V. 2. Clean Not in regard of the use of cating but for the use of sacrificing for the Lord had set downe what kind of creatures he accepted of and required in sacrifices which afterwards was renewed and set downe by Moses Such were Oxen Sheep and Goats Doves Turtles and Sparrowes Lev. Chap. 1. Verse 3. 10. and verse 14. 4. and verse 22. 19. By sevens That is three paires and one over this greater number of cleane beasts was ordained for provision for sacrifices Gen. 8. 20. and peradventure also to increase the race of tame beasts more then the
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
a habit of mourning V. 35. Daughters Jacob had never a daughter but Dina so that we musthere understand to be meant his wifes and his sons daughters The grave The Hebrew phrase signifieth grave and hell for by Gods Law the reward of sin is both corporall and eternall death but through grace they are several for the faithfull Therefore we ought to distinguish of this name which is common to both deaths according to the diversitie of the subject to which it is attributed and in the meane time the name of grave remaineth amongst the Hebrews marked with it's naturall horror which is to be the entrance into hel but only that God through his grace delivereth man from thence V. 36. An Officer The Italian hath it An Eunuch This name signifieth a man that is gelded but because such kind of people were much employed about Princes Courts the name hath been put upon all manner of Officers though not gelded as it should seem this man was not seeing he had a wife Of the guard the Italian Of the guards the Hebrew word signifieth executioners for in the old time Princes guards were wont to do many capitall executions see Jer. 39. 9. Dan. 2. 14. Mark 6. 27. CHAP. XXXVIII VERS 1. AT that time Of Jacobs remaining in Canaan for it should seem that this happened before Joseph was sold and is here inserted to shew Gods admirable providence who hath caused the royall stâ—mme of Israel and our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh to proceed from such beginnings Adullamite of the City of Adullam which afterwards fell to Judah V. 5. Cheziâ— a place also called Aczib Jos. 19. â—9 V. 7. Was wicked the Italian was displeasing or was wicked in Gods eyes V. 8. Marry her The Italian addeth By reason of consanguinity This custome that the brother or the neerest of kinne who was unmarried should marry his brother or next kinsmans wife which died without issue was already brought in amongst Gods people questionlesse by some expression from God which was afterwards confirmed by Moses Law Deut. 25. 5. Raise up Beger issue which may beare thy deceased brothers name and may be reputed for his which thing in those dayes when issue was esteemed the greatest temporall blessing it seemeth was ordained for their comforts who died without children as adopting hath since been used for the same â—nd V. 9. Should not be Yet Moses Law Deut. 25. 6. sets down that the first borne only should be reputed his that was deceased and not they which came afterward V. 11. For he said Being ignorant of the true reason of his sons deaths he sespecteth the woman and therefore thinketh to put off the marriage or with an intention to forsake her quite or to take time to finde out the reason of the precedent deaths and t 〈…〉 redrâ—sse it V. 14 And covered She used this deceipt to induce Judah who was a widdower to take her to wiâ—e as next of kin to the deceased See the like cunning Ruth 3. 3. iunay also be that Judah his sons had noâ— known her which might lessen her fault in which whatsoever it were she aimed chiefly to the honest end of having issue V. 15. Covered Quite muffled up which was the fashion of unchast women Cant. 1. 7. V. 17. Will thou give me Or I am content if thou wilt give me but c. V. 18. Thy bracelets The Italian hath it A scarfe or swathe It might be some towel or scarfe to binde about his head according to the manner of the Easterlings V. 23. Be shamed For dealing with such kind of women was infamous even amongst the infidels V. 24. Bring her forth Let her be brought to â—â—dgement to be condemned to death as convinced of adultery against the faith shewed unto Sâ—la her spouse according to the law of those days see Deut. 22. 23. Now his passion would not suffer him to bethink himself how that a woman with child ought not to be put to death V. 26. she hath been we are both in fault but I more than she having through my backwardnesse given her cause to seek issue by me which she should have had by my son V. 28. Bound For a signe of eldership which was so much honoured in those dayes There may under this figure be a mystery hidden like unto that of Gen. 25. 26. for Pharez from whom Christ came according to the flesh represents him who as the true first borne Col. 1. 15. Heb. 1. 6. snatcheth away from the Prince of the world the advantage and command which he pretendeth to have V. 29. What breach A violent kinde of comming out a figure that Christ cannot be borne as concerning his Kingdom and truth without many rends of the world This breach A casting manner of speech since thou hast done the evill thou shalt beare the continuall reproach for it by the name of Pharez that is breach V. 30. Zara That is a sweet and easy birth as the sâ—nnes and the plants c. a figure of the facility with which the Prince of the world planteth his Kingdome which notwithstanding is alwayes the lesser because he hath no share in the eternall Kingdome which by right belongeth to the first borne CHAP. XXXIX VERS 6. HE knew not He took no other care relying for every thing else upon Josephs faithfulnesse â—iligâ—nce and industrie V 9. There is none None greater in the house han my self V. 14. The men Which might be in some place neere thereunto An Hebrew See Gen. 10. 21. and 14. 13. V. 20. Into the prison The Italian hath it Into the tower It was some strong and safe prison Some expound it a house that was vaulted CHAP. XL. VERS 2. OFficers The Italian hath it Eunuches as Gen. 37. 36. V. 5. According to the The dreames were diverse as the events were to be V. 8. Interpreter According to the custome of those nations to investigate the interpretation of dreames that had any extraordinary singularity in them V. 15. Stollen away Secretly and brought away by deceit Of the land Out of Canaan where long since Abraham's famous and mighty nation was seated V. 16. White baskets Made of white willowes others have bored or full of holes Others full of white bread or bâ—skets CHAP. XLI VERS 1. BY the river of Nilus V. 7. And behold It remained so deeply imprinted in his memory that hee knew it was no ordinary nor vaine dreame 1 King 3. 15. V. 9. I doe that which thou requirest putteth me in memory of a fault whereby I provoked thy wrath against me but yet it was an occasion whereby thou mayst now be satisfied V. 16. It is not in me This faculty of interpreting dreams ought not to be esteemed any science or art of mine it is a pure gift of God working in me to whom I will now pray that he disclose the meaning of this dreame unto thee for thy good V. 39. For as much as God God having
would have together with the cleansing of the body the purificatioÌ„ of the soule to be also sought for by meanes of this sacrifice and besides these diseases being figures of the in 〈…〉 of the soul these ceremoniall sacrifices represented likewise the internall expiation Now amongst these three offered things one of the lambs v. 10. was for a meat offering the other lamb for a burnt offering v. 〈◊〉 and the ewe for the sin offering v. 19. females being also admitted for such sacrifices Levit. 4 28. V. 13 In the place Namely in the court For as the Lev. 7. 7. For these two sacrifices being in the same kind and degree of holinesse they ought also to be offered in the same place V. 15 Of oyle So the bloud and the oyle were joyned together Ex. 29. 4 21. For to figure the two parts of true spirituall purification namely the remission of sins by vertue of Christs bloud and the renewing of man by the spirit of regeneration V. 16 Before the Before the great curtain drawn before the sanctuary where the Arke was the peculiar place of Gods presence Lev. 4. 6. V. 17 Upon the bloud Upon the same part of the body upon which the bloud was laid V. 32 That which pertaineth See v. 10. V 34 In a house See upon Lev. 13. 47. V. 36 That all that is Before the Priest have judged of it the house could not pollute the stuffe nor the persons and therefore the sore being yet uncertaine it is good to empty the house for feare lest thé houshold stufle be also comprehended within the pollution of it when the Priest shall pronounce the sentence A law of equity and instruction to teach us to prevent Gods last judgement sequestring ones selfe betimes from the contagion of sinners and also to teach us that God will passe over and forgive the sins and faults of his children which they commit through meere ignorance but not those trespasses which they commit against their consciences and expresse manifestation of his will Be not May not be handled without infecting all them that touch it and must be purified before it may be put to any use V. 37 With hâ—llow strakès These are the same tokens as were for the leprosie in men persons Levitic 13. 3. V. 40 In an unclean place Upon the dunghill or into the sink where all unclean things were cast being contrary and opposite to a cleane place Leviticus 4. 12. CHAP. XV. VERSE 2. OUt of his flesh Or out of his genitall parts He is He is not fitting to converse freely with other men much lesse to come neere holy things and polluteth by his touâ—â— V. 3 Whether his Whether the person subject to this infirmity or naturall impediment be uncleane or actually lose his issues or for a time bee without them V. 9 Whatsoever The Italian hath it Every saddle or any other furnitur he rideth upon others have it any thing he rideth on horse asse mule waggon or litter V. 11 And hath not After he hath polluted them by touching V. 13 Is cleansed After he is made whole Shall bee clean to converse with other men and come neare to the Tabernacle there to perform the following things to be observed Lev. 4. 10. V. 15 An atonement See upon Lev. 14. 12. V. 16 Go out from him By nightly pollution or any other casualty besides lawfull copulation V. 18 Man shall lye The Italian addeth That hath an issue to whom such a chance hath happened or be touched with that impediment and have not beene cleansed Others have it if such a man lie with a woman and joyne his seed with hers V. 19 Anissue Her ordinary monethly termes Put a part In her owne private house out of common conversation Yet not out of the campe as the leprous or those who had suffered any nocturnal pollution Deu. 23. 10. V. 24 Lie with her Unawares for it was death for him that did it wittingly Lev. 20. 18. Others are of opinion that the capitall punishment was when the thing came to be published and that here it is spoken of the deed done secretly V. 25 Beyond the time beyond the ordinary time of seven dayes Lev 12. 2. V. 28 But if she be The Italian hath it And when she shall be If her issue stop let her so passe over seven dayes and if it commeth not again let her be held for cleane CHAP. XVI VERS 2. AT all times Not indifferently when he shall please but only once a yeare v. 34. in the day of the generall atonement for all trespasses of forgetfulnesse ignorance or carelessenesse where â—f they have not been purged by the ordinary sacrifices Dye not for his unreverence rashnesse and not sufficient atonement as it happened to his two sons V. 3. Thus shall Preparing and purifying himselfe with these sacrifices oâ—â—ered for himselfe in the court and afterward carrying the bloud of them upon the altar of incense in the holy place before he might entâ—â— into the most holy place Heb. 9. 7. V. 4 Linnen coate Together with all the other priestly apparell as it appearethby Exo. 29. 30. 35. V. 8 The scape Goat The Italian hath it as the Hebrew word is Azazel because that Goat was sent away which is the signification of the Hebrew word carrying with it being a piacular or purging oblation the peoples curse V. 11 Shall bring The Italian hath it Shall offer A particular repetition of the ceremonies of this sacrifice but only touched in generall v. 6. V. 12 From off the Altar Of burnt offering where the continuall fire was and stood in the Court directly by a line over against the Arke which was the peculiar signe of Gods presence V. 13. Upon the testimony That is to say the Arke within which were the Tables of the Law called the testimony Exo. 16. 34. and 25. 16. V. 14. Eastward Which way the Arke was turned Before the Upon the ground V. 16. Make anatonâ—ment See upon Exodus 29. 36. Heb. 9. 13. For the Tabernacle for part thereof called the holy place V. 18. The Altar Namely the Altar of incense V. 21. Shall lay See upon Exo. 29. 10. V. 24. In the holy place In the holy laver which was by the Altar in the Court which it was likely the Priest went forth into for to wash himself and afterwards came into the Tabernacle again to put on his cloths and then he came out again to offer the sacrifice His garments the ordinary priestly ones not the solemne and Pontificall ones which the high Priest never put on but when he went into the Sanctuary Exo. 28. 29 30 35. V. 25. The Altar Of the holocaustes or burnt offerings V. 29. Afflict With fasts and abstinence from all carnall pleasures and dispose your selvs by an inward conpunction and repentance for your sins to obtaine pardon and atonment CHAP. XVII VERSE 3. THat killeth Though it was for a common use yet the Lord would have all such bloud
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
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
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.
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
to quench with good words the fire that was already kindled but spake more taunting words then the others See of the like jealousies Judg. 8 1. and 12 1. CHAP. XX. Ver. 1. VVEE have no By the speeches of the men of Judah David belongeth not to us let him then looke to his owne businesse and we will looke to ours wee will have nothing to doe with him See 1 Kings 1â— 16. V. 4. Amasa To whom hee had made promise of the Generalls place 2 Samuell Chapter 19. ver 13. V. 6. Thy Lords Namely Joabs who hath hitherto beene thy Generall V. 7. Cherethites See upon 2 Sam. Chapter 8. ver 18. V. 8. Was girded In stead of carrying his sword hanging at his girdle and his garment over it according to the usuall fashion hee had girded on his garment and had put on his girdle over that about his waste that the sword hanging in that kinde might at a certaine motion or posture of his body fall out of the scabbard that thereby he might take an occasion to take it up in his hand without giving Amasa any cause of suspition V. 9. My brother For he was his cousin 1 Chro. chap. 2. v. 16 17. V. 10. Fiâ—th rib See upon 2 Samuel chap. 2. vers 23. V. 12. Wallowed He did beat and stirre himselfe in the last pangs of death V. 14. Abel it is likely to bee the same City which is called Abel Maim 2 Chronicles chap. 16. verse 4. in the Tribe of Nephtali or that these two Cities Abel and Bermaâ—ca were both comprehended under one name 1 Kings 15 20. 2 Kings 15. 29. All the Acording to some they were the inhabitants of Beeroth of Benjamin Joshua chapt 18. verse 25. which might be the City of this Sheba Others think it was the countrey neer to Abel V. 15. A bank According to the old manner of besieging of Cities casting up of high banks on the out side of the wals and standing upon them to fight with those that defended the wals The trench Which is now a dayes called a trench with a breast-worke Battered That is to say digged the wall V. 18 They were wont The law of warre according to Gods command Deuteronomie chapter 20. verse 10. Was to have besieged places summoned before they were spoyled by assaults or besieging And if thou hadst done so the businesse had beene ended and thou satisfied V. 19. A mother A chiefe Citie of a Province The inheritance A Citie or commonalty of Gods people which are his owne as his inheritance V. 21. Mount Ephraim Though Sheba was 2 Benjamite yet peradventure he dwelt in the countrey of Ephraim Or his Citie was in the confines of these two Tribes V. 22. Retired from The armie was disbanded there V. 23. Was over He retained his old place after Amasa his death 2 Sam. 8. 16. which David had conferred upon Amasa V. 25. Sheva it seems to be the same as Seraiah 2 Iam. 8. 17. V. 26. The Iairite Of the countrey of Jair in Gilead Numbers chapter 32. verse 41. Judges chapter 10. verse 4. Chiese ruler of Jerusalem See upon Ezek. 11. 1. Or the chiefe president of the councell See 2 Samuel chapter 8. verse 18. 1 Kings chap. 4. verse 2. CHAP. XXI VERS 1. IN the dayes of David This storie and likewise that of the 2 Samuel chap 24. seeme to have happened before the things which are set downe before this Inquired Desired his answer by Urim Numbers chapter 27. verse 21. It is It is very likely that he did not onely set downe the cause but the manner of making atonement for it also V. 2. His zeale the Italian His jealousie scorning that those strangers should be incorporated into Gods people and should enjoy the same freedomes and priviledges And especially because they were his countrey men for Saul was a Gibeonite though of the Israelitish nation 1 Chronicles chapter 8 v. 29 30. Sought to sâ—ay Taxing them with supposed faults aggravating their true faults extending the particular ones unto the generall depriving them of all commoditie and favour and raising great dissensions amongst them V. 3. May blesse Pardon them the offence that hath beene done to you and pray to God to forgive them the punishment due therefore The inheritance namely his people V. 4. We will have We doe not desire any pecuniary satisfaction for their lives that Saul hath caused to be slaine amongst us and much lesse the blood of them which were not guilty V. 6. We will hang This kinde of execution was used in cases of making atonement for some publick misdeed Vnto the Lord To satisfie his justice and to appease him Numbers chapter 25. verse 4. Gibeah See 1 Samuel chapter 10. verse 26. 11. 4. Ver. 8. Rizpah Sauls Concubine 2 Samuel Chapter 3. verse 7. who was yet living verse 11. Michal Since Michal had no Children 2 Samuell 6. 23. and that not shee but Merab â—â—r sister was married to Adriell 1 Samuell Chapter 18. verse 19. the word bringing up must bee taken for adopting and keeping See Genesis 16. 2. and 30. 3. and 50. 23. Ver. 10. Upon the rocke The Itaâ—â—an addeth Staying there Namely at the place where they were hanged Now here was some singular exception to the generall Law which was to take downe and bury those that were hanged up the same day Deuteronomie Chapter 21. verse 23. Dropped It is likely that this death came by occasion of some extreame droughts in the time of the Corne ripning And therfore Rizpah would observe whither Gods wrath was appeased by this execution and whether hee would be pleased to send the accustomed dewes and raine V. 16. The Gyant The Italian Rapha That famous Philistin Gyant from whence the others are called Repheites V. 17. The light Thy person in whom consists the conduct counsell joy and life of the people a Scripture phrase See 1 Kings 15. 4. Psalm 132. 17. V. 19. Iaore By the 1 Chron. 20. 5. it appeares that his name was Jair but by reason of this Gyants great speare was added the word Oregim that is to say of a Weavers beame Goliah I 1 Chronicles Chapter 20. ver 5. He is called Lahmi brother to Goliah whom David slew but it may be that after his brothers death he tooke and bore his name V. 21. Defied Despised and scornefully challenged them As 1 Samuel Chapter 17. verse 10. 25 26. Shimeah Called Shammâ—h also 1 Sam. 16. 9. Ver. 22. Of David To whom as King and Generall in the warres were attributed all the actions of his servants and Souldiers CHAP. XXII VERS 1 OOf this Song Which is the same as the 18. Psalme V. 8. The foundations As who should say the pillars and poles See Job Chapter 26 verse 11. or plainely the high mountaines which seeme to beare up the vault of Heaven as it is set downe Psalme 18. 7. CHAP. XXIII VERS 1. THe last The last which he pronounced by the inspiration of Gods
the 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
last resurrection V. 13. Hide me ô wouldest thou but convert my death into imprisonment or restraint for a time that when thou are appeased which I make no question but thou wilt be I may againe enjoy thy favour see Iob 7. 7. 21. Isa. 26. 20. V. 16. For now I dare not at this time appeare before thee because it should seeme thou hast put off the person of a father and hast taken upon thee to bee an inexorable judge numbrest examinest my life most rigorously see Iob 10. 14. V. 17. Sealed up as the writings or informations of a processe which is ready to be sentenced Deut. 32. 34. Hos. 13. 12. V. 18. And surely all these desires of mine are vaine there is no escaping of death V. 20. His countenance in being and condition V. 21. His Souncs if God being appeased le ts the children feele the effects of his grace that helpeth not the deceased father V. 22. Shall have paine this poeticall representation hath no other meaning but that the dead have no manner of communication with the living CHAP. XV. VER 2. AND fill conceive turbulent and unruly thoughts and discourses and feed himselfe therewith pointing at the tempestuousuesse and violence of the Eastern wind in those countreys V. 4. Cassest off thou dost violate and teachest others to violate that reverence which is due to God by thy bold rashnesse in justifying thy selfe against his judgement and in contending with him restrainest by thy talke that God doth afflict men out of his own free-will and absolute power without any respect to their offences and by thine ill example of contending with him in stead of humbling thy selfe thou doest subvert the grounds of true invocation which are confession humility repentance and trust in his grace V. 5. Of the crafty namely of dissembling hypocrites or cunning deceivers see Job 5. 12. V. 7. Art thou hast thou the knowledge and experience of all the ageâ— of the world Speaking this in answer of what Iob had alledged of his mature age Iob 12. 12. before a proverbiall manner of speaking to shew a great antiquitie or rather eternity see Psal. 90. 2. Pro. 8. 25. V. 8. Hast thou see Ier. 23. 22. V. 11. Of God which wee propose unto thee in his name and which are taught us by his word and are the only remedy appointed by him against the apprehending of his judgements Namely that there is a meanes and a hope of forgivenesse through his grace by converting ones selfe unto him and humbly calling upon his name see Iob 16. 2. and 21. 34. secret thing some priviledge or unknown worth to exempt thee from this generall rule V. 12. Carry thee away cause thee to goe astray by such excesse of words beyond the bounds of reason and the respect due to God wink at proudly scoffing at whatsoever is said unto thee V. 15. The heavens namely the spirits or celestiall bodies compared to him V. 16. Which drinketh to whom sinning is as naturall and customary as drinking or who is as it were altogether steeped in sinne Iob 34. 7. V. 19. Unto whom who for their heroicall vertues and wisedome were thought worthy to receive from God by the consent of Nations lawfull Kingdoms which they were able to defend against all the assaults of their enemies see upon Iob 8. 8. V. 20. Travelleth with paine outwardly through calamities and adversities and inwardly through Gods wrath pricking his conscience oppressor or tyrant opposed to those lawfull Kings that are spoken of before Now Iob had been in authority and is by the way taxed as having dealt unjustly therein as Iob 22. 8. is hidden is decreed in Gods secret councell V. 21. Is in his eares he is troubled with continuall seares and alarms his conscience representing his wickednesses to him and their deserved and unavoidable punishment V. 22. He believeth not hee lieth in despaire apprehending continually his remedilesse and eternall evills V. 23. He knoweth his conscience doth set his present ruine before him V. 25. Stretched out he hath boldly and felloniously resisted Gods will Lev. 26. 21. Num. 15. 30. like an open and deadly enemy V. 27. Covereth he hath plunged himselfe in delights and pleasures with which being drunk and puffed up hee set himselfe against the Lord Deut. 32. 15. Psal. 17. 10. and 73. 7. and 119 70. V. 28. Dwelleth he hath built or repaired cities pallaces and strong-holds either for magnificence or for the safety of his own person according to the custome of Tyrants Peradventure he meaneth those Kings of violent Empires who repaired or built great cities after the deluge As Nimrod Ashur and others Gen. 10. 8. 11. Iob 3. 14. Isa. 23. 13. V. 29. The perfection the Italian the top namely the heigth and glory a phrase taken from trees V. 31. In vanity in humane councels and meanes which are altogether deceitfull V. 32. His time namely out of the naturall time of old age when things naturally decline after they have lasted a long time in their full vigor and growth as a Vine or an Olive tree spoiled of its fruits before they be ripe V. 34. The Congregation the great number of followers and attendants bribery that doe abuse publike government and authority which Job is accused by these men to have done Iob 22. 8. V. 35. Conceive they within device and abroad practice nothing but violence and deceit CHAP. XVI VER 4. SHake my in contempt and scorne Psal. 22. 7. Lam. 2. 15. V. 6. Though I speak the Italian if I speak that which you say is true my complaints doe not ease my paine yet silence would encrease it and make it worse therefore I will case my minde with talking V. 8. A witnesse namely that my sorrowes are not seigned nor of small consequence see Iob 10. 17. V. 9. Sharpneth he looketh fiercely upon mee and with a piercing eye V. 10. They have hee describes how violently his friends did set upon him with their reproofes and injurious words see Iob 6. 27. and 12. 4. and 17. 2. and 19. 22. smitten mee cruelly and contumeliously wro 〈…〉 ged mee with such injuries as this is Lam. 3. 30. Mic. 5. 1. V. 11. The ungodly namely the devill and his instruments Arabians and Caldeans Iob 1. 15. 17. V. 13. Archers figurative termes as Iob 10. 17. and 19. 12. my gall which is a mertall and incurable wound V. 15. I have sowed according as my affliction hath been so hath my humiliatiâ—n been in submitting my selfe under the hand of God Ier. 31. 18. defiled I have taken off all mine ornamerts to put my selfe in the habit of an afflicted and suppliant man see Exod. 33. 5. V. 16. The shaddow mine eyes are dimme and weak like unto a dying mans V. 17. Pure it is not polluted by an evill conscience see Psal. 109. 7. Prov. 28. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 8. V. 18. O earth if I have committed any murther or such like cruell fact I doe not desire
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
was at namely my friend Psa. 41. 9. his meaning is I have been so farre from seeking to doe Saul hurt when he was my friend that I have contrariwise assisted him to my power after hee was wrongfully become mine enemy see 1 Sam. 23. 5. and 24. 7. and 26. 9. V. 5. Tread down let him throw me down and ignominiously tread mee to death and lay and after my death let my honour and reputation lie buried in some infamous dunghill Psa. 22. 15. and 89. 39. and Lam. 3. 53. V. 6. Thou hast commanded that is to say I am persuaded that thou hast decreed within thy selfe to re-establish thy Church and to take notice of mens actions I beseech thee to hasten on that time V. 7. Compasse thee make them appeare before thee and gather them into thy presence and then sit down upon thy throne A description of a solemne judgement V. 8. To my righteousnesse that is to say according to mine innocency in this action and the righteousnesse of this cause not any way concerning Gods soveraign right or the rigor of his law see Psal. 130. 3. and 143. 2. V. 9. The hearts namely the thoughts and meanings the reines the affections the inclinations and motions of the will V. 11. Angry though hee prolong the punishment of their misdeeds yet doth he still remember the offence and holdeth them guilty who treasure up wrath against the day of judgement Rom. 2. 5. V. 14. Hee travaileth with the Italian he bring eth forth hee doth what hee can to bring to passe and execute his wicked will salsehood an effect of which shall be to his own ruine quite contrary to his intent Isa. 33. 11. PSAL. VIII THE title Gittith a terme of Musick whose signification is unknown some hold that it was taken from the city of Gath of the Philistines from whence the ayre of this song or the manner of singing it or the instrument whereto it was sung had beene taken Others derive it from a word which signifieth a wine-presse as though this Psalme were to be sung upon the ayre of some merry song of thanksgiving which was used in time of vintage V. 1. Hast set thou hast established the seat of it in heaven for ever from whence it spreadeth its beames over the earth V. 2. Ordained the Italian sounded that is to say thou doest maintaine the glory of thy power goodnesse and providence against the blasphemies of carnall wisdome Rom. 8. 7. by the meanes of sucking babes whose birth sustenance and wonderfull protection convinceth the wickednesse of Atheists As if hee should say thou doest employ the little feeble and ignorant for instruments of thy glory against the bold undertakings of the wise and mighty Mat. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 1. 27. strength the Italian glory the Heb strength the word strength being often taken for glory because that the chiefe foundation of glory is might and strength that thou mightest namely to suppresse and keep down the avenger by this is meant a deadly and much incensed enemy see Psa. 44. 16. V. 5. A little lower this might very well bee referred to the command which was conferred upon man over all other creatures at the first creation But because by reason of sin he is fallen from it this is perfectly verified in Christ the second Adam who hath gotten the title of lawfull heires and possessors of the world for those which beleeve in him Rom. 4. 13. whereof they have but a taste in this world but in heaven they shall have the full fruition 1 Cor. 15. 27. Heb. 2. 7. PSAL. IX THE title Muth-Labben the Italian Almuth-labben according to some it is a terme of musick see upon Psa. 6. in the title According to others these words doe point out the subject of the Psalme and may signifie upon the death of him that stood in the middle namely Goliah who shewed himselfe between the two armies defying the Israelites 1 Sam. 17. 4. for which victory David composed this Psalme a long time after namely after hee had his settled habitation in Ierusalem V. 2 In thee making thee thy grace and thy deliverance the only subject of my joy v. 14. V. 3. At thy the Italian before thy being discomfited by thine only power who art the head of thy people and standest in the front of thine armies V. 6. O thou enemies an ironicall kinde of scoffe and insultation V. 7. Shall endure the Italian fitteth in his imperiall throne and judgement seat V. 13. From the gates Iob. 38. 17. V. 14. In the gates in the city or in the publick meetings which were held neere to the gates of the city of the daughter that is to say of the people which dwelt therein according to the ordinary phrase of scriptures V. 16. Snared overcome and ruined as a beast taken in the toiles Higgaion according to some it is a terme of musick whose signification is unknown see upon Psal 7. in the title According to others it is a note of exclamation and admiration as who should say O a thing worthy to bee considered and meditated upon V. 18. Shall not although hee seeme to bee neglected of God for a time yet that shall not bee perpetually V. 19. Prevaile the Italian get strength let him not through thy patience take more courage and boldnesse to endeavour himselfe more strongly against thy Church or let him not bee the stronger PSAL. X. VER 3. BOasteth hee braggeth of his evill life whereof hee maketh open profession or hee braggeth that hee will accomplish his wicked designes or glorieth that hee hath already accomplished them Others hee commendeth others who are according to the desires of his own soule that is to say hee respecteth none but such as are like him and them only hee esteemeth Psal. 36. 4. and 49. 18. Rom. 1. 32. V. 4. Of his countenance which pride hee carrieth engraven in his very countenance and makes it known in all his carriages and gestures will not seeke c. the Italian careth for nothing hee contemneth all divine and humane lawes hee feareth not nor respecteth not Gods judgements hee careth for nothing so bee may fullfill his desires hee enquires after nothing nor examines nothing all things are indifferent to him V. 5. Grievous the Italian prophane or troublesome that is to say all his endeavaurs and all his actions aime at nothing but at hurting of others are farre above for hee is altogether carnall hee hath not any disposition nor correspondency with thy law which is altogether spirituall and therefore cannot livelily represent unto himselfe the issue of the wicked according to the said law see Rom. 7. 14. 1 Cor. 2. 14. hee puffeth hee does most arrogantly despise them and is confident that hee can overthrow them with a puffe V. 7. Of cursing of perjuries and blasphemies towards God and curses against men mischiese the Italian perversnesse or trouble and torment that is to say the end of his deceitfull speeches is to
will set no neither by desire nor purpose that turne aside namely from the right way of thy Law V. 4. Will not know I will not regard him whosoever hee be I will doe him no grace nor favour I will cast him off and shun him V. 5. Slandereth he toucheth those vices which are most ordinary amongst courtiers V. 8. Early the Italian every morning that is to say every day or carefully by a simile taken from the daily sweeping of houses Or hee hath a relation to that that they did use in the morning to sit in judgement Ier. 2â— 12. PSAL. CII THE title A prayer it is apparent that this Psalme was penned towards the end of the Babylonian captivity it being a forme of prayer for the restauration of Gods people according to his promise his complaint or his prayer V. 4. Like grasse which is cut and dried in the sun I forget extreame affliction hath made mee forsake and grow carelesse of my food I have no taste nor take no delight in it whereby I am become drie and lâ—ane V 5. To my skin the Italian my flesh that is to say to my skin V. 6. A Pelican a solitary bird which gives out terrible cries wherein hee hath a relation to the Churches grievous lamentations when it is exiled V. 8. Are sworne the Italian doe make curses of mee that is to say by reason of my strange afflictions they doe make mee an example of curses saying be thou accursed like such a one see Num. 5. â—7 Isa. 65. 15. V. 9. I have eaten a scripture phrase which signifieth lying with ones face upon the ground amongst dust and ashes a fashion which was used in great sorrowes and mournings 2â— am 12. 16. Iob. 2. 8. V. 10. Listed mee up this may be properly understood of the peoples former prosperity which made their present calamity more grievous and sensible or it is a similitude taken from those which lift up a thing for to dash it so much the harder against the ground V. 12. But thou though the Church seemes to faile yet God endureth of ever in essence truth and power therefore hee can and will restore it see 1. am 5. 19. thy remembrance namely all that which thou hast revealed to thy Church of thy selfe and shee ought most faithfully to retaine and preach see Isa. 26. 8. and 57. 8. Or plainly thy name Hos 12. 5. V. 13. The set time namely of seventy yeares captivity as it is most likely 2 Chron. 36. 21 Ier. 25. 12. and 29. 10. Dan. 9. 2. V. 14. In her stones that is to say to it though it be brought into a heap of ruines Psal. 79. 1. V. 15. The heathen the meaning is that by Ierusalems and the peoples restauration and by the Messias being borne and made manifest there according to the prophecies God would open the gate for the vocation of the Gentiles by the Gospell which was to come out of Ierusalem V. 16. In his glory that is to say in his glorious manifestation and operation of his power and grace V. 18. Which shall bee that is to say which shall hence forward be borne Or if thiâ— be meant by the Gentiles the people which thou shalt create anew Or thy people Isâ—ael restored and set up â—gaine as it were by a miracle and into a new life Isa. 43. 21 Ezech. 3â— 3. V. 23. In thewâ—y in the time the Iowish nation was in prosperity before the time of its dissipâ—â—ion which was the time prefixed by God himselfe for the Messias his comming Gen. 49. 10. which hath a relation t◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 flower of ones age Iob 15. 3â— Psal 55. 23. Prov. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eccl 7. 17. V. 24. Thy yeares the meaning is thou hast joyned thy selfe to thy Church by an especiall covenant which carrieth with it the coâ—muncation of benefits correspondent to thine own proper nature for as thou art living so must shee live as thou art everlasting so must she be also Matth. 22. 32. I beseech thee then to fulfill these effects of thy covenant of Grace V. 26. Shall perish that is to say being melted and dissolved by the fire they shall change forme and state yet shall not be brought to nothing see Isa. 65. 17. and 66. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 7. 10. 11. The intent is to shew that although God as he is Creator hath not communicated the gift of eternity to all his other creatures yet he hath done it as a father to his children ver 18. see Lam 5. 19. 20. Hab. 1. 12. Matth. 22. 32. PSAL. CIII VER 1. ALL that is namely all my senses and all the faculties of my soule V. 3. Thy deseases namely corporall ones which he healeth when and how he in his providence thinks fitting But especially the spirituall ones of sinne corruption and concupiscence which hee healeth by the gift of regeneration see Exod. 15. 26. Isa. 19. 22. V. 4. From distruction the Italian from the pit that is to say from many mortall dangers in this life and especially from everlasting death and hell crowneth thee hee doth encompasse thee and heap thee full and raiseth thee up in spiritual glory V. 5. Like the Eagles which is of long life and alwayes vigorous and healthfull whereby it seemes from time to time to grow young againe Others understand it of this birds changing her feathers as Isa. 40. 31. Mich. 1. 16. Others doe apply it to some singularities of the Eagle which are not very certaine V. 7. His wayes namely his Law which is the true guide of ones life Or the conduct of his providence for the safety of his people V. 12. Removed that is to say he hath through his grace absolved and eased us of them as though they nothing concerned us and hath absolutely freed us from the punishment due for them from us or from himselfe turning his thoughts away from them to not represent them unto his severe judgement in their naturall filthinesse V. 14. For hee and therefore he takes compassion upon us Psal. 78. 39. our frame the Italian our nature the Hebrew frame which may as wel bee understood of the fraile slippery and mortall condition of our life and body 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the defects and corrupt on of the soule which are the two generall miâ—â—â—ies of man which move God to mercy and compassion V. 16. The place a Scripture phrase to expresse the entire abolishment of a thing leaving neither signe nor remnant thereof V. 17. Righteousnesse namely his loyalty in his promises and covenants V. 20. Hearkning the Italian obeying or so soone as you heare his voice V. 21. His hoasts this may be understood of the Angels or of other celestiall bodies Gen. 2. 1. PSAL. CIV VER 3. LAyeth Italian maketh figurative and poeticall termes In the waters namely the upper waters whereof see Gen. 1. 6. Psal. 148. 4. V. 4. His Angels that is to say he hath them ready at his service to send them here and there to
instrument of death and ruine V. 19 A broken tooth A deceitfull thing which maketh some shew but is for no use in time of need V. 20. As he that taketh away That is to say is like to him that doth things altogether unfitting and untimely As vineger Which hath a naturall contrarietie with Nitre dissolving it and causing it to lose its vertue Even so singing and rejoycing to one that is afflicted doth not comfort nor ease him but doth more vexe and distemper him and increaseth his griefe V. 22. Thou shalt-heap If thy benefits will not mitigate his malice towards thee yet will they bring Gods curse upon him and his blessings upon thee V. 23 Angry countenance That is to say a good mens austere severity which sheweth in his countenance how displeasing slanders are to him causeth the slanderer to hold his peace or to goe away V. 26 Falling downe namely that through timorousnesse dares not oppose him but is afraid of him and yieldeth to him or doth dally with him and flatter him Is a troubled Hee is not good nor profitable neither for edification nor corrections having troubled the purity of his soule and life with the mudde of carnall respects and worldly interests or by the basenesse of his mind V. 27 To search Beyond the bounds of divine Revelation and beyond the measure of the light which is conserred upon him See Deuteronomie Chapter the nine and twentieth verse the nine and twentieth Their owne glory The Italian Him who is the glory of men Namely God his Majesty and his secrets So GOD is called the glory of man as being the onely Sunne which shining upon man in grace light and glory lendeth him all the light he hath but will have him bee content with that small parcell of glory and nor search out the depth of it through rashnesse of judgement or curiosity of knowledge Is not glory The Italian Is a glorious thing Hebrew is glory that is to say it is a thing too high to be undertaken Or too rash and bold an attempt V. 28. No rule over c. Which may bee applyed to wrath or any other passion motion or affection of man CHAP. XXVI VERS 1. AS raine The meaning is either that it is a very rare thing in those Countries 1 Sam. 12. 17. Or that store of raine is troublesome and hurtfull in harvest time V. 2. By wandring The Italian Wandereth That is to say is carried here and there by the wind by reason of her lightnesse so the curse which is without reason or just cause shall not take any effect V. 4. According to his Imitating his passions and undecent carriage V. 5. According to his With reason and to the purpose to beate downe his presumption and ignorance V. 6. Cutteth off And if any one were so madd as to cut off his owne feet he were punished by himselfe being thereby made unfit for any action or motion So it a man employeth in a message or embassage au uncapable unworthy person he spoyleth all his businesse and cannot hope for any good issue V. 7. Are not equall The Italian The lame man halteth The Hebrew phrase is taken from well buckets whereof the one commeth up when the other goeth downe So is Good words and discourses which are sometimes uttered by a foole are not of any continuance nor alwayes alike but are still seconded by some notable impertinency neither doe they sound well in his mouth V. 8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling so is hee that giveth honour to a foole The Italian hath it Hee that giveth honour to a foole doth as one that throweth a precious stone into a heape of stones Notes Doth as the That is to say looseth all the honour which hee doth to him it being drowned and brought to nothing through the fooles frequent actions even as a Jewell cannot be seene nor shew its lustre being buried in a heape of stones Precious The Hebrew set or unset namely artificially in a faire-ring A heape He hath a relation to certaine heapes of stones which were heaped up for directions in high wayes which were consecrated by heathens and Idolaters to an Idoll whom they termed a guide of high wayes V. 9. A parable As a man whose minde is troubled with excessive drinking having a thorne in his hand can make no use of it but must hurt himselfe or others with it even so a mad man when he hath learned any good sentence or parable makes a contrarie and undiscreet use of it to the wrong and offence of others V. 10. The great God c. the Italian Great ones grieve all men and they hire fooles and travellers That is to say Kings and Princes sometimes doe erre greatly grieving their subject with imposts and taxes to spend foolishly upon jesters fooles vagabonds and strangers who bring some new or curious thing out of foreigne countries V. 12. Of a foole That is so and knoweth and openly professeth himselfe to be so V. 14. Vpon his bed Out of which through lazinesse he is loath to come V. 16. The sluggard As having made choice of a most happie kinde of life in tranquillity without care in security without danger of any chances which may befall one in an active life in liberty free from all bonds and duties in honour not vilifying himselfe to doe any base or inferiour acts In delight without any labour or griefe See Eccles. 4. 6. That can render As lawyers who resolve questions of law Or those who formerly did resolve obscure questions either naturall politick or morall V. 17. Is like one Puts himselfe into danger of not appeasing the quarrell and to bring evill upon himselfe As he that holdeth a Dog or a Wolfe by the eares cannot hold him long and doth the more anger him and provoke him by holding him V. 18. â—asteth Offendeth willingly and in deed V. 20. Tale-bearers Or whisperers who doe incense enraged hearts V. 23. Burning With calumniations and slanders Are like Such persons have no worth neither without nor within even as a potsheard which is coloured over with the drosse of silver hath some lustre upon it but is of no value V. 26. Shall be shewed God shall through some misbehaviour cause it to be brought to light for to have it punished by publick order of justice V. 28. A lying tongue The Calumniator and false accuser who is set on by hatred and malice and the flatterer who seemes to be moved by love doe both produce one effect namely ruine and calamity CHAP. XXVII VERS 3. IS heavier That is to say is more grievous and intolerable V. 5. Is better That is to say free friendship even in reproving the defects and errors of a friend is more profitable and more to bee desired then friendship too full of respect which produceth no wholesome effects V. 6. The wounds Namely all his severe reproofes corrections and chastisements The Kisses Namely his cherishings and shewes of
〈◊〉 I have reaped noâ— gathered no other fruit of these painfull pleasures but onely a little transitory enjoyment of them V. 11 Then I looked The Italian But having considered Being weary of this voluptuous life I hive fallen againe to the severe and wise execution of mine office Profit Namely there was no found nor permanent good after the transitory pleasure V. 12 Wisedome See Eccl. 1. 17 What can The Italian What are other men That is to say it hath been possible and not altogether unfitting for mee that have beene so wise and mighty a King to alter my manner of living in thiâ— kinde to the end I might finde out one in which as most perfect happy and secure I might settle my selfe and teach it to others wherein I am not to be imitated by private persons whose condition bindeth them to goe on in that course of life which they have once begun and have not the power to make new triall often and therefore I am to be believed in mine experiences which others may not try so well as I. V. 13 I saw Indeed I have found that for the conduct and guiding of worldly affaires that politick wisdome is very good but seeing the wise man cannot avoyd death I see this wisedome participates of the corruptibility of all other worldly things and therefore the soveraigne good cannot consist therein V. 15 And why The Italian And what will it availe me seeing the aime of all man his actions is to purchase happinesse to which nothing seemeth to be more adverse than death what good will it do me to have been wiser than other men in worldly wisedome seeing I could not thereby free my selfe from dâ—ath This also Namely all that secular wisdomâ— V. 16 For there is If any one should say that a wise man at the last gets renown which makes him live after his death I answer that this smoak of glory is most vaine and in a smal time vanisheth awâ—y and how An exclamation of wonder and disdain of 〈…〉 nall sence which is wholly fixed upon the bare consideration of the course of the world and nature V. 17 I hated My life hath beene displeasing to me which otherwayes is so pleasing and sweet seeing all the actions of it are toylsome and do bring forth no permanent happinesse V. 18. Yea I hated All those goodly and excellent things which I have done or made have been displeasing unto me whether they were materiall things or things belonging to wit reason or understanding I should leave it he meaneth that the comfort w 〈…〉 men have by having children in which they seem to live againe after their deathes and to whom he leaves the enjoyment and fruition of all his labours is but a very weak one by reason that one is so uncertain whether they will prove vertuous or no which if they do not they will lose and dissipate all what their father hath gotten Peradventure Solomon did already fore-see the vicious inclination of his son Rehoboam V. 20. To despaire And consequently to forgoe all such things as I perceived did not bring forth such fruit as I desired V. 21. For there is Those who do as I have done namely that set their hearts upon worldly businesse though it bee in a vertuous way to have all things in good order yet they never rest from their labours and enjoy not that sweet fruition which they leave to their idle successors Now if he that labours hath no intent to enjoy the fruits of his labours it is vanitie and if he do desire it and cannot attaine to it it is a griefe and trouble to him V. 22. Man The Italian Such a man He means those of what vocation soever that are continually busie and in action V. 24. There is nothing better The Italian Is it not good for If they say that man may if he will take his rest and enjoy the fruits of his labours I answer that the power of so doing doth not lie in himselfe but that God alone can grant him the grace so to doe V. 25. For who â—f so 〈◊〉 that had depended upon â—â—ns will I had the meanes to doe it 〈◊〉 thâ—n â—ny other and seeing I could not doe it it is manifest that if it proceedâ— from God onely and not from man V. 26. For God God alone through his grace so worketh in the heart of his elect that they can enjoy the fruits of their labours during this life in joy and tranquillitie and deprives evill livers of this gift giving them over to unsatiable desires Salomon seems to impute the cause of his wanting contenâ—ment of minde amidst so great wealth and plenty of goods â—nto the faults and errors he had committed CHAP. III. VERSE 1. TO every thing Having spoken of the honest and lawfull pleasures which a good man may and ought to take in this life he now declareth how that this is not alwayes so nor in the same measure seeing there are so many variable changes in the world to which one must conforme his affections of joy or griefe Purpose Heb. Will that is to say each voluntary motion of the soule V. 5. To cast away In publicke rejoycings as upon occasions of victories they did make great heapes of stones in the fields for trophies Which in time â—f sadnesse or adversitie they cast away againe some such like thing Jos. 8. 29. 2 Sam. 10. 17. V. 7. To rent This is also referred to a ceremony used in great and suddain griefes in which they used to rent their garments Keepe silence Which was also an effect and signe of some great sorrow Lam. 2. 10. Amos 5. 13. V. 9. What profit He doth here againe continue the speech which he had broken off concerning the lawfull pleasures which a man may take in this world according to his vocation still framing his affections to these variable chances as may happen and he saith that anxietie and continuall care is no way available but contrariwise is very hurtfull seeing it keepeth man from enjoying the fruits of his labours V. 10. I have I have found that this defect which men have namely to vexe and torment themselves so much proceeds from Gods secret judgement which will have a man to be punished by the selfe same thing as he hath so much set his heart upon forsaking God namely by the goods of this world which keep him in a continuall perplexity V. 11. He hath Contrarily his perpetuall hearts care God hath appointed and is contented that man should conforme his affections of joy and sorrow to the motions of his providence and that he should rejoyce in time of prosperity and be sad in time of adversitie so he doth it alwayes moderatly Eccles. 7. 13 14. Iam. 5. 13. He hath set He hath endowed them with so much naturall light as that they can apprehend the various chances of this life to judge of them and governe themselves according to them So that Though there be
â—ay come that thou wilt not bee able to be bountifull doe it therefore whilest God affordeth thee the meanes to doe it Gal. 6. 10. Or seeing thou art not sure not to fall into povertie be charitable that in adverse times thou mayest have charitie used towards thee either by God or men Luke Chapter 16. ver 9. V. 3. If the clouds The Italian When the Even â—s the clouds after they are growne thicke doe dissolve and powre downe their water upon the earth so the covetous man is at last constrained by death to leave all for death makes man like a tree digged up by the roots which beares no fruit and remaineth so for ever V. 4. Hee that Even as the Husbandman that will stand too strictly to watch the just time and perfect opportunitie may lose the season wherin he ought to doe his businesse So hee that hath too many carnall respects loseth his time of well doing which he cannot recover when he will V. 5. The workes That is to say the Councells and secret dispositions of his providence which determineth of the casualties of this life and of the houre of death wherefore doe thou good at all times that thou mayest not be surprised V. 6. In the morning Namely at all times and upon all occasions Sow That is to say doe deeds of charitie which are the seeds of the harvest of eternall life a Corinthians 9. 10. Galathians 6. 7. Shall prosper The Italian Shall happen best This is spoken either in regard of men whereof some are more thankefull than others or in respect of God who amongst diverse objects of Charitie doth oftentimes present some to men that are very precious in his sight for love of which he doth proportionably increase the reward See Matthew 10. ver 41 42. Heb. 13. 2. V. 7. The light Even as the sweetnesse of this life is in worldly men quite overthrowne by their thinking upon death from which there is no returne So in the faithfull it must bee qualified by the same meanes that they may judge of the said sweetnesse rightly and not set their affections too much upon it but in time dispose themselves to a happy end The twelfth Chapter in the Italian begins at this ninth Verse V. 9. Rejoyce It is lawfull and seemely for thee to enjoy the flower of thine age and therein follow thy naturall delighâ—s so thou alwayes keepe the feare of God in thine heart and remember his everlasting judgment not to licence thy selfe to do evill nor to use any excesse in that which of it selfe is good and lawfull Eccl. 3. 12. V. 10. Are vanitie That is to say short and transitory and doth not come againe therefore man may lawfully enjoy it whilest God doth permit it CHAP. XII VERSE 1. THe evill dayes Namely old age which being grievous and burthensome enough of it selfe by reason of the diseases it brings along with it there is no reason it should be overburthened or oppressed with bitter Repentance for youth mispent Or his meaning is that the securest way is not to put off amendment of life untill extreame old age at which time it is very hard to doe it and is seldome done then in truth and sincerity V. 2. The Sunne A figurative description of the defects of old age and by this first he meaneth the weakening of the superior faculties as the judgment the understanding the memory and the imagination And have the same correspondencie with the body of man as these celestiall bodies have with the earth The Clouds The defluxions which fall upon the breast and stomacke they likewise returning to the braine matter enough to breed more V. 3. The keepers Namely the hands and the armes Strong men Namely the reines The grinders The teeth Cease The Italian Shall faile Namely in number or strength Those that Namely the eyes V. 4. The doores Italian The two doores Namely the eye liddes shriveled and hanging downe in old men Is low Namely when the hearing grows weak which hearing is caused by two bones within side of the eare whereof the one stands still and the other moves like to two stones of a Mill. At the voice Italian At the sound Hee seemes to meane the dry cough with which old men are troubled doth break their sleepe The daughters of Musicke All the Organs of the voice will grow weake and dull V. 5. They shall bee The Italian Man shall bee That is to say the poore trembling old man shall be afraid to goe up into any high place for feare of falling downe The Almond Tree His head shall grow white The Grashopper His legges which were active and handsome Desire To eate and to enjoy their corporall pleasures See 2 Samuel Chapter 19. ver 35. Because At that age man runnes towards death and the grave The mourners Namely the deceased mans friends and kinred or the hired mourners according to the custome of those times Job Chapter 3. verse 8. Jeremiah Chapter 9. verse 17 shall goe about the hearse V. 6. The silver The golden These termes are to signifie the excellency of the Organs of mans body Cord A similitude taken from Wells to signifie the generall oeconomie and Fabrick of mans body by which if it be kept entire and in its just temper the body draweth life from the soule which is as it were the hidden spring of it and if that be loosed the body dies V. 7. The dust Namely the body which was at first framed out of the earth Shall returne For to appeare before him either to be gathered up into the mansion of the blessed or to be abissed into eternall damnation V. 10. Acceptable Or pleasing and delightfull to the soule V. 11. The words The word of God revealed by his holy Prophets is unto the Church not onely in stead of pasture but also in stead of an inclosure that it may not goe astray after false doctrines and vaine thoughts and inventions even as a sheepfold is for sheepe From one Which is the everlasting Sonne of God the Churches chiefe and supreame Shepheard Iohn Chapter 10. ver 1. 1 Peter chapter 5. verse 4. by whose spirit all the Prophets have spoken 1 Peter Chapter 1. verse 11. and 2 Peter 1. ver 21. V. 12. By these Namely by the words of wise men inspired by the Holy Ghost Bookes Of humane sciences the infatiable curiositie of which yeelds nothing even to the best wits but a labour altogether unprofitable for the obtaining of eternall happinesse V. 13. The conclusion The whole subject of this book is summarily comprehended in this point that man shall lead his life in the feare and obedience of God So that after this hee may enjoy everlasting happinesse subsisting before God through faith and innocency V. 14. Shall bring Hee shall cause every worke to come in at that judgment when he shall judge all secret things good or bad The Booke of the CANTICLE OF CANTICLES OR SONG of SONGS THE ARGVMENT AMongst
strengthen one another with these great experiences V. 4 Your God namely Christ Jesus true eternall God who at all times and from time to time had revealed himselfe to his people Israel and by them was acknowledged to be their God V. 5. The eyes God shall make his Church capeable of acknowledging and feeling his graces with joy and thanksgiving V. 6. Shall waters Gods grace shall be abundantly communicated to his Church whereof the water which miraculously gushed out of therocke that Moses smote in the desert was a figure V. 7. In the habitation in that place which before was desert and horrid see Isa. 34. 13. V. 8. Shall be there that is to say in the Church all the faithfull shall be directly and securely guided into the Kingdom of Heaven by the way of sanctification For those namely for the faithfull that are regenerate vers 5. 6. The way fairing men that is to say all men whereof some are ignorant as wayfaining men in a strange Countrey to whom the way is unknowne other some are mad that is to say through the vainenesse of their understanding and blindnesse of their carnall affections they forsake the right way V. 9. No â—â—yon shall his high way shall be safe from all danger of the divell who is the roaring Lyon in the world c. termes taken from the peoples ancient voyage in the wildernesse V. 10. Shall returne that is to say shall be converted to God from whom all men have gone astray through sinne and shall joyne themselves to the Church CHAP. XXXVI Vers. 1. IT came to passe see this History contained in these two following Chapters a King 18. 19. CHAP. XXXVIII Vers. 10. OF the residue of the time that I might yet live according to the course of nature V. 11. I shall not according to the understanding of the flesh which being deprived of the corporall light of the world seeth nothing in death but darknesse see Iob 10. 21. 22. In the Land that is to say in the world see Psa. 27. 13. 116. 9. V. 1â— Mine age the ordinary time of my course of life hath been shottned by this violent sicknesse Like a Weaver who having made an end of his cloth cuts it off from the loome Will cut me off God taketh away my life in the middle of my course in the flower of mine age as a Weaver would doe that should cut off his Cloth before it were made an end of whilest it was yet in the webbe V. 14. Did I chaâ—ter I did poure out my complaints and prayers before God with a low hoarse and interrupted voyce through the grievousnesse of mine evill and through feare of present death I am oppressed I am like a poore debter called upon to pay my debt speedily death being natures debt Lord doe thou deliver me out of this danger as a sureâ—y V. 15. What shall I say how should I give thee sufficient thanks I am wholly ravished with this thine incomprehensible goodnes I shall goe I shall in peace of Spirit finish the course of this life digesting the bitternesse of it and the dolefull remembrance of death with this triall and pledge of my Gods gracious favour V. 16. Men live the meaning seems to be this True it is that many other men live beyond the time for which thou hast prolonged my life but I have this advantage that my life being a miraculous worke of thine I shall continue healthfull and vigorous to the end The Italian translation is in this sence V. 17. For peace the Italian In time of peace namely when I was in full prosperity and all things went well with me To my soule that is to say my person in regard of the body Thou hast cast that is to say thou hast forgiven all my sinnes and hast not set them before the eye of thy severe justice for to be induced to punish them CHAP. XXXIX Vers. 1. MErodach who is the same as is called Berodach in the History of the Kings CHAP. XL. Vers. 1. SAith the Italian shall say namely to the Preachers of his Gospell in the Messias his time V. 2. Speakeye c. the Italian Speake to the heart of an Hebrew phrase which signifieth as much as comfort and ease the mind of c. Gen 34. 3. Her warfare the Italian her appointed time namely the â—lme set down by the Lord for the Churches punishments and for the straight discipline to which she hath been tied under the Law before she came to the fruition of Christe spirituall Kingdome Is pardoned that is to say it hath been sufficiently chastised according to the just measure of Gods fatherly severity for her correction for he speakes not hâ—re of the true and perfect satisfaction for sins which is onely the blood of Christ. Double that is to say in a large measure and abundantly V. 3. Of him namely John Baptist whose ministery in preparing the hearts of men to entertaine Christ Comming into the world is here described by figures and termes taken from a custome observed at the comming in of Princes and Kings see Psal. 68. 4. In the Wildernesse hereby is meant the world voyd of Gods grace barren in all vertue having no pleasing abode nor sure direction of any good way in it being full of horror and accursed V. 4. Every valley he seems to referre and bring the foresaid preparation to these three heads namely to have all depth of despaire and basenesse of worldly thoughts raised up all fleshly pride humbled and all obliquity of fraud and hypocrisie amended V. 5. The glory that is to say Jesus Christ the King of glory shall appeare in the flesh to make knowne and effectually to shew Gods Soveraigne power and glory in the Gospel see Iohn 1. 14. V. 6. The voyce the Italian There is a voyce namely Christ shall command and inspire his servants to set before mens eyes their naturall corruption their death in sinne and their inability to doe any good here described and set down under the similitude of withered and scorched Hay All flesh namely every man in his own naturall being excluded from the grace and regeneration of the Holy Ghost All the goodlinesse Heb. all his goodnesse Or according to others his grace that is to say all that seems in him worth any estimation or â—raise V. 7. Because the the Italian When the namely when God entreth into judgement with man all this seeming beauty is presently brought to nothing like unto grasse that is withered by a scorching winde Psal 39. 11. 103. 15. The people even Gods people of their owne nature have no advantage more then â—ther men but all proceeds from Gods grace Râ—m 3 9. V 8. But the word the Gospel only received with a lively faâ—th regenerates the beleever in a spirituall incorruptible and immortall life V. 9. O Zion namely O thou Jewish Nation to whom the preaching of the Gospell shall be commitâ—ed by Christ to carry it to
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.
derided as if she had kept a long Sabbath V. 8. Removed Heb. in a shaking namely of the head have seen for God hath shewn to the world her infamous wickednesses A terme taken from the ignominiâ—us punishments which were inflicted upon common and publike strumpets V. 9. Her silthinesse that is to say She hath made shew of her infamies A terme taken from prostituted whores or from menstruous women see Isa. 3. 9. Her last end namely the judgement which I should in the end give upon it V 10. Vpon all namely upon the holy vessels and treasures and upon the instruments of thy service and pledges of thy presence V. 14 The yoke that is to say The Lord hath fastened unto me the punishment of my sins and I cannot free my self from it V. 15. An assembly the Italian addeth at an appointed time that is to say he hath appointed the time and place when and where mine enemies should assault me He hath troden he hath broken and bruised it with extreme calamities see Isa. 63. 3. Rev. 14. 20 V. 16. The comforter namely God by his holy Spirit V. 17. Spreadeth forth the Italian Distributeth bread to her self with her own hands description of the want of comfort because that amongst the Iews the kinsfolks and neighbours did use to bring food to them that mourned for the death of their friends inviting them to take food and to comfort them selves see Deut. 26. 14. Ier. 16. 7. Ezek. 24. 17. Hos. 9 4. As a menstruous shunned and severed from all men as menstruous women were under the law V. 19. Lovers see vers 2. V. 20. Death by pestilence and famine V. 21. The day namely the time of thy vengeance which thou hast caused thy Prophets to foretell openly V. 22. Come remember it and let it come before thee that thou mayest give it condigne punishment CHAP. II. Vers. 1. COvered that is to say hath overcome her with extreme confusions and calamities depriving her of the light of good counsell and direction and taking all the lustre of happinesse and hope from her His footstool the Ark of the Covenant is so called 1 Chron. 28. 2. Psal. 99. 5. and 132. 7. Others do take it more generally for the whole Temple or the Sanctuary V. 2. Polluted He hath dealt with it as with an unclean thing hath taken away all the luster of it or hath deprived it of his grace and protection which before made it inviolable and holy V. 3. The horn that is to say the power and glory V. 6. Destroyed the Italian violently taken away he hath rooted out his Temple which was thought should have stood firme for ever others dissipated V. 7. They have namely the enemies V. 8. They languished that is to say they lie upon the ground and cannot be raised again V 9 The law is no more taught nor preached publikely nor observed in the ordinary service V. 10. The elders namely the Magistrates and Governours keep siâ—ence through extreme anguish and confusion V 11. My liver I am in a sound and trance as if I had poured out all mine entrails V. 13. VVhat thing that is to say What reasons or arguments shall I use to thee to comfort thee I cannot produce any examples of the like calamities which seemeth to ease ones grief V. 14 They have not they have not reproved thee for thy sins to bring thee to repentance for to keep thee from going into captivity False burdens the Italians burdens of vanity namely false prophecies of threatning against thine enemies Isaiah 13. 1. in confidence whereof thou hast straied further from thy dutie V 15. Clap their in derision and by way of insulting over them see Iob 27. 23. V. 17 His word namely the threatnings of his Law Lev. 26. 14. Deut. 28. 15. and the predictions of the Prophets from time to time V. 18. Their heart namely the poor Iews hearts O wall a representation of an extreme and universall grief as who should say O City wherein there is now nothing bat walls and houses being left void of inhabitants V. 19. The beginning namely in thy first sleep which is the deepest and sweetest sleep V. 22. As in a that is to say Thou hast gathered together all thy fearfull scourges at one time even as people come together in dayes of great solemnity CHAP. III. Vers. 1. I I am the prophet speaks in the person and name of all the people V. 3. Is he turned that is to say He strikes me at times and with redoubled blows see Iob 19. 12. V. 5. He hath he did as it were besiege me round with evils see Iob 19. 12. V. 9. Paths crooked that is to say He hath dis-ordered us and turned all our businesses counsels and State upside down making all things to fall out the contrary way V. 11. He hath he hath taken away from me all means of escaping from his rage and fury V. 14. To all or to all my nation And so it would be the Prophets particular complaint V. 16. He hath that is to say He hath tormented me with such harsh afflictions that I could not disgest them with any patience V. 19. The wormwood namely my most bitter afflictions V. 27. Bear to use himself to patience and obedience in time under the discipline of afflictions and of Gods Law V. 29. He putteth he shall humble himself before God he shall keep his mouth from murmuring and confesse his sin and unworthinesse Iob 42 6. to try by all such means as are appointed by God for to appease his wrath V. 30 He giveth that is to say He shall dispose himself willingly to suffer such evils with paâ—ience as he shall know to be sent him from the Lord though they come upon him by the means of wicked men see Isa 50 6. V. 33. Willingly that is to say He takes no delight in it nor doth do it upon pleasure without being forced thereunto by their wickednesse see Isa. 28. 21. V. 34 To crush the Italian while others stamp that is to say â—re not mans oppressions either in time of peace under pretence of right or in time of war all done by Gods permission and direction for the punishment of sins V 37. Who is he that is to say No enterprise nor counsell of man can take any effect without Gods will therefore we ought to taâ—e as from his hands even those evils which men do unto us V. 51. Mine â—yâ— that is to say I do even consume and wear out my self with weeping the daughters namely the Cities and Commonalties of my distressed people V. 53 Câ—st as they did upon the carcases of those which died for some misdeed Iosh. 7. 26. and 8. 29. 2 Sam. 18. 17 V. 54. Waters namely a deluge of afflictions V. 57 Drewest neer thou hast alwayes been ready to relieve me when I have called upon thee O continue in doing so now at this present V. 59. Wrong in respect of mine enemies and their
for this grace is not universall nor common to all V. 12. Because their waters these admirable effects shall be produced because the Gospell shall be accompanied with a celestiall power of Gods Spirit Shall be meat this may signifie the double use of beleevers good works the one to the glory of God and advancement of their own salvation the other to the edification and correction of their neighbours V. 13. Ioseph whose posterity was divided into two Tribes Ephraim and Manasseh See Genesis 48. 5. 1 Chro 5. 1. V. 15. The great sea namely the Mediterranean sea in regard of the little seas or lakes of Palestine Now these bounds or borders doe signifie that Christs kingdome shall have its perfect being within it selfe and shall be severed from the world V. 17. The border of Hamath namely the uttermost part of the Northerne line which from Hamath shall turne Eastward V. 18. From the border namely Hamath where as it were in an angle shall meet the North and the East side The East sea namely the sea of Sodome Ioel 2. 20. Zach. 14. 8. V. 19. The River namely Sihor called the river of Egypt Num. 34. 5. Josh. 15. 47 1 Chron. 13. 5. V. 20. From the border from the end of the foresaid Northerne line unto that place where the land of Hamath butts upon the Mediterranean sea towards the North. V. 22. The strangers a figure of the calling and ingrasting of the Gentiles into the Church CHâ—P XLVIII Verse 1. HAzar 〈…〉 an the meaning seemes to be there shall be a line drawing from the Mediterranean sea along by the way of Hethlon to Hamath and from thence to Hazar-enan which on the one side borders upon the land of Hamath and on the other side upon the countrey of Damascus For Dan these divisions are quite differing from the ancient divisions which Ioshua made and by these seems to be shewen the equall râ—ght which Gods children shall have in his Church and in his spirituall goods V. 9. The â—blation the Italian The part This consecrated part which was five and twenty thousand cubits in length and as many in breadth was divided into three parts ten thousand of those cubits in breadth was for the Priests and there was the Temple other ten thousand cubits were for the Levites v. 13. The other five thousand were for the city of Jerusalem and there being a great deale of space yet left Eastward and Westward besides these five and twenty thousand câ—bâ—ts that was for the publique officers and for the Prince v. 18. 21. V. 12. Most holy Belonging onely to the Priests who were to enjoy it in the presence of God in the exercise of their Function in the Temple as they did the most holy parts of the offerings Lev. 2. 3. V. 14. The first fruits This part was consecrated to God as the first fruits of the earth were V. 16. The measures This representation is altogether figurative and mysticall representing the perfect constitution and ordering of the body and state of the Church as Rev. 21. 16. V. 18. That serve All those which doe the publike service in the meanest kindes of secular callings V. 28. To the river Called Sihor or the river of Egypt the Southerne confine of Palestine V. 35. The name Gods presence in his Word grace spirit and vertue shall give the Church its true being wherefore for to give the Church its true name we must say That it is the assembly in which God is present in the aforesaid manner See Isa. 26. 4. Jer. 33. 16. The Booke of the Prophet DANIEL ARGUMENT THough Daniel did never exercise the publique Calling nor Function of a Prophet in the qualitie of an Ecclesiasticall person to preach to the people and expound in sacred assemblies the revelations which were sent him by God yet his booke hath alwayes beene insâ—rted amongst the number of the other Prophetâ— as containing most speciall and admirable predictions of the state of the world and Church from his time untill Christs comming in the flesh gathered by himselfe and published in this Booke Whereiâ— we may observe two generall parts the one Historicall and the other Propheticall In the first he sets downe what notable things happened concerning his owne person and his course of life to make himselfe to be acknowledged a Prophet authorised by God relating how that in his youth he was carried away captivâ— to Babylon and was with others of the same Nation age and condition chosen to be instructed and consequently employed in honourable employments in that Empire But that God having taken them into his particular care and charge did 〈◊〉 those humane instructions by an infusion of divine giftâ— and graces First in a spirit of sanctification zeale and singular piety â—ried by cruell torments inflicted upon Daniels three companions in their youth and upon Daniel himselfe in his old age and besidâ—s in sâ—verâ—ignâ— understanding and wisdome wherein Daniel was remarkable and spoken of as iâ— were by a common Proverb whereupon they were promoted to eminent dignities to the great â—ase and sustenancâ— of the Church in her captivitie and sufferings in Babylon And at the last in the spirit of Prophâ—ciâ— in Daniel which manifested it selfe first in 〈…〉 ing Nebuchadnezzar in mind of his 〈◊〉 which he had forgotten and interpretting of them and afterwards in the miraculous prediction of the â—vills which did hang over the head of Belshazzar his grandchilde But it did fully shiâ—◠〈◊〉 in the incompâ—rable visions set downâ— iâ— the second part of this Booke concerning the foure grâ—â—â— Monarchies of the world â—ntill the â—â—mâ—ing of Christ and especially touching Selucides King of Syria and other successors of Alexander under whom the Iewish Church should suffer most grievous and mourneâ—ull accidents and especially under Antiochus Epiphanes the most cruell subtill and pestileâ—â— persecutor that ever the Church â—ad his principall â—ime and end being to root out Gods worship in it together with all impression and motion of piety in mens hearts Under the figure of whom are also foretold the persecutions of Rome whilst it was â—eathen and also of Antichrist the last deadly enemiâ— of the Christian Church as Antiochus had beene of the Iewish Church against whose outrages the Prophet comforteth and strengtheneth the Church by the promise of Gods helpe and deliverance in his appointed time lifting their hearts notwithstanding up for a soveraignâ— comfort to Gods promise of everlasting salvation by Christ who being established by the father to be the everlasting King of the world should from time to time cause 〈◊〉 to fall upon thâ—se Empires and should at the last lay the foundation of his ownâ— spirituall and everlasting Empire upon the redemption purchased by his death the prefixed time whereof is more cleerely showen to him then to any other Prophet through which all 〈◊〉 ceremonies being accomplished in their signification the use of them should also be abolished to 〈◊〉 to the service of God in
death Dan. 88. and 11. 4. 1 Mac. 1 9 10. V. 7. A fourth by Dan. 8. 9. we may finde that the first meaning of this Prophecye hath a relation to the kingdome of Syria and Aegypt possessed by Seleucides and Lagides which notwithstanding doth not hinder us from beleeving but that Gods Spirit did looke yet further namely to the Roman Empire by the resemblance of â—t to the other in the persecuting of the Church the subversion and interdiction of Gods service and the violence done to consciences Whereupon the Revelation doth fit many of these passages of Daniel to Antichrist See Dan. 2. 40. Dreadfull especially to Gods people who were never more cruelly used then by Seleucides Dan. 8. 11 12. and 11. 31 36. Diverse seeing his tyranny over Gods people tended to force men to idolatry and to annihilate Gods service which none of the precedent Empires had attempted Ten hornes these are the ten Seleucides Kings of Asia and of Syria to Antiochus comprehending him amongst the rest v. 24. For although he had successors yet the people of God in regard of whom these things are spoken begun after Antiochus to re-assume their liberty under the Asmoneans untill Christ. V. 8. Another this is Antiochus called Epiphanes who is one of the number of the ten Kings yet he is called another because his tyranny over the people was especiall v. 24. Little as Dan. 8 9. because that this Antiochus was the strongest of his brethren and the kingdom did not by right belong him and besides he was of a base and despicable carriage Dan. 11. 21. Three of that is to say three Kings namely Ptolomeus Philopater King of Aegypt who had taken Syria Antiochus the Great father of Epiphanes and Seleucus his brother who were all three deprived either of their lives or of their kingdomes by Antiochus v. 24. Weare eyes to shew his naturall sagacity and cunning Dan. 8. 23 25. and 11. 23 32. Presumptuous he shall be exceeding haughty in words 1 Mac. 1. 25. and cruell in bloudy decrees and a great blasphemer of God himselfe v. 25. Dan. 8. 23 25. and 11. 36. 1 Mac. 1. 46 47. See the comparison of this with Pagan Rome Rev. 1â— 5. V. 9. â—ill the Thrones untill God did enter into judgement against Epiphanes for the deliverance and revenge of his people A figurative description as Psal. 7. 6 7 and 9 4 7. The ancient A figurative representation of God the everlasting Father and his glorious Majesty Wheeles Gods Throne is here described with wheeles 1 Chron. 28. 18. Ezek. 1. 15. and 10. 9. to shew that Gods providence moveth every where to governe all things and to provide for all things V. 10. Fiery streame hereby is signified the inevitable and consuming force of Gods judgements See Psal. 50 3. and 97. 3. Isa. 30. 33. Thousand of holy Angels The books termes taken from judgements amongst men in which the enquiries proofes confessions and other writings are produced to frame the judgement by and the Lawes also are considered See Rev. 20. 12. V. 11. And given A description of the death and everlasting damnation of Antiochus 1 Mac. 6. 8 13. V. 12. Their dominion not at the same time but the meaning is that every great Empire enemy and persecutor of the Church was destroyed before Christs comming upon earth from time to time though the nations still continued and subsisted in some weake and low forme of state See Dan. 2. 25. untill all the reliques were swallowed up by the Romans V. 13. One the Sonne of God is here represented in the flesh who after his resurrection is set at the right hand of the Father and from him hath obtained all power in heaven and in earth See Ezek. 1. 26. Acts 2. 34 36. Ephes. 1. 20. Phil. 2. 9. Heb. 1. 3 4. Rev. 1. 13. 14. 14. V. 15. Was grieved the Italian I fainted through the greatnesse and brightnesse of the sight of Gods majestie according to the manner of Prophets after their extasies which did dazle their senses tire their spirits and overthrow their naturall faculties See Dan. 7. 28. and 8. 27. and 10. 8. 16. V. 16. That stood by namely one of the Angels that appeared in this vision V. 17. Kings that is to say kingdomes Dan. 2. 38 39. V. 18. The Sa 〈…〉 that is to say the Church of God in Christ her head first and afterwards the whole body which shall be perfectly united with him shall receive from God the spirituall and everlasting kingdome See Dan. 7. 22. Isay 60. 12. Rev. 1 6. 5. 10. whereof the Machabies principality was but a shadow and was betweene the reigne of Antiochus and the comming of Christ. V. 20. Whose looke thus is Antiochus his great power and enterprizes set downe which he reformed more then all the rest of the Sâ—leucides Dan. 8. 10. and 11. â—7 V. 22. To the Saints namely to Gods people v. 25. Dan. 8. 24. and 11. 30. V. 23. The whole earth this understood of the Seleucides signifieth a great extent of land but being anagogically referred to Rome it represents the affected and titular universality of their Empire V. 25. Change times to annihilate Gods service his feasts Sabbaths and other solemne and sacred dayes and all the other Ordinances of the Law Dan. 8. 11. 11. 31. 1 Mac. 1. 47 48. Vntill a time these persecutions of Antiochus with which he persecuted Gods people shall last one yeare two yeares and halfe a yeare That is to say three yeares and a halfe beginning as it should seeme from that time which is set downe 1 Mac. 1. 30. See Rom 13. 5. V. 28. My countenance I became pale and wan as well by reason of the violent raptures of the Spirit as through horror of thinking upon those things which were foretold against Gods people CHAP. VIII Verse 1. AT the first in the first yeare of Belshazzar Dan. 7. 1. V. 2. I was some hold that he was there in vision as Ezek. 8. 3. 40. 2. Others corporally which seemes to be confirmed by Dan. 10. 4. and that the Province of Shushan was then under the Babylonians Empire whereof notwithstanding the stories make no mention Palace the place of royall residence where the Kings of Persia afterwards kept their Court and dwelt one part of the yeare Of Elam namely of Persia. Of Ulai called by historians Eulean V. 3. A Ram a figure of the Persian and Median Empire signified by the two hornes Dan. 2. 39. 7. 5. But one namely the Persian which though it was founded upon the Median grew a great deale greater then it by the means of Cyrus the Persian his victories Who took away Media from his Grandfather and afterwards took Babylon and many countries moe V. 4. Westward See Dan. 7. 5. What â—e and none could hinder his enterprizes nor actions V. 5. An â—e Goat a figure of the Grecians kingdome under Alexander v. 21. See Dan. 2. 39. 7.
place called Beth-aven Jos. 7. 2. The Lord According to the manner of Idolaters who pretended they did sweare by the true God when they swore by those Calves Amos 8. 14. For the ten tribes did professe that they worshipped God in them imitating Aaron Exod. 32. 5. 2 Kings 10. 16. which notwithstanding was reproved by God V. 16. Will feed them Seeing they have beene so rebellious and have loved liberty so well I will grant it them but to their ruine like to the liberty of a Lambe in the wildernesse where it would be exposed to a thousand dangers and miseries Unlesse he threaten them with the desolation of the countrey and with the small number which should remaine in it V. 17. Ephraim The ten tribes called by the name of the chiefe tribe Let him alone Separate thy selfe from him O Judah Or every beleever V. 18. Their drinke A proverbiall speech to shew the peoples coruption in the whole service of God Psal. 14. 1. Isa. 1. 22. Their Rulers The Rulers of this people doe basely coveâ— presents which disgraceth all the government V. 19. The wind The people shall be scattered as it were by a strong puâ—â—â— of wind or storme Be ashamed Seeing themselves fallen from the hope which they had conceived and deceived in the trust which they had reposed in them or they shall be disgraced that is to say they shall fall into extreme misery and ignominy through their Idolatries CHAP. V. Vers. 1. HOuse of the King namely Yee that are the Kings Officers Ministers and Counsellors Iudgement namely The charge of doing right and justice belongeth to you and yee have beene the chiefe authors of extortion and injury as it is said afterwards Asnare You have laid snares to entrap the innocent in their lives and goods as Fowlers doe upon the hils of Mizpah and Tabor V. 2. The revolters termes taken from such as are high way robbers Profound Heb. in secret places which some expound in great number I have been that is to say I that am the supreame Lord will looke over and correct their judgements and make their false Judges give an account Or I will be he that shall reprove and punish all these iniquities V. 4. They will not or their works will not suffer them to be converted V. 5. Doth testifie their impudent boldnesse in sinning and contemning of God makes them notoriously guilty and altogether inexcusable V. 6. With their slocks to offer sacrifices V. 7. They have like an adulterous woman which conceives and brings forth by others besides her husband The meaning is the peoples corruptnesse sheweth it selfe in this that publicke orders serve for nothing but to make them sitting for idolatry and not to turne and amend them A moneth a short time will serve for to root them quite out See Zech. 11. 8. V. 8. Blow ye A representation of the enemies sudden arrivall as it were by a signall given from those high places of Benjamin which bordered upon the kingdome of the ten Tribes Beth-aven A City situated between Ephraim and Benjamin Jos. 7. 2. and 18. 12. After thee the City of Beth-aven being a little beyond Benjamins countrey V. 9. That which namely the denunciation of this irrevocable threatening V. 10. Were like they doe violate all the lawes which are as it were The publike bounds of every ones right and in their judgements doe overthrow particular mens titles concerning the lawfull possession of their goods Like water like a cloud or a deluge of waters V. 11. In judgement by the abuse of publicke orders and by the tyranny of its Kings and Princes which God suffereth for a punishment for their willingly consenting and obeying the orders made by their Kings for the establishment of idolatry 〈◊〉 King 12. 28. V. 12. Will 〈◊〉 be I will caâ—se them by little and little to consume themselves with disorders and inward evils untill they be quite overthrowne V. 13. His sicknesse namely the evils that consume them Then went hath required his assistance 2 King 15. 19. To King Jareâ— the Italian to a King namely to Tiglat Vilâ—zor King of Assyria 2 King 16. 7. V. 14. And goe away A terme taken from wilde beasts which when they have taken any prey doe run away presently so that the prey cannot be rescued from them V. 15. Returne to I will take away the-presence of my grace from them as if I did shut my selfe up in heaven CHAP. VI. Ver. 1. COme It seemes to be a discourse of the people repenting being the sequell of the precedent Chapter V. 2. After two dayes in a very short time he will restore us as it were from death to life Others hold it to be a secret prophecye of Christs Resurrection the third day after his death In his under his protection and favour participating of his grace and in his feare and obedience V. 3. His going forth the manifestation of his grace in his sonne shall be in its appointed time and shall keep its ordinary course as the Sun doth at his rising See Prov. 4. 18. As the later and See Job 29. 23. V. 4. Your goodnesse all the shewes you make of converting your selves to Me and serving and fearing of Me have no firmenesse nor continuance He hath a relation to the frequent reformations of Gods worship which were never of any long durance amongst the children of Israel As a morning cloud which is suddenly dispersed at the rising of the Sun V. 5. Hewed them I have severely reproved chidden and threatened them to set them upright like unto a peece of knotty and crooked timber I have slaiâ—e them I have judged and condemned them to death See 1 King 19. 17. Jer. 1. 10. 〈◊〉 Cor. 10. 5 6. Thy judgements my threatenings and the sentence which I have pronounced against thee have every morning been declared unto thee by my Prophets Jer. 7. 13. and 11. 7. and 35. 14. that seeming to be the houre which was appointed for the Prophets preaching V. 6. For I I have condemned you for all your sacrifices and externall service wherewith I am not satisfied but desire the inward and true service in piety towards God and charity towards our neighbours V. 7. The covenant the Italian addeth As Adam the first sinner of all who broke Gods first Covenant with mankinde whence followed the generall curse upon all men See Job 31. 33. Isa. 43. 27. V. 8. Gilead it is thought to be Ramoth Gilead Jos. 20. 8. which was one of the Cities of refuge for those that had committed some murther unawares and he seemes to inferre that it was a refuge for such also as had committed wilfull murthers See Hos. 12. 11. V. 9. The company or the league and conspiracy as Jer. 11. 9. Ezek. 22. 25. By consent the Italian towards Sichem which was also a City of refuge Jos. 20. 7. and belonged to the Levites Jos. 21. 21. whereby it may seeme that Jeroboam had placed some false Priests there
Mighty workes namely his miracles Mat. 7. 22. V. 57. Ossended See upon Mat. 11. 6. Save in a common proverbe grounded upon the ordinary fault in men which is to make small account of such things as are born by them and to give but little respect to their owne countrey-men even in divinest things because that intimate familiarity and acquaintance breedeth contempt V. 58. Their unbeleefe thorow which they made themselves unworthy of Gods favour and also did nullifie the chiefe use of miracles which is the confirmation of the faith to heavenly doctrine See Mark 6. 5. CHAP. XIV VER 1. HErod sirnamed Antipas who was the sonne of the great Herod Luke 3. 1. Tetrarch lord or chiefe of the fourth part of a countrey This sheweth that under Alexanders successors began this division of Iudea into foure parts of which the ancient Iudea made the one and the other three had been annexed to it 1 Mac. 10. 38. and 11. 28. 34. 57. See Luke 3. 1. Now after the death of Herod the great Antony and after him the Emperour Augustus divided also this kingdome into foure parts amongst his children taking the ancient Iudea away from them and the title of Kings though by abuse they yet retained it amongst themselves Verse 9. and to this Herods lot fell Perea and Galile whither the ancient partitions were yet observed or whether there were some alteration V. 2. Mighty workes the Italian the powers worke in him the Iewes call the Angels so The meaning is he is a man wholly divine and celestiall and hath Angels to assist him working in him and by him V. 3. Had laid hold whether it were that Iohn was Herods subject as Luke 23. 7. Acts 12. 1. or that Herod had taken him in his countrey His brother by the father but not by the mothers â—ide V. 5. When he would Marke 6. 18. this is attributed to Herodias not to Herod who contrariwise did keepe Iohn from being put to death for a certaine time But that which is here spoken is to be referred to some sudden anger which was tempered by some better thoughts signified by S. Mark V. 6. The daughter by her first husband called called Salome Before them publickly and in the presence of them all V. 15. The time to be abroad in the fields V. 19. He blessed that is to say he prayed an ordinary action of piety at meales by which giving God thanks for his good guifts he was also requested to give them the vertue of nourishing the body and to sanctifie the use of them to the soule See Deut. 8. 10. 1 Sam. 9 13. V. 22. Constrained for they parted from him very unwillingly especially to go upon the water so late without him in whom was all their confidence V. 24. Of the sea of Genazereth V. 25. Watch the night being divided into foure equall parts wherein they kept a watch upon the City walls See Mark 13. 15. V. 31. Doubt See Iames 1. 6. V. 36. That they might through great faith and humility or by some superstitious weaknesse grounded upon the miracle set downe Mat. 9. 20. and tolerated by the Lord. CHAP. XV. VER 1. OF Ierusalem or that were come froâ— Ierusalem V. 2. The tradition this word with the addition your or of men or of the elders or the like signifieth a doctrine order or observance abouâ— Gods service instituted by men and kept from lather to sonne not out of Gods expresse word whereof some were laudable concerning the order and decency of the Iewish Church othersome were superstitious and othersome wicked and damnable Of the Elders as who should say of the Prelates of the Iewish Church Or whether hee meanes the Elders who made those lawes Marâ—e 7. 3. Or the moderne ones which caused them to be observed They wash not according to the Iewes scrupulous fashions Whereof see Marke 7. 3. V. 3. Why doe you the Lord is content to redargue the Pharisees hypocrisie by a just recrimination without giving them any answer to their question which he doth neverthelesse to his Apostles verse 17. V. 5. But ye say namely by a false interpretation in a matter of vowes It is a see of these oaths Mat. 23. 18. By whatsoever it appears by the Iewes writings that this must be understood of these words pronounced in manner of an oath by an irreverent sonne and angry with his father or mother the meaning whereof is I sweare that I will never doe thee no good nor yeeld thee any reliefe seeing it is not lawfull for me to dispose of consecrated things which are offered to God to which use I doe by in expresse vow from henceforth employ all those things which you might expect from me And this rash and wicked oath and vow was allowed of by those Doctors by reason of the respect they did beare to offerings more then to the law of honouring father and mother which comprehends all the duties of children and against the forbidding of doing them any wrong whereof this execration was a kinde and ought to have been disannulled and punished rather then to have been approved of and held to be firme and irrecoverable V. 6. And honour not as Saint Marke expounds it Chapter 7. 12. By honouring is meant to serve and releeve with all manner of respect Of none effect ye are the cause that the Commandement is broken by your Doctrine which teacheth men to have more respect to their vicious oathes then to Gods expresse law and all by reason of the superstitious esteeme in which you hold ceremonies above true and reall piety and the duties thereof V. 11. Not that your corporall uncleannesse for which your Pharisees have appointed so many washings before meales for feare least the food should be made uncleane and defile the man which maketh use of it cannot staine the soule 1 Corinth 6. 13. Colos. 2. 22. Titus 1. 15. but so may your vices and sinnes which proceede from the heart by words and deeds now hee especially mentioneth the words to make good the opposition betweene that which commeth in and that which goeth out of the mouth V. 12. We are offended that is to say we are distasted and alienated from thee V. 13. Every plant every man that is none of my fathers elect and hath not received from him the lively root of a true and lively faith doth wither away soone or late and is cut off from having any communion at all with me Mat. 13. 21. 1 Iohn 2. 19. Iude 12 V. 15. This parable hee speakes thus by a mistake and Christ reproves him for it And not perswading himselfe that Christ should speake properly as disannulling the difference of cleane and uncleane meats which was so strictly commanded by Moses Law And holding peradventure some harsh opinion touching that which Christ had said of proceeding out of the mouth V. 22. Of Canaan S. Marke calleth her a Grecian of Syrophenicia because that Syrophenicia which was in the consines betweene
the chiefe Magistrate of the people Num. 11. 16 17 24. V. 5. The feast day in the dayes of unleavened bread presently after the Passeover which were no festivall dayes The Iewes observe in their writings that their noted executions were reserved untill those solemne dayes to cause the greater terrour and example by reason of the great concourse of people to the feast but here the Priests advise not to proceed that way for feare of the peoples rising V. 6. Bethany See Mat. 21. 17. The Leper the cause of this sirname is unknowne peradventure he had bin cured of the leprosie by the Lord. V. 7. There came by Iohn the 12. 1 2. 12. it appeares that this hapned before Christs entrance into Ierusalem It may be that S. Matthew reserved this history for this place to make a continued narration of Iudas his treason after the first occasion of it which he took upon the losing of the price of this oile whereby he hoped to reape some benefit Powred it to honour him according to the custome of those times V. 8. His Disciples Iohn 124. this is especially referred to Iudas who it is likely was the author of this murmuring V. 1â— Alwayes the meaning is you have alwayes oportunity enough to releeve the poore but as for me who shall shortly dye for you and my corporall presence shortly after bee taken away from you will not know how to yeeld me any more humane service this woman hath done me as it were the last correspondent to that which they doe to dead bodies imbalming them which seeing it could not be done after my death see upon Mark 16. 1. she hath as one should say anticipated the doing of it in my life time So Christ doth esteeme of this deed more then the woman her selfe expected he would V. 15. Thirty peeces the Italian thirty sheckels according to the prophesie of Zech. 11. 12. and because that was the set price for servants that were killed Exod. 21. 32. it seemes there was some hidden mistery in this number Christ having taken upon him the forme of a servant V. 17. The first day namely the fourteenth day of the first moneth in the end of which they were to eat the Paschall Lambe Exod. 12. 18. Luke 22. 7. which Christ strictly observed But the Iewes by an ancient tradition even from that time that they dwelt in Babylon as it is thought when a great feast especially the Passeover was immediately before the Sabbath as it hapned at our Saviours passion they rejourned the feast untill the Sabbath to avoid the great incommodity of having two festivall dayes one after another and therefore in this Passeover they did eat the Lambe a day after the Lord had eaten it as it appears by Iohn 18. 28. and 19. 14. wherupon also that Sabbath is called the great day that is to say the yeerly feast Iohn 19. 31. V. 18. My time some important affaire urgeth me to celebrate the Passeover before the rest of the people though peradventure the man did not understand this secret and it should seeme that it was lawfull for any man that would to eat the Passeover the proper appointed day if he pleased to burthen himselfe with the observing of two festivall dayes together V. 23. That dippeth that ordinarily and now at this present also eateth with me Marke 14. 18. according to the prophesie of Psal. 41. 9. V. 24. Goeth to his death or shall shortly die V. 26. Were eating that is to say whilest they were yet at table Others expound it after they had eaten namely the Paschall Lambe Luke 22. 20. 1 Cor. 11. 25. Tooke bread a part of the bread or of the unleavened cake whereof they had eaten with the Lambe Here Christ ordaineth the new Sacrament of the Christian Church which is the holy Communion correspondent in its sense and use to the ancient Passeover which was also cancelled by this Now as the Iewes divided this Paschall Supper into two parts in the first they did eat the Lamb and in the second they did eat all round of an unleavened cake dipt in a sawâ—e made with bitter herbes and did drinke of the same cup called the cup of praise Psal. 116. 13. and it is likely that all this was done by our Saviour after that second part Luke 22. 20. and that the ceremonies were taken from thence Blessed it using the ordinary act of prayer at meales which was done here by Christ not so much in regard of the food of the body as in regard of the food of the soule to true beleevers by himselfe whereof this corporall bread was to be the Sacrament and seale Mark 14. 22. Luke 22. 17. 19. Or as Saint Paul saith 1 Cor. 10. 16. he blessed the bread that is to say he changed the ordinary and naturall use thereof into a Sacrament of the souls food and desired of God that this ceremony might be verified by his grace and spirit in the souls of beleevers and the true effect produced in them Break it in remembrance of the breaking of Christs body 1 Cor. 11. 24. by the piercing of it upon the Crosse or by his sufferances both in soule and body all the while that he was man This is this bread which is consecrated by me is the sacrament of my body offered as an expiatory sacrifice for you So oftentimes the spirituall names are attributed to these corporall parts of the Sacraments as are correspondent to them as well by the analogie of the signification as by the vertue of sealing and by the reality of the spirituall thing given and effected by God together with the use of the signe in true beleevers See Gen. 17. 10. Exod. 12. 11. and 40. 15. 1 Cor. 10. 4. 16. Ephes. 5. 26. My body that is to say my flesh Iohn 6. 53 54. to which Christ afterwards distinctly addeth his blood not only to represent himselfe whole by these two parts as Heb 2. 14. but chiefly to shew that his body in this Sacrament ought to be considered and apprehended by faith not so much living or glorified as offered in true sacrifice of expiation in which the blood was to be spilt and the thing offered to be cut in peeces verse 28. 〈◊〉 Cor. 11. 24. Finally under these two words Christ comprehendeth his whole person with his merit obedience vertue and benefits wherein consists the true pasture of the soul receaved to a spirituall and everlasting life by the mouth of it which is faith which also unites Christ unto it as food is united to the body V. 28. For this a reason why he commandeth them to participate of this cup because that it is the true Sacrament of the blood of the covenant of grace opposite to the figurative blood of the ancient covenant of the law Exod. 24. 8. Of the new upon which is grounded the everlasting covenant of God with men manifested and given out in a new manner more cleerly powerfully and fully under
satisfie his unsatiable covetousnes before he makes provision of Gods grace and blessing by faith and good works which are mans good treasure layd up with God Mat. 6. 20. 1 Tim. 6. 18 19. Iam. 2. 5. V. 26. For the rest namely for greater and more important things that is to say to preserve your whole being which dependeth upon the pleasure of God alone Ver. 33. Sell this is not spoken to condemne all manner of property and possession but to shew that charity ought not to be used out of superfluities onely as revenues and fruits are but that in case of necessity one ought to lay all out upon it without any exception and that this way your goods come to bee secured unto you being deposited in Gods hands who causeth them to fructifie both in bodily and spirituall blessings Ver. 35. Let your be alwayes ready like unto Travailers for to forsake the world and the desires thereof whether it be by death or by my comming to judgement to aspire to heavenly and everlasting goods and trouble not your selves with the cares of this world Lights the Italian Lampes See upon Mat. 25. 1. V. 37. Shall gird himselfe figurative termes the spirituall meaning of which is that Christ shall with an unspeakeable charity distribute and dispense his everlasting goods unto them even as if a master should waite upon his owne servants at Table V. 38. In the second see upon Matth. 14. 25. V. 41. Peter it seemes that Peter was moved to aske this question either thorow presumption as if it were impossible for them to bee overtaken or surprised Or thorow ambition as if it should belong to them onely to receave Christ at his comming and to be by him exalted to that honour wherof he had spoken ver 37. And Christs answer beateth downe these defaults in his Apostles telling them that the more honour and prerogative they had receaved at his hands the more they were bound to a faithfull duty without which all their prerogatives would prove to their greater condemnation V. 49. What will I that is to say the proofe of what I speake concerning the fire of divisions and troubles which will happen in the world by reason of me is already perceaved in the hatred which the Gospell produceth in the Iewish Nation against me and shall daily produce more V. 50. Baptized with hee calleth his sufferings and death so which was like to an abisse or deepe into which he was plunged according to the ancient manner of baptizing and by which he was to bee consecrated to be the Saviour of the world See Mat. 20. 22. Heb. 2. 10. and 5. 9. V. 58. When thou that which I say unto you is for your salvation because that if you neglect the time of Gods patience in which his mercie is yet open you must take heed least it befall you as unto a debter who suffereth himself to be imprisoned after he hath wearied out or deceaved his creditor Namlie that you shall finde no more grace nor pardon at Gods hands See Psal. 32. 6. Isa. 55. 6. CHAP. XIII VER 1. OF the Galileans there is no mention made of this action in any other place of Scripture nor much lesse plainely set down in any Author Some believe that it was an onset described by Iosephus the Historian upon the Samaritans gathered together and risen upon the instant as they were going to offer sacrifice in Mount Garizim and that this name of Galileans is here improperly taken for any other people within the Land of Palestine for Pilate had otherwise no power over Galile see Luk. 23. 6. Others do refer it to some slaughter of some Galileans come to some Feast in Ierusalem V. 2. Suppose ye these chances ought not to make you run into any manner of rash judgmnts Ioh 9. 2. V. 3. I tell you nay the use which you ought to make hereof is quite contrary namely that you shold learne to tremble and to bee the first to condemne your selves and to make use of Gods patience to repentance for at the last either soone or late Gods judgment will finde out all impenitent sinners either in this life or in the life to come V. 4. The Tower this History is likewise no where else â—it is likely that it was some Tower of the walls of Ierusalem upon the top of a high precipice under which was the poole of Siloe V. 6. Parable the meaning of which is to shew Gods long suffering of the rebellious and â—â—redulous Iewes V. 7. Three yeares Some have thought that the Lord meant the last three yeares which were after his baptisme employed in converting the Iewes by his preaching for this was spoken in the beginning of the fourth yeare Cumbâ—eth it it is not onely fruitlesse it selfe but also with its shadow and by drawing unto it the moistnesse of the earth it spoyleth other plants which are neere it V. 10. In one of the City where he was at that time for there were diverse places for sacred meetings in every City V. 11. A spirit namely an infirmity which did shr 〈…〉 up her body and made it crooked Which infirmity proceeded not from any naturall cause but from the operation of the devill V 14. With indignation the Italian Being wreth See upon Mat. 12. 10. Ver. 16. From this bond namely from this sicknesse wherewith the Devill held her as it were bound and hindered her in her actions See Iob 42 10. V. 24. Strive Christ according to his wonted custome doth not answer directly to that curious and unprofitable question but sheweth that indeed there are but few From whence men ought to draw this use namely to endeavour and strive to be of that little number Will seeke thorow a blinde desire of attaining to eternall happinesse not keeping the true way nor using the constancy and endeavour which is required therein See Iohn 7. 34. and 8. 21. and 13. 33. Rom 9. 31. V. 25. When once having spoken of the way and of the endeavour wherewith one must strive to come to life everlasting he speaketh also of the time convenient for it either in regard of Gods grace singularly presenting it selfe or of his patience with men before their death after which time the doore is shut See Psalm 32. 6. Isaiah 55. 6 And yee he speakes to the unbelieving Iewes and all such as were like unto them U. 31. Herod whither the advice were true or false it is likely that they would make it serve for an instrument of their hatred and envie to affright Christ and make him goe further off See Amos 7. 12. Ioh. 7. 13. V. 32. That Fox a pourtraicture of Herods fraudulent wit See 2 Tim. 4. 17. Jeast out the meaning is I doe not feare any just punishment from Herod nor any man else doing nothing but good by my miracles 〈◊〉 and as for unjust persecutions I know when when and where they are provided for me by Gods immutable councell to which
Believe mee upon the word which I speake to you and upon the assurance which I give you of it upon the knowledge which you have of mee V. 12. That beleeveth Christ speakes not of the common sort of beleevers in all ages but of his Apostles and other his Ministers who in the beginning of his Church should convert the world cast downe idols overthrow all contrary power obtaine the Holy Ghost by their prayers Workes of more high esteeme and of a more excellent nature then those miracles as Christ wrought in the world Because I for by my going up into heaven I shall obtaine that abundance of the spirit by which I shall shew forth my power in my kingdome which at this time is not fiting for my state of humiliation V. 13. Whatsoever though it be never so high and so difficult so it be convenient and agreeable to your vocation and to the advancement of my kingdome of which things hee had spoken in the precedent verse so you desire them in faith In my name by vertue of my intercession and for the love of me That the Father that obtaining such things as you have desired you may yeeld him honour praise and service for it by my means V. 16. Another because that the Holy Ghost is distinct from the Son in his personall subsistence and in the manner of working in beleevers by way of seale and inward application of Christs benefits Comforter the Greeke word signifies sometimes an Intercessor and an Advocate and in this sence it is attributed to Christ 1 Iohn 2. 1. Sometimes a person who by his discourses comforteth an afflicted one or a Mediator of Grace and good will Isaiah 50. 4. and both the one and the other effect is attributed to the Holy Ghost who doth sweetly bring in the promises of God into beleevers hearts and frameth in them unspeakeable breathings â—oâ—th of holy prayers Rom. 8. 25. 26. V. 17. Of truth Namely the true Author of all divine inspiration opposite to the lying spirits of false Prophets and Doctors Or the Spirit of God which accompanieth the truth of his word to seale it and perswade it Whom the world worldly men and unbeleevers having neither the life nor light of God cannot receave this continuation nor increase of it by this spirit of comfort no more than a dead man can bee nourished Matth. 13. 12. Or plainely he meanes Neither having in them nor being willing to receave the light of knowledge they can not have any part in the comfort of the spirit which is not obtained nor made use of but only by the understanding Ye know him by all reason you should know him by the effects of his residence and power in you though you have not yet received that abundance whereof I speake Ver. 18. Come to you Not by my Resurrection only but especiallie by the presence of my spirit which shall be an assured pledge unto you of my last returne to your full redemption V. 19. Ye see me The Italian Yee shall see me Namely by corporall sight after my Resurrection with the eye of faith in my spirituall presence with you and with an everlasting sight in glory Iob 19. 27. Because Namely as your head having overcome death by my Resurrection and obtained the fulnesse of the spirit by my going up into Heaven I will viviâ—ie you with a spirituall life which at the appointed time I will make full in the eternall life in my owne Kingdome Iohn 6. 57. V. 20. A 〈…〉 t dâ—y when you shall have reccaved the Holy Ghost you shall be cleerly instructed concerning the truth of my divine person in regard of which the Father is in mee by unitie of offence and perpetuall beginning of life and of operation and 〈◊〉 in him by subsistencâ—e in the divine essence which I have from him by eternall generation without division or distraction of the being or of the operation And also concerning the most perfect communion which I have with him as Mediator by vertue of which hee is in mee by the sustentation of my person and by the full influence into it of every grace life and vertue and I in him by an entire conjunction and dependencie And likewise concerning that communioÌ„ which you have with me in all my benefits righteousnesse life and and spirit I being in you as beginning foundation and roote of all your spirituall being and you in mâ— by an engraftment of faith and a mysticall incorporation in spirit Iohn 17. 22. Vnlesse hee meane that they shall have perfect knowledge of all these high mysteries in Heaven 〈◊〉 his last comming Ver. 21. Hee that hath the foresaid Communion with mee begins by light of knowledge but must be accomplished by love and the love verifie it selfe by voluntary obedience on your part and on my part shall be alwayes recompenced with new effects of Gods love and with greater light Shall bee loved still more by new increase of graces for oherwise God loveth first Romans 5. 8 10. 1 Iohn 4. 10 19. V. 22. How â—â—it a question very likely not so much out of humility as out of some secret presumption wherewith the Apostles were almost alwayes touched presuming to have some proper worth above others of which they desire here of the Lord some assent U. 23. If a man Christ according to his custome leaves the question without any answer and thereby sheweth sufficiently that it did not deserve any and so goeth on with his discourse Wee will come this loyall love of the beleever shall cause the habitation that is to say the lively and perpetuall operation of the Holy Ghost in his heart to bee more and more increased and confirmed by my Father and mee to make the grace and love of my Father and the righteousnesse satisfaction and all other benefits of mee his Redeemer to be alwayes more present with him that is to say secure and enjoyable by faith and by feeling his own consciousnesse Eph. 3. 17. Or plainly it shall cruse the communion which he hath with the Father and the Son to be firm and everlasting 1 Ioh. 1. 7. Revel 3. 20. V. 24. Loveth me not out of this love there can bee neither true nor acceptable obedience in man Is not mine I am not the first nor the only author of it The Father doth propound it by me I having every thing common with him and doe nor say 〈…〉 thing without his will and command V. 26. But the it is true that I teach you by my outward word which as yet you doe not very 〈◊〉 apprehend but the spirit shall give you a lively â—â—d and internall understanding of it V. 27. Peace namely grace and blessing Nâ—â— as the world vainely in words without truth or vertue V. 28. If yee loved me Namely with a true spirituall love ayming at my glory and your owne good and salvation which two things cannot be obtained but only by my departure out of the world Is
22. V. 40. In the prophets this is an application of the passage of Habakuk to threaten the rebels which were amongst Gods people with the like judgments as are set downe in that place V. 41. And wonder that is to say loose all vigor and councell be as it were astonished and hide your selues for shame V. 42. The Gentiles namely the prosalites in belâ—ife and Religion which were presant in the sinaâ—ogue with the Iewes V. 43. In the grace namely in the gift of faith reâ—â—aued by Gods speciall grace or in the fruition of God and his sonnes loue by meanes of faith and holines of life V. 46. It was necessarie by Christs command Acts. 1. 8. and to yeeld you that honour which was due to first borne children Ivdge your selues your selues through your rebellion and incredulitie make and declare your selves un worthâ—e of it V. 48. Glorified submitting themselves unto it by true obedience of faith and declaring in themselves and preaching unto others the truth and power of it See Mat. 11. 19. were ordained by Gods everlasting and most free election Rom. 11. 7. V. 50. The devout namely such as had emdraced the Iewish Religion V. 51 Sâ—ooke off according to Christs command Mat. 10. 14. CHAP. XIIII VER 1. IN â—o the Synagogue the Italian addeth Likewise into c as thay had done at Antioch Acts. 13. 14. Of the Greeks namely proâ—alits which frequented the lewes synagogues though they were not circumcised Act. 13. 42. 43. V. 3. In the Lord that is to say being strengthened and sustained by his power V. 9. That hâ—e had the spirit of God which had infused some seeds of faith in the lame man revealed his worke to Paul to set him on to doe this miracle upon a subiect which was well disposed for otherwise the gift of working of miracls was often times hindered by increduliâ—â—â— Matth 13. 58. Marke 6. 5. V. 12. Mercurius held by the Pagans to be the Gods messenger and interpreter V. 13. Garlands according to the custome of the heathens Unto the Gates of the Apostles lodgings V. 15. Passions namely of sinne misery and death and other naturall conditions of man all very farre from the nature of God See James 5. 17. From these namely from idols so called in Scripture because they have no other being but onely what man maketh them nor no vertue but what is in the idolaters opinion See 1 Cor. 8. 4. V. 16. Suffered not by approbation but by a free and most just forsaking of them without repressing or hindering of them To walke to live according to their owne mindes following their owne idolatries superstitions and other sinnes V. 17. Gave us which questionlesse were effects of thâ— soveraigne deities power and goodnesse heavenly Glory and not of Idols made by men upon earth V. 19. From Anâ—ioch namely of Pisidia and not of Syria See Acts 13. 14. Ver. 20. He rose up either being miraculously preserved from hurt or having been hurt being suddenly made whole V. 23. When they had ordained the Italian 〈◊〉 they had by common votes ordained with the approbation and consent of the Churches to whom this right was anciently preserved even from the Apostles time for the governement of the Church was not founded upon constraint nor violence but upon a voluntary obedience And had prayed this may be referred either to the establishment of pastors wherein these solemne acts of piety were observed or to the blessing that followed V. 26. To Antioch namely of Syria V. 27. With them accompanying their ministerie with his power See Isa. 63. 11. Hab. 3. 13. Hee had by the preaching of his Gospell and by the power of his spirit hee had brought them into the communion of saith in Christ. See Rev. 3. 8. CHAP. XV. VER 1 CErtaine men Who intrâ—ded themselves without the APOSTLES comission or approbation Verse 24. The brethren which were converted to the Faith amongst the Gentiles Except yee be circumcision and other ceremonies though they were abolished by Christs death Piâ—â—l 3. 3. Col. 2. 11. Were used for a time as things indifferent to not offend the â—ewes who were habituated in them But these false doctors did seeke to impose them upon the Gentiles likewise as things necessary as an essentiall part of Gods worship and a supply to the righteousnesse acquired by Christ to salvation where upon the Apostles seeing it did not only breake the peace of the Church and was a great obstacle to the Gospell because the Gentiles aâ—horâ—ed circumcision but did likewise oppose Christs beâ—â—fit Gal. 5. 2. 56. They presently applyed a remedy to it V. 2. That Paul not because these two Apostles who were every way equall to the rest in the light conduct of the spirit and in Apostollicall authority Gal. 2. 6. 〈◊〉 had any need of instruction or of confirâ—â—ation but onely to give the weake content who had more confidence in Peter and James and in the Church of Jerusalem and to â—â—oppe false doctors â—outhes and to establish by common votes a general â—rder in the Church V. 4. The law namely the ceremoniall law V. 5. A good while agâ—e namely in the beginning of the preaching of the Gospell V. 8. which knoweth and therefore hath seene that the purity of the converted Gentiles faith and conscience without the use of ceremonies was equall to that of the believing Iewes who by the use of the said ceremonies were formerly prepared and instructed in it See Acts 10. 34 35. V. 9. Purifying having instead of the external purifications of the law of Moses made them partakers of the purgation of their sins in the blood of Christ and of the gifts of regeneration in newnesse of life by the holy Ghost which are two benefits that man obtaineth by faith V. 10. Tempt yee make a rash triall without any necessity or command even with danger of sinister successe whither God will give them the will to submit themselves to a burthen so odious unto them and the power of bearing it without being moved to impatience and revolt Were able not so much for the extreame labour there was in observing of the ceremonies as because that the observance could never bee so perfect but that the conscience would be involved in many scruples and anguishes and besides because that under them being understood in the sence of these false Apostles the necessity of observing â—the whole law was included for to finde out ones righteousnesse before God Gal. 5. 3. which being impossible for man to do the law was as a bond of condemnation to him and a ministery of death Rom. 3 20. and 4. 15. 2 Cor. 3. 7. 9. V 13. Iames See upon Acts 12. 17. V. 14. For his name the Italian In his namely that may be subject unto him bearing his name and acknowledging and worshipping him for their onely true God V. 17. That the there is some diversitie in the text of Aâ—os this passage being like many others of
3. V 19 With God seeing God is â—n adversary to this worldly wisedome and that it doth not bring forth any fruit of salvation to those that trust in it wee must conclude that it is but a folly in Gods judgement V. 20. Of the wise the Psalmist saith only of men but Saint Paul to make it the stronger doth restraine it to the wise and understanding V. 21. Let no man a generall conclusion exhorting every one not to acknowledge any minister for head of a faction nor to bragge that he is one of his followers Seeing the Church is not made for them but they for the Church at the good and profit of which all things ought to ayme both iâ— life and in death in the present and in the everlasting time it not being subject to any but to Christ who is its head whose office is likewise to b 〈…〉 Mediatour to guide and unite men to God his Father who is the supreame head of Christ and of his Church Iohn 14. 28. 1 Cor. 11. 3. and 15. 〈◊〉 so farre is it from having any Ministers usurpe the dominion over consciences CHAP. IIII. VER 1. SO account after hee had reproved the excesse of honour done to his Pa 〈…〉 in taking them for heads now he gives them a right temperature how farre they should esteeme of 〈…〉 according to the properties of their office which 〈◊〉 equally binde them and their flocke Stewards namely in the communication of knowledge and 〈◊〉 the singular application of the use for nourish 〈…〉 and Physicke of the soule all out of Gods go 〈…〉 and not of their owne and according to his commandement not according to their owne will 〈…〉 pleasure V. 3. But with â—e if a Pastor hath the wi 〈…〉 of this loyalty in his owne conscience he 〈◊〉 not to make any account of mens sinister judâ—ments who do assigne degrees of honour accord to their owne minde Now the Apostle propounds himselfe for example because that his person and ministery was fallen into contempt with the Corinthians by the cunning of corrupt Pastors 2 Cor. 10. 10. Yea I judge not I doe not enter into consideration nor doe not examine what degree of honour I am worthy of amongst them or about them V. 4. For I know nothing hee gives a reason why he so little cared for mens judgments Not hereby ju 〈…〉 d that is to say esteemed and declared just before God and worthy of the reward as having fullâ— accomplished his worke because that even in the holiest there are defects which are hidden even from their owne consciences but manifest to God Iob 34. 32. Psalm 19. 12. 〈◊〉 Iohn 3. 20. And besides that the person is not receaved into grace by reason of the workes but contrariwise the workes are accepted for love of the person which is already justiâ—â—d That judgeth me to whom it only belongeth to absolve me of my faults and to assigne me praise and reward for my service according as out of his grace hee shall bee pleased to accept of it and crowne it V. 5. Judge nothing namely with such kinde of judgements as cannot chuse but be rash seeing that 〈◊〉 esteeming of men we ought principally to looke to the heart and to the conscience which in this world is knowne to God only who will not make it manifest but only at the last judgement V. 6. Tranâ—erred in these reproofes of your partialities I have represented the heads of them under the names of us Apostles 1 Cor. 1. 12. and 3. 4. not that in deed we had any part therein but only to spare your guiltie Pastors and to shew them by our example how to correct the root of evil which is the affectation of worldly knowledge eloquence which raiseth diversitie of passionate judgments and draweth on followers by a foolish admiration after it and to conforme themselves to the perpetuall stile of the Holy Ghost in Scripture as all we most conformably doe whereupon also amongst us there groweth â—o subject of division Be puâ—â—ed up that yee doe not grow proud by reason of the excellencie of the Pastor with whom each of you holds to the depressing of another Pastor and his followers V. 7. For who hee directeth this speech to the Pastors as saying Who hath given thee this preheminence which thou affectest oâ— by whom hast thou beene chosen out of the communitie of the Church to so excellent a calling is it not by God and by his grace and not by men containe thy selfe therefore in humility and serve God and not mens passions V. 8. Now yeare an ironicall reprehension of the presumption wâ—â— raigned in the Corinthian Church Would to God hee continueth in his Ironia The meaning is yee are indeed happier and in better estate then we poore Apostles who are afflicted persecuted and contemned in the world wee might indeed have good cause to desire that wee might bee partakers of your goods if they were true and reall seeing that our life is like unto the life of wretched malefactors who doe daily expect their punishment after they have according to the custome of those times beene ignominiously lead up and downe round about the market places and theators V. 9. The Apostles last the Italian The last Apostles Saint Paul speaketh of himselfe alone or of Apollo also called to the Apostleship after all the rest which was made matter of contempt against Paul as it should seeme here implicitly to reproove the Corinthians for Aspectacle a solemn example of strange sufferances and troubles in the fight of men and Angels who are as spectators and witnesses of beleevers combates in the theater of the world See upon Heb. 12. 1. Ver. 10. We are fooles renouncing all humane wisdome to give way only to the motions of the spirit and preaching Christ in vertue of it wee are accounted to bee madde Acts 17. 18. and 26. 24. See a Kings 9. 11. But yee are namely mingling worldly wisdome with the Gospell you hold your selves to bee therefore very wise and full of knowledge and doe thereby purchase honour before the world V. 11. Are buffeted a kind of an ignominious outrage Acts 23. 2. See Lamen 3. 30. Mic. 5. 〈◊〉 Mat. 5. 39. 1 Pet. 2. 20. V. 14. To shame you to scoffe at your vanitie by comparing mine estate with yours V. 15. Instructers plaine teachers of Christian doctrine as your Pastors are without any fatherly bowels or care Fathers namely such as I am as well by reason that I have beene the first that have brought you the good tydings of the Gospell as also by reason of my fatherly affection towards you Begotten you that is to say I have been an instrument of your conversion to the faith by meanes of which yee are become members of Christ and of his Church 17. In the Lord namely in his worke and service Or in the communion of Christ and by his Spirit these termes being very frequent in Saint Paul to
As the truth namely in the lively and effectuall manner in which the truth is taught in Christs Gospell to be an internall forme of righteousnesse Rom. 6. 1â— and a lively seed of regeneration Iames 1. 18. V. 22. Which is corrupt which is dissolved and putrified in its concupiscences and by them goeth into eternall perdition According to the the Italian in the concupiscences of seduction namely by which he is allured and inticed to sin See Rom. 7. 11. Heb. 3. 13. Iames 1. 14. V. 23. In the Spirit the Italian by the Spirit which hath begun this your regeneration by enlightening your understanding in the knowledge and truth of God to go on from thence to your entire regeneration in heart and affections God in the order of his grace following the order which he hath established in mansnature which is that reason and judgement should go before and govern the wil. See Rom. 12. 2. Others â—n the Spirit that is to say in your minde and reason and so the other part of regeneration should be comprehended in the following verse V. 24. Put on namely that ye be endowed and adorned with these new spirituall qualities by which God re-establisheth his image in you True holinesse namely a true sincere or firme and constant holinesse V. 25. For we are and therefore as none deceiveth himselfe so ought we to use entire loyaltie towards our brethren V. 26. Be ye angry that is to say if ye be angry which is a humane almost unavoidable infirmitie yet take heed of running into any excess Ps. 37. 8 V. 27. Neither give place take heed he enter not into your heart by violence of wrath nor much lesse remain there by an inveterate wrath which may turne to hatred V. 29. Corrupt the Italian evill the Greek word signifieth corrupt or putrified but the Hebrewes use it for any evill thing See Matth. 7. 17. and 12. 33. To the use namely of the hearers of the time and of the occasion Minister namely that Gods grace or any singular gift thereof may be communicated or confirmed in the hearers V. 30. Grieve not a terme taken from men that is to say be not rebellious unto it and do not offend it so that he withdraw his joy and comfort from you which is the principall effect thereof and that he do not depart from you as from an unpleasing habitation CHAP. V. VER 2. A Sweet smelling A manner of speech taken from what was anciently spoken of sacrifices which were acceptable to God the smell whereof as one might say he did sent with pleasure Gen. 8. 21. Lev. 1. 9. V. 3. Let it not be Abhorre even the name of these vices let them be unknown and unheard of amongst you V. 5. An idolater insomuch as he sets all his affection and puts all his considence in riches and holds them for an universall good sufficient for all things as God is and because he beaâ—es a certain respect unto them that he dares not freely make use of them and serves them with his heart as some Godhead See Matth. 6. 2â— V. 6. Vain not so much by allurements as by false inducements and perswasions as that these sinnes are but sleight things that Gods patience suffereth all things that his grace pardonâ— every thing that man cannot be perfect in the world and the like The children namely upon all the devils part and the worlds which is rebellious to Gods Law and believeth not in the Gospell by reason of its naturall perversenesse V. 8. Darknesse namely inwardly being deprived of all light of truth of grace and of the spirit having contrary qualities and outwardly without any inlightening or instruction Light that is to say you are not onely inlightened outwarldly by doctrine but also inwardly imprinted by a lively divine Light In the Lord in vertue of your communion in spirit with him V. 9. For the that is to say the qualitie of the children of God which you have acquired by the illumination and regeneration of the holy Ghost bindes you to do all manner of holy workes as the fruit ought to be correspondent to the nature and qualitie of the root and seed Gal. 5. 22. V. 10. Proving namely examining by the rule of Gods Word what is conformable to his will and what is not without suffering your selves to be deceived by opinions or perswasion verse 6. See Prov. 10. 32. Rom. 12. 2. V. 11. Unfruitfull which cannot bring forth for man that excellent fruit of Life Rom. 6. 21. Gal. 6. 8. Of darknesse proceeding from the corruption of man who hath no light of knowledge and of Gods Spirit irregulate and without any certain end as done by one that walkes in darknesse shamefull and infamous workes which cannot endure the day and finally which are condemned to everlasting darknesse with the devil who is the first author of them V. 13. But all things though these things be hidden from men yet ther is the light of Gods universal knowledge and providence that seeth them and doth thereof convince the consciences untill such time as at the last judgement they be set forth for a full evidence For whatsoever if these things must one day be revealed it is a signe that God doth even at this time know them and see them as clear as noon day See Psal. 139. 11. V. 14. Wherefore he saith because that every man shall answer for what he hath done before Gods terrible judgement 〈…〉 they are all called by his word to timely converâ—ion to awake from the sleep and stupefaction yea from the death of sin for to be enlightned by the light of the Gospell and to walk according to it V. 16. Redeeming seeking and taking any occasion of doing good and therefore leaving all worldly imployment and delight Or regaining the time which had formerly been lost with endeavouring to supply at this time what you had then lost The dayes there are hard and calamitâ—us times comming upon the Church in which all means of well-doing will be cut off or much restrained and therefore we must be beforehand in doing good Eccles. 11. 2. Iohn 9. 4. and 11. 9. and 12. 35. Gal. 6. 10. V. 18. With the Spirit namely with spirituall thoughts and meditations of divine joy faith and zeal V. 20. In the name that is to say Offering them to God as sacrifices pleasing to him in vertue and favour of Christ high Priest and Intercessour V. 21. Submitting namely all through charity yeelding to other mens just desires necessities and profits and the inferiours to superiours through obedience and respect 1 Pet. 5. 5. V. 22. As unto namely in all things which belong to the lawfull authority and superiority that Christ hath given the husband over his wife and wherein the husband bears Christs image 1 Cor. 11. 3. see Ephes. 6. 5. V. 23. And he is as Christs dominion over the Church which is his body hath its whole relation to the salvation of it so the
for to maintaine them First to shew before the Church he burdened therewith v. 16. V. 5. That is worthy of such a name and of the respect that is due to such V. 6. Is dead in regard of the feelings motions and actions of the spirituall life which hath no vigor but when the flesh is brought low and mortified V. 7. These things besides such things as have been spoken of before chap. 4. 11. V. 8. But if any he confirmes that which he had spoken v. 4. Hath denied he doth an act utterly incompatible with the Christian faith of which he makes profession Infi 〈…〉 who oftentimes through a plain naturall light doe performe these duties and those which doe faile therein are more excusable then mercilesse Christians because they are not so well enlightened nor instructed V. 9. Be taken into namely into the number and colledge of such as giving over their owne particular affaires did dedicate themselves to the service of the poore the sicke and of strangers and they themselves were also maintained by publique almes See Acts 6. 1. Rom. 16. 1. Under three 〈…〉 as well to avoid all subject and suspition of scandall as likewise because that the poore should not want assistance if the younger widdows chanced to be married on a sudden Having been the wife that hath not been divorced from her husband without a lawfull cause and married another Marke 10. 12. Others understand it so that sh 〈…〉 hath remained a widdow after the death of her husband which was a 〈…〉 e of continencie and mortification as Luke 2. 36 37. V. 10. If sh 〈…〉 if she have shewed care charity patience in bringing up her family after the death of her husband or according to some if she have given them the breast her selfe If she have wished according to the custome of those times and places when one had been a journey and under this act of charity are comprehended all the rest V. 11. Refuse exclude them from this office and publique benefit When they have after they have renounced the inward mortification of the concupiscences of the flesh which the Spirit of Christ ingenders in all his true members and by which the soule is joyned to Christ as unto her true bride-groome they doe also pretend to cover this incontinencie with the vaile of matrimonie V. 12. Having they make themselves comdemnable beyond excuse in that having of their owne accord consecrated themselves to the service of the Church they doe impudently call backe their vow to satisfie their lust Or because that having beg 〈…〉 well by spirituall acts of faith and piety they end by acts of the flesh and lasciviousnesse which is the onely cause of these marriages whereupon they are also prophaned V. 13. And withall besides this first vice of incontinency the 〈…〉 is also that being by their Deaconship freed from the houshold cares and employments of mothers of families they bestow their idile times in these following vices V. 14. I will I doe appoint it to be so by Apostolicall authority 1. Tim. 2. 8. That the younger this is but onely to shew what is most convenient for that age and condition yet not to binde any one absolutely to doe so but with a lawfull respect to all circumstances 1 Cor. 7. 8 9. To the adversary namely to the divell and all his instruments deadly enemies of the Church 1 Tim. 3. 7. V. 15. Are already by running into luxurie whereof the divell is the chiefe authour Or by falling away from Christian Religion to abandon themselves the more licenciouslie to their owne lusts V. 16. Have widdows any daughter mother sister or other kinswoman that needeth helpe but hath not the qualities of Ecclesiasticall widdows V. 17. The Elders whereof some onely looked to the government and discipline of the Church the other both to preaching and government Do 〈…〉 e above any other member of the Church or above the Deacons and Deaconnesses vers 3. and under the name of honour is also comprehended honest maintenance as it appeares by the following verse V. 18. The labourer a proverbiall kind of speech and commonly used by the Lord himselfe V. 19. Receive not doe not lightly give credit to any such accusation to come suddenly to Ecclesiasticall censure and corrections before the fact be fully verified for this office is more subject to 〈…〉 ders and being sacred ought to be respected more then sleight suspitions or evill reports and such persons ought not prejudicately be thought capable of any grievous faults without certaine proofeâ— V. â—0 Them he seemes particularly to meane the foresaid Elders That sinne namely that commit any scandalous fault or notorious offence Before all in the full Assembly of the Governours of the Church Matth. 18. 17. 2 Câ—r 2. 6. Gal. 2. 14. V. 21. Without without passion and without being persecuted by any favour or affection or any disfavour not judge according to such passions but according to the righteousnesse and merit of the cause without preferring one before the other V. 22. Lâ—y hands doe not easily install any one into any Ecclesiasticall Office without sufficient examination and triall of his life and conversation Neither be partaker deale not in such sort that the dammage comming upon the Church by reason of persons indiscreetly promoted may be imputed to thee Or if others be the authours of this rashnesse do not thou consent unto it but rather oppose thy selfe V. 24. Some mens this is a confirmation of what he had said vers 22. namely not to runne headlong in disposing of Ecclesiasticall Offices for there are some whose former faults and vices ought to exclude them and in others they are more obscure and need to have longer time to discover them And likewise the piety and goodnesse of some is tryed in such sort that they may presently be received without feare of erring And some there are who are not so well approved of and delay will not any way cloud their vertue but wil cause it to be more manifestly shewen Psa. 37. 6. Mark 4. 22. Luke 8. 17. CHAP. VI. Vers. 1. BE not as if God by his Gospel were the authour of rebellions and of the subversion of order and civill bonds V. 2. Brethren namely spirituall brethren in Christ for that doth not disanull the degrees and states of the world Beloved of God and therefore ought to be served not onely through feare and constraint but for love and good wil. Partakers of namely that have by faith embraced Gods grace in Christ. V. 3. Wholsome which are not onely pure and sincere but doe also bring life and spiritual holinesse to the soule Psa. 19. 7. 1 Tim 1. 10. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Titus 1. 9. Which is which is conformable to the true service due to God and hath its whole relation thereunto 1 Tim. 3. 16. Tit. 1. 1. Heb. 5. 13. 2 Pet. 2. 22. V. 4. Doting the Italian languishing as on weake in Spirit through a
referred to Christ ought to be understood onely of the miseries and punishment of sinne wherewith he hath burthened himself and not of any guilt in him V. 4. And no man that is to say He cannot be a lawfull Priest in the Church unlesse he have his calling from God by the wayes and according to the Laws which he hath appointed V. 5. Christ as he is man he did not put himself into this glorious dignity and office and as he is the Son of God he hath no will separate from the Fathers who is the spring and originall of all things But he the meaning is not that the Sonne hath been made high Priest by these words of Psal. 2. but plainly that he was so made by the everlasting Father described by this circumlocution V. 7. Who namely Christ In the dayes whilest he was yet in the world in the course of his obedience and humiliation living a terrestriall and animall life opposite to the glorious and spirituall state of the celoâ—â—iall life see 1 Cor. 15. 44. 2 Cor. 5. 16. When he had this is to shew that the substance of Christs Sacrifice consisteth not wholly in his corporall death but much more in the torments and anguishes of the soul which he in his life time suffered for sinnes of the curse whereof he drank the cup in the unspeakable feeling of Gods wrath and in the inâ—â—â—able suspension of the sweet influence of Gods love upon his humanity With strong crying he â—â—â—th a relation to Christs last agonies and servent prayers which are set down by the Evangelists Uâ—to him namely to God the Father who might have freed him from the passage to death if his counsell to save the world thereby had not been against it Matth. 26. 33. Mark 14. 36. and likewise could after he was dead according to this said order make him live again by a glorious resurrection Was heard God having according to Christs intention in his prayer strengthned and born him up in his horrible terroâ—â—s conflicts and agonie Luke 22. 43. He feared which in Christ was aâ—â—er and plain naturall affection apprehending an unspeakable future evill and pain without diffidence vice or excesse V. 8. Learned he that is to say besides what he was in regard of his father by his own nature namely his everlasting Sonne he of his own wil took upon him the new quality of obedient servant Philip. 2. 8 and through divers degrees of sufferings was prepared for the last point of them which was the death of the crosse Or he tried in effect and felt how faâ— that obedience did binde him to which he had subjected himself by his office of Mediatour V. 9. Made perfect the Italiâ—an fully consecrated namely by his death in which he did not onely fulfill all things for us John 19 30. but he himself likewise came to the height of his priestly office having in himself the foundation of the beleevers salvation by his death and by his resurrection all the means to apply it unto them see Luke 13. 32. That obey him by true faith answerable to Gods calling V. 10. Called being after his death resurrection and ascension into Heaven really invested with his full power and his Priestly and Kingly dignity joyntly as Psal. 110. 4. it is said that he was installed in his priesthood sitting already at Gods right hand Psal. 110. 1. After the order of which Priesthood in its singular properties and circumstances Melchisedech was a signe figure and example Now even from this place the Apostle begins to shew in what Christs priesthood was different from the Leviticall which he will begin again to treat of more largely Chap. 7. V. 11. Of whom namely of Christ compared with Melchisedech And hard in regard of your dulnesse and incapacity Dull of hearing Stolid and of a dull apprehension in spirituall things like as for want of exercise the memâ—ers become benummed and stiffe see Matth. 13. 15. V. 12. For the time namely since you were first instructed in Christian Doctrine First principles that is to say the first rudiments and as it were the alphabet of Gods word V. 13. For every one high and profound Doctrine is no fittinger for those who are novices in matters of faith then solid food is for little children for that requires a strength equall and proportionable to apprehend and digest it by meditation wherein a spirituall judgement is necessary confirmed by much use and practice which such novices have not In the word namely in the doctrine of the Gospell whose subject is the true and onely righteousnesse of faith Rom. 1. 17. Or he knoweth â—ot yet how to 〈◊〉 which is the true pure and holy doctrine from that which is not V. 〈◊〉 Of full age the Italian accomplished a term signifying ripe age and one that is come to be a compleat man as 1 Cor. 14. 20. or one that is a good proficient in holy matters as 1 Cor. 2. 6. By reason of use by a certaine firme and permanent quality and faculty produced in beleevers by the holy Ghost by reason of a long and continuall practice and study Their senses namely their judgement and understanding CHAP. VI. Vers. 1. LEaving a terme taken from those which runne 〈◊〉 at publike sports when they first set 〈◊〉 The meaning is advancing ourselves to the utmost of our power beyond those first principles in the understanding of Christian doctrine Unto perfection namely to the highest degree of knowledge feeling and beliefe of these things to which man can attaine in this world beâ—itting persons who are of full age in the inward and spirituall man Eph. 4. 13. Phil. 3. 15. and by this means to the perfection reserved for the Kingdome of Heaven 1 Cor. 13. 9 10. Not laying againe returning no more as from the beginning to instruct and resolve you in the first grounds of the Christian Catechisme as in a doctrine which you have forgotten and is become unknowne and uncertaine unto you like a building which is wholy ruined and must be built up againe from the foundation Of repentance these are the heads of Christian doctrine which were taught little children and novices in a plaine lowly and rough manner From â—edd worâ—es namely from all actions of man out of Gods grace wherein consists spirituall death who are deprived of the life and light of Gods Spirit are vicious and corrupt and cannot bring forth any fruit of life Rom. 8. 6 13. Heb. 9. 14. V. 2. Of the doctrine namely concerning the signification vertue and use of the Sacrament of Baptisme formeâ—ly administred generally at certaine times Oâ— conceâ—â—ing the more common and necessary arguments of faith upon which were examined those who were baptized being of any growne age Or the fathers who presented their children to be baptized and answered for them upon these questions See upon 1 Pet. 3. 21. Of laying 〈◊〉 which was a ceremonie joyned to baptisme for a signe of blessing and consecation
to God Some referre it to an ancient custome of laying on of hands on them who having beene already baptized in their inâ—ancie made confession of their faith when they were come to the age of discretion in â—igne of confirmation in their baptisme Eternall judgement when the Sonne of God shall give judgement either to eternall death or life V. 3. This will we doe I hope with Gods grace and help we shal all doe so V. 4. For it is he gives a 〈◊〉 of the exhortation of the verâ—â—â— shewing that through the neglect and contempt of putting ones selfe forward in the faith man by little and little wil lose it altogether and will let the gift of the Holy Ghost be altogether extinguished and fall into universall 〈◊〉 which is a sinne to death and 〈…〉 Enlighâ—ned by Gods Word and by some â—eame of the holy Ghost which notwithstanding through their vice hath not peâ—â—â—â—rated so farre as to transforme them and regenerate them wholly to the divine image as the elect are 2 Cor. 3. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 20 21. Have tasted have felt some transitory comfort peace and joy of Gods grace offered by the Gospel and received of them by a certaine shadow of faith for a time Matth. 13. â—1 John 5. 35. Of the holy Ghost of which all those that are lawfully baptized doe receive some gift according to Christs poâ—iâ—e Matth. 3. 11. Acts 2. 38. seeing that no man without it can say Jesus is the Lord 1 Cor. 12. 3. but the Elect onely receive that of true and entire regeneration V. 5. Have â—â—sted have had a sleight and superficiâ—ll participation of it with some delight but have noâ— wholly digested it noâ— are fully nourished and 〈◊〉 with it The good namely the sweet and saving promises of grace in Christ oppoâ—ite to the words of the Law which to a sinfull man are a ministery of death Rom 4. 15. 2 Cor. 3. 7 9. The powers the wonders and the glorious power of Christs spirituall raigne the time of which before his comming was called the World to come Heb. 2. 5. V. 6. Full away not by some particular sin of humane frailty but by an intire volâ—â—tary apostaâ—ie and renouncing of the faith doe returne to the state of spiritual death and totall separation from God as they were before their vocation See Jude 12. Seeing they he shewes the impossibility of such apostata's repentance for they killing Christ maliciously and with an igâ—ominous contempt as oâ—â—e shoulâ— say who began to live in them by his Spirit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 20. 4. 19. doe make themselves accessary of Judaâ— and the Jewes sinne which crucified Christ which misdeed was by the Lord himselfe declared to be irremissible Matth 26. 24. John 8. 21. 17. 12. To open shame for this spirituall death hath this resemblance with Christs Crosse that as it was accompanied with the dâ—râ—sion and scoâ—ne of his enemies so in the other the apostate doth expose Christ to the divels ignominy as having overcome him and driven him out of his possession V. 7. For the earth as the earth which is well â—aâ—ured and watered with raine is answerable thereunto by 〈◊〉 with good plants and the more it is bettered by art and care the more fruitfull it is made by Gods blessing And contrarywise that whose boldnesse makes the labour which is taken about it to prove vaine and the raine that fals upon it to doe no good is at the last forsaken as â—esperate Land and becomes either a horrid and accursed Wildernesse condemned to perpetuall drought or the plants which grow upon it are consumed by the fire being good for nothing else So man that is manured by Gods Word and watered by the gifts of his Spirit if he doe beare fruits of regeneration receiveth confirmation and encreâ—ses of Gods graces And if he doe the contrary God doth reject him and takes away his gifts from him and doth reserve him for everlasting punishment Matth. 25. 29 30. V. 8. Is rejected is desperate in its malignity â—nd abandoned as of no value V. 9. That accompanie namely by which one doth assuredly come to salvation which make no interruption in the course of meanes thereunto and are as in the linke and seâ—uel thereof V. 10. For God that is to say the hope which I have of you is founded upon God who according to the truth of his promises will reward your first workes with the confirmation and encrease of his grace and vertue to keepe you from this danger and to accomplish your salvation See Phâ—l 〈◊〉 12 13. Your worke namely all your good workes brought forth by the root of a true and lively faith Toward 〈◊〉 name namely towards himselfe in the person of those who call upon his Name and for the love of him see Matth. 10. 41 42. 25. 40. V. 11. Tâ— the full the meaning is that as they have begun so they should pâ—â—severe unto the end that they may be fully assured and confirmed in the hope of eternall goodâ— V. 12. Of them namely of constant beleevers who by faith have been made the children of God and in this quality have obtained the heavenly inheritance by means of perseverance V. 13. For wâ—en he proveth by Abrahams example who was the father of all beleevers and the depositary of the promises of grace that they are indeed most firm but yet that the accomplishment of them is obtained by faith and patience See Rom. 4. 〈◊〉 18. Gal. 3 7 9. V. 15. He obtained namely he is come to the heavenly inheritance by the righteousnesse of faith which is the true blessing of God Gal. 3. 6 8. and God hath endlesly encreased his spiritually progeny Rom. 4. 13 18. of which things the temporall blessings promised him by God were but onely figures V. 16. For men he sheweth that Abrahams faith could not be frustrat of its expectation being grounded upon Gods promises confirmed by an oath to which if there be credit given amongst men because God is called as a witnesse and a Judge how much more ought we to beleeve it when it is made use of by God himselfe from whom depends the vertue of all oathes For confirmation namely an oath being taken for a sufficient proofe in a doubtfull and an unknowne case upon which the Judge groundeth his judgement V. 17. More abundantly besides his Word and promiseâ— Unto the â—eires namely to his spirituall children comprehended in Abrahams holy posterity according to the faith who were also to be heires of the everlasting goods as Abraham was see Rom. 4. 16. Confirmed it bound himselfe and gave assurance thereof by himselfe Or made use of an oath therein V. 18. By two namely by the word and the oath Who have sâ—ed who have â—â—â—ely forsaken the world and the rest of our Nation Actâ— 2 40. to come into the Church as a place of safety as Abraham came out of his Countrey and from his kindred V. 19. As an
might be re-admitted to the communion of holy things Numb 19. 11 13 16. or it signifies that the sacrifices of the Law could make none but a ceremoniall expiation which is called carnal in opposition to Christs spiritual expiation See verse 10. V. 14. Through the The consideration of his Deitie concurring in his sacrifice 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 18. that by vertue of his persons soveraigne dignitie he might give an efficacie of infinite value to the sacrifice of his Humanitie See Acts 20. 28. Without spot this is the second foundation of the vertue of the sacrifice besides his Deitie namely the innocencie and perfect obedience of Christ being man to which two we must adde the third which is Gods order and vocation which makes Christ relative and communicable to all his believers Purge shall cause you to be absolved from sin by the imputing of his righteousnesse and satsfaction by meanes whereof you shall receive the Spirit of sanctification and shall be able to serve Him in newnesse of life Rom. 6. 3 4 5. V. 15. For this cause seeing that Christ by his death hath fulfilled his Priesthood and that the end of every Priest is to be a Mediatour of peace and covenant between God and men it followeth that He is truely a Mediatour of the nevv covenant Heb. 7. 22. and 8. 6. vvhich seeing it cannot be ratified but onely by the death of the suretie to give satisfaction to Gods justice is also called a Testament for the Greek word may signifie either Covenant or Testament That by meanes the end of this his Office is the Churches eternal salvation which Church is composed of men effectually called to the participation of Gods grace through the Redemption by Christs bloud Of the transgressions namely of the sinnes of all mankinde who were left without any remedie of true expiation even for Gods people themselves Acts 13. 39. Rom. 3. 25. which must be understood without Christ and faith in Him being promised for by this meanes believers of all ages have been reconciled to God by vertue of his satisfaction which was alwayes as present with God The promise namely the everlasting inheritance which was promised V. 16. For where He proves by the nature of this covenant which hath many things like unto a testamentarie disposition that it was necessary that Christ should diâ— that his children and believers might obtain the heavenly inheritance V. 17. After men are namely after the testaâ—or is dead for before his death he may alter his wiâ—l at any time so long as he is alive V. 18. Whereupon He proves by the ancâ—â—nt covenant which was a figure of the new that there can be no covenant of God with man but by the meanes of satisfaction for sin by death which was represented by that bloud of beasts Was dedicated namely the first solemne establishment of it V. 19. According to the following Gods expresse command to Moses Exod. 20. 22. and 21. 1. Took the the Apostle mixeth and joyneth together the anniversary expiation of the Sanctuarie and of the Tabernacle Lev. 16. 14. with the first powring out of the bloud set down Exod. 24. 5 6. With water this is not specified in Moses but may be gathered by similitude and analogie by Lev. 14. 6. 51. The book this likewise is not set down in Moses but the holy Ghost revealed it to the Apostle and hereby seemes to be signified that Gods covenant was not onely founded upon the Law but likewise upon the satisfaction which should be given by Christ and that it was figured by the bloud seeing the book was like the bond and the sprinkling like the acquittance see Col. 2. 14. V. 20. Which God namely which God hath commanded or hath appointed with you V. 21. The Tabernacle He sheweth that the meaning is that by that onely meanes of Christs bloud the Law of God is satisfied and his wrath appeased which was pointed at by the sprinkling of the bloud upon the book and the conscience of the people was purified which was represented by the sprinkling upon the people and so all the service which they did to God after that was acceptable to God the spring of uncleannesse namely sin being taken away which was figured by the sprinkling of the Tabernacle and all the utensils belonging to the outward service of it V. 22. Is no remission the Sacrament and ordinary Signe of all purging of sin and ceremoniall uncleannesses according to the Law is the sprinkling of bloud see Lev. 17. 11. V. 23. Necessary namely by the expresse command of the Law and by the continuall and unavoidable uncleannesses of the people Lev. 16. 16. The heavenly things Heaven though clean from all pollution of sin is said to be purified by Christs bloud because that by vertue thereof it is not onely the most noble part of the world and the treasure of all earthly blessings but is consecrated to be as it were the open Temple of spirituall service whither the Church carrieth its prayers vowes thankes-givings faith and hope With better sacrifices not that there were divers sacrifices as formerly but because Christs onely sacrifice under the New Testament is in stead of the severall ones in the Old Testament V. 24. Of the true namely of the heavenly in which is the truth and realitie of all ancient figures Heb. 8. 2. and 9. 8 12. V. 25. Of others that was none of their own V. 26. For then the meaning is if the reiteration of Christs sacrifice were necessary for future times the same reason would likewise prevail for times past seeing we must suppose that all believers sinnes in all ages have been purged by vertue of Christs onely sacrifice present to God and to their faith and if it was effectual before it was fulfilled much more ought it to be esteemed such after it is fulfilled To put away to blot out the fault and cancell the bond as concerning punishment before Gods judgement and likewise to destroy and mortifie the strength of it in his members V. 27. And as it is Gods ordinary Law is that man should once die after which death followeth his everlasting judgement either to life or to death so Christs sacrifice being accomplished by his death it followeth that he hath once onely offered himselfe and that upon this death God hath pronounced the sentence of absolution for all his elect V. 28. To bear to take their bond and condemnation off from them and lay it upon himselfe and bear it upon the crosse Isai 53. 4. 6. 1 Pet. 2. 24. Unto them that A frequent description of true believers who live in a perpetuall desire and hope of Christs blessed comming Rom. 8. 25. 2 Tim. 4. 8. Without sin being no more loaden with mens sinnes for to satisfie for them as he was at his first comming 2 Cor. 5. 21. but onely to bring believers into the possession of the acquired salvation CHAP. X. Vers. 1. THe Law By 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
Chaldeans securenesse and negligence in standing to their Armes V. 6. Goe set all this was done in a vision as it were drawing out in a table the approaching of the enemies campe and the taking of Babylon V. 8. I sland the Prophet tels the Lord how he is grieved because that having kept him so long in a vision and in the contemplation of the preparation made for Babylons ruine he had not yet shewed him the full execution of it Whereunto God answers declaring it to him by way of an irrevocable decree V. 9. Charet of men namely Charets of warre opposite to Charets to carry baggage see Isa. 22. 6. And he namely God V. 10. Of my floore that is to say the Kingdome which I purpose to thresh and beate down like straw on the floore Have I declared the Prophets words to the Church V. 11. Dumah this was the Country which belonged to Ismaels posterity Gen. 25. 14. and by this or with this seeme to be meant and understood the Edomites a neighbouring Nation He calleth a representation of the anguish the Edomites were in during these dangers as if they had desired to be certified by the Prophet of some certaine newes Watchman that is to say O thou Prophet whose office it is to see and foretell things to come as after night is past they use to set watches upon high places especially in time of warre tell us if thou hast any good advice or councell to give us V. 12. The Watchman that is to say I can say nothing to you from God but that your calamities will surely come to passe and they shall be accomplished like to an entire day consisting of day and night If ye will all your cares and foresights cannot prevent your evils which are unavoidable see Jer. 49. 7 Ezek. 35. 2 Obad. 5. V. 13. Shall ye lodge all the Countrey being full of Souldiers you cannot now securely travaile in great companies according to the Custome of the Country Ge. 37. 25. Job 6. 19. Of Dedanim people of Arabia descended from Abraham by Keturah Ge. 25. 3 V. 14. Brought water a propheticall description of the flight and affrightment of the Arabians at the Chaldeans comming V. 16. Within a yeere the Arabians being overcome by the Chaldeans Jer. 49. 28. Long after this prophecy This must not be understood of the time that was between the prophecy and the fulfilling of it but of the time that this warre lasted against Arabia as Isa. 20. 3. According to the see upon Isa. 16. 14. CHAP. XXII Vers. 1. OF the valley he doth obscurely speak of Jerusalem which was encompassed with hils Psal. 125. 2. and cals it the valley of vision by allusion to the name of Ierusalem for Salem signisieth a place where God sees and provides see Gen. 22. 14. What aileth thee a propheticall representation of the siege and sacking of Ierusalem Gone up the house topps were made like unto great open terraces and they went up to them in time of publique mourning and calamities as it were to present themselves openly to God and to aske and begge reliefe at his hands see Isa. 50. 3. Ier. 48. 38. V. 2. The slaine men he hath a relation to Zedekiah and his men of warre who were taken after they fled out of the City whereof the chiefe were slaine Ier. 39. 4. V. 4. Said I the prophets hearty sorrow for the miseries which were to come upon his Nation Of the daughter that is to say of the City or Communalty V. 6. Elam a people of Persia and Media who served the King of Babylon in this warre Of men see upon Isai. 21. 9. Kir an Easterly Nation in Persia or Media 2 Kin. 16. 9. Uncovered that is to say have taken their Armes for in time of peace they wrapped up their Armes for feare of rufting V. 8. The covering namely the Rampire and defence that is to say Gods protection see Exod. 32. 25. Num. 14. 9. Mic. 1. 11. Thou didst looke O people you have looked after and trusted in humane meanes for to defend you The house he meanes the royall Palace which was called the house of the wood of Lebanon 1 King 7. 2. which was also the armorie for the Kings guard 1 Kings 10. 16 17. 2 Chron. 12. 10. V. 9. Ye gathered you Jews will imitate by reason in your fear Hezechiah by prevailing against the Assyrians in cutting off the waters from them and bringing them into the Citie by pipes under ground 2 Chron. 32. 4. 30. but not in his faith having a recourse to God by prayers humiliation V. 10. Numbred to know the certain number of the inhabitants and the people which were for defence for to give every one their charge and to distribute the provision of victuall V. 11. Between the two this was a place on the north-side of Jerusalem where the gathering of waters was between the wall of the City and another compasse of wall within side which was called Bezera see 2 King 25. 4. Jer. 39. 4. For the water a great pond into which were gathered and kept the waters which came from the upper poole Isa. 7. 3. which was formerly made by Solomon Nehem. 12. 14. and therefore is called The old pool or fish-pond opposite to that which Hezekiah made 2 Kings 20. 20. and is here called The lower poole vers 9. Looked by faith conversion and prayer Unto the maker namely to God who is the author of these judgements and visitaâ—ions see Isa 37. 26. Others to him that made iâ— that is to say That built and established Jerusalem and his Church Long agoe he hath a relation to this vision which was long before it came to passe V. 12. Call that is to say hath given you great cause of griefe for to bring you to repentance To baldnesse the Italian to tâ—aring of hair as Ezr. 9. 3. Mich. 1. 16. V. 13. Let us eat a representation of the peoples prophane and desperate thoughts in their calamities V. 14. And it was or and the Lord of hosts hath revealed himselfe to mine ears that is to say to me speaking as followeth V. 15. Treasurer it should seeme that he was the chiefe both for the state and for the treasure Shebna it may be the same man as is mentioned 2 King 18. 18. where he is named Secretary There is not any mention made elsewhere of the evill carriages nor of the end of this man Others by conjecture onely do beleeve that he was deposed from his government and made secretary onely and that that was the beginning of his fall which was here foretold by Isaiah V. 16. What hast thou that is to say thou art unworthy of this high degree and oughtest to be deposed and therefore shalt not enjoy these honours till thine houre of death upon which hope notwithstanding thou'buildest thy selfe this stately Scpulchre And whom hast he seems to have a relation to Shâ—bnas base and forraigne parentage his meaning is
thou art as it were a new man and therefore oughtest not to build thy selfe a Sepulchre in thy life time after the manner of great ones who have burying places common for all their postcrity from father to sonne And if thou imaginest to give a beginning of this pomp in thine own person know that being condemned by God to an ignominious end thy buâ—iall cannot be hononourable V. 17. Cover thee the Italian quite cover thy face as they used to doe to criminall condemned men whose faces they covered as being persons unworthy to see the sunne any more and persons fraught with ignominâ—e see Est. 7. 8 Job 9. 24. V. 18. There shalt thou namely in that base estate which thou shalt be brought into from all thy fore-passed power and glorie during which thou didst pompously ride on horsback and in thy charet V 21. With thy girdle a signe of power and of command Job 12. 18 21. Isa. 11. 5. and 45. 1. 5. V. 22. And the key which is a badge of the generall superintendency of the Palace so Eliakim was a figure of Christ Rev. 3. 7. He shall open what soever he shall do in the managing of his place shall be hrme and unvariable there shall be neither let nor opposition V. 23. Fasten him that is to say I will establish him in his state and he shall be a sure stay to all his kindred yea to all the tribe of Judah which shall be honoured and exalted through his dignity V. 24. Shall hang upon him all other inferiour Offices which are but as branches of the generall superintendencie shall depend upon him and hee shall order them in very good sort All vessels he seems to meane all persons in inferiour places and offices as the officers belonging to the cellar to shew that through his vertue and care the Kings house should be well governed even in the meanest and most abject places V. 25. The naile namely Shebnah who seemed to be so firmly established And the burden those that were in his favour and depended upon him and did wholly rest upon him CHAP. XXIII Vers. 1. HOwle for the losse of your voyages and commerce Tarshish namely of the great Sea It is namely Tyre Is laid waste that is to say it shall be destroyed first by Nebuchadnezzar Ezech. 26. and afterwards utterly by Alexander the great Now Isaiah joyneth together in one these two calamities as the beginning and the ending of one and the same desolation Of Chittim namely from the Macedonians see Gen. 10 4. Numb 24. 24. Dan. 11. 30. It is revealed that is to say It is come upon them suddenly V. 2. Be still the Italian be silent through horrour and confusion Of the Isle namely of Tyre which stands in a little Iland encompassed round about with the sea V. 3. Her revenue that is to say Tyre had all her provision of victuals out of Egypt where the river Nilus with its overflowing did cause great plenty in the Countrey V. 4. Zidon a great Citie neer to Tyre and joyned with it as it were one stâ—â—e see Ezech. 28. 21. The Sea that is to say There shall no more Colonies be sent into other Ilands and places from Tyre and Zidor Queenes of the Mediterranean Sea as there hath been heretofore by reason of the number and wealth of that people to the great increase of their power and glory The stâ—â—ngth that is to say Tyre a very strong City as well by reason of her strong walls as by reason of her being encompassed with the Sea V. 5. Sorely pained fearing to be in the same manner assaulted by the Chaldeans whereunto the taking of Tyre gave an occasion and made the way eahe see Ezek 29. 18. V. 6. Posse ye over that is to say O ye Tyrians and Zidonians goe your wayes wandring by Sea into strange Countries flying from your enemies or being carried captives into far Countries V. 8. The crowning the Italian the crowned namely the royall City which hath the title of a Kingdom Ezek. 21. 2 12. V. 10. Passe that is to say O you Tyrians that are as children of the Sea goe your wayes into captivity As a river whose water neveâ— stay which seems contrary to the Sea which doth not â—un into any other place as their former estate was namely firme and constant Strength the Italian girdle that is to say thou art no more begirt with walls and rampires Ezek. 26. 4. Or figuratively thy strength power and dominion is gone V. 11. Over the sea over the Ilands and Provinces upon the Sea coasts Against the merchant city the Italian against the Canaaneans from whenâ—e the Tyrians and Zidonians had their originall Gen. 10. 15 19. V. 12. Virgin that is to say ye people of Tyre that were never subdued and whose slate hâ—th remained still untouched under the government of your own naturall Lords Daughter some do understand thâ—s particularly of Tyre which was founded by the Zâ—donians V. 13. Behod if any one judge this fall of Tyre to be impossible and incredible let him consider what hath hapned to more ancient and mightier States as the Chaldeans who were formerly subdued and swallowed up by the Assyriars Gen. 10. 11. and shall hereafter be destroyed by the Persians for an example of that which shall be done to the Tyrians by the Macedonians see Amos 6. 2. This people namely the Tyrians had not yet any forme of State or Common wealth The Assyrian namely Ashur the sonne of Sem who certainly did not found the Babylonian nor Chaldean Empire but the Assyrian of which Ninevch was the head Gen. 10. 11. but because that in the ensuing times Babylon encreased greatly by the conquest of Assyria the founda ion of all Chaâ—dâ—a is attributed to Ashur For them namely to bring those people that were dispersed afâ—er the ruines of the flood into Cities and Communalt es see Job 3. 14 and 15. 28. The towers thereof or the Forts that is to say The Cities fiâ—ting to inhabit and to bee places of defence V. 15. In tâ—atday namely at that time as the Chaldeans thall bring these things to passe Be forgotten be desolate and forsaken by God and men Seventy namely from the time that Tyre was taken by Nebuchadnezzar untill the ruine of the Babylonian Empire by the Persians under whom Tyre did â—ise againe into her former state untill the dayes of Alexandâ—r the great According to namely so long as the Empire of Babylon shall last Shall Tyre c. the Italian Tyre shall have in her mouth as the song of an harlot that is to say she shall fall to her old traffick whereby she shall draw strange nations unto her V. 16. Take an harp he alludes to the great delight the Tyrians tooke in the aâ—t of Musicke to which they were addicted Ezech. 26. 13. and 28. 13. V. 17. To her â—ire the Italian to her gain the Hebrew word properly signifieth the infamous gain of a whore Shall