25. For although Jacob reproved the deed Gen. 34. 30. and 49. 6. yet remained he Lord of the place as by right of warre which was as the first fruit of the destruction of the accursed natioâ—ns CHAP. XLIX VERS 3. MY might Begotten in the floure of my age and of my strength an Hebrew phrase as Deut. 21. 17. Psa. 78. 51. The excellency By the right of thine eldership thou hadst the superiority of commanding thy brethren and the honour of Priesthood and the prerogative of the double part V. 4 Unstable The Italian hath it All that is runne out Through thine abominable incest thou hast lost that naturall right thou hadst like water powred upon a pent-house for the Dominion was transferred to Iudah the Priesthood to Levi and the double portion to Ioseph in the persons of his 2 children Gen. 48. 5. 1 Chr. 5. 1. Thou shalt not excell The Italian Thou shalt not have the superioritie By my patriarchall authoritie I deprive thee of thy right of eldership Up to my couch The Italian addeth All that vanished away that thy degree is vanished away like a vapour or smoake the Hebrew is gone up V. 5 Are Brethren Even as they were borne of one mother so were they joyned together in their wills in the action touching the Sichemites Gen. 34. 25. V. 6 Come not thou God forbid that ever I should either in thought or word have had any part in those bloudy councells and enterprizes Mine honour That is my tongue according to the Hebrew phrase Psal. 16. 9. and 30. 12. and 57. 8. 9. because that the facultie of speaking amongst the sensible faculties is the noblest that man hath above all creatures In their selfe will In their owne passion without any lawfull power or any just enforcement which are the two things which make taking up of armes just Digged down Utterly destroyed the City of Sichem though that be not expressed in the history V. 7 I will divide them For a punishment of their blame-worthy union and league I decree their posteritie to be scattered amongst the other tribes in the division of the Land of Canaan So Simeons part was intermixed with Iudahs Ios. 19. 1. and it was yet more scattered when the one part of it went to seek out new habitations 1 Chron. 4. 24. Levi also had no part together but was divided amongst all the tribes Ios. 21. 4. c. V. 8 Shall praise That is shall honour thee and acknowledge thee for their head and superior 1. Chron. 5. 2. He alludes to the signification of Iudahs name whereof see Gen 29. 35. Thy band he prophecyeth of the peoples victoriâ—s wherein Iudah was alwayes the chief Iudg. 1. 2. and 20. 18. chiefly under David and his descent Now under these corporall warres and victories are also understood Christs spirituall ones who was the true Lion of Iudah Râ—v 5. 5. Thy fathers châ—ldren All my posterity shall respect thee as their Lord in the Kingdome conferred upon the Tribe of Iudah in Davids person And all the Chuâ—ch which is the true Israel in spirit shall worship Christs person which came from Iudah according to the flesh Gen. 27. 29. V 9 A Lions whelp That is to say in his beginnings and as it were in his first youth he shall overcome and subdue his enemies and then shall enjoy that rest which he hath established through his valour An old Lion For there are two kindes of Lions the one short and trussed up with a curled haire the other greater with long haire and more fierce V. 10 The Sâ—â—pter The right of eldership and of supreme temporall Dominion shall never be quite taken away from thee untill the Messias be come who shall be of thy posterity and he shall change it into a spirituall and everlasting kingdome destroying a little while after by means of the Romans both the people and forme of any Jewish Common-weale Dan. 9. 26 27. Now although the Tribe of Judah have not alwayes beene in possession of the kingdome as before David in Babylon under the Asmoneans who were Levites and under Herod the Idumean yet it never lost the title and right to it and hath alwayes kept some Reliques of the possession having the body of its common-weale severall and its divine and humane Lawes which never was promised nor happened unto any of the other Tribes Isa. 7. 8. And the alteration of one raigning generation altereth not the kingdome if the same people and Lawes remaine Now he describeth this slate by the Scepter and the Law-giver and by the first fifteen poynted out the supream power and by the second the administration of Justice Councels and Offices of government Between It seemeth that he alludes to the custome and fashion of Kings who when they sit in their Thrones have below at their feet their Chancellors Councellors and chiefe officers Shiloh The Italian hath it him to whom that belongeth That is the Messias the true everlasting King of his Church Psalm 2. 6 and 110. 2 Of whom the earthly ones were onely figures and representers The Hebrew word Shiloh hath beene by many of the ancient rightly translated Vnto him Hee shall convert it into a spirituall and universall Kingdome over all people Others unto him shall the people be gathered and reduced V. 11. Binding A propheticall and allegoricall description of the Churches spirituall blessings Vnto the Vine As in some other lands one might bind his bâ—ast he râ—deth on to a stump or wild shrub The meaning is the Land shall be so perfectly unshrubbed and unforrested that one shall hardly find any uselesse plant to tye an Asse unto See Isa. 7. 25. He washed As Job 29. 6. V. 12. With Wine Or more than Wine or Milk V. 14. Asse A mighty nation but cowardly in its enterprizes and base to submit it self to the yoak of slavery before it will free it selfe with labour and danger Coâ—ching down Shut up in his owne countrey like an Asse in a stable See Judges Chapt. 5 verse 15. V. 16. Shall judge By allusion to the name of Dan which signifieth judgement Genesis 30. 6. He meaneth that Dan shall have his Tribe within his jurisdiction and government as the other or peradventure he meaneth it of Sampson the Danite who judged that is to say governed the whole nation see Judges 13. 2. 24. V. 17. A Serpent A crafty people who shall proceed more by deceits than by open strength See an an example thereof Judg. 18. and in the whole history of Sampson V. 18 O Lord It should seem that Jacob at the remembrance of Dan trembleth with horror and rageth fore-seeing that in that Tribe should be erected the generall idolatrie of the ten Tribes from whence should grow their ruine 1. Kings 12. 29. Amos 8. 14. which should be restored by the Messias whom he also looketh upon in this astonishment see Hos. 3. 4 5. V. 19 A troup His country shall be exposed to incursions and robbings
have it the assent by which he went up into the house of the Lord because that between the royall Palace and the Temple there was a very stately bridge built over that hollow place mentioned upon 1 King 9. 15. and in this sence must be understood that which is spoken 2 Chron. 9. 4. V. 11. Of Hiram that is to say which was built after the Tirian manner and with the Timber sent by Hiram and was manned by his Marriners 2 Chron. 8. 18. besides Solomons navie mentioned vers 22. Almug trees a kinde of precious wood like Ebony or some such like wood where of there was great store in the Indies though by 2 Chr. 2. 8. it appears that there grew of the same or the like in Libanus if so be that Algummim and Almuggim be all one name V. 13. Gave her of his own free will without any asking V. 15. Of all by way of tributes or presents for victuall or for the obtaining of traffick V. 17. Three pound the Italian hath it three Mines the Mine being threescore Shekels Ezec. 45. 12. which makes two pound and a half at twelve ounces in the pound V. 19. The top the top of it with its neech was made in a semicircular forme V. 22. A Navie his owne Ships for the Ocean Sea besides them which the King of Tire had lent him Peacocks the Italian hath it Parrats or Peacocks V. 26. Gathered contrary to the Law Deut. 17. 16. V. 27. Sycomore-trees wilde figge-trees which are very common in those Countreys called in these dayes Egyptian figgs or Pharaohs figgs V. 28. Horses Egypt abounding in horses and fine linnen Prov. 7. 16. Isa. 31. 1. 3. Ezec. 27. 7. brought out by covenant and agreement made with the King of Egypt Merchants Solomon had all the profit of it whereby hee made a great gaine CHAP. XI VERS I. LOved contrary to the Law Deut. 17. 17. V. 3. Princesses solemnly espoused who participated of their husbands state and dignity whereas the concubines were in an inferiour degree V. 5. Milcom it is the same Idol which elsewhere is called Molec and Molcam V. 6. After the see upon Num. 14. 24. The meaning is that though Solomon did not personally himselfe commit Idolatry yet hee grew slack and connived at the bringing of it in to please his women carnall love drowning his zeale to God Others translate it hee did not persevere in following after the c. V. 7. Build that is to say â—ee suffered to be built the hill the mount of Olives on the East V. 11. Said caused to bee said by some Prophet as this thou hast kept hidden within thine heart this evill seed of impiety rend I will suffer a great division to be made therein and the greatest part to withdraw it selfe from thine obedience A manner of speech taken from that the Kingdome is like unto a glorious mantle upon the Kings shoulders as 1. Sam. 15. 28. see v. 31. and 1. Kings 12 16. V. 13. Ierusalems for my Churches sake which I will preserve in the pure observance of my service performed only in Ierusalem V. 15. To bury these circumstances are not specified in the story V. 16. Every male it is very likely that this â—ught to be understood but only of one or some Cities of Idumea which being beâ—ieged refused the reasonable conditions of peace whereupon they perished with the edge of the sword according to the Law Deut. 20. 13. Or every male namely they which were taken in the heat of the fight 1. Chron. 18. 12. V. 18. Of Midian whether Midian was comprehended within Idumea which was a very generall name of those Countries or whether Hadad being gone out of Idumea did rest himselfe some time in Midian V. 21. Let mee depart it is likely that while Solomon persevered in well doing all Hadads attempts were vaine But after Solomon was corrupted hee got his Kingdome of Idumea againe which remained to his posterity which held it in see of Iudah which subjection was also shaken off 2. Kings 8. 20. according to the prophecy Gen. 27. 40. V. 24. Vnto him others have it against him namely against Hadad-Ezer V. 25. All the dayes after Solomon did begin to goe aftray V. 26 Servant it is likely that Ieroboam was one of those Cananites which remained in the land whom Solomon employed about his work 1. King 9. 20 and were called Solomons servants Ezr. 2. 55. V. 27. The cause particularly set down v. 29. repaired the Italian closed with a wall upon which was made that great place or terrace called Millo V. 28. Made him see 1. Kings 5. 16. of the house of the tribe of Manasses and of Ephraim especially of this last which by its preheminence oftentimes bare the fathers name which was common to both V. 29. Clad some refer this to the Prophet some to Ieroboam V. 32. One tribe namely that of Iudah to which alwayes remained joyned a great of the tribe of Benjamin and Simeon which were intermixed with that of Iudah V 36. A light some of his posterity in whom the light of the Kingdome may remaine alive and who may possesse the state of it see 1. Kings 15. 4. 2 Kings 8. 19. Psal. 132. 17. my name the seat of my Majesty and the signes of my presence V. 37. Reigne as a soveraign absolute and undependant King V. 38. Build thee I will give thee a firme and durable state and give thee contiuned issue to possesse it Israel the ten tribes called Israel from that time to make a difference between it and Iudah V. 39. But not for Christ descended from David according to the flesh was to restore the ruines of Davids temporall Kingdome changing it into a spirituall and everlasting Kingdome V. 40. Therefore the knowledge and notice of this prophecy being come to his eare by some meanes which is not specified V. 41. In the book which as well as divers others is lost the Scripture notwithstanding remaining still perfect as also the beliefe and instruction of the Church CHAP. XII VERS I. SHechem to hold the generall assembly of the Kingdome in that place made choice of for that purpose because it was in the middest of the countrey and in the most powerfull tribe of Ephraim within whose countrey the people were the more encouraged and emboldned to demand to be eased and redressed in some grievances to make him to receive and install him as lawfull successor An opportunity upon which the people did use to desire favours new privilidges or a confirmation of the old and a redresse of grievances and oppressions V. 4. The grievous service Solomon made the Cananites only servants 1. King 9. 20. 22. but peradventure their requests were seconded by all the children of Israel who might also bee wronged therein being that service which before was common to all the people was now reduced to be the Kings only V. 7. VVilt serve them wilt incline to please them V. 10. My
had oftentimes before broken and renewed their covenants with the Chaldeans without falling into finall ruine shall thinke that the businesse will passe so for this time also and that Nebuchadnezzars enterprize will come to nothing but he namely Nebuchadnezzar will at this time pay them for their former treacheries V. 24. To be remembred that is to say through your wickednesse and impiety which you openly make profession of you give cause first to me whose name hath been used in your oathes and next to the King of Babylon to punish you at once for your perjuries and reiterated rebellions V. 25. Wicked namely Zedekiah whose day namely of thy just punishment V. 26. This shall not The Kingdome of Judah shall no more be that triumphant Kingdome which it was at other times that is low namely Jehoiakim now a prisoner and afterwards set at liberty and exalted 2 King 24. 12. and 25. 27 28. that is high namely Zedekiah V. 27. Untill he the Kingdome shall never be restored to its former lustre untill the Messias comes to whom by right it belongeth as Davids succession according to the flesh and established by God to be King over his Church who shall alter it into a spirituall and everlasting kingdome See Gen 49. 10. V. 28. Thus saith by this prophecye is declared that though the Ammonites were at that time spared yet at the last they should be destroyed by the Chaldeans Their reproach namely the wrongs and outrages offered to my people and their insulting over them Ezek. 25. 3 6. V. 29. Whilest they whilest thy diviners and Soothsayers doe foretell thee all manner of happinesse and securenesse perswading thee that thou shalt trample upon the Jewes necks who are flaine for their sinnes and that no harme shall come to thee V. 30. In the place O you Ammonites I will not scatter you into strange lands as I have done my people but will destroy you in your owne land V. 31. Will blow I will light and kindle it V. 32. Thy bloud all thy countrey shall be overflowne with bloud CHAP. XXII Vers. 5. MVch vexed the Italian Great in ruine thou shalt be famous for the greatest desolation that ever fell upon any City V. 13. I have A signe either of great joy or of extreme sorrow and anger as in this place See Ezek. 21. 14. 17. V. 14. Can thine heart Wil t thou have courage and strength enough to withstand my judgments V. 15. Will consume I will cause thee to perish that thou mayst no more provoke me by thine enormities V. 16. And thou shalt take c. the Italian and thou shalt be defiled That is to say filled with blood desolated not regarded as a holy City but like a wicked place which God hath cast ofâ— V. 18. Is to me It is quite degenerate like to good silver turned to drosse Brasse they have some appearance of goodnesse and holinesse but in effect they are wicked like to a masse of base silver mixed with all manner of base metalls In the middest namely in Jerusalem where I will melt and consume them by the fire of my judgement as in a furnace See Ezek. 24. 10. V. 24. Say unto her namely to the Jewish nation or to Jerusalem that is not cleansed the fire of my judgements hath not cleansed thee from thy filthinesse and there is nothing sound nor good in thee therefore I will lay a most extreme burthen upon thee and use no clemencie at all towards thee see Jer. 4. 11. and 29. Ezek. 24. 6. V. 25. There is a conspiracie All this may have a relation to the persecutions which the false Prophets by plots and conspiracies raised against good men see Jer. 20. 20 26. 8. 20 29. 25 26 Lam 4 13. V. 26. Hid their eyes They have winked at the violation of the Sabbath or they themselves have framed pretences whereby they might safely violate it Prophaned contemned and dishonoured without any reverence to any sacred Majestie CHAP. XXIII Vers. 2. THere were that is to say my people have beene divided into two Kingdomes of the ten tribes and of Judah both come of one Nation namely Israel see Jer. 3. 7. 8. 10. Ezek. 16. 44. 45. V. 3. Commited whoredomes spiritually by Idolatry There were a figurative description of the peoples first going astray after Idolls V. 4. Aholah the Italian Ohola these are feigned names fitted to the state of these two Kingdomes in respect of Religion for Aholah or Ohola signifieth her Tabernacle because that the ten tribes having forsaken the Temple of God had established a worship of God according to their owne minds 1 Kings 12. 16. 28. 31. Aholibah or Ohdiba signifieth my Tabernacle is in her for the pure worship of God remained amongst the Jewes in the Temple 2 Chron. 13. 10. 11. Samariâ— the head of the ten tribes Isa. 7. 9. as Jerusalem was of Judah V. 5. When she was mine the Italian receiving others in my place Heb. under mee which may be understood thus being my wife subject to mee Loved an ordinary title for prophane Nations with which Gods people joyned in idolatrie and impurity neighbours after the Assyrians had conquered Syria which bordered upon the ten tribes V. 6. Cloathed a magnificent gentle rich and powerfull Nation V. 8. From Egypt He seemes to have a relation to the golden Caâ—ves set up by Jeroboam in imitation of the Calfe Apis dedicated to the Egyptians chiefest Idoll Serapis see upon Exod. 32. 4. this may also be understood of the unlawfull covenants made with Egypt 2 Kings 17. 4. V. 10. Discovered that is to say They have shamefully punished her a terme taken from the disgraces which are done to poore women which are taken in the warres Isa. 20. 4. and 47. 3. or from the shamefull punishment of Strumpets slew her namely the body of the Nations famous that is to say A noted and memorable example of Gods judgements V. 14. When she saw a description of an unbridled lust like a woman that should fall in love with strangers that are absent onely by seeing their picture and should send to seeke after them into a farre countrey V. 17. Her mind that is to say The Jewes have broken the league which they had made with the Chaldeans to joyne with the Egyptians their enemies and emulators 2 Kings 24. 1. 20. V. 18. She discovered Shee hath publikely prostituted her selfe V. 19. She multiplâ—ed She hath also had shamefull doings with the Egyptians putting her whole confidence and trust in their reliefe and friend-ship contrary to the faith they owed to God V. 20. Whose flesh these are termes taken from the shamefull lusts of unchaste women and doe shew the strength and riches of Egypt which moved the Jewes to make a league with them V. 21. Of thy growth The meaning is the Egyptians tooke occasion to perswade thee to idolatry when thou wert in thy spirituall childhood by reason thou hadst but small knowledge and experience
God had also imployed the same nations for to afflict and punish them severely by tyrrannies oppressions violences and desolations by warre But yet the sonne of God the everlasting head of his Church would not suffer it to bee quite corrupted or destroyed but divers times appeared and spake either in his owne person or by some Prâ—phat to reprove his people and call them to repentance And did also at their need extraordinariâ— prayse up some heroicall persons which he did indue with power and gifts of his spirit inspiring and setting them on to take upon them the government under a benigne fatherly and reasonable forme to minister justice practised through the light and guid of Gods spirit and to defend and deliver the people from their oppressors and to re-establish the publik liberty and peace by their Armies miraculously conducted and blessed by God and all under the plaine name title of Iudges seeing their whole dignity and office being restrained 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the bounds of those two functions could not beare any signe of a violent proud or absolut domination but depending onely upon Gods election command approbation and guid aiming onely at the publike good and safety as Moses and Ioshua had done which lasted untill the Philistims tyranny which was never quite abolished by the Iudges yea joyned to the rest of the peoples frequent dis-orders it layd open the way for Gods providence to confirme the state by erecting Davids and his posterities Monarchy which was to serve for a perpetuall direction to expect Christ his spirituall and everlasting Kingdome ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 1. ASked By the high Priest according to the Law Nu. 27. 21. V. 8. Had fought Namely in Ioshua's time Now they of Iudah had but onely taken one part of Ierusalem which had always been divided into two Cities severally enclosed with walls See Ios. 15. 63. V. 16 Kenite A Nation of which Iethro Moses his father in law was Num. 24. 21 who stayed with the people at Moses his request Num. 10. 31. or at the least his posterity afterwards did come amongst them Iudg. 14 17. 1 Sam. 15. 5 1 Chron. 2. 55. Ier. 32. 5. Out of the City Namely Iericho See Deut. 34. 3. V. 17. Hormah That is to say destruction after the manner of the accursed thing V. 19. Could not See Ios. 63. Of Iron See upon Ios. 17. 16. Now the use of these charers was for the plains and vallies not for the hilly Countries V. 21 The children For one part of Ierusalem belonged to the land of Benjamin Ios. 18. 28. the other belonged to Iudah Ios. 15. 63. V. 27 Would dwell As Ios. 17. 12. CHAP. II. VERS 1. ANgel Which was the sonne of God himselfe who from time to time appeared in humane shape as the great Captaine of the people and therefore here attributeth unto himself the works of God see Ex. 14. 19. and 23. 20. and 33. 14. Ios. 5. 13 14. Iodg 6. 12. and 13. 3. Came up From Gilgal where he first appeared to Ioshua Iosh. 5. 13. hee now appeared again in Bochim here so called by anticipation vers 5. V. 3 A snare A cause of râ—ine and perdition through the idolatry which you shall commit with them drawne thereunto by the society which you hold with these nations Exod. 23. 33. Deuteronomy 7 16. V. 4 Spake It is very likely that hee spake through the high Priest or Ioshua himselfe V. 5 Bochim That is to say the place of weeping V. 9 Timnath-Heres It seemeth that by reason of the abommation of the idolatry which was here done to the Sun for Here 's in Hebrew signifieth the Sun this place was afterward by transposition of letters called Timnath-â—â—ra Ios. 19. 50. and 2â— â—0 as upon the same occasion the like change was made of many other proper names V. 10. Which knew not Which was not present at the time of those miraculous works and manifestations and had not the experience nor lively impression thereof as they who had been eye-witnesses of it V. 11. Did evil By this ordinary circumlocution is meant idolatry which is the sinne which above all other sinnes offends Gods Majesty Baalim The generall name of all the Canaanean Caldean and Syrian idols and signifieth Lords or Governors Under this name the Planets were worshipped to whom the Astrologians attribute some kind of domination in their houses in heaven Under this name is also the name of Bel comprehended either single or compounded V. 13. Ashtaroth The generall name of the female idolls of those nations as of Venus-starre amongst the Sidonians and of the Moone and the earth amongst the Syrians and it is very likely that from thence is derived the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Saturne Mercury Iupiter Luna Pallas c. came from the Hebrew V. 16 Iudges Rulers and supream Magistrates who were endowed with heroicall and extraordinary vertues by Gods spirit and had also a divine calling as well to rule the people with Laws and judgements as for to defend them from their enemies by just warre V. 17 A whoring A very frequent terme in Scripture signifying the unlawfull and shamefull conjunction of the soule with idolls whereas true and sincere religion is compared to chaste wedlock Their fathers In Ioshua's time and a while after V. 18 It repented See upon Gen. 6. 6. V. 19. Then their fathers The ancientest in Egypt and in the wildernesse They ceased not they imitated yea went beyond the examples of their wicked fore-fathers V. 22. I may prove This was Gods end when he left these Nations in Joshua's time for afterwards this triall having an evill issue they served no longer for trials but for scourges and instruments of revenge CHAP. III. VERS 1. AS had not They had not been present whereby they were also lesse touched with these wonders as being olde wherefore God left some victories to follow to renew the memory of the old and keep the people in continuall exercise of Faith and Obedience seeing they had the same need of Gods grace against that remainder of the enemies V. 2. Only that Besides that chief foresaid end God had another which was to prevent the relenting and tendernesse which is caused by great and long rest and for to force his people to hold those nations to be enemies and to execute his sentence against them seeing they were continually assaulted molested by them To cach them the Italian Being taught at their own costs and to their dammage V 3. Five Judg. 1. 18. It hath been said that Judah conquered three of them but we ought to beleeve that this chanced after the time which is here set downe namely after the death of Joshua Judges chapter 2. verse 21. V. 7. The groves See Exodus 34. 13. Deutcronomy 16. 21. Judg. 6. 25. V. 10. The sp rit God did endow him extraordinarily with the gifts of his Spirit in heroicall vertues fit ting for the charge of government and deliverance
See Judges 18. 12. CHAP. XIV VERS 4. THat he Namely Samson who enlightened with the knowledge of what he was called unto stood waiting to have the Philistims give him cause to contend with them to revenge himselfe or their tyranny over the people V. 6. Came mighâ—ly upon him In a moment he filled him with a supernaturall strength both of body and minde to confirme him by this act in his vocation as 1 Samuel chapter 17. verse 34. A figure of Christs first victory over the Devill by his death John chapter 12. verse 31. Hebrewes chapter 2. verse 14. He told not by the 8. verse it appeares that Samson did this act out of the way being gone aside from his father for some unknown cause V. 8. To take her To marry her solemnely a figure of the Gentiles calling Hosea chapter 2. verse 19. V. 11. They brought Under pretence of keeping him company and honouring him but it was indeed to sift him and look to him perceiving some terrible motions in him V. 12. Put forth According to the fine ancient custome especially at feasts to exercise their wits See 1 Kings Chapter 10. verse 1. A riddle A speech or obscure and intricate question hard to find out or resolve A figure of the Gospell which is a doctrine hidden from the knowledge of the flesh preached to the world in the time of the Gentiles calling 1 Corinthians chapter 2. v. 7. The seven dayes an usuall time for nuptiall feasts See Genesis chapter 29. verse 27. Sheets Which they carried about them as they do yet in these dayes in the East countrey to rubbe and dry themselves or to cast over their heads or other parts of their body or for other necessary uses See Genesis Chaptes 38. verse 18. V. 14 Out of the An expresse figure of the mystery of the sweet and saving food of the soule brought forth by Christs death by which he destroyed death and the devill See John chapter 6. v. 5. and Hebrew 2. 14. V. 15. Declare unto us By declaring it unto thee that so we may know it from thee A figure of the worlds vaine endeavours to comprehend the Gospell of themselves which cannot be understood but only by the revelation of Christs Spirit 1 Corinthians 2. 10. by the ministery of the Church which in the children of this aâ—e causeth a scossing of Christ and the persecution of his Church V. 17. The seventh day Beleeving it to be already beyond the prefixed time V. 18. If ye had not These words seeme to intimate some signe of suspicion of some secret and unchaste dealing with his wife which kindled a jealousie in him wherein the Spirit of God having a hand he was provoked had power to execute his vengeance upon the accursed and tyrannicall nation V. 20. To his companion To that Philistim whom Samson had chosen for his second-selfe in the nuptiall feasts according to the custome John chapter 3. v. 29. CHAP. XV. VERS 1. INto the chamber according to the ancient laudable custome by which women had their chambers severall from the rest of the houshold See Gen. 23. 2 and 2467. and 3133. V. 4. Foxes Whereof there was great plenty in that Countrey Cant. 2. 15. Now this act of Samsons containeth in it a figure of division of the wary councels of worldly men by which Christ setteth the world on fire Psal. 55. 9. Luke 12. 49. V. 6 Burnt A figure of the persecution of the Church whereby Gods judgements are redoubled upon the Church V. 7 Yet will I be the Italian hath it If I be not a manner of a reserved oath And after that I will not give over untill I have fully accomplished my revenge V. 8 Smote them He made a great slaughter of them without any weapons hurling them against the ground with spurnes and thrusts with his knees Etam See 2 Chron. 11. 6. V 9. Lehi A place so called by anticipation verse 17. V. 14. Loosed Not onely in the knots but even the very webs of them V. 16 With the In the Hebrew there is a kind of similitude between the word Asse and Heap as if he did say with the jaw-bone of an Asse I have made such a slaughter V. 17 Ramath-â—ehi That is to say the Hill of a jaw-bone or the slinging of a jaw-bone V. 18 A thirst A figure of Christs spirituall heat and thirst in the extremity of his combats and upon the very poynt of his victory upon the crosse John chap. 19. 28. Thou hast given Thou hast given him the meanes and power to obtain it V. 19 In the Jaw The Italian hath it A hollow stone according to others one of the teeth which was in the jaw-bone Enhakkore That is the well of him that called or cryed V. 20. Of the Philistims Namely when they ruled Israel for Samson did never quite free the people from the Philistims yoak that being reserved for David to doe who was the figure of Christ who shal accomplish the delivery of his Church at the last glorious appearing of his kingdome CHAP. XVI VERS 3. AND took A figure of Christ his glorious resurrection who could not be detained by death Psal. 68. 20. Acts 2. 24 V. 9 His strength From whence it came namely from the spirit of God and by what means his strength was preserved namely by meanes of his strictly keeping his Nazarite-ship through Gods siâ—gular grace which did tye Samson to that obedience whereby it is likely that he had some expresse manifestation from God though this gift was not common to all Nazarites V. 13 Weavest And windest it as the yarne for a web of cloth The seven Any haire divided into seven locks as the gift of the Holy Ghost are often represented by the number of seven in signe of perfection Exodus 25. 37. Zach. 3. 9. and 4. 2. Revelations chapt 1. verse 4. and chapt 5. verse 6. V. 14 Fastened To the loome having wound his haire about the yarne-beame V. 17 If I be shaven This did not depend upon the ordinary forme of the Nazarite who might be without the miraculous gift of corporall strength but it was a singular favour in Samson by Gods free will annexed to the necessity of his obedience in letting his haire grow For a figure of Christ true Nazarite in holinesse and also infinite strength and power and for a document that the spirit of sanctification ought to be and is in the faithfull a spirit of spirituall strength 2 Timothy Chapter 1. verse 7. V. 20 Was departed hath taken away his gift from him V. 21 He did grind In hand-mills as slaves did Exodus chapt 11. verse 5. Isa. chapt 47. v. 2. Mat 24. 41. V. 22 The haire And withall the gift of his former strength was restored unto him by the same free will of God even according as the sacred signe of his long haire waxed V. 23 Dagon An Idoll of the Philistims in generall though it seemeth his Temple was in
Joshuah chapter 2. verses 4 5. The brooke ef water namely over Jordan V. 24. Mahanaim See Genesis chapter 32. verse 2. V. 25. Ithra 1 Chronicles chapter 2. verse 17. He is called Jether the Ishmaelite either because hee was a Proselite or because hee had gotten this name for some unknowne reason An Israelite Not of the Tribe of Judah That went into The meaning seemeth to bee that hee lay with her without marrying of her Nahash The ancient Jewes have thought this to bee a second name of Jesse Others with lesse likelyhood would make it a womans name which might bee the wife of Jesse Zerviah this may be referred to Abigal or Abigail 〈◊〉 Chr. 2. 16. V. 28. Basins Or all manner of houshold stuffe and furniture CHAP. XVIII VERS 3. SUccour us With refreshment of victuall men and armes Or that thou mayest bee readie to relieve us in person in case of need V. 6. Of Ephraim This place being beyond Jordan could not belong to the Tribe of Ephraim which was on this side but might be thus called for some unknowne reason as by the accident which is set down Judges Chapter 12 verses 4 5. V. 8. The battell After the army was discomfited the chase was spread over all the Countrey The wood There dyed more of those which ranne away and had lost themselves in the wood and were slaine by the people of the countrey then there dyed in the battell or in the flight by the hands of the Souldiers V. 9. Caught hold Either his great haire 2 Samuel chapter 14. verse 26. twisted and were wound about the bought or his head got into some forked limbe of the tree V. 13. Falshood Concealed misdeed which I should imagine to hide with denials or lies Against mine For which offence I should bee questioned for my life Wouldest have Thou wouldest have kept thy selfe from mediating for me or taking my defence upon thee or sheltering me under thy authority V. 14. The heart The Italian hath it In the breast the Hebrew is the heart but this word must bee taken here more largely by reason that being thus wounded hee was not yet dead verse 15. V. 17. Laid See of this custome Joshuah Chapter 7. verse 26. Lamentations Chapter 3. v. 53. V. 18. Had taken This seemeth to bee inserted to shew that Absoloms abmbition in raising a piramides columne or momument was punished in so much as dying in rebellion hee was also disgracefully buried as a malefactor Kings dale Of which vale see Genesis Chapter 14. verse 17. I have no Whereby you may gather his children spoken of 2 Samuel Chapter 14. verse 27. Were dead V. 21. Chushi The Italian An Ethiopian Which might bee some slave belonging to Davids house verse 29. Others beleeve that the Hebrew word Cushi was his proper name V. 2â— Betweene the two For City gates use to bee double with an entrie or space between them for the better security or safeguard V. 29. The Kings servant Namely the Ethiopian CHAP. XIX VERS 2. THe Victory Hebrew The deliverance or salvation V. 3. By stealth Without joy or pomp or noise of triumph quietly without presenting themselves to the King V. 4. Covered In token of extreame sorrow 2 Sam. 16. 30. V. 5. Shamed Shewing that the service which they have done thee is not acceptable unto thee and frustrated their expectation of the praises and rewards which they thought to have had from thee V. 9. Were at strife The one laying the fault of this rebellion upon others and all accusing themselves of their slownesse in making amends for their fault V. 12. My bones Of my race and parentage of Judahs lineage V. 13. Amasa Generall of Absaloms armie 2 Samuel Chapter 17. verses 25. My bone The neerest kinsman I have for hee was Davids sisters sonne 1 Chronicle chapter 2. v. 17. Before me that is to say so long as I shall live V. 14. He bowed Namely David by the meanes of Amasa and the Priests V. 15. To conduct To comfort him in his return and to accompany him V. 17. Before the King To go meet him beyond Jordan Or before the King was come over V. 18. A 〈…〉 ie boat Prepared for the Kings passage by the men of Judah V. 19. Impute Let him not hold me guiltie therefore but pardon my fault Take it For to remember it and beare it in minde V. 20. Of Ioseph That is to say of the tenne Tribes above which Ephraims tribe who was desâ—â—â—ded from Joseph had alwayes the preheminence V. 22. What have 〈◊〉 as 2 Sam. 16. v. 10. Bee adversaries The Italian hath it Instead of Sathan A proverbiall kinde of speech used amongst the Hebrewes signifying as much as yeare importunate Sollicitors and instigators of mee to have mee to doe evill I'am As new created King therefore there is no reason that this publicke joy should bee interrupted by any rigorous punishment And God having out of his mercy restored the Kingdome unto mee bindeth mee likewise to use mercy towards them who had offended me V. 24. The Sonne That is to say Grand-child Jonathans sonne 2 Sam. 9. 3 6. Had neither In signe of true sorrow Dressed That is to say had not washed them nor pared the nailes of his toes things wherein your Easterlings were alwayes very curious V. 25. When hee was come For it is likely that after David was fled out of Jerusalem Mephibosheth went afterwards also and that when hee came to see him after his returne hee met him in the Citie V. 28. What right Since my life and all that I have is thy gift I cannot gaine say thy will in any thing nor complaine that thou hast done me any wrong V. 29. Why speakest It sheweth that David did not altogether beleeve Mephibosheths justifications but for the memory of Jonathan hee granted him the one halfe of his goods meaning peradventure to bee better informed Or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ziba enjoy the revenues untill the yeare of Jubile when every one returned to his owne possessions Leviticus twenty fift verse 10. I have said This is my last and definitive sentence V. 30. Yea let him I little care for my goods though I were to loose them all I am so joyfull to see thee re-established Verse 35. Betweene good In meate and drinke and other delights and bodily pleasures Verse 37. Chimham The Sonne of Barzillay as it appeareth by the first booke of Kings 2. ver 7. V. 40. Halse Namely either those who had not rebelled at all or those who were first come againe into his obedience Verse 42. Neere kinne That is to say of the same tribe V. 43. In the King That is to say in his Kingdome being tenne Tribes to the two of Benjamin and Judah More right Becausehe was indeed by us raised to bee King over Israel 2 Samuel Chapter 5. verse 1. and yee of Judah were the first Authors of the last rebellion The words That is to say the men of Judah would not seeke
It is the City of Laish at other times called plainly Dâ—n Jos. 19. 47. V. 7 To all the cities In which those people remained mixed with the Israelites Judg. chap. 1. ver 31 32. V. 10. Snote him By a remorse occasioned in him by the holy Ghost See 1 Samuel chapter 24. verse 5. Take away See a Samuel chapter 12 verse 13. V. 13 Seven yeares Because that 1 Chronic chapter 21. verse 12. There are but three yeares spoken of it is thought that David committed this fault the yeare after the three years famine 2 Sam. 21. 1. was stayed Whereupon if hee had made choyce of this scourge with three other successive yeares of famine the number of seven would have been compleat V. 14 Into the hand That is to say his hand immediately for when men are imployed in these punishments they mixe their owne passions and oftentimes exceed the measure not of the secret providence but of Gods manifested intention which aimes at correction and not at destruction See Isa. chapter 47. verse 6. Zac. chapter 1. verse 15. V. 15 Time appoynted That is to say of three dayes verse 13. Others take the Hebrew word for the ordinary houre of the evening sacrifice of the same day and so they believe that God shortened the terme of three dayes out of his superabundant mercy V. 16 Repented him See upon Genesis chapter 6. verse 6. Araunah who is also called Araniah verse the eighteenth and Ornan in the Chronicles The Jebusite That is to say a Proselite of that nation V. 17 When be saw Because hee appeared unto him in a visible forme 1 Chronicles Chapter 21. ver 16. V. 18 Rerâ— This was the same place that Abraham had led his sonne to for to offer him and where the Temple was built afterwards 2 Chron. 3. 1. which place was consecrated by this Altar upon which was made the first essay for a publike atonement V. 22 Here be Oxen See 1 Kings Chapter 19. verse 21. V. 23 As a King The Italian King Araunah It is likely that he had been a King or of the bloud royall while the Jebusites were in possession of Jerusalem and afterwards being converted to the true religion he remained in Jerusalem in some degree of honour Accept thee Namely in this sacrifice which thou art going to offer for the deliverance from this scourge V. 24 Bought The threshing floore for sixe hundred shekels of gold 1 Chronicles chapter 21. verse 25. and the oxen and instruments for fifty shekels of silver others doe reconcile this place with that of the Chronicles in this manner that in this place by silver ought to bee understood not the mettall in kind but the value of fifty shekels of Gold and that in the Chronicles the six hundred shekels were of silver but disbursed and layd out in fifty shekels of gold which according to the proportion of the common value of twelve shekels of silver for one golden one comes to the foresaid six hundred shekels THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS The ARGUMENT THe holy Ghost continuing the sacred History setteth down in this Book made by one or more Prophets how that by Gods expresse order and Davids appointment whilst he was yet living Salomon was chosen and consecrated King over Gods People notwithstanding the eldership of his brother Adonijah and the power of his faction and consequently hâ—â— after Davids death hee began his reign by executing his Fathers last commands And how God appeared to him in a dreame and according to his holy and well guided request did endow him with divine and incomparable wisdome to govern his people wisely and happily to know and understand the secrets of nature and to conceive and utter sentences and notable sayings for the Churches instruction By which he got the voluntary love respect and obedience of his people the good will and esteeme of Kings and Princes farre and neare peace and inviolable securenesse in his state and established an excellent order in his house and all his affaires But above all things hee was moved to undertake and had meanes gloriously to accomplish the structure of the Temple of God the seat of the manifestation of his grace truth vertue and spirit and a place peculiarly and alone consecrated to yeeld unto him holy and acceptable service by him required and commanded So that Salomons reigne accomplished with a politick and religious happinesse represented the triumphant Church in heaven as Davids reign had been a figure of the Church Militant upon earth And all by vertue of Gods promises made to David by meanes of his perseverance in pietie which God had required for them by necessary conditions To which Salomon was also lively exhorted and confirmed in by the Lord by a second appearing to him But according to the manner of all temporall things and by the meanes of mens ordinarie corruption who can never for any continuance of time guide and rule themselves in a happy estate the heigth whereunto Salomons reigne was come began quickly to decline through his own fault who should have beene the man that should have made it firme to leave it so established and perpetuall to his posterity For having entangled himselfe in the love of an exorbitant number of women which were heathens and idolatrous in his old age he grew slack suffering their Idelatries and the open exercise of their abominations neare unto Ierusalem as one might say under the very eyes of God Whereupon even in his life time the threat of the rending of his kingdom was denounced unto him which happened soone after his death by the meanes of Rehoboam his sonnes pride and evill governed understanding who having alienated his peoples love from him did drive them to chuse Ieroboam King over the ten Tribes under the name of Israel the other two of Iudah and Benjamin only remaining under the obedience of the house of David which never had any more permission nor power from God to bring those other Tribes unto their former obedience This revolt or division of state was followed and seconded by a heavie and mortall scisme in Religion Ieroboam forbidding his subjects to frequent the Temple at Ierusalem and setting them up two Calves to the likenesse of the old one in the Wildernesse for to have them worship the Lord in those similitudes and yeeld him in them all manner of worship due unto him and did also at his pleasure alter the Ceremonies and Servants Which things quickly drew the wrath of God upon his house which was wholly rooted out Neither did his Successors of other Families any way amend themselves but grew still worse and worse even to the publike bringing up of the Gentiles Idolatries accompanied with all manner of wickednesses as well in their private conversations and lives as in their publike government As for Solomons posterity it varied much for sometimes there were very wicked Kings and sometimes again the Lord did raise pious and religious ones who re-established
Israel V. 27. Hee râ—nt signes of griefe through remorse of conscience and for feare of punishment it not being the love of God which caused that griefe in him having no firme resolution to convert himselfe having no recourse to faith nor to his mercy as Iohn 3. 6. V. 29 The evill of the destruction of his house So God to shew the effects of true repentance which is to obtaine eternall pardon for sinne granteth this false and dissembled repentance some delay of temporall punishments CHAP. XXII VER I. THree yeares after the agreement was made 1. Kings 2â— 34. V. 2. Came down having entred into alliance with him 2. Kings 8. 18. V. 3. Is ours as well because it is within the bounds of the Land which the Lord did give his people as also by covenants and agreements 1. Kings 20. 34. V. 5. Enquire namely by some Prophet V. 6 The Prophets it is uncertain whether they were corrupt and flattering prophets going under the name of Prophets of the true God or whether they were those foure hundred prophets of the grove 1 Kings 18. 19. which were not destroyed by Elias who might here use the name of the true God to please Iehoshapat who notwithstanding knew them to bee false ones or to cover their idolatry as if the true God did reveale himselfe to them although they served the Idol V. 7. Besides besides these false oâ—es or left after the extermination of so many 1. Kings 18. 4. and 19. 10. V. 9. An officer the Italian an Eunuch or courtier or chamberlain V. 11. Hornes according to the custome of prophets who did use such signes to make a stronger impression in mens minds see Isa. 20. 2. Ier. 27. 2. with these with the strength and power that God shall give thee which is figured by these hornes V. 14. VVill I speak I will answer all questions as shall bee demanded of mee according to the revelations I have had from God V. 15. Goe these words were spoken with some signe of scoffing and dissimulation which Ahab perceived very well V. 17. I saw in a prophetick vision V. 19. Therefore seeing thou takest that which is fore told thee in evill part as though I did invent it of mine own imagination through hatred or malice I will now open the vision to thee at large V. 21. A spirit namely an evill one father of lies was brought in in this vision as Iob 1. 6. though hee be banished out of heaven where God dwelleth in glory with his Angles and blessed spirits V. 22. Thou shalt I will suffer it and not hinder thee whereby thou shalt not misse but shalt surely perswade see Iob 12. 16. Ezec. 14. 9. 2. Thess. 2. 11. V. 23. Hath put hee hath given the divell power to work in the hearts and tongues of thy Prophets that they may deceive thee V. 28. If thou according to the proofe of true or false prophecies set down Deut. 18. 22. Hearken I call you all to witnesse this my prediction V. 32. Cryed out namely upon God to helpe him at his need 2. Chron. 18. 31. but in such a manner as the Syrians knew that it was not Ahab V. 34. At a venture Heb. in his simplicity looking no more after Ahab than after any else Others with all his strength V. 35. Stayed up to keep together or bring together againe the people V. 39. Ivory the walls being overlaid with such stuffe Amos 3. 15. V. 42. Twenty and five by 2. Kings 3. 1. it appeareth that the eighteenth yeare of Iehoshaphat Joram King of Israel began to reigne And by 2. Kings 1. 17. that the eighteenth yeare of Iehoshaphat was the second yeare of his sonne Ioram And by 2. Kings 8. 16. that this Ioram sonne of Iehoshaphat did not begin to reigne but in the fifth yeare of the other Ioram King of Israel whence wee must conclude that in these five and twenty yeares of the reigne of Iehoshaphat is comprehended all the time from his succession to the Kingdome even to his death whereof he reigned sixteen yeares alone then hee joyned his sonne Ioram with him for seven yeares space and at last put the whole government into his hands disburthening himselfe of it two yeares before his death V. 43. The high places as 1. Kin. 15. 14. V. 44. Made peace which was noted for a grievous sin in Iehoshaphat 2. Chron. 19. 2. V. 47. A deputy put in by the King of Iudah aâ—tâ—r that Edom was subdued by David 2. Sam. 8. 14. Afterwards it had a King but hee was feodatory see upon 1 Kings 11. 21. And at last it shaked the yoak quite off 2 Kings 8. 20. according to the prophecy Gen. â—7 40. V. 48. Shipps fitting to saile in the great Ocean sea see 1. Kings 10. 22. V. 49. Then said after the first preparation was broken Ahazia treated with Iehoshaphat concerning the renewing of 〈◊〉 but hee would not consent to it God having already reproved him for keeping company with him at the first 2 Chron. 20. 37. THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS The ARGUMENT THe sacred History continueth in this Book the narration of things which happened to the people of God divided into two Kingdomes of Israel and Iudah untill the desolation of the first by the Assyrians and captivity of the other by the Caldeans Carefully pointing out the true causes of these horrible disasters for the instruction of the Church in all ages And as for the Kingdome of the ten tribes or of Israel the History sets down how that the corruption of Gods service being first brought in by Ieroboam and not amended by his successors but rather obstinately retained and increased by the addition of many idolatries and pagan abominations was at last followed and punished with grievous turmoiles of State frequent murthers of Kings treasons changes of Royall lines warres and other accidents which befell sometimes by Gods expresse command and sometimes through the ambitious and perfidious motions of mens minds The Prophets never prevailing so farre as to bring them to a sincere conversion and an entire and setled reformation though they still endeavoured to bring back the people to their ancient duty by reprehensions exhortations and threatnings Whereupon after long God caused the Assyrians with their power to over-runne the ten tribes For the Assyrians being possessed of the greatest Empire in the world and having Conquered Syria they overflowed the land of Israel and after they had over-runne it spoiled and unpeâ—pled it at divers onsets they at last conquered and subdued it wholly râ—iâ—ed the Kingdome overthrew the state thereof and transported the people into totall captivity and the land was againe inhabited by a new kinde of heathen people of severall nations who framed to themselves after they were there seated a new kinde of bastard and corrupt divine service in stead of that pure service which was wont to be in Ierusalem whence grew that implacable hatred and hostility which was alwayes after that
time between the Iewes and that mixture of nations which took and bare the name of Samaritans As for the Kingdome of Iudah the History declareth that though the Church and Gods true service and corsequently his Word Sacraments Grace Presence and Spirit were therein preserved yet as well through the peoples enraged inclination to idolatry as by the infection of the ten tribes there were such vices engrafted into it both against the first and second table of Gods Law that they could never be rooted out neither by the Prophets ministry nor by Gods punishments nor by the authority and zeal of many excellent Kings who excelled in piety and vertue and whom God raised from time to time to repaire the breaches and to stay the imminent ruine Whose holy endeavours and works were almost alwayes overthrown by their successors boundlesse impiety So that the Lord at last after hee had miraculously saved the people of Iudah out of the Assyrians hands delivered them into the Caldeans hands who afflicted weakned subdued and wasted them severall times and at last took sacked and burnt the City of Ierusalem and the Temple of God extinguished the Royall Line and carried away the small remnant captive to Babylon After all which through the excesse of the Iewes malice and Gods rigorous vengance a small remnant which remained in the countrey was carried into Aegypt in a state not lesse lamentable but farre more accursed than theirs who were in Babylon the most terrible Eclipse and interruption that the ancient Church ever bad Which notwithstanding Davids progenie and the holy seed among the people was preserved the one to bring forth Christ according to the flesh at the appointed time and the other to people the Church and to bee gathered and ingrafted in his everlasting spirituall Kingdome by the power of Gods promises CHAP. I. V. 2. BAalzebub see upon Matth. 10. 25. V. 7. What manner namely what was his stature habite and shape V. 8. Hairie either by reason of his own hair or by reason of his Prophetick mantle which he wore that was of haire Zac. 13. 4. Mat. 3. 4. V. 10. If I be seeing that after so many proofes of my being a Prophet and notwithstanding my faithfulnesse you will yeeld me no faith nor obedience but by a prophane scorne you call me man of God I beseech that great Lord whom I serve that he may confirme and make good my ministery by thine examplary punishment A motion of the Spirit of God in zeale of a just punishment see Luke 〈◊〉 54. V. 13. Let my life take compassion on mee and spare my life V. 17. Iehoram brother of Ahaziah and sonne of Ahab 2 King 3. 1. CHAP. II. V. 2. TArry here this is spoken by Elias to make Elisha so much the more desirous of going along with him that he might be a witnesse of his taking up into heaven which the Church was to bee certified of in all ages for divers ends V. 3 The Sonnes see upon 1 King 20. 35. knowest thou this was by Gods spirit revealed to some of those Prophets and peradventure to the whole Colledge V. 9. Be upon me seing thou hast consecrated mee to be thy successor and conductor of the Prophets mediate towards God for me that he may grant me gifts and the conduct of his spirit which thou hast had in great eminence as Num. 11. 25 even twice as much as any ordinary Prophet to the end that I may be capable of that degree of superiority having a larger portion of gifts then ordinary V. 10. A hard a rare and singular thing which is not ordinarily promise nor can be obtained but by very fervent and instant prayer see 1 Pet. 4. 18. if thou see me I give thee this for a signe to shew thee whether thy desire and my prayer have been heard The sense is if God permits thee to see me goe up into heaven he will also grant thee that gift which thou desirest To raise Elisha his attention so much the more to mark this great miracle with all its circumstances so much the better V. 11. A Charet or the likenesse of a charet went up was ravished up into heaven and in an instant transformed out of all qualities and conditions belonging to this mortall and earthly life and clothed with eternall and spirituall without passing by the way of death as Enoch Gen. 5. 24. Both examples being as it were a prelude of Christs glorious ascension into heaven see 1 Cor. 15 51. 1 Thes. 4. 17. by a whirlewind wrapped up in a fold of clouds and darknesse which did presently take him out of sight V. 12. The Charet as thou hast been the Lords faithfull warrier for the safety of his Church so now art thou carried into his Kâ—ngdom of glory as it were upon a tryumphall Charet rent them to shew that he was grieved and much moved V. 14. Where is I shall see now whether God hath heard me concerning the gift of that portion of spirit which I desired of him in trying to doe the same miracle as Elias did words of invocation and faith rather then of doubt and diffidence V. 15. They said may bee by revelation or by some splendor majesty or divine manner of moving which they perceived in him the spirit God hath by a firme and lasting grace conferred the same gifts of his Spirit upon him as Elijah had as Num. 11. 25. V. 16. Lest peradventure for it is likely that Elijah had often been ravished so and divinely transported and afterwards sound againe see 1 Kings 28. 12. V. 17. Till he was being overcome with their importunity he could not gain-say them send to assure them that Elijah was no more upon earth and by this meanes bring his owne ministery into so much the more esteeme V. 19. The ground barren the Italian hath it the land disinhabited by reason of frequent sicknesses abortive births sudden deaths c. Others say that hereby is meant the baâ—renesse of the plants and their corruption V. 20. A new for feare of some legall uncleannesse and also for reverence of Gods power which shewed it selfe in this miracle V. 21. And cast not because there was any naturall power in the salt to work any such effect especily there being but such a little quantity of it but onely by the will of God who makes use of any thing he pleaseth for a signe or token of his power to shew by the weaknesse of the signe though it have some relation to that effect that the vertue proceedeth immediately from him see Exo. 15. 25. 2 King 4. 41. and 6. 6. V. 23. Mocked him not onely through a childish kinde of wanton boldnesse in regard of his person but through a kinde of prophane impietie towards his ministery they being bred up in Idolatry which Elisha's prophetick spirit did very well perceive and therefore hee caused them to taste the punishment thereof V. 25. He went being driven out of one place
Iudg. 1. 11. and the rest went elsewhere Iudg. 4. 11. Scribes men that understood and were exercised in the Law of God as Ezr. 7. 6. Ier. 8. 8. Iabez a place not mentioned elsewhere which seemeth to have taken its name from one Iabez of Iudah 1 Chron. 4. 9. the Kenites one of the branches of Iethroes posterity who was Moses his Father in Law Iudg. 1. 16. whose head was Hamath Father of all these Families and especially of that which afterwards was the most renowned amongst them called the Family of Recab by the name of a noted person which descended from this Hamath see Ier. 35. 2. CHAP. III. VERS I. DAniel who seemeth to be the same as Chileab 2 Sam. 3. 3. V. 5. Bathshua called also Bathshebah the daughter of Eliam 2 Sam. 11. 3. V. 6. Elishama called also Elishua 2 Sam. 5. 15. V. 8. Eliada who is the same as Beliada 1 Chron. 14. 7. V. 15. Iohanan who according to some is the same as Iehoahaz 2 Kin. 23. 30. Shallum Ier. 22. 11. V. 16. His sonne that is to say his successor as if he had beene his sonne according to the Law Num. 27. 10. for otherwise Zedekiah was Vncle to Jeconiah vers 15. V. 17. The Sonnes successor though not with the Title of King but onely as head or chiefe of the Nation for in Iechonia failed Solomons line Ier. 22. 30. and Nathans line succeeded of which was Salathiel Luke 3. 27. 31. V. 21. The Sonnes it seemes that these were the Families of the royall bloud after the captivity CHAP. IV. VERS I. THe sonnes the lineall descents from father to sonne although there were some interruptions 1 Chron. 2. 5. 9. 19. 50. Carmi it is not likely that it is the same of 1 Chron. 2. 7. whereupon many believe him to bee the same as Chalubai or Calch 1 Chron. 2. 9. 18. V. 2. Reaiah called Haroe or according to the Italian Roe 1 Chron. 2. 52. these are from these descended the Inhabitants of Zereah a city of Iudâ—h Iosh. 15. 33. V. 3. Of the Father of him from whence issued those who inhabited and peopled the city of Eram 2 Clron 11. 6. which were the families of the above named V. 4. Gedor namely of them who inhabited a city of this name as seemeth may bee gathered by vers 18. V. 9. Iabez this man is not mentioned elsewhere and questionlesse he was one of the heads of these families who peradventure gave the name to the countrey of Iabez 1 Chron. 2. 55. called his because that Iabez by the transposition of letters sigfieth one who bringeth sorrow V. 10. Oh that a representation of lively and fervent prayers in some extreame necessity or upon the point of some warlike exploit the enemies being at hand V. 12. Ir Nahash the Italian the city of Nahash of the people which peopled it in the division of the land of Canaan Of this city there is not any mention elsewhere Recab the name of a city or countrey whereof there is no mentioned elsewere V. 13. Kenaz this and the rest Caleb Iehaleel Esdra Simeon Isi were heads of the families and the issue of Pharez although it be not specified whose sonnes they were V. 14. Charasim the Italian crafts-men the Hebrew word may bee extended to all those that work upon any grosse work as Carpenters Founders Armorers c. V. 15. Iephunneh who was also the sonne of Kenez and therefore Caleb is sirnamed the Kenizite Num. 32. 12. V. 17. The Father that is to say the head of these Families which dwelt in this city of Iudah Ios. 15. 50. V. 18. Iebudijah the Italian the Jewesse for the other was a stranger the daughter of Pharaoh which is an Egiptian name and it is uncertaine whether it was the King himselfe Others make a proper name of it Iehudijah and Hodiah vers 19. Gedor they are names of cities of Iudah inhabited by the posterity of these men see Iosh. 15. 58. V. 19. The Garmiâ—e the Italian the Garmites namely of these two families seated in these two cities of Iudah V. 23. That dwelt that is to say gardeners and men who looked to plants c. there in such places looking to such like businesses for the Kings of Iudah Others translate it And they remained there namely in Babyloâ— in the King of that plâ—câ— his service CHAP. IV. VERS XXIV NEmuel in these names and in those which follow there is great diversity Gen. 38. 5. for what reason it is unknown V. 31. Vnto thâ— so long as the Kingdome of Iudah remained in Davids posterity untill the captivity of Babylon V. 40. For they that land was excellent for exceeding good pastures for the Arabians being the posterity of Ham who use the trade of grasing had chosen it for that purpose V. 41. And the habitations or the Maonites as though it were the proper name of those scevite Arabians who lived under tents V. 43. The rest the remainder of them whom Saul had destroyed 1 Sam. 15. 7. and David 2 Sam. 8. 12. CHAP. V. VERS I. WAs given for Ioseph in the person of his two sonnes which Iacob had adopted had a double portion in the land of canaan Gen. 48. 5. according to the right of the first borne Deut. 21. 17. is not hee was to be the first and have preheminence in the family as the first borne had besides his double share So one of the prerogatives of the first borne was conferred upon Ioseph and the other upon Iudah Gen. 49. 8. And this seemeth to be touched in this place to shew the reason why Iudah is set foremost in these genealogies and not Ioseph V. 2. Chiefe rulers before David the tribe of Iudah had but only the preheminence of place and honour in David is got the degree of the Kingdome untill the captivity of Babylon and after that it had the governors and when they failed it kept that of the great Senate or Councell of the nation see Psal. 60. 7. V. 4. Ioel who was descended from some of the sonnes of Ruben V. 6. Tilgath elsewhere called Tiglath-pileser 〈◊〉 Peâ—â—sâ—r V. 7. Brethren of the descent of the three last sonnes of Ruben v. 3. was reckoned it seemes hee meanes that of v. 17. V. 8. Who dwelt this may be referred either to the tribe of Ruben in generall Ios. 13. 15. or to Bâ—lâ— that is to say to his posterity V. 10. Hagarites that is to say the Isâ—aelites descended from Abraham by Hagar Psal. 83. 6. V. 13. Their brethren the meaning is that every one of these was the head of a family of all which families jointly Aâ—i was the head v. 15. V. 16. Sharâ—n this was a city beyond Iordan besides that of Isa 35. 2. which was in the tribe of Ephraim on this side V. 20. Were helped by God by meanes of some manifest miracle v. 22. V. 22. Many therefore all the countrey was left to be spoyled the warre God did fight therein as
to surprise David V. 7. With their mouth the Italian belch out words insulting as though they had already taken me or outragious and flanderous words or furious and threatning words V. 9. Because of his strength the Italian I will beware of their strength Others As for their strength I will look upon thee that is to say I will hope in thy help to free me from it V. 11. Scatter them it should seeme he hath a relation to Caines punishment whom God would not have kild but would have him to bee a wanderer all the dayes of his life for a spectacle and an example of Gods judgements Gen. 4. 12. Otherstranslate it Shake them namely their degree of honour and dignitie V. 12. For the sinne others the words of their lips are the sinne of their mouth meaning that all they doe say or utter is bad and wicked Be taken let them bee suddenly punished and overthrown for their impudent presumption in cursing and slandering me V 15. Let them wander now they wander up and down to catch me but the time shall come that they shall wander through hunger and want to seek food and reliefe V. 16. In the morning it should seeme this hath a relation to the watching of Sauls servants for him who thought to catch him and kill him in the morning 1 Sam. 19. 11. meaning at that time when these people imagine to have me in their hands I shall bee in safety and shall have cause to praise and blesse thee for my deliverance PSAL. LX. THE title Shushan Edith the words signifie the Lillie of ornament and it is not certainly known whether it were the name of some musicall instrument or the beginning of some ordinary song Psal 80. in the Title To teach that is to say given to the Colledge of sacred Musitians for a forme of a song of victory to have their Schollars learne it and peradventure all the people to honour Davids triumphant returne in stead of ordinary songs which were used upon such occasions see 1 Sam. 18. 6. Psal. 68. 12. 26. twelve thousand in Samuel and the Chronicles there is mention made of eighteen thousand peradventure these twelve thousand were kild in a pitcht battell and the other six thousand in some other skirmishes V. 1. Cast us off this must bee understood of the grieveous calamities which the people suffered under the Iudges and under Sauls raign V. 2. To tremble thou hast shaken the land of Israel and caused them to suffer many adversities V. 3. Made us to drink thou hast amazed and astonished us with afflictions like unto a man that had drank some drink to astonish and make him beside himselfe according to the threatning in Deut. 28. 28. 34. V. 4. Displayed in signe of victory Because of not for any desert of ours but only to ratifie the truth of thy promises of grace V. 6. Hath spoken that is to say he hath sworn by himselfe who is the most holy one Others hee hath spoken in his sanctury that is to say in heaven or in the Temple where he uttered his Oracles I will rejoyce that is to say I shall enjoy my victory peaccably possessing the Kingdome of Israel even over those parts which did longest and most obstinately follow Sauls side as those places had done which are here named V. 7. The strength namely that Tribe in which by reason of the great number and valour of them consisteth the chiefe strength of my Kingdome see Deut 3â— 17. Psal. 78. 9. My Law-giver that is to say Jerusalem the chiefe citie of Judah and of all Israel the great councell of the seventy Iudges Num. 11. 16. and my soveragne court of Iustice Psal. â—22 5. V. 8. My wash pot that is a people brought into a most abject slavery as your scullions and dish-washers in Kitchins Psal. 68. 13. or a countrey grown in famous and of a â—oâ—did condition as your water-carriers are unlesse hee meanes the great slaughters which David made in those places having flaine two parts of the Moabites whereupon the countrey became as a great panne or boule full of blood 2 Sam. 8. 2 will I cast out in contemâ—â— and to despise them Triumph thou that is to lay acknowledge me to be thy King with joyfull acclamations as who should say with a long live the King honour thou my triumph now that thou art subdued 2 Sam. 8. 1. 12. V. 9. Who will bring me who will put the enemies strong holds into my possession after that I have overcome them in battell May bee he meanes Rabbaâ— particularly the chiefe city of the Ammonites which David besiedged after all these victories 2 Sâ—m 11. 1. V. 11. From trouble or to bee freed from our enemies V. 12. Through God with his help and assistance and through his power Psal. 56. 4. 10. PSAL. LXI THE title Neginah see Psalme 4. in the Title V. 2. From the end it seemes that David made this Psalme at that time as he fled from before Absolom to the confines of the Land of Israel 2 Sam. 17. 22. Others say it was when hee fled from Saul as Psal. 42. 6. 〈…〉 ead me it doth represent a man climing to get up into a place of safety but wanting strength to get to it the meaning is doe thou save me for of my selfe I caâ—nâ—t doe it by any meanes V. 3. For thou hast been this verse may be joyned to the former in this manner I pray thee relieve mee as thou usest to doe or with the following verse 3 upon the assurance of thine ordinary deliverances I hope to be brought back againe to thy Temple there to remaine for ever V. 4. In the Covert a phrase taken from birds as Psal. 91. 4. V. 5. The heritage namely these present and eternall goods which properly belong to thy children wherein the world hath no part at all V. 6. Prolong the Italian adde or thou wilt adde that is to say cause thou me to live and reign under the protection of thy grace and constant love all that time as thou hast apointed mee without any interruption and let the Kingdome of thy Church become everlasting under the Messias who is to descend from me PSAL. LXII THE title to Jeduthâ—n the Italian over the children of Iâ—duthun that is to say over that company or squadron of sacred Musiâ—ions which was of the progenie of Ieduthun 1 Chron. 25. 1. 3. V. 1. My soul or let it bee how it will my soule hopeth in c. V. 3. How long David speaks to his enemies and persecutors Will yee imagine mischiefe the Italian how long will yee set upon a man or will yee contrive and imagine mischiefe a tottering that is ready to fall being shaken or through age Fence that is dry and hath no morter to strengthen it such as your walls that are made about lands or fields V. 4. To cast him the Italian to cast this man namely me against whom they lay all these plots
Church which are to them certaine pledges of the increase and accomplishment of them Of her youth See Jer. 2. 2. Ezek. 16. 60. V. 16. Baal the Italian My Baal Baal indeed signifieth husband also But because this name had beene prophaned by being applyed to Idols the Lord his meaning is That all contagion and mixture of Idolatry should be cut off from his service V. 18 A Covenant A figurative description of the Churches spirituall peace under the Gospel V. 19. Betroth thee I will re-establish my covenant of grace with thee not onely to observe that faith which is required in all covenents but also to forgive thee thy sinnes and not regard thine unworthinesse V. 20. In faithfulnesse the Italian In truth With an invariable faith and constancy to maintaine and keepe my Covenant of grace with mine elect notwithstanding all their defects Zech. 8. 8. Rom. 3. 3 7. V. 21. I will heare the Italian I will answer I will cause my blessing to glide along according to the order which I set in the creatures which I will re-establish for the salvation of my Church V. 22. Jesreel namely My people which Hos. 1. 4. had been called Jesreel by way of threatning and of curse but here it is changed into a sense of grace and promise for Jesreel may also signifie Him whom God soweth or shall sowe V. 23. Sow her I will people the world with the spirituall progeny of mine elect and believers Jer. 31. 27. Zek. 10. 9. Upon her tha the Italian Vpon Lo-ruhamab that is to say My people meant by these names Hos. 1. 8 10. CHAP. III. Vers. 1. GOe get For a signe that God had oftentimes renewed his Covenant with his people forgiving them their sinnes which were past as especially under Jehu his raigue 2 Kings 9. 10. Love This must also be understood the same way and in the same sense as Hos. 1. 2. Flaggons of â—â—ne He intimates their dissolute manner of living which is the ordinary companion of Idolatry see Exod. 32. 6 1. Cor. 10. 7. even as corporall fornication drawes gluttony and drunkennesse along with it V. 2. I bought the Italian I got me He hath a relation to the ancient custome by which husbands did give dowries for their wives Gen. 29. 18. 27. and 34. 12. 1 Sam. 18. 25. For fifteene This so small price seemes to signifie that although God did in some manner hold on his Covenant with the ten tribes yet he communicated but some small parcels of his graces unto them bestowing the whole plenty upon Judah V. 3. And I said namely after she had gone astray Thou shalt abide that is to say I will separate thee from mee for some time keeping thee as it were shut up to hinder thine unstaâ—dnesse untill such time as I take thee to me againe as I intend to doe not putting thee away from mee for ever V. 4. For the By this figure I will have thee to set forth the state of thy people which for their Idolatries shall be seperated from the grace and communion of their God without any Kingdome or forme of common wealth and without any exercise of true Religion or yet of Idolatry untill the time of their conversion to Gods grace by the Gospel Ephod The name of a Priestly garment Exod. 28. 4. under which is comprehended all the service of the Church V. 5. David namely The Messias the Son of David according to the flesh see Jer. 30. 9. Ezek. 34. 3 24. This is opposite and contrary to the sep ration of the ten tribes from the Kingdome of Judah CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. THey breake out Others they commit thefts And blood every thing is full of murthers V. 3. Shall the land A description of an extreme and universall desolation as Jer. 4. 25. and 12. 4. V. 4. Yet let no man Notwithstanding these great and publique sinnes in which the false Prophets doe flatter and sooth up the people Let not the true Prophets prophane my Word by speaking it to these obstinate and hardened rebels I will contend with them by effects and punishments and no more by words and reproofes So this agreeth well with what was spoken v. 1. Th tâ—st ive That undertake to withstand Gods right whilest the high Priest declares unto them Deut. 17. 12 and is the last degree of boldnesse see Rom 2. 8. and 10. 21. V. 5. Shalt thou fall He directs his speech to each particular person among the people In the day These words in the day and in the night doe seeme to intimate a continuance of ruine Others translate it to day that is to say within a short time The Prophet namely all the false Prophets Thy mother All the whole body of the Kingdome and Nation V. 6. For lacke For of themselves have no lively light of my Word and they will fully put out that which I present unto them and doe refuse all manner of instruction Isa 5. 13. Thou hast This seemes to be specially directed to the Priests and other Ecclesiasticall persons whose chiese duty is to teach and instruct See Deut. 33. 10. Mal. 2. 7. V. 7. Increased namely In dignity and authority for this is also referred to the Porters V. 8. They eate They fatten themselves with the sacrifices which my people offer for their sins and are greedy after Them and take no care of their conversion V. 9. There shall be They shall be also taken in the generall desolation without any difference or respect borne to their office V. 12. Aske councell In steed of seeking after Gods Oracle to have counsell given them in difficult cases Their stocks namely Their Idols made of wood Their staffe Some thinkes he hath a relation to an antient manner of divining by staves and rods Others doe hold that here are meant the South-sayers and Magicians rods as Exod 7. 12. The spirit namely The inclination and affection to Idolatry kindled in the heart of man by the evill spirit see Isa. 44. 30. V. 13. Your daughters I will punish your Idolatry by abandoning your daughters and your spouses to an infamous and unbridled lust which shall not be repressed by the Lawes or Magistrates punishments nor amended by mine see Amos 7. 17. V. 14. Are separated From me cutting themselves off from my covenant and communion by joyning themselves to Harlots which were excommunicate from amongst Gods people Prov. 2. 16. and 6. 24. See of this separation Prov. 18. 1. Ezek. 14. 7. Hos. 9. 10. Jude 19. V. 15. Unto Gilgal In this place whereof see Jos. 5. 9. and 12. 12. Amos 4. 4. Beth-aven It is the same as Bethel but because Bethel signifieth House of God Gen. 28. 17. And that this place had been prophaned by the Idolatrie of the Calves 1 King 12. 29. The Prophets do often call it Beth-aven that is to say The house of an Idoll or the house of vanity Hos. 5. 8. and 10. 5. being that neer unto Bethel there was another high
Obad. 17. V. 9. Like as Governing their dispersion by my providence in such sort that none of mine Elect shall perish in eternall perdition nor the remainder of my Believers be extinguished nor overthrowne V. 11. Will I raise up After I have thus punished my Church I will restore the Kingdome of David by the Messias changing it into a spirituall and everlasting Kingdome V. 12. That they That the true Israel according to the spirit joyned with Christ their Head may participate of the universall Kingdome which he hath gotten over his enemies such as the Idumeans were to the Israelites Others doe bring it in thus That they may professe the remnant of Edom and all Nations that are called by my Name that is to say Mine Elect and those who shall be converted to me by the Gospel Isa. 19. 25. and 44. 5. V. 13. The Plow-man Figurative promises of Gods spirituall graces and blessings to his Church See Lev. 26. 5. Shall drop Into precious liquors of honey milke oyle and must The Prophesie of OBADIAH ARGUMENT OBadiah denounceth to the Idumeans capitall and implaeable enemies of Gods people their finall and inevitable destruction by reason of the evils which they had done to the Church of God to which he contrariwise promiseth eternall Salvation and perfect restauration in Christ and likewise the totall destruction of all her enemies CHAP. I. Verse 1. A Rumour namely God having stirred up the Chaldeans and other Nations to the destruction of the Idumeans which as it appeareth by the other Prophets happened after the ruine and captivity of the Jewes And Obadiah prophesied before either of them V. 3. In the clefts he hath a relation to the strong and mountainous scituation of Idumea V. 7. Have brought thee the Italian Have accompanied thee have joyned their forces to thine to goe and withstand the enemies invasions but just at the instant that thou hadst need of them they have forsaken thee And prevailed he seemes to meane the Egyptians who by powerfull perswasions and by reason of interest of state had brought the Idumeans to declare themselves enemies to the Chaldeans They that eat thy bread c the Italian They have laid thy bread for a snare for thee a terme taken from hunters who with baits draw the boasts into their traps The meaning is the victuall which thou hast had out of Egypt hath been as it were a bait to thee to insnare thee in the league against the Chaldeans which hath beene the cause of thy ruine which with all thy famous wisdome thou couldest not perceave V. 9. Teman the name of a City and Countrey in Idumea V. 10. Thy brother namely the Israelites and Jewes which were descended from Jacob brother of Esau the father of the Idumeans V. 11. That thou stoodest not only like an idle spectator yeelding no assistance nor pittying the Jewes calamities but feeding also thine eyes therewith as with a pleasing object His forces the men of war taken with Zedekiah in his flight Jer. 39. 4 5. Or plainely the whole multitude carried away captive into Babylon Upon Ierusalem to part both the spoile and persons V. 12. That he becamâ— or in the day of his strange chance See Job 31. 3. Spoken proudly by scoffing them V. 16. For as ye as You my people have drunke of the cup of my judgements so your enemies shall drinke up the very dregs and shall be utterly destroyed thereby See Jer. 25. 29. 49. 12. V. 17 Their possessions which they were dispossessed of by their enemies A figure of the right to the eternall inheritance which the Devill and Sinne had gotten away from the Church to which it was restored by Christ. Others their possessions namely the possessions of those Nations which were their enemies V. 18. Shall be a fire the Church by the power of Chri 〈…〉 and of his Spirit shall consume all her enemies represented under the person of the Idumeans as easily as fire consumeth flaxe Shall kindle as fire doth kindle when it takes hold of some combustible matter V. 19. Possesse the Jewes shall be put into full possession of their Countrey with great addition and enlargement of their ancient bounds as of Idumea on the South side and the Philistines Land on the side of the plaine See of these countries of Judea Jer. 17. 26. and 32. 44. and 33. 13. the meaning is the same as v. 17. V. 20. Of this Host See upon v. 11. Zarep hath it is thought to be a City or Countrey of Caldea V. 21. And Saviours this may according to the Letter and in part be understood of the Maccabecs who subdued the Idumeans 1 Mac. 5. 3. but spiritually and fully it is referred to the Apostles and other of Christs Ministers who were to preach the Gospell for the salvation of the Elect and condemnation of the wicked See 1 Tim. 4. 16. The Kingdome Christ true God shall by his Father be established everlasting King of his Church and of all the World The Booke of the Prophet IONAH ARGUMENT THough the Subject of this Booke be Historicall yet it hath been put in the number of the other Prophets As well by reason of Jonahs person who was a Prophet in Israel as by reason of the principall action of this History which is a prediction of things that shall happen and a preaching of repentance By whicâ— God setting forth a beame of His Grace upon the City of Nimveh Head of that great Empire of the Assyrians sent His Prophet thither Who at the first withstood this Calling and was therefore persecuted and punished by the Lord. And being afterwards miraculously delivered he went to Niâ—iveh and there fulfilled what was commanded him denouncing to them their approaching ruins But this threatening having produced the effect of a publicke humiliation and repentance God did suspend the execution thereof for that time And Jonah discovering as much infirmity of humane Jense in being troubled at the effect of Gods mercy as he had shewed in being unwilling to be the instrument and proclaimer of his justice is by Him reprehended and instructed CHAP. I. Verse 3. To flee See the cause upon Jon. 4. 1. Unto Tarshish the most common opinion is that he meanes the City of Tharsus in Cilicia Others translate it to flee by Sea From the presence namely from the Land of Israel whore God made his abode in grace and vertue and where he appeared to his Prophets Or it is a phrase taken from slaves who by stealth run away from their Masters service to shew that he did run away because he would not fulfill Gods Commandement Joppa A Sea Port of Palestine so called Acts 9. 36. V 7. Let us cast knowing that this tempest was neither naturall nor ordinary They conjecture by Gods secret inspiration that there is some body in the Ship that is guilty of some grievous sinne Wherefore they desire to discover the truth by lots according to the Heathens custome but God overseeth
her not Forbidding her or giving her harsh words or scoffing of her V. 20. The dead My husband and my children who are dead One of the Hebrew one of our Redeemers that is to say he is so neere a kinne to us that it is his right to redeem my husband and my childrens lands which are are alienated by the Law Leviticus chapter 25. verse 25. And also may and ought to marry the widow of him that is dead without children Deuteronomy Chapter 25. verse 5. CHAP. III. VERS 3. VVAsh thy selfe Though Naomi's end was good in all this for to seeke her daughter in laws good and to put Boaz in minde of his duty according to the Law of God yet it seemeth to be a womanish provision somewhat lesse than honest to bring it to passe which was notwithstanding tolerated directed and blessed by God as Genesis chap. 27. ver 7. V. 9. Spread therefore thy skirt Take me for thy wise according to the right you have thereunto and according as you ought to do A manner of speaking ta 〈…〉 n from the ceremony of spreading the skirt of ones garment in that kind over the woman for a 〈…〉 gne of marriage Ezechiel 16. 8. See upon Deuter. 22. 30. V. 10. Kindnesse Towards mee having preferred me t 〈…〉 ugh I a 〈…〉 ld before younger men who by 〈◊〉 been more fitting for you And also tow 〈…〉 s the memory of thy husband procuring the preservation of his name and race Or piety towards God in submitting thine affections to the observance of his command V. 11. I will do I have a desire to do it and will do it indeed if the other neerest kinsman will not make use of his right The City The Italian hath it The gate that is to say the city and all the inhabitants thereof V. 14. He said Within himselfe and therefore he bade Ruth rise before it was day V. 16. Who art thou Shee asked the question because Ruth came home while it was yet darke V. 18. Sit still Go not forth at doores that thou mayest be ready whensoever thou shalt bee called to the accomplishment of this marriage CHAP. IV. VERS 1. TO the gate Of the city which anciently was the place of publicke Assemblies and Counsels V. 2. Of the Elders Namely of the Magistrates and Councellors V. 3. Selleth Through poverty and for want of meanes Lev. 25. 25. V. 4. Before Judicially and according to due course of Law solemnly V. 5. Thou must buy it The right that thou hast to redeem it is not only by reason of thine affinity with Naomi but with Ruth also which bindeth thee to marry her that the childe which shall be born therof may beare the deceased husbands name and enter upon his inheritance V. 6. Lest I mar Begetting children on another mans bed whereby mine inheritance would diminish and be divided For it is likely that he was a widdower and had children by another wife V. 7. Changing Or yeelding up of rights to one another A man Namely he that yeelded the right and gave it to him that he yeelded it unto in token of the dispossessing himselfe In this ceremony there was some resemblance of that which had been appointed by Moses Deuteronomy 25. 9. but only there was some alteration crept in And this was By this formality the yeelding or cession was ratified V. 10. From the gate From his city from amongst the citizens of his city V. 11. Did build Did increase his houshold and laid the foundation of that nation which is come out of it Do thou worthily the Italian hath it Make thy selfe mighty by meanes of a numerous posterity Ephratah See Genesis Chapter 35. verse 19. V. 16. Laid it Shee tooke an especiall care of it and brought him up very tenderly V. 21. Salmon Which is the same as Salma THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMVEL THE ARGVMENT THe Holy Ghost in these two Books called Samuels continueth the History of Gods people specially to declare how and wherefore the governement of Judges was changed into that of ordinary and successive Kings in David and his posterity who were more expressely to beare the image of Christs spirituall and eternall Kingdome The summary thereof is that Eli both Judge and high Priest after he had long time ruled the people towards his latter end did yeeld up himselfe to a blamefull indulgency towards his children who abusing their fathers authority were loosely run into diverse excesses prophannesses and violences with great scandall and offence to the people and with great detriment to divine worship For the punishing of which misdeeds God suffered the Philistims power which before was much abated that it should be raised again to the peoples disadvantage they being overcome in battel and subdued the children of Eli slaine and the Arke of God taken and Eli himselfe dying presently after Yet God defended his glory and did severely punish the Philistims contempt of him and raised up a new Deliverer to his people which was Samuel who being miraculously borne and consecrated to God for a perpetuall Nazarite was from a childe by frequent apparitions from God prepared for the office of publick Prophet which was also openly conferred upon him together with that of Judge with all the qualities and gifts thereunto required By vertue of which he also reformed the peoples estate and purged Gods Service from all Idolatries and corruptions did abate the Philistims tyranny and settled the people in peace and liberty But in his old age having appointed his sons to be his successors and they degenerating from their fathers righteousnesse the people did thereupon take an occasion to aske for a King preventing through their rash and importunate demand the time prescribed by God for the establishing of a sacred Kingdome which hee had promised them before And by GOD'S will Saul was chosen who at first did many valiant acts and obtained many rare Victories But a while after in a proofe of strict obedience hee discovered his rebellion Whereupon the LORD declared that hee rejected him and appointed Samuel to unnoint David calling him from a private shepheards life Which was ratified by the LORD who tooke away from Saul his gifts and the conduct of his Spirit and transferred them upon David Who upon this occasion was called to Saul's Court to ease him by meanes of his Musick from his extreame passions ragings and troubles of the minde There did the power of GOD shine in him in all manner of excellent gifts and notable feates of Armes which did purchase him as much hatred and evill will at Saul's hands as it did love and favour with the people And Saul's passion breaking out at the last into a bloudy persecution by open force and by deceipts whereby David was for a long time molested and vexed persisting neverthelesse still in his innocency and loyalty even towards Saul himselfe And at the last GOD suffered Saul's cruelty and wickednesse to come to its height and to bring him
That is to say upon Coursers or Dromedaries V. 20. Heards Which the Amalekites had gotten in other places besides Ziklag and Jewâ—y Those other cattell which were Davids and his followers V. 24. So shall his Italian Ought his to be not only in naturall equity they being commanded to stay behinde and executing a charge so needfull for the whole army it being reasonable that he who hath preserved the common goods should be paid out of the common stock But also by Gods expresse law Num. 31. 27. Josh. â—2 8. V. 27. Bethel This word signifieth house of God whereby some have imagined that it ought to be understood of Kiriath â—eaâ—â—m where the Arke was 〈◊〉 Sam. 7. 1. CHAP. XXXI VERS 2. ABinodab It may bee hee that is called Ishui 1 Sam. 14. 49. V. 6. All his men His familiar and houshold servants V. 11. Iabesh Questionlesse in remembrance and gratitude for their deliverance by Saul 1 Samuel 11. 11. V. 12. Burnt them Which was not ordinarily used but onely in case of necessity as here that they might be no more found nor exposed to ignominy see Amos 6. 10. V. 13. They tooke their bones Halâ—o calcinated for to give them buriall THE SECOND BOOK OF SAMVEL THE ARGVMENT THis Booke containeth the continuation of the Historie of GODS people under David's raigne who after the death of Saul was raised thereunto by degrees being first acknowledged and accepted of by his owne Tribe of Judah and some yeares after by all the rest through his victories over the rest of those which were of Saul's side and at the last by the death of Ishbosheth Saul's son who was installed in the Kingdome And in his executing of this office the historie describes unto us the excellent and heroicall vertues wherewith the Spirit of GOD had endowed David as well for wisdome justice equity and humanity politick governement and establishment of a perfect order in his house and the state of the whole Kingdome as also for valour knowledge and understanding in military affaires through which he obtained continually notable victories as well in forraigne wars as in civill commotions factions and rebellions whereby his State was firme and the people setled in assured rest and the enemies over-throwne destroyed and subdued round about them the bounds of the Kingdome enlarged even to the limits anciently appointed and promised by the LORD Then is set downe his eminent piety and his singular Zeale by which he was moved in GODS Service purged by him from all corruption regulated by an admirable order and held in greater majestie and veneration than it was at first having for that purpose brought the Arke of the Covenant neere himselfe to Sion having by Divine revelation conceived the designe of the fabrick of the Temple and prepared and consecrated infinite treasures for that worke and purchased the ground upon which it should stand The history setteth also down the incomparable blessing wherewith Davids life and raigne was crowned and rewarded whilest hee governed himselfe in this laudable manner by glorious victories and conquests in peace security and wealth Obedience love and perfect respect of his people in numerous issue prosperity and tranquillity at home and benevolence and respect of strange Nations and Princes And it sets down also how David being run out into irregulate desires violence perfidiousnesse ambition and pride vices ordinarily accompanying an absolute power did also feele GOD'S heaviest punishments in tragicall enormities and confusions in his own familie in publick revolts and practises against his person indivisions factions civill wars plagues and other scourges in his Kingdome But as the holy Ghost by which he was stamped and sealed did never utterly forsake him to an unbridled and unlimited forsaking and refusall but by the ministery of his Word did continually recall him to most humble and sincere confessions lively acknowledgements and a deep repentance and loyall conversion followed by an exemplarie patience and humilitie in bearing of GOD'S punishments So did GOD also temper his severity received him againe into grace and peace and for the love of him had mercy upon his people converting all these sinister chances into a greater rest glory and happinesse And all this through GOD'S power and free will who having chosen David for a sacred type of CHRIST and his Father according to the flesh would also give a signe and pawne of the Eternity and blessing of CHRIST'S Kingdome in the firme lastingnesse and prosperity of David and his posterities As likewise the promise of CHRIST'S Kingdome was the solid basis of the lastingnesse of Davids whose ruines were at the appointed time to bee gathered together and the vices and disorders thereof corrected and rectified by CHRIST'S spirituall and everlasting Kingdome which being by David apprehended in Spirit did many times incite him to give unto the LORD most holy and devout thankes ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 2. AND Earth See Joshua Chapter 7. v. 6. Job 2. 12. V. 7. When he looked The greatest part of this narration is faigned only to gaine favour at Davids hands for assuring him of his adversaries death and his relation of having cooperated therein because that the description set down 1 Samuel 31. is farre different from this V. 9. Stand I pray thee To cause the point of the speare to come through Anguish the Italian hath it This armour of maise retaineth c. Armour The Hebrew word signifieth as well an embroydered coat Retaineth Hath hindered the speare from comming through me V. 13. A stranger Dwelling among the children of Israel being become a proselite or otherwayes V. 16. Be upon That is to say beare thou the just punishment of thy capitall offence see Leviticus â—0 9. V. 18. Teach To bring them to the exercise of weapons and especially of the bow because therewith the Philistims had prevailed most against Saul 1 Sam. 31. 3. V. 19. The beauty The Italian O beautifull Or pleasant a title oftentimes given to the land of Canaan Psalme 48. verse 2. and 50. 2. Jeremiah chap. 3. verse 19. Lamentations chapter 2. verse 15. Ezechiel chapter 20. v. 6. Daniel chapter 8. verse 9. and 11. 16. V. 20. Tell it not Would God this evill newes might be hidden from the unbeleevers who will therupon take occasion to blaspheme God and contemn his Church as Judges 16. 23. Mic. 1. 10. The daughters as the custome was in victories 1 Samuel chap. 18. v. 6. V. 21. Let there be no All this cursing of these places is but only a patheticall exaggeration of his griefe as Job chapter 3. verse 3. Of Offerings Of thankesgiving to the Lord. The meaning is may that place which hath given so much occasion of sorrow never yeeld any subject or meanes of mirth Cast away In the flight the most valiant have cast away their weapons or after their death they have layen scattered here and there Aâ—â—inted Consecrated by the Lord for a lawfull King Meaning hee is dead as Tyrants and Usurpers
use to dye V. 24. Clothed you By reason of his victories hee enriched you with the enemies spoiles as Psalme 68. verse 12. Or through the happinesse of his raigne he caused his Countrey to abound in â—iches and pleasures V. 26. Thy love I was joyned to thee with a more strict and render affection then is the husbands affection to his wife CHAP. II. VERS 1. ENquired By Urim and Thummim V. 3. In the cities Of which see Joshua chap. 21. v. 12. V. 6. And truth These two words of kindnesse and truth are often joyned together for to point out a loyall constant and hearty favour and kindnesse V. 8. Ishbosheth Sometimes also called Eshbaal 1 Chronicles Chapter 8. verse 33. and 9. 39. For the Hebrewes in detestation of Idols did expunge the word Baal and did place in the stead of it Bosheth or Besheth that is to say a shamefull and infamous thing as the Idoll it selfe Jeremiah chap. 3. verse 24. Hos. chapter 9. verse 10. So Jerubbaal Judges Chapter 6. verse 22. is called Jerubesheth 2 Samuel 11. 21. and Meribaal 1 Chronicles 8. 34. is the same as Mephibosheth 2 Sam. 4. 4. Mahanaim a place beyond Jordan Genesis 32. 2. belonging to the Tribe of Gad. V. 9. The Ashurites That is to say of the tribe of Asher Jâ—zâ—eel not that of Judah Joshua 15. 56. But that of Isâ—acahr Joshuah chapter 19. verse 18. From which the Countrey round about tooke its name Israel That is to say all the other Tribes saving the Tribe of Judah which even before the separation of the other ten Tribes in the dayes of Jeroboam is often distinguished from the rest 1 Sam. 11. 8. and 15. 4. 2 Sam. 24. 9. V. 10. Two yeares Seeing that David reigned seven years and a halfe in Hebron after the death of Saul we must conclude either that Ishbosheth was not made King presently after his fathers death or that the eleven tribes did not put themselves under Davids obedience presently after the death of Ishbosheth V. 12. To Gibeon In the Country of Benjamin V. 14. Play Let them come to shew both the armies some pastime in a fight according to the custome of armies that lyeâ—ncere one another V. 16. Caught They came together with such fury and violence that at the very first onset they closed and 〈…〉 ust one another through Helkath the field of strong or valiant men or of the points of swords In Gibeon or the territories thereof V. 21. Lay thee hold Vent thy rage upon some plaine ordinary Souldier and do not contend with me for I shall quickly make thee know that thou art not able to deale with mee Words of contempt V. 22. How then Why wilt thou through thy rashnesse cause an implacable hatred to arise between Joab and me V. 23. Under the fifth riâ— In that part of the body which is called Hypocondrion where the halfe ribbs are V. 26. Thesword Is it not time to sound a retreat Thou mayest peradventure repent thy selfe if thou shouldest drive this people to despaire and seeking to prosecute the victory too hotly thou mightest peradventure lose it V. 27. Unlesse thou hadst spoken If thou hadst not challenged and provoked us v 14. CHAP. III. VERS 3. TAlmai Peradventure she was taken prisoner at that time as David warred against the Geshurites 1 Samuel Chapter 27. verse 8. and he married her according to the Law Deuteromomy Chapter 21. verse 10. V. 5. Davids wife The Italian Davids woman That is to say his concubine of a meaner condition than any of his wives V. 7. Wherefore hast thou Words of suspicion as though he should suspect that Abner aimed at thâ— Kingdome for the taking of the deceased King's wife or concubine was a token of taking possession of the Kingdome So David had Sauls concubines 2 Samuel chapter 12. verse 8. Absalom tooke Davids 2 Samuel chapter 16. 21. Adonijah desired to have Abishag given unto him 1 Kings chapter 2. verse 17. V. 10. From Dan See upon Judges chapter 20. verse 1. V. 12. Sent In his own name and not as Ishbosheths officer V. 14. David It is likely he did it by Abners perswasion who was not able to fulfill Davids desire without Ishbosheths consent V. 18. Do it Play the parts of men to bring this businesse to passe V. 10. The whole By 1 Chronicles Chapter 12. verse 29. It is plaine that the greatest part of Benjamin did yet follow Ishbosheth but it is likely that Abner speakes of that part which he had persuaded to be on his side V. 22. From pursuing A troope of the enemies or some high way theeves V. 27. In the gate Or in the entrance of the porch Quietly The Italian Privately or treacherously and deceitfully Under the fifth See upon 2 Sam. 2. 23. V. 29. Let it rest Let this bloud be irremissibly punished in his own person and be continued upon his posterity for example and instruction An issue an opprobrious disease amongst the Jewes see Leviticus 15 2. Leanâ—th that is to say lame or impotent in his limbs V. 30. And Abishai Joab with Abishai's consent or Abishai having a hand in the fact and being present when it was done V. 31. Gird you See Genesis 37 34. Mourne at Abners funerall V. 33. Died Abner That is to say ought he to be shine and his slayer go unpunished as though he had been some â—ewd fellow Or is it possible that hee being such a great Captaine shall dye so unworthily V. 34. Were not bound As a guilty man that is condemned by law to dye that is to say if thou hadst not been treacherously set upon thou mightest well have stood with Joab in a triall of manhood V 39. Weake though ' Hebrew I am set tender as a young plant or graft of a tree Words of humane weaknesse Too hard too high minded and cruell hearted too mighty by reason of the high esteeme they are in with the Souldiers Whereby I cannot represse their insolencie nor punish their misdeeds CHAP. IV. VERS 1. HIs hand Hee fainâ—ed and was quite out of courage V. 2. Was reckoned Though after Saul's overthrow and death the inhabitants of this and other cities had forsaken them and left them to the Philistims who had seated themselves there 1 Sam. 31. 7. V. 3. Gittaim Which was also a city of Benjamin Neh. 11. 33. V. 4. Jonathan This seemeth to be put in here to shew that there being but two left of Sauls posterity namely Ishbosheth and Mephibosheth that could pretend to be Kings for the rest that were borne of concubines 2 Samuel chapter 21. verse 8. Were uncapable of it Ishbosheth being slaine as shall hereafter be said and Mephibosheth being impotent and very young the Israelites were so much the willinger to accept of David for to be King Out of Jezreel Where the battell was given 1 Samuel chapter 29. verse 1. Mephibosheth called also Meribbaal 1 Chronicles chapter 8. verse 34. See upon 2 Samuel chap.
decorum whilest hee danced which Michal hatefully exaggerates through pride V. 21. It was It is an honourable action to leape with a holy joy before the Lord though in outward appearance it do not somuch savour of gravitie And GOD notwithstanding this my humility will make mee seeme never the lesse worthy nor majestick before men V. 23. Had no child This seemes to bee noted for a punishment of her pride CHAP. VII VERS 3. SAid Not by divine revellation but of himself being a holy and pious man considering the designe of it selfe was praise worthy and that God guided David by his holy spirit in all his enterprises V. 5. Shalt thou build me Words of admiration not of reprehension The meaning is Hast thou had such a light thought as for to build a firme and and setled habitation to the signes of my presence which have hitherto been unsetled and wandring I have not as yet done this honour to any of the other tribes out of which I have chosen Judges and a King I doe like of thine intent 1 Kings Chapter 8 verse 18. But be thou content with those honours which thou hast received at my hands the putting of this thy designe in execution is reserved for thy sonne V. 7. Spake I a word God had often sayd in his Law that hee would chuse himselfe a place but he had not expressed where nor what kind of place it should be And therefore he lovingly admonisheth David to wait for this expression V. 11 And as This is added to extoll Davids raigne who had for ever suppressed the adverse nations and setled Israel in a firme repose and forme of government whereas the Judges had but onely delivered them from the tyranny of some one nation and that but onely for a certaine time Make thee A Scripture phrase which signifieth giving continuance of posterity and a durable being See Exodus chapter 1. verse 21. 1 Kings Chapter 2. verse 24. V. 13 For my name To mee my selfe who have made my selfe knowne to my Church as it were by a proper name that my name might bee called upon therein and that the holy meanes of my revealing may therein bee used and distributed For ever That is to say continually till the Messias Genesis Chapter 49. verse 10. Who was to come from David according to the flesh and change the temporall and figurative Kingdome into a spirituall and everlasting one V. 14 His father By adoption and grace to Solomon and by eternall generation to Christ Hebrewes chapter 1. vers 5. If he This is referred onely to Solomon and his posterity and not at all to Christ. With the rod with rods accorded to humane weaknesse through a benigne and louing correction and not extreame according to the rigour of divine Justice to utter destruction see Job chap. 23. ver 6. Psalm 39. 11. Isaiah 27. 7. 8. and 47. 3. Jeremiah 30. 11. V. 16. Before thee Thou and every one of thy successors seeing it and enjoying it Or even as it hath been during thy life V. 19 And is this The continuation of thy blessings upon my posterity is not as the succession into goods and honours which by the Law of Nature and Nations doth passe from the fathers to their children and so to their posterity but this is thy singular and meere good will and deed V. 20 What can I cannot sufficiently with words acknowledge thy favours they surpasse my capacity but thou knowest the motions of my heart which the tongue cannot parallel See Gen. 31. 10. V. 21 For thy words sake This admirable revelation of thy grace towards me and my posterity is grounded upon nothing but onely upon the designe which thou hast set downe out of thy owne meere free will V. 22 Thou art great The Italian Thou art exalted That is to say thou oughtest to be praised and exalted and indeed so thou art by mee and by all the faithfull According As thy miracles and divine works doe testifie â—the remembrance of which is come even to us and our times V. 23 Went to Did in a manner come downe from heaven to display and lay upon his glorious power upon earth Exod. 3. 7. 8. And their Gods To whom the idolaters attributed the glory of having overcome the true God and having subdued the people Exod 12. 12. V. 24 Confirmed Thou hast gotten a perpetuall right unto them and by thy benefits hast gained them unto thee and thine obedience and â—â—ast confirmed their being that they may alwayes subsist to serve thee Israel That people which is according to the flesh untill the comming of the Messias but that which is according to the spirit for ever V. 27 Found in his heart The Italian found his heart That is to say hee hath gathered together all his thoughts and affections and recalled them from the errors of the world to unite and imploy them all in the making of this prayer unto thee V. 29 Before thee Under thy protection CHAP. VIII VERS 1. MEtheg Amâ—ah This name is not any where else in Hebrew it signifieth the bridle of the angle or corner It may be it was some strong hold in some straight passage by which one might take the City of Gath 1 Chron. 18. 1. is set downe that hee took Gath and all the precincts of it V. 2 Calling them This it seems must be understood of the Prisoners which hee divided into three parts whereof two he put to death and saved the third V. 3 Zobah A countrey of Syria As he went Namely David himselfe to enlarge his bounds to the river Euphrates acccording to the bounds set downe by the Lord. Genesis Chapter 15. verse 18. V. 4 A thousand 1 Chron. 18 4. There is the number of seven thousand but here it seemeth are reckoned none but the chiefe Houghed To make them unserviceable being unwilling to make any store of these instruments of pride and carnall confidence See Joshua Chapter 11. verse 6. V. 7 The shields see 1 Kings chapter 10. verse 16. V. 9 Hamath A city of Syria which is thought to be Antioch it selfe V. 10 To blesse him To congratulate with him V. 11 Dedicate Namely for the preparation of the building of the Temple and other uses for Gods service See Chronic. chapter 29 verse 2. V. 13 The valley Which was in Idumea 2 Kings chapter 14. verse 7. Psalme 16. ver 2. Eighteen thousand Which were Idumeans 1 Chron. 18. 12. V. 14 Became Which lasted untill the dayes of Joram King of Judah 2 Kings chapt 8. 22. according to Isaaks prophesie Gen. 27. 40. V. 16 Recorder The Italian Chancellor or speaker as 2 Kings 18. 18. V. 17 The Priests Namely secondary Priests as great substitutes under Abiathar high Priest See upon Numb 3. 32. Whereupon when Abiathar wâ—s thrust out by Solomon Zadock was put in his place 1. Kings chapter 2. verse 27. and 35. V. 18 Cherethites The common opinion is that these were the Kings guard The cause
of the name is uncertaine They might be some of those that had followed David in his flight 1 Sam. 22. 2. and staid with him in Ziklag a frontier or part of the Cherethites countrey who were Philistims 1 Sam. 30. 14. It may be they were native Philistims great and mighty men of stature which is a proportion required in those who are of the Princes guard David having chosen them for the guard of his person after they had joyned themselves to the people of God by profession of religion And indeed Pelethite signifieth â—ulled out or chosen So there were of the Gittiâ—es of Gath in Davids service 2 Sam. chapter 15 verle 18. and 19. Rulers The Italian hath it Princes That is to say chiefe barons or Princes of the bloud CHAP. IX VERSE 4. LOdebar By the second of Samuel chapter 17. verse 27. It appeares that it was a place beyond Jordan V. 8 Dogge A person of no esteem V. 10 Thy Masters sonne Namely Michaâ— the sonne of Mephibosheth verse the twelfth For Mephibosheth himselfe had his dyet at court V. 11. As for Others will have these to be Zibah's words in this sence Doe O King as thou thinkest â—itting and as thou pleasest though Mephibosheth might have his dyet with me that is to say he should by mee bee royally entertained as a Kings sonne V. 12. Were Mephibosheth was master and Ziba was but over-seer of the house CHAP. X. VERS 2. AS his The Scripture doth not set down when this was It was peradventure when David fled 1 Samuel chapter 22 verse 3. and this Nahaz might be the same as the first of Sam. chapter 11. verse 1. who hating Saul that had overcome him might doe David some good V. 3 To overthrow it That is to say to entice or corrupt the people and so disturb thy kingdome V. 4 To their See concerning this kind of disgracefull usage Isaiah chapter 20. verse 4. and 47. 2. V. 5. Jericho which at that time might be some open and ruinate place for it was not built againe untill a long time after 1 Kings chapter the sixteenth verse the foure and thirtieth V. 6 Beth-Reheb This was a part of Syria bordering upon the north of Israel Numbers 13. 22. Zoba Another countrey of Syria 1 Samuel chapter fourteenth verse the fourty seventh Maacah This was also part of Syria joyning to the former Deuteronomy chap. 3. verse 14 Ishtoh The Italian Toâ— See Judg. 11. 3. V. 8. Of the gate The Italian addeth Of the City Of Medeba which was upon the frontiers of the Ammonites 1 Chron. chap. 19. verse 7. V. 16 Hadar-Ezer Is the same as Hadad-Ezer King of A Syria 2 Sam. chapt 8. verse 3. The river Euphrates Helam A place mentioned no where else V. 18 Seven hundred 1 Chronicles chapter 19 verse 18. Mention is made of seven thousand but here are meant onely the chiefe as 2 Samuel chapter 8. verse 4. Horse-men 1 Chronicle chapter 19. verse 18. there is mention made of foot-men neither can there any reason be given of this diversity CHAP. XI VERS 1. AFter the yeare Or the new yeare namely at the spring Rebbah The principall city of Ammon Deuteronomy chapter 3. verse 11. V. 2 His Bed Upon which peradventure he rested at noon The roofe Made in the manner of a plaine Terrace according to the fashion Washing purging her selfe from the legall uncleannesse of her monethly termes verse 4. according to the Law Leviticus chapt 15. ver 27 28. V. 3 The Hittite See upon 1 Sam. chapt 26. verse 6. V. 8 Wash That is to say refresh thy selfe according to the ancients custome when they had beene some journey V. 11. The Arke Whether it was carried into the camp as it was wont to be upon occasion of some notable danger or businesse Numbers chapter 31. verse 6. 1 Samuel chapter 4. verse 4. and chapter 14. verse 18. or that he onely meaneth it rested under the tent which David had set up for it 2 Samuel chapt 6. verse 17. V. 16 Observed The Italian assayling Or having observed the City and given heed to it V. 21 Ierubesheth See upon 2 Samuel ch 2. verse 8. V. 27 The mourning In weeping Fasting and living private and from company the ordinary time appointed therefore being seven days as Josephus writeth see 1 Samuel chapter 31. verse 13. CHAP. XII VERS 5. SHall surely dye The Italian hath deserved death By reason of the cruelty of the circumstances the penalty of restoring foure â—old which was appoynted by the Law Exodus chap. 22. verse 1. Is not sufficient and therefore besides what is due for his neighbours satisfaction it is sitting he should pay a penalty to publike justice with his life V. 7 The man Guilty of that misdeed see the like example the second of Samuel chapter 14. verse 6. 1 Kings chapter 20. verse 35. 41. V. 8 Wives The Italian hath it Women This seemes should not bee understood of the women which were marryed to Saul Davids father in law nor yet of his concubines because there would bee incest in it Leviticus chap. â—8 verse 15. But of women and maides of Sauls court which he had not carnally knowne see upon the second of Samuel chapter 3. verse 7. Too little As second of Kings chapter 3. verse 18. V. 9 The commandement That is to say the Law V. 10 The sword This may bee referred to the violent death of Davids three sonnes Ammon Absolom and Adoniah and to divers warres and bloudy deaths of his successors V. 11 Evill A cruell and tragicall evill namely the revolt and conspiracy of thy sonne Absolom the second of Samuel chapter the fifteenth verse the tenth Who shall ravish and defile thy concubines the second of Samuel chapter the sixteenth verse the two and twentieth Take I will suffer by my just judgement the divell to suggest this evill thought to Absolom and suffer him to doe it without any opposition punishing thy sinne by his sinne Before thine eyes In thy life time and thou knowing of it In the sight publikely and openly V. 12. For thou Because thou hast beene more ashamed of men then afraid of me I will punish thee with publick shame V. 13. Also hath seeing thou art so ready to confesse and so sincere in thy repentance Prov. 28. 13. 1 John 9 10. Put away Taken it away from before his eyes forgotten it not to be inducâ—d to revenge for it that is to say he hath remitted and forgiven it Now the Lord forgiveth David the severe censure of a Judge joyned with the curse of his person and utter destruction by present and eternall death Yet reserveth unto himselfe the fatherly punishment for his correction and humiliation See 2 Sam. 7. 14 15. V. 14. Thou hast that is to say insomuch that a King of Israel chosen by beloved of God hath committed such cruell deeds as are reproved even by pagans and that through thy treachery Gods enemies have had some advantage
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
King in my fathers stead 11. Were called To the sacrifice of thanksgiving As 1 Sam. 9. 13. 16. 3. 5. V. 12. Giloh A City of Judah Josh. 15. 51. V. 14. And bring evill Lest he overcome us suddenly or lest he destroy us without helpe and upon our resistance take occasion to sack the City V. 17. Tarrâ—d To rest a while or to feed Farre of Alone and out of the City though not very farre off as it appeareth by the subsequent narration V. 18. Cherethites See upon 2 Sam. 8. 18. Gittites It is uncertaine what people this was Certaine it is that they were so called from Gath a City of the Philistims and it is likely that they being converted to the true religion David tooke them to be of his guard for the cause spoken of 2 Sam. 8. 18. wherfore their head is called a stranger vers 19. 1. V. 19. An exile the Italian And wilt quickly goe to thy place as if he would say thou art old and weake neere to thine end V. 20. But yesterday Newly but a little while agoe Mercy may God use mercy continually towards thee V. 23. Kidron The name of a valley and a brooke on the East side of Jerusalem between the city and the Mount of Olives Jer. 31. 40. Joh. 18. 1. V. 24. Zadok According to the commandement Num. 4. 15. Bearing According to the custome in your greatest and most dangerous commotions of the people See Num. 31. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 3. and 14. 18. But here there was a more speciall occasion to shew that the Church as one should say and the signes of Gods presence could not be separated from Da-David who was the figure of Christ the head of it And for a token of a curse to Absalom who could not have God on his side in such an abominable usurpation Set downe The meaning is Zadock the second Priest a Sam. 8. 17. Having the charge of carrying the Arke with his Levites staid with it to keep the rereward of the people imitating therein the example of Josh. 3. 17. whilest Abiathar the High Priest went in the front of the people up the Mount of Olives and whilest the rest of the people made an end of comming out of the city V. 25. His habitation Namely Jerusalem by him chosen for a firme residence for the signes of his presence V. 27. A Seer That is to say a Prophet 1 Sam. 9. 9. either Zadock being indeed a Prophet or because sometimes he did put on the breastplate to enquire of God as he was Aarons successor in the direct line of the first borne Though Abiathar for some unknowne cause did at that time time possesse that place and either of the two wayes it was necessary for him to stay with the people and instruct them concerning the will of God V. 30. Covered His head wrapped up and his sight covered according to the manner of mourners 2 Sam. 19. 4. Esther 6. 12. V. 31. One told David the Italian And David said To prevent their affrightment he would tell the people of it himselfe Others have it and it was told David c. whereupon he said ô Lord c. V. 31. The Archite We reade no name like unto this but only Josh. 16. 2. Earth See Jesh 7. 6. 1 Sam. 4. 12. 2 Sam 13. 19. V. 34. Defeate Thou maiest cause Achitophels conncell to miscarry and be overthrowne CHAP. XVI VERS 1. THe hill namely the mount of Olives V. 3. He said A false calumniation 2 Sam. 19. 26. To which David notwithstanding upon false suggestions gave too much heed V. 4. I humbly beseech the Italian I do obeisance to thee That is to say I give thee humble thanks I may finde thy grace is sufficient for me A courteous manner of thanksgiving V. 5. Bahurim a city of Benjamin 2 Samuel 3. 16. V. 8. The Blood we reade not hitherto that David had spilt any blood of Sauls house whereby some have thought that which is said 2 Sam. 11. 8. to gave been before these things happened Or that Shimei imputed the death of Ishbosheth and Abner to David Thou art taken overtaken by and retained in the just punishment of thy misdeed V. 10. What have I I will have none of thy revenge neither doe I care for thy service in this kinde Let him curse I doe perceive that this evill commeth upon me through Gods providence who having taken away from me my majesty and the love and reverence of my subjects hath exposed me to this mans outrages Job 30. 11. And it is my duty to humble my selfe under the hand of the first author and not take notice of this fellow that is but the instrument Hath said unto him See 2 Kings 18. 25. Lam. 3. 38. V. 11. Benjamite of which Tribe Saul was from whom the Kingdome had beene taken away to give it David V. 14. There Namely in Bahurim v. 5. V. 15. The men of the Italian hath it The chiese of which might be the deputies of the communalties for the chusing of a new King V. 19. Whom In serving thee that art his sonne and lawfull successor I do nothing that is against my duty seeing thou art his second selfe V. 21. And all Israel In this manner thou shalt cut off all way of reconcilement whereby those of thy side shall be bound to defend thee to the last being out of all hope of pardon V. 22. Vpon the top Made after the manner of a terrace and exposed to the sight of all men CHAP. XVII VERS 3. THe man In the death of David whom thou seckest after consisteth thy whole conquest and the secure obtaining of the kingdome Shall be The Hebrew is will make peace that is to say will be quiet and not stirre V. 8. Is a man and therefore knoweth of what importance the preservation of a head is V. 9. Some pit Of which see Judges 6. 2. 1 Sam. 13. 6. Of them namely of those twelve thousand which Achitophel meanes to have a long with him V. 11. From Dan see Judges 20. 1. V. 13. All Israel With such a mighty army it will be as easie for thee to take a City â—as to draw a great weight downe a hill A proverbiall kinde of speech as Psal. 83. 14. V. 14. The good the Italian the better that is to say the wiser and more profitable advice Evill namely his ruine V. 17. Enrogeâ— A place neere to Jerusalem Joshuah Chapter 15. verse 7. and chapter 18. verse 16. Might not For if they had remained in the city they could not so easily have come out to execute their commission which was to carry messages Or may be because they were suspected V. 18. Went both of them Seeing that they were discovered V. 20. They bee gone over See concerning these lies in matter of narration told onely to hinder men from doing hurt by hiding the truth from them which thing is not conceâ—â—ned by the holy Ghost Exodus Chapter 1. verse 19.
Spirit and set them downe in writing after his Psalmes and other workes The sweet Psalmist the Italian is The Composer of the sweete songs of Israel Not only of the holy subject but also of the tune and inventer of the very instruments they were sung to Amos chap. 6. v. 5. V. 3. That ruleth This is Gods command to all Kings but especially to the Kings of his people which it should seeme David doth here propound to Solomon his sonne and successor to make him capable of the promises set downe hereafter V. 4. The light which waxeth greater continually and higher V. 5. Be not so The person and eternall kingdome of Christ who is the head of Gods promises to my posterity is not altogether like the Sunne or the grasse because it shall not be without interruption change or revolution whereas the Sun sometimes is darkned and every day goeth down and riseth againe the grasse after it is growne withereth and dryeth up then groweth out againe See James 1. 17. Make it not He will never suffer it to faile and to spring up againe All which must be especially referred to Christ and his spirituall kingdome and not to the temporall successors in Davids kingdome in which there often happened wants of issue and ruines of State V. 6. Cannot be taken so he sheweth that God doth not punish the wicked with his owne fatherly hand with regard mercy and distinction but gives them over to the instruments of his wrath and intangleth them in a common perdition V. 8. Of the mighty men Of the most famous Captaines of his army the severall parts of whose service are set downe 1 Chronicles chapter 27. verse 2. That sate in the seat 1 Chronicles chapter 11. verse 11. Hee is called Jashobeam the sonne of Hachmoni but it should seeme that by reason of his great wisdome and worth he was by a certaine allusion to his name called he that sitteth in the seat or is president namely in the councell of warre amongst the Captaines Chiese The order and degrees of command in Davids army were these Joab was the Generall then there were six Colonels which were divided into two bands three of the one side and three of the other and of these six it should seeme this Jashobeam or Adino was the chiefe and these six had the command over the thirty Captaines which are here under mentioned which Asahel immediately commanded verse 24. as Colonell generall of the foot He slew the Italian Discomsited By slaying three hundred of them 1 Chronicles chap. 11. verse 11. V. 9. The men of Israel Davids army went away or fled and forsook their Captaines in this occasion But after Eleazar had set upon and discomfited the enemies the people united themselves together againe and came to the battell but onely to spoile and prey v. 10. V 10 Cleave unto By the contraction of his Sinewes through the great paines he had taken V. 12 Defended it Would not suffer the Philistims to mow it for the incursions and skirmisnes did happen for the most part in and by reason of harvest Judg. 6. 4. 1 Sam. 23. 1. V. 14 A bold Which was the same cave which was mentioned before fortisied either by nature or by Art The garrison For in these inrodes and incursions into the countrey of the Israelites they took possession of some strong places and set watches there to keep them for places to refresh themselves in to retreat into or to molest the children of Israel out of them 1 Samuel 10. 5. and 13. 3. V. 15 Oh that one Whether he was indeed extream thirsty or that he intended thereby onely to encourage his men to set upon the place but these three men understood the words as they sounded which David did not approve of and therefore refused to drinke of the water to shew how sorrie hee was that hee had given occasion of such a rash enterprise and he powred it out as an offering of thanksgiving to God for delivering them out of that danger V. 18. Among three This was the second â—and or squadron of Colonells consisting of these three namely Abishai Benajah and Asahel V. 19 He attaired not In esteeme Degree and Honour The first three Of the first squadron V. 20 Kabzeel A City of Judah Joshuah Chapter 15. verse 21. Two Lion-leke men The Italian Two Ariels of Moab They were some Giants or men of great valour of one name and kindred and peradventure brothers This name signifieth Gods Lions and it might be given them to set forth their valour and bravery In time At which time your wild beasts are most fierce for want of food V. 21 A goodly man Either in greatnesse or strength of body or valour or power and authority With a staffe as David did 1 Samuel 17. 40 43. V. 23 His Guard 2 Samuel Chapter 8. vers 18. and Chapter 20. verse 23. which guard he had continually by him to doe his commands especially in matters of execution of Justice V. 24 Asahel Hee was of the second squadron of Colonels but he commanded these thirty ensuing Captaines as their particular Commander V. 39 Thirty and seven reckoning Joab and and the six afore-named Colonels CHAP. XXIV VERSE 1. AGaine Besides the scourge of Famine 2 Sam. chapter 21. 1. Moved By his supreme and most just will he suffered the devill to tempt him with this ambition and curiosity whereby he made a rash triall of Gods promise which was to multiply his people infinitely 1 Chronicles chapter 27. verse 23 24. And abandoned David so 〈◊〉 as to give consent to it See 1 Chronicles chap. 21. verse 1. Goe number Wherein may be noted these three faults First in the cause and motion which was ambition or curiosity Secondly in the undertaking to doe such a thing without Gods expresse command which in such a case ought alwayes to be expected Exodus chap. 38. verse 25. Numbers chapter 1. verse 3. This third seemeth to bee poynted at 1 Chronicles chapter 27. verse 23 24. And it may be from thence ariseth the diversity of numbers between this history and the history of 1 Chronicles Chapter 21. 5. Where all those that are able to carry armes even under the age of twenty are mustered and here verse the ninth Onely they that were twenty yeares of age and upwards V. 2 Was with him For alwayes one part of the men of war were with David 1 Chronic. 27. 1. V. 4 From the prsence Being there by turnes to doe their service V. 5 In the midst See Deuteronomy chapt 2. verse 36. And it is called Ar Numbers chapt 21. verse 15. The River called Arnon others of the valley V. 6 The land Taâ—â—im The Italian hath it The lower countrey which might be some part of the countrey Eastward opposite to the other which was mountainous Hodshi This name is not else where and it signifieth new and therefore might be some countrey newly conquered See 1 Châ—on chapter 5. verse 10. Dan-Jaan
religion and reformed the manners of private living and of publik government God still employing towards both kingdoms excellent Prophets using sundry punishments and visitations to bring back the people from their errors and strayings which through his mercie was never without fruit and amendment in Iudah where the holy seed and the Church of God was preserved But in the ten Tribes it served to no other end but onely to gather together some remnants of Gods elect and to reprove the peoples unbrideled malice to assure them of their approaching condemnation and to justifie Gods judgments after his long patience CHAP. I. VERS I. WAs old because hee was almost seventy years of age 2 Sam. 5. 4. V. 3. A Shunamite of Shunem a Citie of Issacar Ios. 19. 18. V. 5. I will be King because that after the death of Ammon and Absalom he was the eldest but God the Soveraign Lord of the people had long before named Salomon to bee Davids Successor 1 Chron. 22. 9. he prepared as Absalom had done 2 Sam. 15. 1. V. 6. Very goodly and therefore beloved of the people and peradventure of David himself his mother by birth-right he was next to Absalom though by another mother 2 Sam. 3. 4. and therefore David took no notice of Adonijahs desire reserving the relating of his own will which was agreeing with the will of God in the behalfe of Salomon untill the ending of his dayes because hee would avoid troubles V. 9. En-rogâ—l some place neere Ierusalem to the Eastward see Ios. 15. 7. and 18. 16. 2 Sam. 17. 17. V. 12. Save for it was cleare by Salomons being excluded from this feast that Adonijah had a great jealousie of him which jealousie was grounded upon the notice hee had of Gods Oracle concerning the succession ordained to be Salomons V. 21. With his Fathers see Gen. 15. 15. and 47. 30. offenders as having desired the Kingdom and secretly sought for thy good will against his right of first-borne V. 23. Hee was come Bathshebah being gone out at that instant as it appeareth by vers 28. V. 31. Let my Lord might it have pleased God would this change had never been but that thou mightest have lived and raigned perpetually Dan. 2. 4. V. 33. The servants the houshold servants garders and officers belonging to me your King shall even from this time belong to Salomon mine own a token of communicating or transferring of the Royall dignitie Gen. 41. 43. Est. 6. 8. to Gihon it was a hill neere Ierusalem on the West side opposite to Rogel where Adonijah had gathered his Associates together and was chosen out by David for this act of consecration to shew the contrarietie of these two Parties and to avoid any encounter which might have bred a tumult or skirmish see upon 1 Chron. 29. 22. the reiterated and solemne confirmation of this consecration which was here but summarily done V. 36. Say so too let the Lord be pleased to ratifie by his Soveraign will and decree that which thou hast now made known to us for to be thy will V. 39. A horne see upon 1 Sam. 10. 1. out of the Tabernable not Moses his Tabernaâ—le which was yet in Gibeon 1 Chron. 16. 39. and 21. 29. but that which David had set up for the Arke 2 Sam. 6. 17. V. 47. To blesse to congratulate with him for this his happy succession and to testifie their joy therfore by vowes and wishes and to give him thanks for having nominated a successor freeing them by that meanes of all care and the Kingdome of divisions and revolts bowed himself hath confirmed all this by an expresse thanksgiving to God as Gen. 47. 31. V. 50. Caught hold either going to Gibeon where Moses his Altar was at that time 1 Chron 21. 29. or to Davids Altar which he had set up in Araunahs threshing floore 2 Sam. 24. 25. Now though there were no law for the freedome of malefactors in that place yet custome had brought up this refuge to avoid any present violence and also for a signe of craving mercie in Gods name who by the sacrifices made there layed open his mercie to sinners see Exod. 21. 14. 1 Kings 2. 28. CHAP. II. VERS II. I Goe as Ios. 23. 14. a man wisely valiantly like a man of ripe and full age making good by thy vertues thy want of years thou being yet but young 1 Chron. 22. 5. V. 4 There shall not there shall never want some of thine issue which was verified in Christ Ier. 33. 17. V. 5. Put the blood putting his bloody sword up into his scabbard and wearing it so at his girdle and his shoes also all bloody in a bold and publick way as it were bragging of his murthers V. 6. In peace by a naturall and peaceable kind of death V. 7. So they came using such kindnesse towards me as I desire should be used towards them V. 9. Hold him not examine and look well into his actions for his malice will yeeld thee occasion enough to adde that old fault of his to other new ones which he will questionlesse commit so that thou maist punish him for both together V. 13. Peaceably with a friendly intent or for some good as 1 Sam. 16. 4. speaking thus because she knew Adonijah had reason to be angry with her for having procured the Kingdome for Solomon her Son V. 15. Was mine by order of birth-right being I was the elder brother V. 6. And now being frustrate of those great pretences obtaine me for my comfort this small request of Solomon and I will rest satisfied therewith V. 19. On his right as the most honourable place next to the regall throne see upon Psal. 110. 1. V. 22. Aske for him Solomon by divine inspiration perceived whereto Adonijahs request tended namely to trouble him and contend with him for the Kingdom and for to gaine the great ones good wills with whom Abisha was very gracious and besides it was the successors right for to have the deceased Kings concubines 2 Sam. 3. 7. and 12. 8. and 16. 21. For he is doe not you perceive that by this meanes he meaneth again to revive his pretences by reason of his eldership even against Gods expresse command For Abiathar the Priest for all those of his party who will strengthen him and egge him on to the destruction of me and all mine V. 24. Hath made me hath given me a firme and lasting â—â—ate which shall passe to my posterity by a lawfull succession 2 Sam. 7. 26. V. 26. Anathoth a city belonging to the Priests Iâ—sh 21. 18. Thou barest thou wer 't High Priest and didst alwayes adhere to my Father even in his greatest dangers when it was needfull to transport Gods Arke as 2 Sam. 15. 24. at which time the High Priest was of necessity to be present as a President and Superintendent Num. 4. 15 19 27. V. 28. The Tabernacle it is likely that it was Moses his Tabernacle that was in Gibeon with
Italian upon a Pillar wherof see 2 Kin. 11. 14. stood to the consented to it did openly protest that they would stand to it without varying V. 4. Of the second order these were two Priests which were in the next degree to the high Priest who were also his deputies see 2 Sam. 8. 17 2 Kin. 2. 518. â—ethelâ— where Iereboam had setup one of the Calves 1 Kin. 12. 29. Now Iosias caused this dust to be carried â—hither as an abominable uncleanness to profane the place take away all opinion of holiness from it V. 5. The Idolatrous Priests the Italian Camaries they were certain ministers of Idolatry different from the Priests which belonged to the Idols Zeph. 1. 4. The Iewes believe that it was a kinde of Monks so called either by reason that they lived cloistered up or because they used to wear smokie clothing of a darke colour Planets or the 12. signs of Zodiack V. 6. And cast the sign of detestation of Idols and Idolaters for these graves were the graves of them which had worshipped Idols 2 Chron. 34 4. of the children of the basâ—st and lowest degree amongst the people who being most sensuall are likely most enclined to Idolatrie and superstition V. 7. The houses they were little booths which served for brothell houses where they committed the abominable sin of lust against nature Idolatry being alwaies followed with these abominations fruits of the unclean spirit of lying Ro. 1. 23. 24. 27. see 1 Kin. 14. 24. 15 12. 22. 46. hangings the Italian hath it houses they might be some tents which were set up in that grove wherein those wickednesses were committed V. 8. All the Priests which worshipped the true God yet they do it in the high places and not in Ierusalem which was the only place approved by God defiled hee did by authority proclaim them to be unclean took away all signs of holinesse from them and brought them to â—ordid uses and defiled them with unclean things according to Law as with dead bodies bones and the like v. 4. 14 16. 20. from Geba which weâ—e the two bounds of the Land of Iudah in length of the gate set up near to the gates of the City according to the ancient custome of Idolaters for to have some Tutelar and Guarding God-head of Ioshua neither the man nor the gate are mentioned any where else it might be some Captain of that city or of some part of it who dwelling neare one of these gates had built some Chappel or place of devotion there V. 9. The Priests though they were of the Priestly race yet were they deposed from their Office but were notwithstanding suffered to feed upon the holy meaâ—s as of meat offerings wherein all manner of leaven was forbidden Lev. 2. 4. 5. 11. V. 10. Topleth it was a place on the East side of Jerusalem in the pleasant Valley of the children of Hinnon so called from Toâ— that is to say a Drum either by reason of the musick dances and other pastimes which were used there or by reason of the noise of drummes which was used there in the abominable Sacrifices of their children to deaffen the eares and dull the sences of the Spoctators see Ier. 7. 31. 19. 6. 11. V. 11. The horses they â—ere certain statues of horses chariots dedicated to the Sun as he was accustomed to be figured by the heathen mounted upoÌ„ a charet drawn with foure horses at the entring in it is thought to be either one or more gates of the first precinct of the Temple on the west side through which they went in to the court of the Gentiles in the suburbs the Italian hath it Pariâ—â—rim it seemeth to be the same place as is called Parbar 1 Chron. 26. 18. it is uncertain what place it was why it was so called the Hebrewes hold they were certain suburbs belonging to the temple towards the west see Ize 45. 2 V. 12. That were on see of this custome of those that worshipped the Stars Zeph. 1. 5. V. 13. Of corruption it is thought it was the mount of Olives or some other near unto it on the east side of Ierusalem that it is so called by allusion or equivocation of two Hebrew words whereof one signifieth annointing by reason of the Olives the other spoile or corruption by reason of these abominations V 15. The high place that is to say the Temple which was built there V. 16. Turned himselfe namely when hee was in Bethel which place though it was no part of the Kingdom of Iudah he did these things either as by right as being lawful Lord as he was Davidsâ—ighfull â—ighfull successor or in meer zeale in an abandoned country which in a manner had no Lord at all 2 Chro. 34. 6 V. 18. No man move the Italian preserve and doe not burn them as you have done the rest V. 21 In this book which was found in the Temple 2 Kings 22. 8. V. 22. Surely there was not this Passeover is here made mention of because it was celebrated with more concourse of people and greater purity then over it was since the time of the Iudges 2 Chro. 35. 18 V. 24. And the Idols the Hebrew word signifieth porperly little domessicall or houshold Idols Gen. 31. 19. V. 26. Turned not because that the people followed not the example of their King in converting themselves sincerely to the Lord as it appeared presently after the death of Iosias see Ier. 3. 10. V. 29. Of Assyria by this name seemeth to be understood Nabopolassar King of Babylon who had taken Assyria from the Meades who had subdued the Assyrians so oftentimes by the name of Assyrians by reason of the noblenesse of the Title are understood the Caldeans and afterwards the Persians who had conquered Assyria against him the cause might be to hinder him from going to provoke the King of Babylon for fear left his countrey which lay between the countrey of these Monarchs should be left to the Conquerors mercy and should be the place or field for their war â—â—ew him that is to say wounded him mortally for it seemeth he died in Jerusalem 2 Chron. 35 24. when he had at the first encounter V. 30. And the people some believe that this Ieâ—â—â—â—az was installed by popular faction and not according to birth-right seeing that he was but three and twenty years of age when he began to reign and reigned but three months whereas his brother Ie 〈…〉 im who succeeded him was five and twenty years of age when he began to reign v. 36. unlesse there were some vacancy or interregnum Iehoaâ—az called also Shallum Ier. 22. 11. V. 34. Turned for to shew his soveraignty there according to Ieremiah his prophecy Ier. 22. 11. CHAP. XXIIII VERS I. NEbuchadnezzar the sonne of Nabopolassar who raised up the old Empire of Babylon annexing Assyria unto it which he had conquered Gen. 10. 10. 2 Kings 23. 29. being yet
living he sent this Son of his to make war in Iury who is here called King because he was heir Lievtenant general to his father V. 2. Bands the meaning is Before the Caldeans came with a compleat Army into Iudea they made inroads and spoyled the countrey with these bands whereby God gave the people yet some time to convert themselves and his elect to prepare themselves against the last and irrepairable inundation V. 6. Ieboiakim called likewise Iechoniah 1 Chr. 3. 16 and Coniah Ier. 22. 24. V. 7. The King this is added to shew that from that time the Aegyptians aid who were enemies and emulators of the Babylonians was quite cut off from the Iewes for the Aegyptians stirring in Zedekiahs time lasted but a little and was to smal or no purpose Ier. 37. 5. the river of Aegypt of which see Num. 34. 5. V. 12. Went out an Hebrew phrase signifying as much as that he yeelded to his mercy of his namely of Nebuchadnezzars V. 14. All Ierusalem that is to say the greater and better part of the people craftsmen the Italian Carpenters to take all meanes of fortifying the city and arming the men see upon Iudg. 58. 1 Sam. 13. 19 V. 20. For God having resolved to punish so many sins did not grant Zedekiah the spirit of repentance CHAP. XXV VERS III. FOurth moneth this number is supplied by Ier. 52. 6. for the people for the meanest sort well there might be a little left for the better sort V. 4. The City see Ier. 39. 2. 3. of the Gate see Ier. 39. 4. and the King according to the prophecy Ezech. 12. 13. V. 8. Captaine see Gen. 37. 36. V. 18. Chiefe Priest that is to say high Priest second his great Deputy next to the high Priest in the Priestly line such as there were alwayes one or two Elâ—zar under Aaron Phineas under Eleazar c. see Num 3. 32. 2 Sam. 8. 17. 2 Kin. 23. 4. of the door or of the holy vessels Ier. 35. 4. see upon 2 Kings 12. 9. V. 19. And five Ier. 52. 25. there are seven whether it be by reason that they were taken at severall times or that the sive were the chiefe that were the Italian of his familiars of his in imate friends the Hebrew of them who beheld the Kings face V. 23. All the these are the heads of the men of warre which forsook Zedekiah vers 5. V. 27. seven and twentieth see upon Ier. 52. 310 Evilmerodach Sonne of Nebuchadnezzar V. 29. Before him in his royal palace or at his table THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES The ARGUMENT IT is plain that these two Books of the Chronicles were written after the return from the captivity of Babylon and that they were gathered by some prophet or by Esdras himselfe out of the ancient publick records wherein were contained the peoples genealogies and the Kings acts especially of the Kings of Iudah being these records were kept in Babylon by the Priests care though not without appearance of some imputation to the History which happened through the injury of the times In this Book then are summarily numbred the generations of the holy stock in which the Church was preserved from the creation of the world from father to sonne untill the returne from the Captivity There is briefely set down the narration of Davids acts as a summary and in some places an addition to the History of the Books of Samuel But principally is set down the excellent order which hee established in his kingdome as well in pulitick and warrelike affaires as in the Ecclesiasticall government and the service of God in all his functions Being desirous in this manner to prepare for his sonne Solomon who was by God nominated and by the people acknowledged and consecrated his successor all things which were necessary for this great work of the Temple to which God had destinated him wherefore hee gave him the modell also which hee had received from God and consigned stuffes of all kindes of an inestimable value and mighty quantity into his hands which hee long before had gotten together and consecrated to which also towards the end of his life hee added much through his own liberality and the peoples contributions CHAP. II. VERS VI. ZImri who seemeth to be the same as Zabdi Ios. 7. 1. Dara called also Darda 1 Kings 4. 31. V. 7. Achar Ios. 7. 1. hee is called Achan but it seemeth that his name was changed by reason of the trouble which hee caused in Israel through his sinne for Achar fignifieth a troubler see Ios. 7. 25. V. 9. Ram called also Aram Mat. 1. 3. Chalubai called Caleb v. 18. V. 13. Eliab it seemes to be the same as Elihu 1 Chron. 27. 18. Shimmah called also Shammah 1 Sam. 16. 9. V. 18. Ierioth which might be some concubine her sonnes nomely Azubahs as it is very likely V. 23. To the sonnes they were held to bee of Manassehs countrey from whom Machir was descended though in effect Iair was of the tribe of Iudah by the fathers side but by the mothers side hee was of the tribe of Manasseh to the which hee also joyned himselfe V. 24. Caleb it is thought to be the name of a place not in the land of Canaan but in the wildernesse and it is not mentioned any where else it might also bee construed neere Caleb maried with Ephrata Abiah it is uncertain whether this be the same Hezron as is mentioned v. 21. the meaning is that this woman brought him fourth a sonne after the decease of the father the father according to some hee was the head and progenitor of those who afterwards inhabited in Tekoah a city of Iudah V. 25. And Ahijah or of Ahijah as though that were his mothers name V. 42. Caleb of whom see v. 18. Mesha leaving out the rest who had already been named v. 18. Ziph namely of the Ziphites V. 45. Beth-zur or the Beth-zurites namely of those who afterwards lived in Beth-zur a city of Iudah V. 47. Iahdai who might bee the sonne of Moza V. 49. The father of the first originall of the Madmannites which dwelt in the city of Madmannah a city of Iudah Ios. 15. 31. and so it is in the following name V. 50. Caleb grandchild to him that was named before v. 18. 19. Ephratah wise of the first Caleb of Kiriath-jearim namely of those who dwelt within that city of Iudah and so in the names following V. 52. Haree the Italian Roe called also Reaiah 1 Chron. 4. 2. Manahebites the Italian Menubet it may bee the name of the same place which is called Manahath 1 Chron. 8. 6. V. 53. Zareathites the Italian Sorealites the Inhabitants of Zoreah and Esthaol a City of Iudah Iosh. 15. 33. V. 54. Of the the Italian addeth Of the one halfe the other halfe hath been mentioned v. 20. 52. V. 55. The families because that this part of the posterity of Iethro took their habitation in the Tribe of Iudah
also Shelomith 1 Chron. 23. 18. the meaning is that Shelomoth was their chiefe V. 23. Of Hebron by 1 Chron. 23. 19. it appeares that here is some defects happened through the injury of the times and may easily be supplied by that other place see the like example 1 Chron. 2. 53. V. 26. Iaaziah issued as it is very likely from Mahli whose posterity took his name in some notable subdivision or by succession of time by reason of Iaaziahs dignity Beno being the first borne of Iaaziah was the head of the Families of the rest who were his younger brothers v. 27. V. 28. Of Mahli namely of his other issue which retained his name besides Iaaziah see 1 Chron. 23. 21. V. 29. Kish this also was another of Aâ—aâ—lies stock 1 Chron. 23. 21. V. 30. The sonnes also that is to say the posterity were the sonnes the families which were called by the names of these ancient heads or which had these heads in Davids time V. 31. The principall without observing in their order of relieving one another any precedency either by reason of eldership or greatnesse of number or power over against so that as there were five and twenty orders of Priests there were just so many of Levites who ministâ—ed unto them whose heads are before set down CHAP. XXV VERS I. OF the hoste it is likely that hereby is meant the holy hoste of those that ministred in the Temple according to the frequent use of this word in the Law the heads of which have been set down 1 Chron. 24. 31. v. 2. the sonnes of Asaph these three heads were yet alive in the time of David 1 Chron. 15. 17. and had before been the heads of the Musicians but here the number of them iâ— encreased and the order more exactly set down prophesied to sing and play holy songs in the Church with zeal and ferver and motions of the body like to the prophets using musick therein also to raiseup the soule to God in imitation of the prophets 1 Sam. 10. 5. 2 Kings 3. 15. Asarelab called also Iesharelah v. 14. according to c. the Italian hath it under the King playing and singing the Psalmes which were composed by David and at times and with tunes set down by him V. 3. Zeri called Izri v. 11. the Italian next to Mattithia in this verse addeth Shimei this name must be supplied from v. 17. see the like example 1 Chron. 24. 23. V. 4 Vzziel who is the same as Azareel v. 18. Shebuel called also Shubaal v. 20. V. 5. Seer that is to say Prophet 1 Sam. 9. 9. whether it be that Heman had the gift of prophecy or that this name in this place signifieth only a divine finger in the words in Psalmes and songs which God had inspired his Prophets with upon the subject of victories which hee had granted to his people oftentimes pointed at by this manner of speech exalting the horne And also upon the exaltation of Davids Kingdome and especially Christs V. 6. To the Kings order see upon v. 2. V. 7. Two hundred see upon 1 Chron. 23. 5. V. 8. The Small there was no priviledge of precedency to be had either for age degree or any other thing the teacher each order being composed of a certain number of teachers and schollers CHAP. XXVI VER I. DIvisions there were four and twenty reliefes and exchanges of porters as well as of Priests singers and ministrong Levites and these came in also to do their service by turnes weekly The Korhites the iâ—â—ue of Kore Meshelemiah who is the same as Shelemiah v. 14. the meaning is that these three families of the house of Kore namely Meshelemiah and Obed Edom. v. 4. and Hosa v 10. were destined to this office of being porters oâ—â— the sonnes namely of his posterity of Asaph this is not that famous singer of the same nome but it may be the same as Ebiasaph 1 Chron. 9. 19. V. 5. Blessed namely Obed Edom with numerous i 〈…〉 and other prosperities 2 Sam. 6. 11. V. 6. Ruled being there in rulers over hundreds and thousands according to the order established Exod. 18. 25. V. 12. One against another in the same number of reliefes namely foure and twenty V. 13. As well the small indifferently without 〈…〉 ing one before the other were porters for the Temple taken out of thâ—se families and out of the whole number were made â—oure and twenty reliefes as in the other sacred ministeries But lots were not drawn amongst these according to the families of the foresaid heads for to relieve one another weekly one family after another but they drew their lots according to the gates 1 Chron. 9. 18. 25. so that there being in each reliese men of these three families of Meshelemiah Obed Edom and Eosah every one did his function at that gate which the draft of this first lot assigned to each family V. 14. Shelemiah to the posterity of Shelemiahs other children besides Zachariah to whom the keeping of the Northern gate fellby lot V. 15. To Obed Edom and to his posterity the house by 2 Kings 22. 4. Neh. 11. 25. it appeares that there were in the gates of the Temple certain places appointed to gather the peoples gifts which were then made to the use of the Temple as well for the building of it as for the ornaments and ordinary service of it And this sense seemeth to bee verified by 2 Chron. 25. 24. Others oxpound it the house of meetings where the sacred ministers did meet to consult of publick affaires V. 16. To Shuppim to Hosha the sonne of Shuppim Merarite v. 10. unlesse these were two brothers whose Families were united under one heade westward on this side of the Temple there was no gâ—te through which one might passe out of the â—â—urt of the Gentiles to the court of the people but only from the outward suburbs called Parbar by the court of the Gentiles and this Westerne gate was called Shallecheth of casting out because that they did use to cast out ashes sweepings and such other ordures of the Temple out at that gate out of which in processe of time grew the terrace Isa. 6. 13. to which the goâ—ng up towards the East made a head where there was a great valley ward against there were every day as many men employed at one gate as at another namely siâ— who lodged in the six little chambers Ezec. 40. 10. for on the East side where the people did not come in Ezec. 44. 1. 2. 3. there were six on the North and South side where the people came in â—nd brought their gifts to the Temple there were foure porters at each gate and two for the houses of gatherings V. 18. At Parbar it seems to be the same place as is called Pâ—rvarim 2 Kings 23. 11. in the Italian for the English translation hath it in the suburbs and that their strangers did carry their offerings as the Israelites did at the
help and serve the Priests see 1 Chron. 23. 28. 29. shall keepe let them keepe themselves within the limits of their court according to Gods command without intâ—uding themselves any further Or let them doe their duties towards God that is to say let them contribute in all this action that which is due to God in faith and zeale to restore his service by meanes of re-establishing the lawfull King V. 7. The Levites that were in weekly attendance V. 8. Every man namely that was a head of a Family and was in office the courses of sacred ministers which served in the Temple by turnes and were divided into soure offices Priests Ministring Levites Singers and Porters see 1 Chron. 24. 25. V. 10. All the people namely that band of Levites which entred into their weekly turnes V. 12. Praising with songs of thanksgiving to God and congratulation and blessing to the King V. 13. At his pillar the Italian upon his scaffold see upon 2 Kings 11. 14. the singers the holy singers of the Temple such as taught those singers which guided and lead the song and did teach the young men 1 Chron. 25. 8. V. 16. Between him as Gods minister and one who in this action represented him and therefore in the book of Kings it is said between the Lord. CHAP. XXIV VER VI. THe collection the voluntary offerings gathered or which were to bee gathered of the people after the same manner as Moses did in the Fabrick of the Tabernacle Exod. 35. 5. which example it seemes was afterwards followed when there was need of repairing sacred buildings Neh. 10. 32. Others doe understand this of the halfe shekell by the pole which was ordeined by Moses Exod. 30. 12. 13. V. 7. The sonnes of whom see 2 Chron. 21. 17. but chiefely King Ahaziah who was wholly governed by his mothers advice and councell V. 9. The collection such another as Moses his collection was but only that in this collection there was nothing but money offered and that of Moses there were other things V. 13. By them through their care and diligence V. 14. They offered Gods pure service was continued and miantained without any default or interruption V. 17. Made obeisance desiring leave to sacrifice and doe their devotions in other places besides the Temple namely in the high places as they did before whether because this necessity of comming from every place to the Temple were grievous to them or that every one desired to have his proper place of devotion After this grant they did goe on further in the idolatry of groves and Idols V. 18. Wrath â—ame from the Lord. V. 21. Stoned him some hold that this history is pointed at Matth. 23. 35. and that Iehoiadah is there called Barachias V. 25. For they his servants took an occasion to conspire against him seeing him brought to that passe that hee was utterly unable to governe by reason of some languishing disease wherewith God had afflicted him for the blood whether these murtherers had indeed an intent to revenge that cruelty or whether it were in them only a pretence though in God it was the true cause of the sons there is no mention made of the murther of any other but Zacharias but the plurall number is here set down for the singular unlesse there were more of them comprehended within that persecution V. 27. The greatnesse namely for the building or repairing of the Temple v. 6. others translate it the great tax which was laid upon him namely by the King of Syria 2 Kings 12. 18 CHAP. XXV VER II. B'Vt not hee did not doe all that which was requisite for Gods service for hee for sook the high places 2 Kings 14. 4. but persevered not to the end v. 14. V. 7. Of Ephraim the Kings of the ten tribes which were Ephraimites and had their seat in that tribe V. 14. The Gods see a contrary example 2 Chron. 28. 23. V. 24. Obed Edom his posterity who were porters and kept the collections of the Temple 1 Chro. 26. 15. V. 28. In the city namely in Ierusalem which was the chiefe city of Judah CHAP. XXVI VER IV. According to all beginning laudably yet at the last going astray though after another manner V. 5. Vnderstanding being a Prophet for it was a prophets property not only to have visions and revelations but also to interpret both their own and other mens Gen. 41. 15. Dan. 1. 17. and 2. 19 and 10. 1. V 7. The Mehunims people of Arabia called Scenites by prophane authors see upon 1 Chron. 4. 41. V. 10. Carmell a city of Iudah Iosh. 15. 55. 1 Sam. 25. 2. V. 11. By bands it is very likely that hee had divided his souldiers into bands to have them ready upon any publick necessity as David had 1 Chron. 27. 1. and afterwards Iehoshathat 2 Chron. 17. 14. V. 16. Into the Temple into the foremost part thereof where it was not lawfull for any but the Priest to come as likewise it belonged to them only to offer incense Exod. 30. 7. V. 19. From beside the Italian from upon it sheweth that by some visible signe as of some vapour or ashes stirred up or some such like signe which was cast from the Altar against Vzziahs face God made it manifest that this leaprosie was immediately sent from him Others beside the Altar or to hinder him that hee should not come neer it V. 21. He was cut off as other leapers and unclean persons were V. 23. The field of the buriall and not in the sepulcher CHAP. XXVII VER II. COrruptly by idolatry sacrificing yet in high places 2 Kings 15. 35. V. 3. Of Ophel it was a place at the foot of mount Moriah so called by reason of its shaddowie scituation and it was between the foundations of the Temple and the wall of the city and it seemeth that by this wall of Ophel may as well hee meant the foot of the Temple built with great counter-forts as the wall of the city Neh. 3. 26. 27. and 11. 21. CHAP. XXVIII VER III. THe valley a place neere to Jerusalem on the Eastern side of it infamous for the idelatrie of Molâ—ch in honour of which Idol they caused their children to goe through the fire see 2 Kings 23. 10. V. 5. His God hee that should only and alone have been worshipped by his people and to whom as to their Soveraign Lord they were bound to be faithfull V. 9. That reacheth a Scripture phrase to signifie an unreasonable number of greatnesse V. 16. The Kings to the King who had many Kings and Kingdomes under him V. 18. Of the South an ordinary name for one of the countries of Iudea Iosh. 15. 21. V. 19. Made Iudah naked the Italian hath it had caused great liberty in Iudah namely to idolatrize and commit other impieties not only by letting them goe unpunished for it but by giving them evill example himselfe which is the poyson and plague of the people Others
diverse and very large this book being an epitome of all the scripture reduced into practise in all manner of vertues and spirituall actions and in all the accidents and necessities of this present life by divine motions and ejaculations of the soule stirred and raised up by the holy Ghost who with his power accompanied she stile the numbers and poeticall art of them and the grave and holy concents of Musick Yet in this generality there may this distinction be observed that in some Psalmes God speaketh to his Church and to his elect and in other some to his enemies to the first by instructions exhortations corrections consolations promises and prophecies especially of the Messias and of his spirituall and everlasting Kingdome of which there are in this book more notable and plaine ones than in any other book of the old Testament To his enemies hee speaks by threatnings and reproofes and reclaiming them from their rage In other places the Psalmists speak or cause the Church to speak unto God in confessions complaints prayers prayses and thanks givings or to the faithfull in instructions exhortations corrections and reprehensions And all to this chiefe end to frame and instruct the faithfull man even in this world in the way to performe that great work of life everlasting which is to glorifie God with a heart ravished unto him and to keep the soule in a lively and spirituall exercise and application of the doctrine of piety and in the fruition of Gods grace in the joy and comfort of the holy Ghost and cause it to feele the joyes of the age to come and to taste the happinesse of it by certaine heavenly motions which the said soule is driven and drawne by the use of the Psalmes practised infervor of spirit and purity of minde as by a very strong and divine engine PSAL. I VER 1. THat walketh not who in his deliberation concerning his manner of living hath not betaken himselfe to follow the examples or the inducements of the wicked nor standeth nor is not obdurate and fixed in the habit and custome of sinning of sinners of those who make a trade and occupation of sinning and are elsewhere called workers of iniquity nor siteth that doth not consent unto nor take pleasure in sin with a dead and seared conscience and contemneth not nor prophanely casteth off all manner of correction and feare of Gods judgements which is the very height of sin see Prov. 18. 1. and 21. 24. V. 2. In the law that is to say in all Gods revealed word for to draw the ground of his faith and comfort of his conscience out of the promises of grace Out of his commandements the rule of his life and out of his doctrine the light of his instruction to salvation V. 4. Chasse which is the huskes of the corne when it is threshed in the floore meaning that they shall be without any firme stay or subsistence in their consciences without rule in their actions and motions without any direct aime to a certaine end and without any profit in operation V. 5. Shall not stand they shall not be able to appeare and subsist there with a secure conscience nor they shall not be absolved by the judges sentence nor be raised from death to glory in the resurrection But they shall be beaten down with terror be void and fallen from all manner of hope and be throwne into everlasting perdition see Luke 21. 36. Ephes. 6. 13. in the judgement namely in the last and generall judgement V. 6. Knoweth that is to say approveth of it and favoureth it the way their whole life and conversation PSAL. II. VER I. A vaine thing which hath neither ground nor good reason and besides cannot bring forth any good or happy fruite V. 2. Annointed the King who was by him consecrated namely Christ Iesus see Psa. 45. 7. V. 3. Let us break let us shake off all manner of obedience and respect and let us endeavour to set our selves fully at liberty Ier. 5. 5. see of this yoak and spirituall bonds Mat. 11. 29. 30. Rom. 6. 18. V. 4. That sitteth in his eternall Kingdome and rest which cannot be moved nor stirred by the ragings of this world V. 5. Then at a certaine time which he hath set down see Psa. 14. 7. Eccl. 3. 17. V. 6. Of Sion my Church figured by Sion where David dwelt and reigned V. 7. I will declare I the son of Gnd will by my Gospell proclaime my Fathers counsell concerning the establishment of my Kingdome the decree see upon Rom. 1. 4. hath said hath decreed concerning mee to whom hee hath communicated all his counsell that as I am his essentiall son proceeded from him in an unspeakable manner in the unmoveable point of eternity which is the eternall this day which hath no succession variation nor vicissitude of time So in the day of my glorious resurrection which is the prefixed time of the fulfilling this decree I should appeare plainly to the world such as I am from my birth by entering into possession of the new spirituall Kingdome which hee hath given mee as I am his son and heire and also head and mediator of his Church see Mat. 28. 18. Acts 13. 33. Rom. 1. 4. Heb. 1. 2. V. 8. Aske of mee as mediator represent unto mee the perfectnesse of thy obedience and performance of thy office that thou ' maiest receive the promised reward and crowne to reigne over man-kinde whom thou hast saved see Psa. 89. 29. Iohn 17. 4. 5. the heathen the Italian the nations all generally to be Lord over them in power and justice as my Lievtenant And amongst them chiefely over the elect to be thine own proper people gotten by thee over which thou reignest in grace and spirit V. 9. Shalt break them namely those that are rebellious 11. With trembling namely a trembling of reverence and worship by reason of the greatnesse and Maiesty of the King Of humility by reason of the infirmity and unworthinesse of man And of care to beware of the dangers that may happen if the King be wrath and for feare of loosâ—ing the good things of this Kingdome V. 12. Kisse yeeld unto the eternall son of God religious adoration as to the true God and hommage of subjection as to the King of the world the kisse being a signe of both 1 Sam. 10. 11 Kings 19. 18. Hos. 13. 2. from the way the Italian in your way namely in your manner of living or by the way that is to say suddenly in the midway of your enterprises which you will never be able to bring to an end Or that you doe not perish by your way that is to say that your proceeding be not to perdition Psa. 1. 6. PSAL. III. VER 2. SElah this word is not any where but in the Psalmes and in Habacuck Some hold it to be a terme of musick as a pause or signe of elevation of the voice or of changing of tune Others will
16. 34. The simple that is to say every man in generall naturally blinde and ignorant in divine things and more particularly him who doth not oppose the presumption of carnall wisedome to this pure light of the word of God but in humility and simplicity submits himselfe to believe and obey all that which hath been revealed unto him see Pro. 1. 4. and 8. 5. Mat. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 3. 18. V. 9. The feare that is to say the rule of his feare and of all true religion contained in his word Enduring that is say it is invariable and incorruptible and produceth the effect of eternall life in them that observe it The judgements that is to say the statutes and lawes according to which he judgeth man V. 11. There is great in the first covenant made with Adam God did indeed promise eternall life to the perfect observer of his Law but this condition being become impossible by reason of sinne Rom. 8. 3. the Gospel which is the covenant of grace promiseth man the same life by vertue of the merit of Christs perfect obedience so that he follow the way and direction to holinesse and sincere and true obedience though unperfect in this life V. 12. Who can understand that is to say this externall revelation by his works and by his word is not sufficient of it selfe to salvation unlesse the operation of Gods internall grace and spirit bee added to it to remit man his sinnes whose greatnesse and weight exceeds all humane sence and power and to regenerate him in newnesse of life V. 13. Keepe back by thy spirit represse the motions and affections of my flesh which doe yet dwell end combat in those who are regenerate that they may not get the victory over me and command me and come to the heigth of untamed and presumptuous rebellion called pride which is incompatible with the spirit of regeneration Lev. 26. 21. Num. 15. 30. Iob 15. 25. and is opposite to the infirmity ignorance and inconsideracie of Gods children see Deut. 3â— 5. Heb. 5. 2. V. 14. My strength the Italian my rock see Deut. 32. 4. PSAL. XX. VER 1. THe name the true God who hath revealed himselfe unto his people by his name by which he is worâ—hipped and known Others his famous power Defend thee the Itaâ—ian raise thee on high in safety as it were on a high and inaccessible place out of all danger V. 2. From the Sanctuary which upon earth was the ordinary place of Gods presence in grace and power and the figure of heaven V. 3. Accept the Italian turne to ashes let him shew that it is acceptable to him for God in extraordinary Sacrifices did often give a signe of his approbation by sending fire from heaven to consume the offering Levit. 9. 24. Iudg. 6. 21. 1 Kings 18. 38. 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1. Or give thee grace to desire his convenient aide for thine offerings so that thou mayst feele the effects thereof V. 5. Banners that is to say tokens of victory set up to the honour of God V. 6. Know I words of faith and of a prophetick spirit of the whole Church represented by the Priest offering prayers and sacrifices His holy heaven the Italian the heaven of his holinesse the throne of his most sacred majesty With the with miracles and glorious effects of his omnipotencie V. 7. Will remember wee will call upon him and and will have all our hearts and intentions fixed upon him of whom we have such exccellent proofes through the remembrance of which wee will take courage V. 8. Stand upright we have stoutly withstood all their assaults and have obtained a full and firme victory V. 9. Heare us the Italian answer us make our King who is the figure of Christ a ready and assured instrument of our deliverances every time that we shall be in danger and necessity PSAL. XXI VER 3. PReventest him thou hast prevented him with thy graces and benefits which thou hast bestowed upon him of thine owne free will V. 4. Length this is to be referred to eternall life which David had assurance of by Gods spirit besides temporall blessings Mat. 19. 29. 1 Tim. 4. 8 see Ephes. 3. 20. Or else to the continuance of his Kingdome in his posterity untill the comming of Christ who should change it into an everlasting Kingdome 2 Sam. 7. 19. V. 6. Most blessed the Italian thou hast set him in blessings that is to say to bee every way blessed to be an instrument of blessing to thy people and a formulary and solemne example of blessing see Gen. 12. 2. With thy see Psal. 16. 11. V. 9. Thou shalt thou shalt consume them with the fire of thy wrath like wood put into a furnace V. 11. They intended the Italian they have warped the Hebrew have bent or stretched a similitude taken from Weavers who warpe their yarne before they weave or from archers who when they have bent their bow and put in their arrow doe take their ayme V. 12. Shalt thou make them turne their back the Italian set them as a but see the like similitude Job 7. 20. 16. 12. Lam. 3. 12. PSAL. XXII THE title Aijeleth Shahar that is to say a hinde or strength of the morning according to some it was the beginning of a song to the tune of which this Psalme was to be sung according to others it was a full singing or the great morning quier because that every morning and and evening there was musick in the temple 1 Chro. 9. 33. 23. 30. V. 1. My God in respect of David they are words of faith fighting against some great terror when hee did not feele the present effects of Gods grace But in respect of Christ shadowed by David they are expressions of his humanity on the one side fully assured of Gods love and on the other side brought into extream agonies to give his wrath satisfaction for the sinnes of the world to which end the God-head did not onely for a time suspend the influence of its power so farre as it was fitting to let him suffer the incomprehensible paines even in an exteame manner though it never forsooke him insomuch as was necessary to vanâ—uish and overcome them Isa. 42. 1. Iohn 16. 32. but did also make him feele the horror of Gods wrath against sinne for which hee had undertaken see Matth. 26. 38. 39. Luke 22. 44. Gal. 3. 13. V. 3. O thou that inhabitest the Italian the constant that is to say immutable in thine essence councels and promises Psal. 102. 12. 27. and therefore thou canst not vary in thy grace towards mee But in respect of Christ these words doe meane that the truth of Gods promises and the confidence of all the ancient Fathers being grounded upon his victory in this combat he desired his fathers power with confidence that hee should bee heard the prayses the subject of the thanks and blessings which thy people yeeld unto thee Or
the onely cause and foundation of all their honour and glory V. 6. A worme a most vile and contemptible person as Isa. 41. 14. V. 9. That took mee see Psal. 71. 6. Isa. 46. 3. V. 10. I was cast thou tookest me into thy care and tuition and tookest me up as a mid-wife or nurse taketh an infant when it first comes into the world V. 12. Bulls namely strong and fierce enemies Bashan a place abundant in fat pastures and great cattell Deut. 32. 14. V. 15. Hast brought me thou haste made mee even ready to bee laid downe in the graye see Psal. 7. 5. V. 17. They look feeding their eyes and passions with my misery as with a pleasant spectacle see Luke 23. 35. V. 20. My darling the Italian my onely one an epithet of the soule as Psal. 35. 17. for man having but one life that is so much the dearer to him Vnlesse he meane the solitude hee was in being destitute of all humane reliefe Psal. 25. 16. which was also verified in Christ Iohn 16. 32. V. 22. My Brethren all the faithfull adopted by the Father through grace and regenerate by his spirit and made brothers and co-heires with Christ Iohn 20. 17. Kom 8. 29. V. 26. The meeke an ordinary title of the faithfull Shalt eat shall spiritually be fed with the Lords flesh and blood who died and did rise againe for them and in him shall have the full fruition of all good things V. 27. All the ends a prophecie of the calling of the Gentiles shall remember the 〈◊〉 and lively knowledge of the sufferances and glory of Christ shall be given to and preserved amongst all Nations by the preaching of the Gospel and especially by the Sacrament of his body therefore called a remembrance Luke 22. 19. V. 28. The Kingdome namely the spirituall Kingdom over the Church and the universall one over all the world belongeth unto Christ true eternall God V. 29. All they that be all the true elect and faithfull rich and poore of what condition soever shall participate of these spirituall goods without vainely slopping vainely at the worldly and corruptible ones That goe down that are weak and halfe dead through hunger and misery V. 30. Shall bee accounted shall bee put into the number of the children of God Psal. 87. 6. V. 31. His righteousnesse by this word is meant Gods grace under the Gospel which was acquired unto men by Christ the everlasting Gods righteousnesse according to the truth of his promises and covenant see Rom. 3. 21. 22. PSAL. XXIII VER 3. HE restoreth or bringeth it againe into the rightway when it goeth astray Ofrighteousnesse according to others straight and plaine paths V. 4 I walk and though I were in the terrors of present death thy rod namely thy providence and conduct or thy spirit which is the internall guide and comfort of the faithfull V. 5. Thou annointest that is to say besides my necessary occasions thou dost fill me with joy and glory Your odiriferous oyles being used at banquets and upon other festivall occasions and to consecrate Kings and Princes see Psal. 92. 10. and 104. 15. V. 6. In the house namely in his Church in this world and in the everlasting Kingdome of heaven afterwards PSAL. XXIV VER 2. VPon the Seas that is to say upon the the great abisse of waters which is under the earth enclosed in great hollow places whence the heads of rivers doe spring and bubble out upon the earth see Gen. 7. 11. and 49. 25. 2 Pet. 3. 5. V. 3. Into the Hill that is to say into the Lords Temple set upon the hill Moriah in Jerusalem where David carried the Arke 2 Sam. 6. 17. 2 Chron. 3. 1. And afterwards into the Kingdome of heaven figured by that hill V. 4. Lift up who giveth no heed nor puts no confidence in the vaine and foolish designes of the world nor in the fraudulent enticements of the Devill V. 5. Righteousnesse the effects of the loyaltie of Gods promises and covenant and of the righteousnesse which his sonne hath acquired to the Church Psal. 22. 31. and the free reward of that righteousnesse which the faithfull doe practice through the Spirit of regeneration V. 6. Jacob the Italian hath it◠such is Iacob that seeketh thy face O God namely the true Israel according to the Spirit Rom. 4. 16. Gal. 6 16. Others translate it that seeke thy face in Iacob Others that seek thy face O Jacob that is to say which seek out the true Church to be incorporated into it by a lively faith under the onely head of the Church which is Christ see Isa. 44. 5. Rev. 3. 2. V. 7. O yee gates a prophetick representation of Christs glorious entrance into heaven under the figure of the Arke brought into the place prepared by David as Psal. 47. 15. and 68. 25. to shew the onely cause of the Churches gathering together and of the bringing of it up into heaven namely Christs ascention see Iohn 12. 32. Acts 2. 33. Ephes. 4. 8. 10. Lift up a phrase or terme taken from triumphall arches or great porticoes set up or beautified and adorned for the comming in of great victorious and triumphant Captaines V. 8. Who is the Angels admirations at the comming in of Christs humanitie into heaven see Ephes 3. 10. PSAL. XXV WIthout cause through meere and wilfull malice no way merited nor provoked by any offence of mine V. 6. Remember that is to say use them effectually towards me according as thou wert wont to doe for they seeing that from all eternity thou hast made use of those thy loving kindnesses in decreeing my salvation to thy selfe let not them now be interrupted staied nor limited any way V. 8. Therefore because God is good therefore he will give his children his Spirit for their direction and because he is upright it must of necessity bee a good and most certaine direction V. 10. The pathes that is to say the works and councels by which hee commeth and communicateth himselfe to his and by which he also bringeth them back to himselfe guiding them by the tracks of his owne vertues V. 11. For it is great therefore the expiation of that iniquity must be a work of thine infinite mercy whereunto thou art moved most when thou seest the greatest misery and necessity and the offender grieving most for it Rom. 5. 20. V. 14. The secret namely his decree and fixed will concerning their salvation and all the meanes appointed for it see Iohn 15. 15. Acts 10. 27. V. 21. Mine integrity let mine innocencie and sincerity be a sufficient defence and safeguard against all mine enemies ambushes and violence drawing thy protection upon mee Or let these vertues alwayes keep me from doing evill and let them never depart from me PSAL. XXVI VER 2. MY reines see Psalm 7. 9. and 16. 7. V. 3. Is before thy grace goeth alwayes along with my faith and I have sincerely obeyed the truth of thy
number of people marching in order 2 Sam. 6. 15. Which was a figure of the Angels environing Gods Majesty in heaven or following Christ when hee ascended thither 1 Tim. 3. 16. Heb. 12. 22. Sinai the same glory as appeared in mount Sinai when God delivered his law Exod. 19. 16. is now transported to Sion where God is present in grace and power V. 18. Thou hast a description of this transportation of the Arke compared to a Kings triumphant entry who having overcome his enemies and brought a great many of them away prisoners having made the rest tributary goeth home to his pallace to live in glory and rest governing his Kingdome in peace A figure of Christs ascending into heaven which is the seate of his glory and throne of his Empire after hee had overcome all his spirituall enemies Ephes. 4. 8. Colos. 2. 15. thou hast received the Apostle Ephes. 4. 8. applying this to Christ in stead of thou hast received saith thou gavest for the Kingdome of Christ differeth from earthly Kingdomes in this that the fruites of his victories are not for the King but for his subjects V. 20. The issues namely the soveraigne power of causing to die or the preserving from death or the restoring to life V. 21. The head namely the divell who is the Prince of the world Deut. 32. 42. Psal. 110. 6. â—ab 3. 13. hairy evill spirits are figuratively in scripture called hairy or shaggie see upon Levit. 17. 7. Isa. 13. 21. V. 22. I will bring the Italian I will bring thee againe that is to say I will continue and renew my old deliverances in defending thee from thine enemies as I once delivered thine ancestors from Og the King of Bashan Num. 21. 33. and from the Egyptians in the red sea Exod. 14. 22. V. 24. Thy goings namely the holy manner of conducting the Arke with even and proportionable restings and settings downe see 2 Sam. 6. 13. V. 27. There is the Italian there was the tribe of Benjamin was present at this solemne meeting though before it had more obstinately than any of the other tribes withstood David and held on Saals side And also the tribes of Zebulon and Nepthali which lived in the borders of the Kingdome mentioned here to shew that the civill warre being extinguished and all the countrey reduced to obedience the whole nation was also united in religion and in the service of God which was appointed by David to bee performed in Ierusalem little namely that tribe which came from Iacobs youngest sonne hath alwayes been small both in strength and number 1 Sam. 9. 21. and was also much decayed and diminished by the accident set down Iudg. 20. with their ruler the Italian which hath ruled namely in the person of Saul who was a Benjamite V. 28. Thy God the prophets words to the people hath commanded that is to say hath made thee able to subsist and resist thine enemies by his will only and by the efficacy of his word see Psal. 42. 8. and 44. 4. and 71. 3. V. 29. Because of thy Temple the Italian strengthen him from thy Temple from which as from the place of thy presence all power and grace deriveth unto thy people bring presents may be made subject and tributary unto thee This was partly and figuratively verified in David but in Christ spiritually and perfectly all power being given him both in heaven and in earth V. 30. Disperse or drive away the company of speare-men the Italian the beasts of the reeds the people which are proud and bold by reason of their wealth and plenty like unto cattell as feed in a fat soyle such as that is where reeds grow see Isa. 35. 7. bulls see Psa. 22. 12. Isa 3â— 7. till every c with peeces of silver the Italian which lie upon plates of silver are so extream rich and so magnificent in their pleasures that they make them â—ee â—ings and beds of silver a thing which was much used in former times see Ester 1. 6. Iob 22. 24. V. 31. Princes shall come the Italian let great Pirnces come to doe hommage and yeeld obedience to God under the Messias A prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles see Isa. 18. 7. and 19. 24. stretch out her hands the Italian with full hands namely with presents or tributes Others translate it let them readily stretch forth their hands that is to say let them confesse themselves to bee subject let them crave favour of him acknowledge and worship him V. 33 The heavens that is to say the highest heaven Deut. 10. 14. of old the Italian which were ever that is to say which doe still remaine in the same state as they were first created without any change or corruption V. 34. Strength the Italian glory Hebrew strength for the holy language often sets down these words one for the other his excellency hee hath as it were two thrones of his glory one here on earth by meanes of his people and the other in heaven PSAL. LXIX THE title Shoshannim see Psal. 45. in the title V. 1. The waters that is to say my life is brought into extream danger Laâ—â— 3. 54. Many parts of this Psalme may bee referred to David as hee is a figure of Christ others belong only and directly to Christ at whom the holy Ghost chiefely aimed V. 4. Then I restored that is to say I am guiltlesse yet am vsed as though I were guilty this is meant by Christ meaning that hee who was just suffered for men that were unjust Isa. 53. 4. 5. 6. 1 Pet. 3. 18. V. 5. My foolishnesse that is to say whether I bee guilty of those faults which are laid to mee or no. V. 6. For my sake that is to say seeing mee namely David abandoned by thee who was an example and mirror of faith unto them a gage or pledge of hope and an instrument of preservation In Christ this hath a more sublimed and lofty sense save mee that I may be author of salvation to thine elect and doe not suffer the faith and hope which they have had in thy promises ever to be frustrate see Psa. 22. 4. Luke 24. 21. V. 7. For thy sake for serving thee and maintaining thy glory and not through any misdeed of mine wherefore if thou shouldest forsake mee the faithfull would be discouraged from serving of thee seeing that it would bee in vaine and rather prejudiciall than helpfull to them V. 8. A stranger that is to say I have not been acknowledged but have been shunned by my neerest kinsmen So Christ was rejected by the Iewes Iohn 1. 11. and his own kinred beleeved not in him Iohn 7. 5. V. 9. The zeale the cause of this generall alienation from mâ—e hath been because that I have with an ardent and upright affection maintained thy service and glory against the malice of men and have purchased their evill wills by not seeking to please them V. 10. That was to my mine enemies reproved
mee saying all I did was in vaine and to no purpose V. 11. Sack-câ—oath see Psa. 30. 11. V. 12. They that namely the governours and counsellors of the people who did anciently keep their courts of justice neere the gates of the city Gen. 23. â—0 the mâ—aning is people that are in authority doe condemne mee and the vulgar sort doe flout and 〈◊〉 mee Psa. 22. 7. V. 13. An acceptable time that is to say thou hast prefixed a time for the end of mine afflictions after which thou wilt lay open thy grace Psal. 30. 5. Isa. 26. 20. In the truth the Italian for the that is to say according to thy saving promises which are invariable Or by thy saving truth which is the cause of the salvation of thine Elect who have no other ground therefore but thine immutable will and decree V. 15. The pit a terme taken from the steep going down of a well which maketh it impossible to be gotten out of see Psal 55. 23. V. 18. Because of because they may not triumph over mee in contempt of thy Majesty V. 19. Are all to feede their eyes with the sight of mine afflictions and of my death Mat. 27. 39. 41. Luke 23. 35. V. 20. To take pitty the Italian to condole with mee a representation of the disciples flight and forsaking of Christ at his death Mat. 26. 〈◊〉 40. Iohn 16. 32. and how that no humane strength nor assistance hath any way contributed any thing to the work of redemption Isa. 63. 3. 5. V. 21. Gall the Italian poyson or gall that is to say some most bitter thing V. 22. Let their propheticall imprecations or a denuntiation of Gods sentence against the Iewes for the rejection and death of Christ Rom. 11. 9. the meaning is let all their good and delight bee changed into ruine and perdition It may also bee that the holy Ghost had some relation to the last passeover which was kept in Ierusalem when it was besiedged by the Romans who took the opportunity of the time when there was an infinite number of people in the City which came to the feast which was the chiefe cause of its finall desolation V. 23. Let their eyes let them lose their understanding and as for their eternall salvation let them have a vaile of ignorance before their eyes and let them bee given over to a reprobate sense Iohn 12. 39. 40. Rom. 11. 8. 10. 2 Cor. 3. 14. and make let them bee oppressed with perpetuall and insufferable bondage V. 25. Let their let their Cities and Temple be destroyed and laid waste Mat. 24. 2. Luke 19. 44. V. 26. For they for their will and intention was evill concerning Christs death though it proceeded from the hand and counsell of God Isa. 53. 3. 4. 10. Acts 4. 27. 28. V. 27. Adde let them accumulate the measure of their sinnes that the punishment thereof may fall fully upon them Mat. 23. 32. 1 Thes. 2. 16. let them not let them have no share of that justice which thou shalt manifest in thy Gospell in grace and justification of sinners Rom. 3. 25. 26. and 10. 3. V. 28. Let them bee let them neither have right to it nor beare the marke of being thy people reprove them and take away thy vocation from them and let them not be included in thine externall covenant which is the first degree of election to life eternall and beareth the portraiture of it before men though in many vocation may be without election to life Mat. 20. 16. Rom. 9. 6. and election in its highest sense and meaning is immutable Rom. 9. 29. 30. and â—0 6. 11. see Ezech. 13. 9. and Exod. 32. 31. Rev. 3. 5. and 22. 19. V. 29. Sâ—t mee up bring mee up out of the state of humiliation and suffering to celestiall glory after my resurrection to goe up into heaven Isa. 53. 8. Acts 〈◊〉 31. Phil. 2. 9. V. 30. I will praise I will cause mine elect in my Church to yeeld perpetuall thanks unto the Lord and that shall bee the spirituall sacrifice by which all ancient corporall and figurative sacrifices shall be abolished V. 32. The humble an ordinary title given to the true elect to whom only the Gospell is preached to life and salvation V. 33. His prisoners namely his elect enthralled in the bonds of sinne and death Isa. 41. 7. and 49. 9. V. 34. Praise him the whole world which hath suffered it part of punishment for mens sinne Rom. 8. 20. shall also participate of the glory of his restauration through Christ Psal. 98. 7. Isa. 44. 23. and 49. 13. Rev. 18. 20. V. 35. Sion that is to say the universall Church the cities namely the particular Churches that they namely the humble v. 33. or his servants v. 36. PSAL. LXX VER 2. BE turned backward that is to say let whatsoever they undertake come to nothing PSAL. LXXI VER 3. HAbitation or strong hold thou hast given see Psal. 42. 8. and 44. 4. and 68. 28. V. 7. As a wonder the Italian as a monster that is to say they have been afraid of mee because that such strange things have befallen mee and have scorned mee and had mee in abomination by reason of my extream miseries V. 9. Of old age as v. 18. and hence may bee gathered that this Psalme hath a relation to Davids troubles by reason of Absaloms conspiracy which happened in his old age V. 15. Thy righthousnesse thy bounty and loyalty in all thy promises according to the frequent meaning of scripture V. 16. I will goe in that is to say I will endeavour and trie to extoll it Others I will walke trusting in the Lord. V. 17. Taught mee through knowledge and experience V. 18. Gray headed namely in the time of my decrepit old age which is the most dangerous time of man and then is thine aide most needfull for him untill I give mee leave to celebrate this deliverance also as well as I have done the rest V. 19. Thy righteousnesse others now thy righteousnesse is exalted to the height Psal. 36. 6. and 57. 1â— who hast the Italian thou hast namely heretofore for mee Or thou wilt have done them when thou hast heard and delivered mee PSAL. LXXII THE title For Solomon that is to say penned by David to tecommend Solomon his son and successor to God and to set before himselfe the true modell of Christs most perfect Kingdome of whom hee was a figure that imitating his vertues hee might draw upon him the aforenamed blessings of his Kingdome V. 1. Thy judgements that is to say put thy lawes which are the rule of well governing in his minde that hee may know them and in his heart and will that hee may execute them Now in respect of Christ this is a prophecy of the fullness of the gifts of the holy Ghost which were conferred upon his humane nature Isa. 11. 2. 3. 4. V. 3 The mountaines figurative termes as much as to say there shall every
counsell namely thy conduct and internall direction of thy holy spirit Psal. 16. 7. V. 26. Strength the Italian rock the strength the firme subsistance and prop Deut. 32. 4. my portion as Psal. 16. 5. V. 27. A whoring so the scripture calls the alienation of mans heart from the pure and loyall love and service of God to goe after idols or after the world and the creatures and to cleave to them in love and trust in them Iam. 4. 4 1 Iohn 2. 16. PSAL. LXXIV THE title Of Asaph see Psal. 50. in the title Now Asaph living in Davids time and the subject of this Psalme being evidently of the desolation caused by the Chaldeans Asaph could not be the composer of it but some other Prophet of those times who put it to Asaphs posterity who was one of the three heades of holy singers 1 Chron. 25. 1. 2. to sing it in the Iewes synagogues in Babylon V. 1. For ever that is to say without any hope or appearance of being restored V. 2. The rod the Italian the tribe namely the tribe of Iudah which above all the rest had this promise to be preserved in the dignity and degree of being Gods people and named his inheritance Deut. 32. 9. and never to faile untill the comming of Christ Gen. 49. 10. V. 3. Lift up come to visite them to take compassion of them and to restore them perpetuall which are irreparable unlesse thou settest thine helping hand unto them V. 4. Roare the Italian have roared that is to say have made great outâ—ryes and kept a great stirre when they gave the onset or after the victory of thy congregations the Italian of thy Temple the Hebrew of thy place of meeting or congregation so is the tabâ—â—nacle called Exod. 27. 21. and afterwards Solomons Temple which is here expressely made mention of for signes namely for trophics or monuments of victories V. 5. A man was famous the Italian that shall be known that is to say they have left such tokens of their fury that the remembrance thereof will last in after ages as hee had that is to say 〈◊〉 as a wood-man with his hook or harche 〈…〉 〈…〉 s downe the shrubs and bushes without any respect or difference even so have the enemies spoiled and broken all the ornaments of thy Temple whereof see 1 Kings 6. 18. 29. 32. V. 8. All the Synagagues the Italian all the places of meeting for besides the Temple there were in every city or inhabited and frequented places oratories or synagogues where the people came together to pray or to heare the ordinary exposition of the Iaw Others will have the Temple only meant divided into a great many parts and members V. 9. Our signes namely the frequent miracles formerly wrought for our deliverances Or the signes of Gods presence such as the Arke was Vrim and Thummim c. Or the sacraments of his grace and covenant as sacrifices and other ceremonies were that knoweth that 〈…〉 th any prophetick revelation to know when the end of our troubles will bee V. 11. Pluck it cut of thy the Italian let it not remaine in thy which is the action of one that stands idle and carelesse see Prov. 19. 24. and 26. 15. V. 13. Of the dragons the Italian of the whales hee seemes to meane the heads of the Egyptian host as in the verse following Pharaoh himselfe is meant by Leviathan a common name for all your great sea creatures For Egypt is scituate between two seas and within it is almost every where watered by the river Nilus see Isa. 51. 9. Ezech. 29. 3. and 32. 2. V. 14. To the people namely to the wilde beasts which devoured the Egyptians carkasses which were cast up upon the shoar V. 16. Is thine thou art the author preserver and governour of this alternall course of nature namely of the day and the night Vnder which he seemes also to meane that alternall course of his providence by which hee sendes his Church sometimes prosperity and sometimes adversitie V. 17. The borders hereby may be understood the seas which devide and sever the earth or in regard of particular countries the naturall frontiers of seas hills and deâ—â—rts see Deut. 32. 8. Whereby hee seemes to inferre that Gods people having also had their confines which had beene broken through Gods judgements it would one day please him to re-establish and preserve them V. 19. Thy turtle dove namely thy Church represented in scripture under the names of such kinds of weak mild simple and sociable same creaâ—ures which are most exposed to wrongs and injuries see Cant. 2. 10. and 4. 1. Mat 10. 16. V. 20. The covenant formerly made with thy people see Zach. 9. 11. the dark places that is to say the countreyâ— being desert and horrid is full of robberles and receptacles for murtherers V. 21. Ashamed that is to say fallen from all hopes and denied the request of his prayers praise let them have occasion to praise it through their deliverance V. 23. Increaseth the Italian ascendeth it goeth up to heaven that is to say their insolent blasphemies are directed to thee and doe provoke thee to vengeance as Gen. 4. 10. and 18. â—0 Exod. 3. 7. Or it encreaseth that is to say it gathereth strength by reason of thy patience The meaning is if thou lettest them alone there will bee no end of their rage Others translate it in the tumult of those which set upon thee which ascendeth c. PSAL. LXXV THE 〈…〉 le song see upon Psal. 30. in 〈◊〉 title Of Asaph that is to say which is one of the number of those Psalmes wich were especially given to Asaphs posterity to sing them in the Temple And if Asaph were the composer of this Psalme hee speaketh in Davids person see Psal. 50. in the title Altashith see upon Psal. 57. in the title V. 1. Doe wee give thanks it seemes this Psal me was composed after Sauls death when David had taken possession of the Kingdome and that the Iebusites had yet Ierusalem in their hands Ios. 15. 63. 2 Sam. 5. 6. thy name thou thy selfe in the effects of the excellent titles which thou hast of everlasting almighty c. Or thy grace and power is neere that is to say present in operation and efficacy V. 2. When I that is to say when I shall have taken from the Iebusites the City of Ierusalem which God hath appointed to bee the chiefe city of the Kingdome the seat of his Temple where his people must meet for his solemne service Deut. 12. 11. 1 Kings 8. 29. Psal. 122. 4. mount Sion being called the mouut of the congregation Isa. 14. 13. as the ancient tabernacle was Exod. 27. 21. then will I employ my selfe wholly and peaceably to governe rightly and doe justice see Psa. 101. which is very hard to doe amongst the confusion of armes V. 3. The earth the Italian the countrey that is to say all the countrey was ruined through factions
the Phili 〈…〉 nes after which time it was never brought thither againe nor into any place belonging to the tribe of Ephraim see Ier. 7. 14. V. 61. His strength the Arke is oftentimes called the strength and glory of God because it was as it were the throne of his glory upon earth from whence hee shewed his power see 1 Sam. 4. 21. 1 Chron. 16. 11. Psal. 132. 8. V. 62. His inheritance his owne proper peculiar people in which hee had gotten a particular and peculiar interest V. 63. The fire that is to say the wrath of God or furie of watre Not given to marriage the Italian not praised they had not been honoured with nuptiall songs according to the customes of those times see Ier. 7. 34. and 16. 9. and 25. 10. The meaning is they had not been honourably married because that men were killed in the warres Isa 4. 1. â—eâ— 31. 22. Or they had been married without any solemnitie like poore bond-women or privately in the time of publike calamities V. 64. No lamentation they had not made any funerall for their husbands either because the conquering enemies did forbid it or because the miseries of the living caused them to forget the dead see Iob 27. 15. Ezech. 24. 23. V. 65. By reason of wine the Italian after wine after he waked and had evaporated his wine or by reason of wine that is say having his heaâ— full of wine termes taken from souldiers heated with wine yet no way blemishing Gods sacred Majesty V. 66. Hinder parts namely with the painefull and shamefull disease of Emerods 1 Sam. 5. 6. 9. 12. V. 67. Of Ioseph namely Siloh of the Tribe of Ephraim which Tribe descended from Ioseph where the Arke was settled for a long time vers 60. V 68. Chose to bee the place of residence for his Arke V. 71. Ewes great with young the Italian milch cattell or great with young of which your shepheards had an especiall care see Gen. 3 〈…〉 13. Isa. 40. 11. PSAL. LXXIX VER 1. THe heathen the Italian the Nations the subject of this Psalme may bee taken either for the taking of Ierusalem by the Caldeans or for the persecutions of Ansiochus as the seventy fourth Psalme V. 5. Thy jelousie to which thou hast been provoked by us rebells covenant breakers and Idolaters V. 8. Former iniquities the Italian hath it the iniquities of those that were before us namely our for fore-fathers and Ancestors whose iniquities wee have imitated and exceeded Others the iniquities of former times V. 9. Thy names sake that is say for thine own sake who art exceeding mercifull and bearest the name of it The meaning is take an occasion not from us but from thine own in-bred mercy to make the glory thereof shew the greater V. 12. Into their bosome that is to say plentifully Psal. 31. 23. A phrase taken from those who without measuring doe poure a thing into ones lap or bosome see Isa. 65. 6. 7. Jer. 32. 18. Luk. 6. 38. Wherewith they because that injuries done to the Church redound through the enemies intents or otherwise to God himselfe Psal. 69. 7. 9. Iach. 2. 8. PSAL. LXXX VER 1. IOseph hereby is meant the Tribe of Ephraim the head of the other tenne Tribes which were divided from Judah of whose destruction it seemes the Psalmist doth speak particularly in this Psalme Between the Cherubins the Italian upon the namely those Cherubins which covered the Arke Exod. 25. 19. 20. which was as it were Gods Throne Exod. 25. 22. 1 Sam. 4. 4. 2 Sam. 6. 2. Psal. 99. 〈◊〉 V. 2. Before standing as it were in the front of them in the face of enemies stirre up shew it make use of it and let it not be idle V. 3. Turne us or lead us back againe V. 4. Wilt thou be angry the Italian wilt thou smoak that is to say how long wilt thou being fired with rage reject their prayers Psal. 74. 1. V. 6. Thou makest uâ— thou hast made them our enemies or thou hast made us an occasion of controversie to our enemies that is to say they strive who shall first set upon us and contend amongst themselves for our spoiles V. 8. A vine namely the people like a new planted vine a very frequent figure in Scripture Isa. 5. 2. Ier. 2. 21. Ezech. 17. 6. V. 9. Preparest roome removing of stones stocks and other lets V. 10. Goodly Cedars the Italian very high Cedars Hebrew Cedars of God see upon Psalm 36. 6. and 104. 16. V. 11. The Sea namely the mediterranean Sea 〈◊〉 the river namely Euphrates the bounds of the children of Israels countrey set by God himselfe Gen. 15. 18. V. 15. Madest strong hee hath a relation to certaine small stakes which they use to stick up by young vine plants for them to grow up by V. 16. Rebuke by reason of thy wrath which is like a scortching wind to young plants V. 17. Vpon the man of namely upon the King and the kingdome of Iudah the onely remainder of thy peoples desolation which thou hast established defendest and maintainest through thy power which is exceeding deare unto thee and is by thee raised to that â—â—overaigh glory of being thy Church and thy people Psal. 45. 〈◊〉 and 89. 21. PSAL. LXXXI VER 3. THe new Moone Hebrew the covered Moone namely when it doth not shew and is upon the point of renewing which may bee understood of all new Moons kept holy by Gods command with the sound of the holy Trumpets Num. 10. 10. Or it may particularly be understood of the Feast of the holy Trumpets which was wont to be kept the first day of the first politick moneth Lev. 23. 24. V. 5. For a testimony or protestation that is to say an expresse law with an injunction of obedience and denuntiation of a punishment to transgressors In Iosepth Ioseph and Iudah between whom was divided the right of first-borne which was taken away from Ruben 1 Chron. 5. 2. doe often represent the whole people When he after hee had made his power and justice known amongst the Egyptians by the deliverance of his people where I heard the Italian when I when hee gave us his law in a most terrible and unaccustomed kinde of voyce which we were not able to endure Exod. 1â— 19. 20. 19. V. 6. I removed that is to say I have delivered him from the cruell slavery wherein he was oppressed with toile and labour The pots the Italian the Baskets wherein they carried earth to make bricks with Exod. 1. 14. V. 7. In the secret namely in the thick cloud where I framed a kinde of sounding noise like unto thunder Exod. 19. 19. 24. 16. V. 8. Hâ—aâ—â— this is a summ of the Law which was given in Mount Sinai concerning Gods pure seruice 〈◊〉 I will testifie that is to say I will give thee absolute commands binding thee to obedience upon paine of punishment and with a promise of reward see Psal. 50. 〈◊〉
8. I will heare the Psalmists words preparing himselfe and the whole Church to hearken unto the promise of Gods grace which was revealed unto him by divine inspiration but let not the Italian but will not let hee will convert and sanctifie them to himselfe giving them the spirit of true wisdome to keep them from rashly offending God V. 9. His salvation in the corporall deliverance of his Church but chiefely in the universall redemption of the world by the Messias to whom the ensuing words are plainly referred that glory wee shall againe have the glorious presence of God in our land in the signes of his grace and power as it was in the Arke and then it will powerfully and gloriously dwell in his Church in his sonnes person being made manifest in the flesh see Hos. 2. 7. 9. V. 10. Mercy this cannot perfectly agree with any but the Messias his reign The meaning is Gods grace shall be so largely spread abroad that it shall in truth bee answerable to those large promises which were formerly made Or the blessings of God shall be accompanied with his constant truth to make them firme and perpetuall see Isa. 55. 3. righteousnesse Gods righteous and just government by his word shall produce true peace and happinesse and shall have it inseparably joyned with it see Psal. 72. 3. Isa. 32. 17. V. 11. Truth men shall bee true subjects and God shall be a just King which are the two relative qualities that keep every state in perfect harmony see Isa 45. 8. V. 12. Good namely the true and only good of man which consists in Gods grace joyned with corporall goods as farre as is fitting in his wisdome V. 13. Shall set us the Italian set it that is to say hee shall establish them wheresoever he comes by the preaching of his Gospell PSAL. LXXXVI VER 5. REady to forgive or inclinaâ—le and easie to be drawn to forgive V. 7. Thou wilt that is to say thou usest to answer or heare mee V. 11. I will walke the Italian cause mee to walk governe thou my whole life and actions according to thy holy word and in such sincerity as thou requirest and such as thou doest beget in thy children by thy holy spirit unite let my heart cleave close unto it without varying or going from it or being drawn away to contrary things V. 13. My soule that is to say my person from mortall dangers V. 14. Not set thee who doe not feare thee nor looke after thy judgements or commandements PSAL. LXXXVII VER 1. HIs foundation that is to say the firme place of his abode opposite to the moveable Tabernacle which was made by Moses mountaines figuratively in Ierusalem which had two hills within the precinct of it Sion and Moriah and in reall spirituality in the universal Church which is the heavenly Ierusalem Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22. V. 4. I will make mention making as one should say a survey of my people I will adde the Gentiles unto them calling them to the knowledge of mee by my Gospell and regenerating them in my Church holding them in the same degree with the Israelites as true children of my covenant Rahab a frequent name for Egypt by reason of its pride and haughtinesse V. 5. This and that indifferently of all nations and persons in a very great number V. 7. The singers Gods words to his Church meaning I will give thee full cause of rejoyceing through my blessings which shall flow upon thee as it were from all their springs PSAL. LXXXVIII THE title Heman it seemes to be the same as is named 1 Kings 4. 31. Ezrahite of the off-spring of Zarah the sonne of Iudah 1 Chron. 2. 6. V. 3. Vnto the grave Heb. to hell because that according to the first degree of Gods justice the first death is inseparable from the second and the name of hell is common to both And though by the second degree which is grace by vertue of the Messias his redemption corporall death to Gods children beno more a passage to everlasting death yet the name of hell hath still kept its ordinary signification of both to shew that not by the nature of death but by Gods grace these two deaths are severed one from the other in the elect V. 5. Free among Others translate it I am severed from the living whom over which in respect of the body and this present life thou doeest no more shew thy providence in governing and relieving them and in bestowing other benefits upon them V. 8. Shut up namely by evills and dangers without any way to getout without any comfort or reliefe V. 9. I have stretched out see upon Iob 11. 13. V. 10. Wilt thou shew the Italian wilt thou work the meaning is if thou doest leave me in this case long I cannot chuse but fall and die then can thy glory appeare no more in my miraculous deliverance see Job 7. 7. The dead Heb. the gyants that is to say those that are abissed and sunk in death as the gyants were in the generall deluge Sometimes this name is taken for the damned as Iob 26. 5. and sometimes plainly for the dead Isa. 26. 19. by reason of what was said upon verse 3. Arise he doth not meane the generall resurrection nor any particular one which happened by miracle but of the common course according to which the dead returne no more into the world to enjoy any new benefits of God V. 11. In destruction that is to say in hell see v. 3. Iob. 28. 22. V. 12. In the land namely in death in which the dead forget the living and the state of this present life Iob 14. 21. Eccles. 9. 5. 6. and likewise the living doe forget the dead Iob 24. 20. and all commerce is taken away and annihilated betweene them V. 15. Ready to die the Italian addeth with roaring with my lamentable crying out as Psal. 22. 1. V. 18. In darknesse the Italian are hidden in darknesse I can see nor descry none of them or they hide themselves from mee thorough horrour and being ashamed of mine afflictions PSAL. LXXXIX THE title Ethan of whom see 1 Kings 4. 31. 1 Chron 2. 6. and it is likely that he out-lived Solomon and saw the destraction of the Kingdome under Iereboam by the separation of the ten Tribes and by the spoyle of the countrey by Shishack King of Egypt 1 Kings 14. 25. 2 Chron. 12. 2. which calamities may likely bee the subjects of this Psalme Ezrahite descended from Zarah the son of Iudah 1 Chron 2. 6. V. 2. I have said I hold it for certaine and have fully concluded it in my minde Built up a phrase taken from sound and well sounded buildings contrary to moveable and waisairing habitations of Tents and Cabins Sbalt thou the Italian thou hast that is to say the effects of thy covenant and promises are certaine being grounded upon thine everlasting decrees made in heaven from whence they have their beginning
vers 37. Or thou hast in the invariable nature and order of the heavens given a document and assurance of the eternity of all the heavenly and supernaturall works councels promises and orders of thy grace V. 4. Thâ— seed this is fulfilled in Christ descended from David according to the flesh who hath changed Davids temporall Kingdome into an everlasting and spirituall Kingdom Built up I will raise thy Kingdome to the highest degree of perfection V. 5. The heavens the holy Angels shall joyn with me in thy prayses as partakers of the joy for the establishment of thy Church by thy grace and truth Or the celestiall Orbes to which by an ordinary figure the Scripture doth attribute the doing of such things Of the Saints namely the Angels V. 6. The Sonnes namely the Angelicall Spirits see Psal. 78. 25. and 103. 20. an Hebrew phrase which signifieth nothing but creatures to whose nature is proper the quality of a power beyond the measure of all humane power V. 7. In the assembly the Italian the counsell that is to say the assembly of his Angels amongst which he sitteth as a King in councell V. 8. Thy faithfulnesse thou causest the most true revelations and declarations of thy truth wisdome and promises to break out on every side like unto so many bright beames V. 10. Rahab the name of Egypt Iob 26. 10. Psal. 87. 4. V. 12. Tabor that is to say these hills doe in a manner glory of their height fruitfulnesse c. in thee acknowledging it commeth all from thee their Creator V. 15. That know who in effect taste of the true spirituall joy which thy grace and fatherly favour brings with it and can give thanks for it with exaltation of heart and rapture of spirit V. 16. In thy righteousnesse namely in thy righteous and just government or in thy loyalty in keeping and observing thy covenant and promises V. 17. Our horne wee are conquerours tryumphant and glorious see Psal. 75. 10. V. 18. Our defence he is our protector and defendor and all glory therefore is due to him Is our King the Italian our King is the holy one of Israel that is to say it is hee that hath given him and established him and that worketh by him as by a chosen instrument V. 19. Invision namely in prophetick revelation to Nathan Samuel and others To thy holy One the Italian touching thy holy One or religious one that is to say touching David consecrated by thee Who hath also faithfully feared and served thee Psal. 4. 3. and is the figure of Christ the true and great holy One of God Psal. 16 10. I have laid that is to say I doe environ him with my help and protection to whom I have committed the power over my people V. 20. I have found it seemes to be a humane kinde of speach as if hee said after I had tried many servants which have governed my people I have fixed my selfe upon David Annointed sacramentally with materiall oyle 1 Sam. 16. 13. 2 Sam. 5. 3. and spiritually with the gifts of my Spirit V. 21. My hand mine aide shall never forsake him V. 24. In my name by my power which he shall obtaine by calling upon my name V. 25. I will set he shall conquer and possesse all that land which I promised to my people throughout all the borders of it Exod. 23. 31. Numb 34. 3. V. 27. My first borne the chiefe and most eminent as King of my people to whom belongeth the right of first-borne above other nations Gen. 25. 23. 31. and is the figure of Christ who is the true first-borne above all other creatures Colos. 1. 15. 18. V. 29. For ever this is spoken chiefly in respect of Christ who is eternall both in his person and kingdome V. 35. By my holinesse namely by my selfe who am holinesse it selfe laying my holinesse for a pledge and gage of my saying That I will not lie the Italian if I lie a concise manner of swearing often used in Scripture V. 37. As a faithfull the Italian there is a namely my selfe see Iob 16. 19. V. 38. Annointed namely a King of thy people consecrated and being one of Davids posterity V. 40. To ruine or to feare that is to say having caused those which stood in defence to be overtaken with great feare the strong hold hath been easily taken by the enemies see Deut. 32. 25. V. 42. Set up thou hast given them courage and made them Conquerours V. 43. Turned thou hast turned the edge of it so that it could not cut as 2 Sam. 1. 22. V. 47. How short see Psal. 39. 5. his meaning is doe not by any extraordinarie afflictions seek the mine of thy poore creature which is so fraile and unsteddy of it self save us with speed for otherwise wee shall be overthrown and shall no more enjoy thy benefits see Ioh 7. 7. 21. 14. 14. Invaine making them neither the subject of thy benefits nor instruments of thy service but onely to cause them to perish V. 48. What man that is to say seeing that wee as well as all other men must once die doe not make this our condition heavier with new and strange evils let thy justice suffice thee and out of thy mercie take pitie upon our inevitable misery see Job 10. 20. 13. 25. 14. 5. Shall not see that is to say taste of it and feele it V. 50. I doe beare wherewith my heart is burthened and swelled V. 51. The foot-steps namely all the marks and monuments that remaine of thy peoples ancient Kingdome or they follow him upon the track with injuries and reproaches Others they doe scoffe at the foot-steps of thy Christ that is to say they make a jeast at the comming of the promised Messias who is to re-establish the Kingdome And for all this is his comming yet delaid PSAL. XC THE title Man of that is to say Prophet V. 1. A dwelling place all the while that we and our fathers have bin travellers in strange countreys Gen. 15. 13. thou hast been a place of safety and dwelling to us Ezech. 11. 16. V. 2. Before the a Scripture phrase to describe eternitie which is opposite to time and to whatsoever is most firme and lasting in it Thou art and therefore we wretched mortalls doe flie unto thee everlasting Lord as to the spring of our life and cause of our escaping from death which is the chiefe subject of this Psalm see Psal. 102. 11. 12. 27. 28. Lam. 5. 19. 20. V. 3. Return thou dost irrevocably put in execution upon all men the sentence pronounced Gen. 3. 19. concerning their returning to the earth from whence they were taken at the first creation V. 4. For all their stay in this world though oftentimes it be very long is no way contrary to this sentence for the longest time that is is nothing being compared to eternity which belongeth only to thee When it is this is added because that a man judgeth
tolle and labour Iob 20. 18. V. 13. Following the Italian in the second generation that is to say in a short time not continuing long in his posterity V. 14. Bee remembred namely against him to make him beare the full measure of punishment as hee hath heaped up the full measure of sinne Exod. 20. 5. V. 15. Of them namely of that wicked man and of his Ancestors V. 17. Cursing namely to curse others V. 20. That speak that talk or determine upon my death or doe raise deadly slanders upon me V. 21. For thy name sake see upon Psal. 106. 8. V. 27. That this namely this my deliverance which I desire and hope to obtaine at thy hands or my sufferances which depend upon thy meere will and no wayes upon mine enemies wills or powers which is much more verified in Christs sufferings figured out by Davids Isa. 53. 4. 10. V. 30. The multitude the Italian the great ones namely Kings and Princes I being of the same degree and dignity to extoll thy glory so much the more by their acknowledgement as Psal. 107. 32. 119. 46. 138. 1. Others amongst a multitude of people that is to say in the full assembly of thy Church V. 31. Stand to help him and hold him up as Psal. 16. 8. That condemn Hebrew that doe judge his soule PSAL. CX VER 1. THe Lord namely God the Father as chiefe in this councell hath from eternity decreed and in his appointed time hath made it manifest that his sonne who is true God and therefore as well by nature as by his office of King of the Church is Davids master Matth. â—2 should obtaine as Mediator in the union of his humane nature which he shall take upon him an universall Kingdome over all the world and as his Fathers great deputy and hee that representeth the Kingdome of Gods glory And that to this purpose his humanity should be exalted to the highest degree of heavenly glory under God So the next degree of dignity under the highest is signified by these words Sit thou at my right hand 1 Kings 2. 19. Psal. 45 9. see of this Kingdome of Christ Matth. 11. 27. 28 18. Mark 16. 19. Iohn 3. 35. 5. 22. Ephes. 1. 20. Colos 3. 1. Hob. 1. 3. 8. 1. 12. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 22. Vntill that is to say untill that by my power which thou hast from mee by vertue of thy being engendred from all eternity and by the unspeakable assistance of mine own person thou â—ast overthown all the enemies of thy Kingdome amongst which death shall be the last 1 Cor. 15. 26. Not that Christs Kingdome shall cease after that for it must be everlasting But onely the quality of the King shall first bee changed for he shall then reigne no more as Mediator and Deputie but as true God of the same essence with the Father Then the forme of reigning shall be changed for then he shall reign without any externall meanes without instruments without enemies or hinderances without any modification or voluntary restriction of his Almighty power justice c. without distinction of times or diversitie of operations and other circumstances proper to the government of his Kingdome in this world see 1 Cor. 15. 24. 28. V. 2. Shall send he shall cause this thy Kingdome which was founded amongst the Iewes by thy presence in the flesh to spread abroad from Ierusalem Isa. 2. 3. Mic. 4. 2. Luke 24. 47. throughout all the world by the preaching of the Gospel which is the power of God Rom. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 18. with which as with a royall Scepter he governeth his Church V. 3. Thy people when thou by thy Gospel shalt come forth of Ierusalem like to a great King or Captaine to goe and conquer the world the elect shall voluntarily come under thy banners to follow and serve thee in these thine enterprises Of thy power the Italian when thou shalt muster thine Army or in the day of thy strength that is to say when thou shalt lay open thy strength by the sending forth of thy spirit and the power of it to convert the world by thy Gospel In the beauties of holinesse the Italian in thy stately sanctuary namely in Ierusalem where even then shall bee the seat of thy most glorious temple Psal. 96. 9. and shall have been superabundantly glorified by thy presence in the flesh Hag. 2. 9. The dew as at the dawning of the day the dew is engendred so at the first manifestation of thy Gospel an innumerable company of elect shall arise newly regenerated and a heavenly off-spring Isa. 53. 10. Mic. 5. 7. 1 Pet. 2. 2. who by faith and confession shall joyne themselves to thee V. 4. After the in a Priesthood which for the qualities of the person for the property of his office and the perpetuall lasting of it shall have no affinity nor conformity with the ordination of the Levites but onely with Melchisedechs singular ordination as it is brought in Gen. 14. 18. and as it is at large described by thy Apostle Heb. 7. V. 5. The Lord namely God the father as hee who being the origine and beginning of thine eternall being and the head of all this work of Redemption shall beare thee up by his divine power Isa. 42. 6. 49. 8. 51. 16. Thy right to assist and maintaine thee see Psal. 16. 8. 109. 31. shall namely Christ the Sonne of God verse 1. Davids words Strike through a figurative description of Christs spirituall victories Kings namely rebellious ones and such as are enemies â—nto him V. 6. The heads the Italian the head namely the Divell prince of the world Deut. 32. 42. Psal. 68. 21. Hab. 3. 13. and with him the great Empires the world which hee shall cause to rise and be instruments of his rebellion against Christ Revel 13. 2. PSAL. CXI VER 2. SOught out of the Italian Laid open before all them that is to say laid plainly open the great Theater of the Church Or worthy to be sought out or exquisite V. 3. Glorious the Italian glory exceeding glorious and honourable V. 5. He hath given he hath miraculously fed his people in the wildernesse V. 7. Sure as well for the meere declaration of his will as also for the loyall promise of mercy to them that shall keep them which promise is added to his said commandements V. 9. Redemption he eemes to have an especiall relation to the deliverance out of Egypt after which the law was given and the covenant solemnly renewed V. 10. The beginniâ—g namely the very foundation and origine His prayse namely the approbation and glâ—rious reward which man receives from God Rom. 2. 29. Or prayse of God himselfe PSAL. CXII VER 3. ANd his the fruit and reward thereof is assured to us in this world and shall be eternall in heaven V. 4. Ariseth through the middest of the darknesse of ignorance depravation and the miseries of this world
the Lord doth enlighten his by the light of his word spirit grace and favour whereby they are made truly happy Or if they doe fall into any evils the Lord returneth at his appointed time and causeth them to behold his countenance in joy and salvation V. 6. Remembrance with men for to bee praised for it and with God to receive the promised reward V. 7. Of evill of evill reports of slanders reproaches or evill newes V. 10. The desire that which they desire shall never come to passe their desires shall bee all in vaine Or that good and happinesse which they have so much desired shall vanish away when they are in the heigth of their pleasures PSAL. CXIII VER 3. PRaised all creatures set forth his honour that is to say doe yeeld abundant matter for to praise him V. 6. To behold hee doth not disdaine from his high seat of glory to provide for all creatures both celestiall and terrestriall PSAL. CXIV VER 2. IVdah namely the whole Nation of Israel divided before the separation of the tenne Tribes into Israel and Iudah by reason of this Tribes preheminency which by reason of their deliverance were a proper peculiar and holy Nation to God Exod. 6. 7. 19. 6. V. 3. Saw it namely the Lord appearing in his power in the cloudy pillar And fled that is to say retired suddenly back as it were to make way for the Lord Poeticaâ—l termes V. 4. The mountaines a description of the shaking of Mount Sinai Exod. 19. 18. Psal. 68. 8. PSAL. CXV VER 1. NOt unto us O Lord accomplish and fulfill our salvation not having any regard unto us or our work nor yet making use of any humane meanes therein whereby any part of glory may bee diverted and taken away from thee to bee imputed or given to us But doe it by thine onely grace and power that thy loving kindnesse towards us wretched sinners and thy truth in thy promises may by thee be used and by men acknowledged and adored V. 8. Are like the Italian Let them be like that is to say let God take away all understanding and use of reason from them seeing they doe so unworthily abuse it to his dishonour Rom. 1. 23. 28. Others translate it they are like unto them that is to say the Idolaters are as stupid and blind in feigning to themselves any godhead in the Idols as the Idols themselves are V. 15. You are or shall be V. 16. The Lords namely to be the seat of his glory Matth. 5. 34. 23. 22. Hath given namely the use of it depending from his providence and supreme dominion nor any absolute proprietie V. 18. But we being redeemed preserved alive and re-established by him PSAL. CXVI VER 1. HAth heard he doth continually heare mee and never faileth me V. 3. The sorrowes Italian the bounds according to others the sorrowes see upon Psal. 18. 5. V. 5. Righteous in delivering his children from unjust oppression V. 7. Dealt bountifully the Italian rewarded thee namely for thy faith and patience Or he hath done thee good V. 9. I will walk with all acknowledgment and gratitude I will consecrate my whole life unto thy service having thee alwayes before mine eyes to depend upon thee by faith and to frame all mine actions according to thy holy will V. 10. Have I spoken Italian I wil speak that is to say I have trusted in Gods promises and therefore having found the effects thereof I will not bee dumb like one that is dismayed having failed in his hopes but I will speak glorifying my selfe in God giving him thanâ—s and making open profession of my trust in him V. 11. I said see upon Psa. 31. 22. Are lyars he seemes to have a relation to Samuel his message that he brought him from the Lord concerning Gods promises to him and finding himself far from the effects of them hee had made some doubt of the Prophets truth Or the meaning may be plainly thus What can I hope for seeing every man betrayeth me and that I can trust no body V. 13. I will talk I will solemnly and joyfully acknowledge him a phrase taken from the custome observed in sacrifices of thanksgiving after which they made a feast wherein the father of the family for the honour of God to stirre up all the assistants to joyne in mirth and praysing of the Lord did take a cup in his hand and used a certaine forme of blessing and having drank caused the cup to passe round to all the rest And from that Christ took the ceremony of the holy communion 1 Cor. 10. 16. V. 15. Precious namely for to defend them from it and to revenge it if it happen by any violence of men and to be pleased with it as with a sacrifice and to remunerate it as a triall and victory of their faith and an accomplishment of their obedience see Psal 72. 14. Of his Saints or of good and godly men PSAL. CXVIII VER 6. ON my side or with me or neare me V. 10. Compassed had begirâ— me round V. 2. Fire of thornes which lasts but for a blast and leave no â—mbers nor coales see Eccles. 7. 6. V. 14. And song he is the author and subject of my mirth and praâ—ses V 18. The Lord or the Lord hath punished mee grievously V. 19. The gates namely of Gods temple where the law of God which is the rule of righteousnesse is preached and taught and where the chiefe part of it namely Gods service is performed and where we ought not to come in without an upright and sanctified soule V. 20. Of the Lord namely of his house through which man draweth neere unto him he being there present in the signes and pledges of his grace The righteous for to such and not to prophane persons it belongeth to enter in there see Isa. 35. 8. Revel 21. 27. and 22. 15. Or the meaning is God will not suffer good men alwayes to bee kept aloofe off from his house as I have beene during Sauls persecutions see Ecâ—les 8. 10. V. 22. The stone figurative termes to shew first and litterally Davids miraculous exaltation to the Kingdom though the chiefe of the people did contemne and reject him Then spiritually and prophetically Christs establishment God making him the foundation of his Church though the Priests and other chief of the people to whom the building of the ancient Church was committed did reject and withstand him V. 25. Save now this is the signification of the Hebrew word Hâ—sanna which was an acclamation they were wont to make to new Kings which was also made to Christ Matth. 21. 9. Send now namely to our King and to us through him V. 26. That commeth whom God sendeth to be King over us being consecrated and elected by him to be as it were his Deputy Acclamations made by the Priests and people when David came into the Temple and likewise to Christ whose figure David was We have we Priests
falling into poverty the other a burning covetousnesse the one is never at rest and the other never satisfied V. 16. The grave Or hell The earth Such as your sands and deserts are V. 17. The Ravens The wickednesse of such children shall be punished with horrible kindes of death without honour of buriall their bodies flying upon the ground for foode for the fowles of the ayre and for wilde beasts V. 20. Such is Shee doth things so covertly and so close unlesse it please God that shee be taken and convinced some other way She eateth By these hidden termes is signified the act of dishonesty and the impudency in the dissembling of it or denying it V. 21. The earth These things doe cause great trouble amongst men as well in States as 〈◊〉 private families V. 22. For a servant For such kinde of people being raised to dignitie doe command imperiously and cruelly When be reigneth Whereby he becommeth insolent injurious and untamed whereas poverty is a very healthfull punishment for him V. 23. Odious By reason of her displeasing manners vitious and contentious nature See Deut. 21. 15. That is heire That hath succeeded her mistresse by marying with her master whereby she becommeth proud and intolerable V. 26. Feeble folke Without any strength or courage Yet can they finde a way to make holes in the 〈…〉 ks for their refuge as well as the â—â—erâ—â—st beasts V. 27. By hands As it hath beene observed in grâ—at swarmes of Locusts some flye in troopes turning one way and some the other way like diverse squadrons of an army V. 28. The Spider the Italian The Star-lizard Histories doe relate many things of the Star-lizard or Eâ—t his naturall understanding especially for the good of man to whom this creature seemâ—s to beare a great affection V. 31. A Grey-hound the Italian The Cock the Hebrew word is very ambiguous by some it is taken for a Steed barded for the warre By some for a Greyhound An he Goat Of according to others a Ramme V. 32. If thou hast If through rashnesse or pride thou hast committed any evill act or haste intended any evill especially if thou hast falled in thy respect towards thy Prince See Eccl. 8. 3. Lay thine Containe thy selfe bridle thy minde and bethinke thy selfe See Job 21. 5. V. 33. The 〈…〉 ing He 〈…〉 through off 〈…〉 ries and importunities 〈…〉 â—oth move another 〈…〉 to wrath Or he that lets his owne wrath burst out instead of quenching and appeasing it CHAP. XXXI VERS 1. LE 〈…〉 l It is likely this was some name given to Solomon by his mother after she understood by prophetick revelation that he was to succeed David in the Kingdome It signifieth one that is of God or that belongs to God that is to say a King appointed and consecâ—â—â—ed by him The prophecy the Italian The prophetick speech See Proverbs â—0 1â— and it is likely that Bathsheba by divine inspiration did fore arme Solomon with these holy precepts against the vicious inclination which he naturally had V. 2. What my That is to say what instructions can I give thee and what instructions are most necessary for thee Of my vowes That is to say for whose birth life salvation and blessing I have made so many vowes to God V. 3. Give not Weaken not thy body and thy minde through luxurie and unbridled lust which is the very ruine of Princes Prov. 7. 26. V. 5. The law the Italian The statutes Of God and of his law V. 6. Give strong The meaning is that if it was lawfull for any to drinke a little extraordinary yet it was not lawfull for Kings to doe it who were by right to keepe their judgement and understanding cleere and whole and had otherwise many inticements to stirre up the flesh but it was more lawfull and fitting for afflicted persons who wanted 〈…〉 and had need to drowne their sorrowâ—◠〈…〉 〈…〉 nally this is spoken comparatively and not absolutely V. 8. For the dumbe Namely for those that dare not cannot nor have not power to maintaine their right against the oppression of the mighty V. 9. Open thy That is to say s 〈…〉 ke freely and couâ—agiouâ—â—y according as thou shalt 〈…〉 de it to bee the â—ight V. 10. Who can finde That is to say Oh how happie shall that man be that shall have this good hap granted him by God V. 11 Of spoiâ—â— the Italian Of garment Heb. of spoiles that is to say of linnen and woollen raiment and other garments which women are to care for especially in former times in which women were wont to weave such clothes at home themselves V. 13. Willingly the Italian With delight Taking delight in their worke Others ac 〈…〉 ding to 〈…〉 delight of their hands that is to say 〈…〉 moâ—â— d 〈…〉 us to worke sometimes in one 〈…〉 worke and sometimes in another V. 14. She bringeth That is to say by selling of her worke to merchants which come ouâ— of faire countries she doth by such honest trading maintaine her family V. 15. A portion 〈…〉 Italian Their 〈…〉 namely their dayes worke Others their portion of food Prov. 30. 8. V. 23. Is knowne Is renowned and noted for his wives worth In the gates in publick meetings and co 〈…〉 which were held neeâ—e the gates of the City V. 24. Fine linnen the Italian 〈◊〉 Or exceeding fine linnen clothes V. 25. She shall rejoyce thâ— Italian she rejoyceth Having provided things necessary for her family according to her vocation she takes no more care for any thing that may happen leaving the rest to Gods providence 26. The law By her sweet and gracious speeches she sheweth how well she hath been bred and brought up V. 27. Of idlenesse That is to say idlely or nicely V. 28. Rise up Namely to shew their due respect unto her when she commeth V. 31. Give her let every one give her that praise honour and blessing which she deserves by reason of her vertues In the gates Namely in the peoples publick assemblies THE BOOKE OF ECCLESIASTES THE ARGVMENT THis booke was by the Greekes called Feclesiastes that is to say Preacher but by Solomon himselfe in his native tongue preacheresse Because that in this booke he bringeth in divine wisedome where with he was endowed making under his owne example towards the latter and of his life after hee had had so many tryalls and committed so many errors a solemne kinde of speech for a publicke confession and the instruction of the Church upon two very weighty necessary pointâ— The first is how a faithfull man may wisely governe himselfe in this world to live happily in it The other how he ought to direct his life towards the Soveraigne end which is eternall happinesse Upon the first he sheweth that since the world the essence the goods pleasures accidents and successions of it are nothing but vanity having no perpetuall lastingnesse no certains establishment nor no equall tenure nor succession wanting the
enemies V. 5. For every he gives a reason why he hath likened the Churches deliverances to the peoples deliverance from the Midianites tyranny namely because that by the preaching and light of the Gospel like unto Gideons lights and trumpets Judges 7. 20. the enemies shall be put to flight and terrified and the world shall be filled with blood and wars and at last shall be consumed with fire at the day of judgement V. 6. A childe namely that childe which was spoken of Isa. 7. 14. which is Jesus Christ the everlasting Sonne of God who hath taken humane flesh by being born of the Virgin and defends the Churches right against all her enemies in quality of Mediatour and head of the same The government God the Father hath made him Head and King of the universe and especially of his Church being his generall Deputy in the quality of Mediatour Upon his hee seems to have a relation to those who were in eminent places and great Offices about Kings who for a badge of their office carried a key upon their shouldes Isa. 22. 22. Rev. 3. 7. And his name he shall be such a one in effect as these names demonstrate him to be Wonderfull in his divine glorious adorable person and in his wonderfull and incomprehensible works Judg. 13. 18. Counsellour he that is the fathers everlasting wisdom and by reason of the unitie of essence is partaker of all his counsells see Prov. 8. 14 27. Everlasting Father the Italian Father of eternity the head and as it were the stocke of the spirituall and everlasting life of all beleevers who have that life from him by the communication of his justice life and spirit as all men have their naturall and animall life from Adam The ancient did translate it Father of the age that is to say the head and author of the renewed state of the world in grace and justice Hebr. 2. 5. and 6. 5. opposite to the evill world Gal. 1. 4. of sinne and death of which the devill is prince The prince that is to say the onely and supream King of the Church who hath made peace between God and it and giveth true peace to the conscience and reigneth thereby to life and salvation over it Col 3. 15. and by his Kingdom establisheth the said peace amongst beleevers Isa. 60. 17. V. 7. Of David namely of Christ figured by David and descended from him according to the flesh who shall change Davids temporall Kingdom into an everlasting and spirituall one Luke 1. 32. The zeale that is to say God shall give his Sonne for a Saviour to the world for to maintaine his glory against the attempts of the Devill and for to accomplish the salvation of those who are his V. 8. The Lord the Prophet now returnes to the predictions of Israels calamities V. 9. Shall know that is to say Shall feele it and finde the effects of it V. 10. The bricks proverbiall kinds of speeches the meaning whereof is True it is that our State hath suffered many great overthrowes and ruines but wee will raise it up againe in greater splendour and glory then ever it was A vain hope conceived upon the happy reigne of Jeroboam the sonne of Joas 2 King 14. 16. V. 11. Shall set up namely shall give the Assyrians victorie over the Syrians and Rezin their King 2 King 16. 9. V. 12. The Syrians their invasions are not any where made mention of in Scripture V. 14. The head a kinde of speech taken from beasts and plants meaning he shall cut off all from the greatest to the least see Isa. 19. 15. V. 15. He is the taile he seems to meane that in the Church vices and vertues and not titles and dignities make a difference of degrees see Matth. 5. 19. V. 16. Cause them to erre the Italian shall be seducers in the triall shall be knowne and found to be such V. 17. No joy for to spare them in these universall judgements V. 18. Wickednesse that is to say the sinnes being common both to great ones and little ones shall cause them likewise all to perish indifferently as in an universall burning V. 19. No man shall that is to say The land shall be full of seditions discords and civill wars see 2 Kings 15. 14 16 25 30. V. 20. The flesh of that is to say those that are neerest and most allied unto him V. 21. And they the Italian though they the ten tribes shall not agree together but onely in warring against Judah and in other things they shall continually bee divided into severall factions amongst themselves CHAP. X. Vers. 1. THat write namely those that by violence cause unjust sentences to be given in courts of Justice according to their owne private passions V. 2. From judgement namely from the means of obtaining their just demands and pretences by the way of justice V. 3. Where will you leave for to keep it safe and out of danger Your glory your power titles and wealth V. 4. Bow downe that is to say they shall be prisoners great companies of them bound together thrusting and crouding one another V. 5. The staffe that is to say they are armed with my wrath and have no other power over my people but what I through my just judgement do grant them V. 7. He meaneth not that is to say the Assyrians end which he proposeth to himselfe shall not be to obey me in punishing of my people nor hee shall not acknowledge that whatsoever he can doe or undertake doth depend upon my will V. 8. Are not my princes that is to say am not I King of Kings Ezech. 26. 7. Dan. 2. 37. who have for mine officers Barons and Captains Kings that are my vassals V. 9. Is not have I not subdued all these nations and provinces as well one as the other see of the destruction of Calno and Hamath Amos 6. 2. V. 11. Jerusalem and her words of an idolater who knowes not the true God V. 12. His whole work namely of punishing and visiting of his people The fruit namely his proud deeds and blasphemous words see Isa. 36. and 37. V. 14. All the earth bringing the greatest part of the world under my command Moved the wing to withstand me or so much as to complain V. 15. Boast it selfe a scoffe at the Assyrians vain boasting who were but instruments of Gods hand from whom they had all their power and motion V. 16. Send that is to say he shall destroy all the flower of the nation 2 King 19. 35. see of this kinde of speech Judg. 3. 29. Psal. 78. 31. V. 17. The light that is to say God who is a devouring fire but doth not worke with his Church in that quality but is to it as a lively light as it was figured Exod. 3. 2. but shall cause his enemies to feele the other effect by being a consuming fire to them as Exod. 14. 24. His thornes by which and by great trees vers 18. the
snares and deceits of the wicked not onely by reason of Gods safeguard and protection but also because God shall change and alter their evill natures and transforme them into contrary qualities V. 9. For the earth God shall poure out his Spirit abundantly upon all the Elect which are in the world by whose lively light and power their wills and affections shall bee changed and amended from their naturall vices see Rom. 12. 2. Eph. 4. 23. The sea namely the bottome and concavity of it V. 10. Of the people all Nations without any difference shall come under Christs Kingdome who having till then been like a root hidden under ground shall be raised up in glory and set up like a banner to gather all Nations unto him His rest that is to say the place of his ordinary abode and residence namely his Church like to the Tabernacle in the wildernesse where God did shew evident tokens of his Majestie and glory Exod. 40 34. Levit 9. 23. Shall be shall be full of the signes and effects of his presence and divine power in light of heavenly truth in power of his Spirit to bee a safegard and defence V. 11. Set his hand again namely after the first notable deliverance out of Egypt The remnant this may be understood generally of all the Elect which shall be gathered out of all parts of the world into Christs Kingdome or particularly of the Jewes who at last shall be recalled and restored to the body of the Church see Rom. 11. 25. 26. From Pathros see of these names of Nations Gen. 10. 10 14 18 22. V. 12. The dispersed see John 7. 35. Jam. 1. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 1. V. 13. The envie also that is to say all the Church shall be united in perfect concord against the enemies of Christs Kingdome He hath a relation to Ephraims almost continuall envie to Judah for the Soverainty from whence proceeded the separation of the ten Tribes and the civill wars amongst the people which caused great calamities V. 14. Them of the East the Italian the children of the East namely the Easterne people Arabians Chaldeans c. V. 15. The tongue namely the gulfe of the red Sea which comes out of the Ocean Sea and runs almost to the head of Egypt see Zach. 10. 11. Shake his hand he alludes to Moses his dividing of the Sea by striking it with his rod see Exod. 14. 16 21. Over the river namely the river Nilus which divides it selfe into seven branches and runs many severall wayes into the Sea Now all this is spoken figuratively to shew that nothing shall hinder the deliverance and gathering together of the Church CHAP. XII Vers. 1. THou shaltsay namely thou Israel according to the Spirit or thou Church of God V. 3. Shall ye draw namely by a lively faith and with spirituall comfort shall yee bee partakers of the salvation which Christ hath purchased and whereof he is the spring John 4. 10 14. V. 6. Great he sheweth himselfe to be such by his glorious deeds and works which he doth CHAP. XIII Vers. 1. THe burden this word amongst the Prophets doth often signifie a prophecie of threatnings and curses which are like unto an unsufferable burden to them upon whom they are denounced see 2 King 9. 25. Jer. 23. 33. V. 2. Lift ye up a representation of the Persians and Medes enterprise against Babylon As if he should say Let the Army be gathered together and let a signall bee given for the assault Unto them namely to the Medes Into the gates of Babylon which is the Imperiall seat and royall Residence the City wherein dwell the great Officers of the Kingdome who were so many Princes Isa. 10. 8. V. 3. I have commanded namely by a secret inspiration and motion of my providence and not by any expresse command see 2 Sam. 16. 10. Isa. 36. 10. Even them that rejoyce the Italian that triumph namely those brave Souldiers belonging to my glorious Majestie whom I make victorious and triumphant through my power which accompanieth them V. 5. Of heaven a popular and vulgar kinde of speech because that to the eye the hemisphere of Heaven seemeth to rest upon the plain of the earth and to be bounded by it see Neh. 1. 9. Mat. 24. 31. The whole land namely the Babylonian Empire which through excesse of ambition termed it selfe the universall Empire of the whole world see Dan. 2. 38. V. 7. Therefore because this shall bee Gods worke no humane power nor strength shall be able to oppose it V. 8. Their faces they shall look dimme and full of horrour through fear and through the disasters of war see Lam. 4. 8. and 5. 10. Ezech. 21. 3. V. 10. For the Starres a figurative description of an extreme horror and ruine all manner of direction order counsell conduct and reliefe from God being quite taken away as if the world had no light at all from above see Ezech. 32. 7. Joel 2. 31. and 3. 15. V. 11. Of the terrible the Italian of the violent or of tyrants V. 12. A man that is to say they shall all be slaine and no man shall redeeme his life with money V. 13. Therefore namely for the sinnes mentioned vers 11. I will shake a figurative description very freqent in Scripture V. 14. And it shall be the Italian and they shall be that is to say all his hired Souldiers and such as come to aid him shall disband themselves and shall be dispersed see Jer. 50. 16. and 51. 9. V. 15. Unto them namely to the Babylonians V. 17. The Medes under which name are also comprehended the Persians because that these two Nations were united under Cyrus his Empire but by reason that the Medes were more ancient and worthy the State takes its name from them see Isa. 21. 2. Jer. 51. 11. Dan. 8. 20. Shall not regard they shall kill all without taking any ransome vers 12. V. 20. It shall never the City of Babylon did stand a great while after it was taken by Cyrus in great splendor and power but it then lost the Empire and command whereupon began the decay of the City and some ages after followed her totall ruine The Arabian that is to say the place shall be accursed and desolate by overflowing of waters or some other meanes so that even those kinde of people that lead a wandring kinde of life living upon thefts or upon grazing of cattell shall not be able for to live there for want of all manner of commodities V. 21. Satyrs the Italian devils in borrowed shapes and hideous apparitions your unclean spirits having their residences here in the world in such solitary and terrible places see Isa. 34. 14. Mat. 12. 43. CHAP. XIV Vers. 1. WIll have mercy this prophecy was partly fulfilled at such time as the people returned from the captivity of Babylon but was fully accomplished by the Churches spirituall deliverance by the Messias Chuse that is to say after he hath
places namely their Temples Chappels and other places of Idolatry and false devotion Over Nebo namely for the desolation of these Cities which was already come or was ready to come upon them On all their heads according to the custome of those times and places which was to shave themselves in times of great sorrow and mourning Lev. 19. 27. 21. 5. Deut. 14. Isa. 3. 24. Jer. 48. 37. Ezek. 7. 18. V. 3. On the tops of which were made after the fashion of open terraces See concerning this manner of publique mourning as it were to require help from Heaven Isa. 22. 1. Jer. 48. 38. V. 4. Heshbon names of certaine Cities of Moab Jabaz a City in the confines of Moab Num. 21. 23. V. 5. My heart that is to say the desolation of the Moabites shall be so cruell and dolefull that I tremble at it and am moved to compassion every time I thinke of it Isai. 16. 11. 21. 3. Jer. 48. 36. V. 6. The waters that is to say these places which are now rich pastures and well watered shall grow wild and desert see Isa 19. 5. 7. V. 7. The abundance namely their Treasures and provisions shall be carried away into remote and secret places by the Arabian robbers which shall fetch away this prey V. 9. Of Dimon this is thought to be the same City as was before named Dibon and that the Prophet hath so altered the name of it by reason of the great effusion of blood which was to be in it for Dimon may signifie a bloody place Lions that is it to say wild beasts shall live in the Country made void of inhabitants CHAP. XVI Vers. 1. SEnd ye the Moabites were subdued and made tributaries by David 〈◊〉 Sam. 8. 2. and paid their tribute in Sheep and Lambs 2 King 3. 4. and the Kings of Israel had gotten it away from the Kings of Judah after the separation of the ten Tribes Whereupon Isaiah under the termes of wishing them to returne to the King of Judah their ancient Lord doth exhort them to doe homage and convert themselves to the true God who was knowne and served in Judea and not among the ten Tribes To the Ruler which your vassall King paid to the King of Israel his Lord and Master 2 King 3. 4. Sela a place scituate in the utmost confines of Moab whereof there is no mention elsewhere V. 2. It shall be if ye persevere in your rebellion you shall both be subdued and driven out of your Count y. Arnon a River upon the frontiers of Moab Num. 21. 13. V. 3 Execute judgement the Italian Make a decree besides this duty towards God doe thou use charity also and humanity decreeing by a publike Law that my people may have secure refuge in thy Countrey when they flie before the Assyrians see Obad. 14. V. 4. For the that is to say the time of my peoples visitation shall not last for ever but I will setle them again in peace and prosperity And therefore you Moabites make your selves worthy of obtaining grace and favour at their hands and doe not any way give them cause of offence V. 5. In mercy or in piety that is to say those vertues of King Hezekiahs shall establish his Kingdome and make him mighty wherefore thinke in time upon submitting yourselves unto him The Throne namely the Throne of the Kingdome of Iudah He shall sit namely Hezekiah a most vertuous and happy King and a figure of Christ in whom all this is perfecty and spiritually fulfilled Dan. 7. 14 17. Mic. 4 7. V. 6. The pride through which he will refuse these my exhortations and good councels His lies namely his vaine counsels and false confidences his dissimulations and cunning devices V. 7. For the Foundations namely for the ruine and subversion of this City from the very Foundations V. 8. Languish that is to say they lie waste and desert The Lords namely the great Potentates have with their Armies spoiled all the Country Even unto the Italian which reached unto hereby is shewed the great extent of those Vineyards scattered up and downe all the convenient places of the Land of Moab even till beyond the Sea namely the lake of Sodom Ier. 48. 32. Iazer a City in the confines of Moab V. 9. For the shouting they were certaine shouts and songs whereby they encouraged one another with mirth in the Fields while they were at worke V. 12. Is weary with praying complaining and sacrificing to his Idoll On the high place namely the Temple of Kemosh And thereby may also be meant a City of Moab called Bamoth-Baal that is to say the high places of Baal Jos. 13. 17. See Jer. 48. 13. V. 13. Since that time the Italian in the ancient times that is to say which he had set downe in his everlasting counsell V. 14. Within three yeeres namely at the end of these yeeres the ruine of Moab shall begin by the Assyrians and a long time after that shall be accomplished by the Chaldeans Wherefore the same things are also foretold by Jeremiah ch 4â— many yeeres after Isaiah As the yeeres the Jewes doâ— hold that the longest time for which one may hire a servant is three yeeres and the shortest for one yeere which they gather from this place and from Deut. 15. 18. and from Isa. 21. 16. CHAP. XVII Vers. 1. BEhold Damascus this hath a relation to the taking and sacking of Damascus and to the captivity of the people thereof by Tiglath-pilezer 〈◊〉 King 16. 9. Amos 1. 5. and afterwards it was re-edified and inhabited by a new people V. 2. The Cities which were in the Tribe of Gal or Reuben Num 32. 34. Jos. 13. 16 25. and are here joyned with Damascus because that Tiglath-pilezer that tooke Damascus did also carry the Gadiâ—es and the Reubanites into captivity 1 Chron. 5. 26. for the ten Tribes were in league with the King of Syria Isai. 7. 1 2. V. 3. From Ephraim that is to say from the ten Tribes named by the name of this which was the chiefest of them The Kingdome because that after this conquest of the Assyrians and the death of Rezin Syria became a Province to Assyria and being come againe into a prosperous state was againe taken and pillaged by the Chaldeans Jer. 49. 23. They shall be that is to say the Syrians shall endure the same subversion of state as the ten Tribes doe Isa. 7. 16 8. 4. V. 4. The glory of namely the power and Kingdome of the ten Tribes which was first lessned by Tiglath-pilezer and then afterwards quite over-throwne by Salmanezer 2 King 17. 6. The fatnesse that is to say his estate shall be much impoverished and many of his commodities shall be taken away from him V. 5. And it shall be that is to say they shall be all carried away into a strange Countrey like Corâ— that is reaped and carried away out of the field in time of harvest In the valley which was
from Euphrates unto the little Rivet called Sihor which were the two uttermost bounds of the Land of Israel in length Ye shall be none shall escape V. 13. In that day after the execution of these my judgements I will bring my people together againe which were scattered up and downe in captivity Which must chiefly be understood of the spirituall bringing together of the Saints by the Gospell CHAP. XXVIII Vers. 1. TO the Crowne namely to the Kingdome of the ten Tribes the chiefe Tribe whereof was Ephraim for his number and power more glorious then Judah and much given to all manner of dissolutenesse Hos. 5. 5. 7. 5 10. 13. 1. Amos 6. 6. On the head for the Country of the ten Tribes was more high and hilly then Judahs Country which was lower towards the Wildernesse Others in the best and the flower of the Countrey V. 2. Hath that is to say he hath the King of Assyria ready at his command for to execute his judgements upon the ten Tribes V. 5. In that day after the ten Tribes have been destroyed He shall cause Judah to be glorified by his grace and miraculous protection against his enemies and by an excellent re-establishment of the state and Church under Hezekiah Isa 32. 1. V. 6. And for a Spirit that is to say I will inspire righteousnesse and justice in the King and Princes of Judah and valour in his men of warre for to beat backe their enemies A description of a happy state governed justly at home and able abroad to resist any endeavour of their enemies V. 7. They also namely they of Judah also have imitated and shall imitate the foresaid sins of Ephraim notwithstanding the good order which Hezekiah re-established Have erred through Wine the Italian have fallen in love with Wine the Hebrew word signifieth a violent passion which troubles the understanding and causeth it to goe astray out of the right way of reason see Pro. 20. 1. Hos. 4. 11. In vision in faithfully relating what they have received from God in propheticke revelation This hath a relation to Prophets In judgement this is spoken of the Priests who were interpreters of the Law and decided causes in judgement see Deut. 17. 9. 2 Chro. 19. 8. Mal. 2 7. V. 9. Whom shall these desolations doe dim and dull their understandings that they are not able to receive instruction nor correction by the word of God Isa. 29. 10. V. 10. For precept must be they are become so â—upid that one must propose Gods Word unto them as in the first rudiments to children in a rough manner whereas they should have been solid and perfect in it Heb. 5. 12. 6. 1. V. 11. For with this people understand not the word of their God though plaine and intelligible no more then if he did speake in an obscure and confused way and in an unknowne Language V. 12. This is in the observation of my Law consists your peace and security Cause the weary doe so that your poore Country which hath been so much afflicted may now be a little eased of the scourges which she is threatned with V 13. The word I will punish their wilfull rebellion with a greater blindnesse and astonishment so that being no way guided by my word nor spirit they may fall into finall ruine V. 15. We have we are or at least hold our selves to be safe from any dangers Scourge whereof is spoken vers 2. We have made that is to say we have provided for our safeties with fraudes and deceipts V. 16. Therefore because that your sinnes being grown to their height my justice requireth to have you punisht therefore I will first provide for the comfort of mine elect to confirme their soules by faith in the promised Redeemer which is the onely foundation and prop of the staggering Church and afterwards I will come to the rigorous execution of my judgement Isay the Italian That have laid I have not onely appointed that my sonne should be the foundation of the Church but have also planted faith in him in the hearts of mine elect that leaning upon him they may stand to any manner of proofe or triall Shall not make haste the Italian shall not goe astray Heb. shall not make haste because that folks which are out of their way do run up and downe at randome to finde it againe without any judgement V. 17. Judgement also but as for you wicked ones I will deale with you in my justice And will make your punishments equall with your faults The haile whereof see vers 2. The refuge whereof see vers 15. V. 19. By morning beginning still againe without any rest Shall be the cry of the enemies comming shall yeeld no remedy for it it shall serve but onely to put you in greater terror and confusion V. 20. The bed figurative and proverbial terms the meaning is that all meanes and devices they can use will no way defend them V. 21. His strange namely wonderfull and terrible or which seemes not to agree with the mildenesse of a father toward his children but rather with the fury of an enemy against a stranger see Lam. 3. 33. V. 22. Lest your bands lest Gods judgements which already keepe you bound like prisoners doe grow stronger upon you V. 24. The plowman even as the plowman doth not alwaies plow but after he hath prepared and made ready the Land he soweth it so God after he hath a long time spoken and threatned comes to execution with a distinction of persons and punishments befitting his Justice and providence V. 25. Principall Wheat the Italian Wheat by a certaine measure according to the bignesse of the field which he meanes to sow The appointed Barley the Italian Barley at certaine marks he meanes certaine markes which husbandmen did use to set up in the fields for to sort out their seeds according to the diversity of the soiles and for to avoyd confusion and keep an equality in their sowing V. 27. Are not threshed as after harvest all kind of seed is not threshed out after the same manner but Corne is threshed out with Cartwheeles or beasts hoofes according to the custome of those Countries other smaller seeds are threshed out with â—â—ails or rods So Gods visitations are dispensed according to the diuers qualities of the persons V. 29. This also this diversity in the dispersing of Gods judgements proceeds from Gods wise providence who as he is the authour of reason in men and in the guiding of their actions so doth he also observe supreame wisdome in his owne CHAP. XXIX Vers. 1. TO Ariel by Ezek. 43. 15 16. appeares that this was a name of the Altar of burnt offerings or of the upper part of it it signifie the Lyon of God either because there might be some Lyons shapes upon the Altar or because God shewed himselfe terrible in his Temple and roared by his word against his enemies Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2. Or because that
is to say discomforted it being the gesture of women in great sorrow 2 Sam. 13. 19. CHAP. III. Vers. 1. THey say the Law of divorce forbiddeth the man who hath put away his wife to take her againe if she be married to another husband Deut. 24 4. and if there be adultery committed she must die Yet I have used no such rigor towards thee O my people for I have not destroyed thee for thine idolatries which are spirituall adulterie of the soule and am yet ready to receive thee into my covenant againe though I have once put thee away and thou hast joyned thy selfe unto other gods V. 2. Hast thou sat a description of such as give themselves over to idolatry under the figure of common strumpets which sat by the high way sides waiting for passengers As the Arabian that is to say a thiese and high way robber V. 4. The guide the title of a wise and loyall husband Prov. 2. 17. under whose conduct a young woman passeth over that dangerous age in honour and safety V. 5. Will he reserve the Prophets words exhorting the people to an holy repentance not in words but in deeds to reconcile themselves to God V. 6. Israel namely the Kingdome of the ten Tribes severed from Judah V. 8. Put her away like to a divorced woman which I had put away from my covenant and taken away from her the title of being my Church by the Assyrians 2 Kin. 17. 6. V. 10. And yet and to all her other sinnes to make up the measure she hath added the sin of impenitencie and hypocrisie V. 11. More then namely lesse guilty and faulty V. 12. Towards the North namely towards that quarter of the world whether the ten Tribes were carried into captivity V. 13. Scattered thy waies the Italian Prostituted thy selfe that is to say hast abandoned thy selfe to unlawfull conjunctions which the Hebrews call waies see Ezek. 16. 15 36. Others thou hast runne out and hast gon wandering without any shame or stay as Jer. 2. 23. V. 14. I am married that is to say I have made a firme covenant with you by vertue of which continually untill the end of the World I will call some converts from amongst you to the participation of my grace in my Church which hath been principally verified under the Messias Others because I have rejected you yet c. as Jer. 31. 32. V. 16. When ye be when the spirituall Israel which is the Church shall be encreased by the calling of the Gentiles and finally by reason of the conversion of the people of Israel the materiall Arke which is called Gods Throne shall be no more in use but God shall by his Word and Spirit dwell and raigne gloriously in his Church A prophecy of the abolishing of ancient ceremonies under the Gospel V. 17. To the name that is to say to God who shall plainly and as it were by his proper name manifest himselfe to his Church Isa. 60. 9. Imagination the Italian hardnesse or thought Num. 15. 39. Isa. 57. 17. V. 18. The house that is to say I will in Christ reunite all mine elect without any distinction of Nations disanulling all former enmities Ephes. 2. 14 15 16. This may also be more particularly understood of the last reduction of the Nation into one which was before divided into Israel and Judah as Isa. 11. 13. Ezek. 37. 16 22. Hof 1. 11. The Lâ—nd a figure of the Church in this World and of the Kingdome of Heaven after this life V. 19. But I said my will indeed is firme for to re establish you but true conversion is the onely means and necessary condition of it V. 21. A voyce a representation of the Israelites conversion as Zech. 12. 10. Upon high places peradventure he hath a relation to the custome which was to goe up to the tops of the houses upon occasion of some great publique mourning Isa. 15. 3. 22. 1. Jer. 7. 29. V. 22. I will heale I will free you from the punishments due therefore I will pardon the offence and amend the defect in your soules V. 23. From the hils namely from idols whose service was performed upon hils or high places Or from any other worldly high power A protestation of the converted Israelites that they will trust onely upon Gods grace V. 24. For shame the Italian for that shame full thing Baat and other idols are so called by way of abomination see upon Jud. 6. 32. Jer. 11. 13. Hos. 9. 10. The meaning is idolatry hath been the cause of our former calamities CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. REturne constantly and sincerely Then shalt thou not the Italian and wilt no more goe wandering that is to say through in constancie to follow sometimes one Idol and sometimes another for want of a firme resolution to stand to the performance of thy duty towards me V. 2. Thou shalt sweare that is to say thou shalt acknowledge and call upon the onely true eternall God an oath being a proofe of the Godhead which one worshippeth Psa. 63. 11. Isa. 19 18. 65. 16. The Nations thou shalt re-obtaine the ancient right and title to be called the stocke or body of the Church into which all Nations shal think themselves happy and honoured to be incorporate according to the promise Gen. 12. 3. 22. 18. V. 3. Breake up that is to say by a true contrition and repentance prepare your hearts to receive the seed of my word V. 4. Circumcise your selves put off your wickednesse and naturall corruption which was the spirituall truth of the Sacrament of the corporall circumcision Deut. 10. 16 30. 6. Col. 2 11 V. 5. Declare a representation of the generall uproare upon the eomming of the Chaldeans V. 6. Set up namely to give the signall V. 7. The Lyon namely Nebuchadnezzar V. 9. The Prophets namely the false Prophets which fed the people with vain predictions of peace Jer. 26. 7 8. 28. 1. Ezek 13. 2. 10. V. 10. Said I Jeremiahs words Surely thou hast that is to say is it possible that thou shouldest suffer this people to be deceived by false Prophets that have in thy name promised them peace and that thou shouldest grant their errour to take so much effect see Jer. 6 14. Ezech. 14 9. V. 11. A dry winde he seemes by this dry winde to meane the Northerly winde from which coast the Chaldeans came which kinde of winde is most violent and durable Job 37. 22. Prov 25. 23. Not to san the Corne in the floore for to that purpose are required moderate windes whereas 〈…〉 is boisterous and doth dissipate and disperse The meaning is this scourge will be to d 〈…〉 tion and not to correction V. 13. He shall come up namely the King of Babylon who is signified by this winde V. 15. For 〈…〉 c. the Italian fâ—r there is a voice that 〈…〉 that 〈…〉 y is greater tâ—â—n in Dan and pro 〈…〉 eth that it is more
Jerusalem seeing that the Lord is there present in his Temple and that there is a King of the seed of David to whom was promised a perpetuall Kingdom Why have they the Lords answer by an admiration on the other side V. 20. The harvest namely the season wherein we hoped for some case and deliverance V. 22. Is there no is it possible that in the Church which is as it were a storehose of all spirituall remedies there should be no means to cure the peoples sins and deliver them from these desolations as in Gilead grew a baâ—some good to make plaisters and salves for all sores and wounds Gen. 37. 25. CHAP. IX Vers. 2. ADulterers both bodily and spiritually V. 3. They are not valiant they doe not care for strengthning and defending themselves against all dangers and chances by righteousnesse and loyaltie but onely by frauds and deceits From evil as who should say doing one kinde of wickednesse at one time and another at another sometimes using violence and sometimes deceit V. 4. With slanders slandering accusing and backbiting V. 6. Thine habitation that is to say O Jeremiah thou dwellest amongst a people that is full of hypocrisie towards me and frauds and deceits and trusting in their own cunning are carelesse of turning to me V. 7. Melt them namely lay grievous afflictions upon them by which the vanity of humane deceit and malices and discovered and the Church purged of them Jer. 6. 29. How shall I doe there is no way to helpe the Church in these extream evils but by applying of extream remedies thereunto V. 10. Will I take up Jeremiahs words The fowl a figurative description of an universall desolation V. 15. I will feed them that is to say I will send them most bitter and deadly afflictions V. 17. Call the ancient custome at burials was to hire certain persons especially women to goe along with the corpse and sing certain mournfull songs with fained cries and â—amentations 2 Chron. 35. 25. Job 3. 8. Amos 5. 16. Now God without approving of this vanity or affectation would say plainly that he would give great cause of weeping and lamenting V. 23. The wise that is to say Let all mans pride and confidence bee cast downe at these my threatnings and on the other side let every man trust in my goodnesse and mercy which I delight to use towards mine Elect. Oâ— let him make a buckler and a defence of a good Conscience grounded upon the true knowledge of me which may produce in him the imitation of these my vertues to which are joyned the promises of my grace V. 25. Circumcised namely all the hypocrites and false Jews who bear circumcision in their bodies which is a mark of my Covenant but have not the truth of itâ— keeping still and nourishing in themselves their naturall wickednesse signified by the fore-skin of the uncircumcised Rom. 2. 25 28. V. 26. Egypt he nameth these nations because that they also were circumcised But circumcision was no way profitable to them they having no part in Gods grace nor Covenant To shew that the Jews which went astray had no more priviledge then these nations had CHAP. X. Vers. 2. DIsmayed that is to say Do not worship the stars through a vain superstition which is but a false and irregular religious fear vers 5. Others refer this to Astrologers prognosticks concerning accidents which are meerly casuall and absolutely depending upon Gods will and can no way be caused nor signified by the celestiall bodies as men have falsly given rules for it to which God doth sometimes give way and suffereth them to fall out right onely to punish their curiositie V. 3. The customs namely their customs and ordinances concerning Religion as may be observed more evidently in the adoration of idols which have no other essence but their corruptible matter nor no otheâ— forme but that which maâ— at his pleasure giveth them V. 5. Upright these idols are framed high and straight V. 8. The stock the idol doth imprint in man false opinions concerning God and concerning his essence and service and vaine passions and hopes through which a man becomes sencelesse and stupâ—d like to his idol V. 9. Uphaz the name of a place whereof there is no certainty V. 11. Thus this verse is written in the Caldaick tongue which seemeth to have been done to put the Jewes in minde and as it were in their mouthes that they should shortly be carried away captives to Babylon A kinde of formulary in detestation of idolatry whereof they should see frequent examples in Babylon V. 13. Rain see upon Psal. 135. 7. V. 14. Every man that is to say Idolatry hath taken such deep root in the minds of men by reason of their admiring the art of carving Is confounded the Italian is become infamous that is to say execrable using his art by the means of idolatry which is a spirituall fornication and infamy Jer. 3. 24. Others translate it ashamed finding himselfe at the lâ—st deluded of the hope which he had fixed upon his idol as Isa. 42. 17. and 44. 11. and 45. 16. V. 15. In the time for when God shall punish the idolatrous Nations their idols shall also perish He hath a relation to victorious Pagans who â—id break or carry into captivity the idols of those Nations which they had conquered Isa. 46. 1. V. 16. The portion namely the true everlasting God who hath given himself to his people particularly having forsaken all other nations see Deut. 29. 26. Psal. 16. 5. and 119. 57. V. 17. Inhabitant a prophesie of the ruine of the Countrey and captivity of the people The meaning is Let the people that are in Jerusalem save themselves and their goods if they can though the place be strong both by nature and art for there commeth an enemie whom no power will be able to withstand Jer. 6. 1. Ezek. 12. 3. V. 19. But I said that is to say I did not think the ruine would have been so extream I presumed that I might have escaped with some small losse V. 20. My tabernacle the Italian my tents that is to say I was heretofore the fruitfull pasture of the Lords flocks with their tents stalls and sheep-coats which were the particular congregations of the Elect now every thing lieth waste through the negligence and fault of the shepherds that is to say The Governours as well Politicke as Ecclesiasticall V. 23 I know the Prophets words in the Churches name the meaning is I know that this enterprise of the Chaldeans as well as all other humane enterprises lieth in thy hands and the issue thereof is as thou pleasest thou canst moderate it limit it and direct it according to thy wisdom and pleasure Wherefore Lord doe not give them the reins to let them execute their wicked wils to the uttermost and give them at last their just punishment to their utter ruine CHAP. XI Vers. 2. HEare ye it seems that Jeremiah had charge from
ruine but the people themselves V. 11. A name even as the girdle is an ornament to the body The meaning is To the end that I might be glorified through their obedience and also by reason of the wonders which I should doe in their behalfe V. 12. Every bottle that is to say this people thinke to have a great vintage to make themselves merry and drunke tell them that I will send them another kind of drunkennesse namely my wrath which shall astonish them and make them rage like drunken persons see Isa. 51. 17 21. 63. 6. Jer. 25. 27. 51. 7. V. 14. Dash them that is to say I will suffer the Land to be filled with factions and divisions and let them thrust at and overthrow one another V. 16. Give glory namely by confession and repentance see Jos. 7. 19. Darknesse namely the fore-said calamities â—â—umble termes taken from such as goe by night over high and craggy places V. 17. My soule that is to say I Jeremiah shall be able to doe no more but retire into some solitary place and there lament for your inevitable ruine Lam. 1. 26. V. 18. The King namely Jehoiakim the sonne of Josias as it is likely The Queen namely the Kings wife or mother 2 Kin 23. 3â— For your or that which you weare on your heads V. 19. Of the South namely of Iudah which in respect of the other Tribes lay Southward Shut up because they are besieged or because they are desolate and no man dwelleth in them V. 20. That come namely the Chaldeans which were Northward from Iudea Where is or O Iehoiakim where is that people thou didst glory so much in see Prov 14. 28. V. 21. Wilt thou say the property of the Hebrew word sheweth that this was spoken to a woman which might be the Queene or the whole Comunalty of the Jewes When he namely God or the King of the foresaid Northerne Nations Thou namely thou O mother of Jehoiakim by the counsell which it is likeliest thou gavest thy sonne to make himselfe a vassall to Nebuchadnezzar hast gotten the Chaldeans the right of Soveraignty over the Kingdome of Judah 2 King 24. 2. Oâ— thou Nation hast subjected thy selfe to the Babylonians by infamous submissions or unlawfull covenants V. 22. Thy skirts that is to say thou hast been carried into a shamefull and disgracefull bondage and slavery see Isa. 20. 4. 47. 2. Made bare with the irons and stocks V. 23. The Ethiopian you are altogether incorrigible no admonition nor exhortation will prevaile with you or doe any good and therefore I will destroy you without any remission V. 25. The portion a terme taken for the parting or dividing of fields and possessions In falshood namely in idols false doings and vaine hopes V. 27. Thy neighings a terme taken from Horses when they are in heaâ—e of lust Whoredome namely spirituall whoredome through idolatry When what time wilt thou take for thy conversion CHAP. XIV Vers. 1. THe dearth the Italian the drought it seemes that it was some extraordinary dry time that hapned in those daies whereupon ensued famine and dearth V. 2. Gates that is to say their Cities and inhabitants which held their assemblies in market places and Courts which were ordinarily by the City gates V. 3. Covered a custome in those daies in time of mourning and shame see 2 Sam 15. 30. V. 6. Snuffed namely to quench their thirst or panting and fetching their breath short see Ier. 2. 24. V. 7. Doe thou it shew the effects of thy grace and power for thou art wonderfully good and mercifull Or to make all men know thee to be such by the effects V. 8. Why seeing thou hast established and setled by habitation amongst thy people why shouldest thou give over caring for them as if thou didst not dwell at home but in some strange place and as a passenger V. 9. Thy name that is to say we beare thy name as thy children and thy people and we have been consecrated to thee by calling upon thy holy name when thou receivest us at our comming into thy Church V. 10. Thus have they that is to say I doe reward them according to their errors strayings and unbridled licentiousnesse V. 13. Ah Lord Lord take pity upon this poore people for they continue in their errours by reason of their false Prophets V. 16. Their wickednesse that is to say the punishment which they have deserved for their wickednesse V. 17. The Virgin namely the commonalty of my people which heretofore remained in her ancient state and liberty as in her own fathers house and was never subdued by any stranger nor never led into captivity V. 18. Goe begging their bread or flying from these miseries V. 21. The throne the Arke of the covenant is often so called and by the name of that is meant the whole Temple V. 22. Are there that is to say we flie to thee in this extreame necessity and drought for thou alone canst helpe us by granting us some raine The vanities namely the idols CHAP. XV. Vers. 1. MOses and Samuel by whose prayers and intercessions God was formerly appeased with his people Exod. 32. 14. 1 Sam. 7. 9. Psal. 99. 6. Cast them out tell them that I have cast them off and that I will heare them no more nor no others for them V. 3. Foure namely kindes of living creatures that shall destroy them The Sword that is to say their enemies that shall execute the full rigor and rage of warre upon them V. 6. I am weary that is to say I have so often put off my judgements and revoked my threatnings that unlesse I should wrong my justice I can doe so no more a humane kind of speech Gen. 〈◊〉 6. V. 7. Fâ—â— them a terme taken from Corne lying upon the floore The meaning is though I have already scattered a great part of the people by the meanes of the ten Tribes captivity which were upon the confines of the Countrey see Lev. 26. 33. V. 8. I have brought I have brought against Judea the mother of so many valiant warriours the Chaldeans who by open force like a thiefe that ravisheth a thing at noone day are come to assault her V. 9. She that namely that most fruitfull Nation of the Jewes as by way of proverbe they were wont to say a woman the mother of seven children Ruth 4. 15. 1 Sam. 2. 5. to signifie the great fruitfulnesse of a woman Suâ—â—e that is to say her calamities are come upon her suddenly whilst she yet was in hope of some worldly ayd and meanes V. 10. Woe is me the Prophets complaint seeing that his prophecies did produce nothing but contradiction and rebellion against his word and deadly hatred against his person I have that is to say I have neither had strife nor contention with them but all is by reason of mine office V. 11. The Lord I have not set forth any thing of mine owne will nor
stoodest in the plaine field High places namely all mountaines hils and cliffs are filled with idols temples chappels and altars V. 4. For ever namely for a long time continually untill the determined end V. 5. Cursed this is added because of them that trusted to mens helpe against the Prophets threatnings Flesh namely mortall man so called by contempt in respect of God who is an everlasting Spirit Isa. 31. 3. Hâ—◠〈…〉 e namely his prop and strength V. 6. Heath a bastard kinde of plant which is good for nothing but onely for the fire that is to say he shall have no part in the grace of regeneration he shall not be manured nor dressed by Gods Word in his Church he shall beare no fruits of good works and his end shall be everlasting perdition V. 9. The heart he seems to touch another false support which men trust to namely carnall wisdom and cunâ—ing contrary to faith simplicity and sincerity Wicked the Italian incurable as diseases impostâ—umes and hidden ulcers are hee means that mens hypocrisie and falshood makes it impossible for any one save onely God to cure their souls Others translate it perverse or obstinate and desperate or unsearchable V. 11. The p 〈…〉 ridge of which it is written that she gathereth other Partridges and other birds eggs and hatcheth them as her own but the young ones being once hatched flie away to the right dam so soon as they hear her voyce Others expound it like the Partridge which gathereth together many eggs but doth not hatch them for the cock Partridge findeth them out and breaketh them So wealth evil gotten either returneth to the right owner or is quite lost That getteth mans third false confidence namely in riches V. 12. Throne that is to say the glorious seat of Gods presence amongst men which is also inaccessible and imprâ—gâ—â—ble to men The place mans fourth false confidence namely in the materiall Temple Jer. 7. 4. V. 13. They that namely turâ—ing to other false and vain hopes Written that is to say condemned to perish with the earth in which they have put all their trust heart and hope and shall have no part nor right to eternall life which is proper for the Elect whose names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. see Psal. 17. 14. V. 14. Heal me Jeremiahs words as much as to say Comfort and strengthen me in my vocation amidst so many dangers and combats My praise namely the Lord in whose support and grace I doe onely glorifie my selfe Or who is the onely subject of my praises V. 15. They say namely the prophane which are amongst the people making a scoffe of my predictions and threatnings V. 16. I have not the meaning seems to be thus Mine adversaries doe accuse me that by my prayers to thee I doe purchase their ruine thou knowest that therein I never went beyond the zeale of a true Pastor and a faithfull Prophet Others I have not hastened nor intruded my selfe after thee more then was befitting a true Pastor that is to say I have followed thy Commandments step by step as thy servant and have attempted nothing by any rash boldnesse V. 17. Be not that is to say Doe not suffer me to be in continuall danger and terrour by reason of doing thy service V. 18. Double namely a most heavy doubled and entire destruction V. 19. The gate he seems to meane that gate which was called the water-gate Neh. 3. 26. neer unto which was a great market place called the Eastern-place at the end of which was the Kings Palace built by Solomon and therefore it was the ordinary gate at which the Kings went out and came in and where the people did use to come together because it was neer the Court and therefore it is here called the gate of the children of the people see 2 Chron. 29. 3 4. and 32. 6. Neh. 8. 1. 16. V. 21. Selves even as you tender the salvation of your souls upon pain of incurring Gods judgements in your persons Deut. 4. 15. Jos. 23. 11. V. 25. Enter that is to say The City and Kingdom and people shall be kept in their estates V. 26. About the land of Judah is ofâ—â—imes divided into these parts as are here specified CHAP. XVIII Vers. 2. THere that is to say I will there send thee a new propheticall revelation by vision or by internall revelation onely V. 7. What instant that is to say Unlooky for when men shall least think upon it V. 13. Uirgin namely the people of Israel who having hitherto been kept and maintained in their ancient state and liberty in my house as it were in their Fathers house were therefore bound to keep their honesty and virginall chastity towards me in the purenesse of my service V. 14. Of Lebanon the Italian the snâ—wie Lebanon for a stone of the field that is to say There is no more equalitie between Idols and me who am the rocke and strength of all ages Deut. 32. 4. Isa. 26. 4. then there is between the stone of a field and mount Lebanon wherefore my people did very ill to forsake me to follow them Waters namely that are brought a great way from some pure and fresh spring whereunto must be supplied for the water of some pond or standing pool V. 15. To vanity namely to idols Caused them that is to say They have been seduced by false teachers and induced by evil examples to stray from Gods true service which is the great road which hath formerly beene laid out and travelled in Mal. 2. 8. V. 16. Hissing that is to say a subject of detestation and scorn Isai. 37. 22. V. 17. Easâ—wind which was the most tempestuous winde in those countries see Psal. 48. 7. V. 18. For the the meaning is Jeremiah is a false prophet seeing that all those who are in authority in the Church as the Priests ancients of the people and the colledge of Prophets doe all contradict him they being the oracles of truth who have the understanding of the Law and the Spirit of good counsell Deut. 17. 9. and 18. 15. Smite him let us lay false accusations against him and overcome him with slanders see Jeâ— 6. 28. and 20. 10. V. 20. To speak that is to say to pray for them V. 21. Deliver up prophetick imprecations inspired by Gods Spirit and not proceeding fâ—om any carnall passion as Psalm 69. 22. and 109. 6. 7. Hos. 9. 14. CHAP. XIX Vers. 2. EAst-g 〈…〉 the Italian the po 〈…〉 ers gate some translate it The gate of the sunne V. 〈◊〉 Estranged Hebr. made strange that is to say they have done so that I doe not accept of it nor acknowledge it any more for a place consecrated to me nor for my temple Of innocents namely of little children whom they offered to Molech Psal. 106. 38. who was worshipped in this valley of Hinnom at the comming out of this Potâ—ers or East gate V. 7. The councell that is I say All their
some Prophet V. 38 Sith ye say namely if you will still persist in your iniquities contrary to all mine admonitions CHAP. XXIV Vers. 1. JEconiah called also Jehoiakim and Conia Jer. 22. 24. Carpenters see upon 2 King 24. 14 16. V. 5. So will I that is to say I will take care of and shew my favour and good will towards the Jewes which were first led into captivity to preserve them that the Nation may one day be re-established and planted by their posterity but I will send more severe judgements upon those that staid behind as guilty of greater rebellion because they were not converted by the examples of others punishments V. 7. A heart that is to say a mind and will regenerate and sanctified by my Spirit CHAP. XXV Vers. 3 RIsing the Italian every morning at the time of prayer and morning offering at which time was the greatest concourse of people in the Temple V. 9. My servant namely him that executes my judgements and my will of which he had notice though he had no intent to conform himselfe thereunto Jer. 40. 2. see Isa. 44. 28. 45. 1. V. 10. Mil-stones namely of hand-mils which onely were in use in those daies and in a great City full of people they did make a great noyse Rev. 18. 22. Of the Candles which were lighted in great number at feasts and other nightly assemblies Or generally in every private house which by the great light doe manifest and make shew of the greatnesse of a City as contrariwise silence and darknesse are tokens of the desolation of it V. 15. Take he represents a propheticke vision wherein Gods particular judgements upon all these severall Nations were signified unto him by the figure of a cup carried about to them all according to the custome of solemne feasts Fury that is to say of Gods judgements see Psal. 75. 8. Isa. 51. 17. V. 18. Jerusalem for in generall judgements upon the world God useth to begin at his own home v. 29. 1 Pet. 4. 17. This day namely at that time as the Prophet compiled and published the whole volume of his prophecies which was after the delolation by the Chaldeans V. 20. People the Italian the mixed people it was a certaine people of Arabia gathered together out of divers Nations which did lie scattered in the deserts and had no setled abode nor habitations in houses or Cities Jer. 50. 37. Ezek. 30. 5. Of Uz a Countrey neere to Idumea or part of it Job 1. 1. The remnant for Ashdod it selfe had been already taken and destroyed by Tartan Isa. 20. 〈◊〉 V. 22. And all he speakes thus because that these great Cities had many Colonies and plantations upon the Sea coast to which they sent Governours and deputies and also had hereditary Kings there which were their vassals V. 2◠Dedan people of Arabia and neighbours thereunto V. 25. Zimri people likewise of Arabia descended from Zimram Gen. 25. 2. V. 26. One with As who should say bringing this cup from one to the other untill the round be finished Sheshach see Jer. 51. 41. Questionlesse by this word is meant Babylon whether Sheshach were the concealed and sacred name of it according to the Pagans custome to have certaine secret names for great Cities which they used in their Sacrifices and secret ceremonies thinking if these names were once revealed the ruine of the City and State must needs follow Or whether it be the same name as Babel by a certaine change of letters as the Jewes would have it Or whether it were the name of the Babylonian goddesse on whose holy-day the City was taken as oftentimes the Cities were named by the names of their Gods Jer. 48. 46. Zech. 9. 1. V. 27. Be drunken that is to say be dismayed and troubled in your counsels and actions and be brought to base submissions and dishonest wants Isa. 51. 21. 63. 6. V. 29. The City namely Jerusalem which is consecrated unto me and called by my name V. 30. His habitation namely against Jerusalem and against his Temple That tread see Isa. 16. 9. Jer. 48. 33. V. 34. Shepheards namely conductors of my people Jer. 2◠22. 23. 1. Wallow a signe of extreame griefe Jer. 6. 26. Pleasant namely when they are whole for when they are broken they are of no value V. 38. The Lyon for whilest a Lyon is in his covert neither man nor beast dares to come neere it and contrariwise when he is gone from it every one goeth in and spoileth it without feare So God who had defended his Temple by his terrible presence Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2. shall forsake it to have it destroyed by reason of his departure see upon Ezek. 10. 7. Of his that is of Gods CHAP. XXVI Vers. 6. ACurse that is to say I will cause it to be accursed of all men and used for an example and formularie of cursing V. 7. Prophets they were men which were learned and understood the holy Writ and had been bred up in the Schooles and Colledges of the chiefe Prophets 1 Sam. 10. 5. 〈◊〉 King 6. 1. to whom God did often send propheticke and divine revelations and in Jeremiahs time were present at Ecclesiasticall judgements and Assemblies 2 King 23. 2. as in Christs time the Scribes and Doctors of the Law used to be who were somewhat like these Prophets V. 10. Newgate peradventure he meanes that which was built againe by Joram 2 Kin. 15. 35. V. 15. Bring that is to say you make your selves guilty of this fact before God and burthen your selves therewith V. 20. There was this is a narration put in by Jeremiah and not a continuation of the former discourse CHAP. XXVII Vers. 1. IN the beginning the Prophet had this vision in the daies of Iehoiakim but he did not reveale it untill the daies of Zedekiah many yeeres after it Ier. 27. 3. 12. V. 2. Bonds this was done really and in the sight of all men and that yoake which Ieremiah did put about his owne necke was the signe of the conquest of the Kingdome of Iudah and of the peoples bondage Ier. 28. 10. V. 3. To the King it is likely that these Kings were in some league with Zedekiah when he rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar 2 Chro. 36. 13. V. 7. All this must be understood of the most famous Nations which were knowne to the Jewes for although those great Empires did usurpe the titles of universall yet none of them ever had the command over the tenth part of the world His Son namely Evilmerodach 2 Kin. 25. 27. Ier. 52. 31. His sonnes namely Belshasher Dan. 5. 1. V. 16. The vessels namely those which were carried away in the time of Iehoiakim and Iechoniah 2 Chro. 36. 7 10. V. 22. Visite them I will by my providence appoint a great part of them to be brought backe againe and be new consecrated to my service Ezr. 1. 7. and 7. 19. CHAP. XXVIII Vers. 1. THe same namely in the which
accomplishment of Christs kingdome and the eternall salvation of the Church at the last Resurrection joyned with the finall destruction of her enemies That sleepâ— a Scripture terme to shew the immortality of the soule after the death of the body with the certainty of the resurrection To shamâ— See Isay 66. 24. Rom. 9. 21. V. 3. Tâ—y that be wise namely the true beleevers who in this life are inlightned by the holy Ghost in faith shall injoy the light of glory in the kingdome of heaven He alludes to the understanding men of which he had spoken in the times of Antiochus Dan. 11. 33 35. That turne many namely the faithfull ministers of the Gospell See 1 Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 5. 19 20. As the stars See 1 Cor 15. 41. V. 4. Shut up the use and cleere understanding of these prophecies is not for this present time v. 9. but for the times of the fulfilling of it which is appointed by God Shall 〈…〉 unne to and fro to seek out these prophecies to be instructed comforted and strengthened Knowledge that is to say God by his Spirit and by the events shall give full knowledge of these things which are as yet but obscurely foretold See Isay 29. 18. Jer. 23 20. V. 5. Two namely Angels besides that which had hitherto spoken to the Prophet Of the river whereof see Dan. 10. 4. V. 6. Vnto the man of which see Dan. 10. 5. Vpon the See Dan. 8. 16. Wonders of these admirable predictions and strange accedents which shall befall the Church V. 7. That it shall be that this desolation of the Church by Antiochus should be accomplished in three yeares and a balfe Dan. 7. 25. When he shall when Antiochus had brought the people into extremity God should miraculously releeve them V. 8. I understood not namely the secret of those times distinguished in that manner V. 9. Goe thy way content thy selfe and forbeare inquiring any further concerning these things the knowledge whereof is reserved for its proper time and belong neither to thee nor to the age thou livest in V. 10. Purified by the aforesaid persecutions The wicked See Dan. 11. 32. 1 Mac. 1. 12. 45. 55. None of the the prophane and apostataes shall give no heed to these prophesies nor shall reape any benefit document or comfort thereby But the wise of which see Dan. 11. 33 35. V. 11. There shall be before Gods service be reestablished in his Temple and it be purged from idolatry 1 Mac. 4. 37. A thousand which are the three yeares and a halfe mentioned v. 7. with thirteen dayes over comprehended in the fore-said round number or added to shew some particular time of some accident not mentioned in Scripture V. 12. To the thousand in this Number there are five and forty dayes more then in the former Number And it is likely that they were from the re-establishment of Gods service untill Antiochus his plague 1 Mac. 6. 8 9. of which he dyed after he had languished many dayes 1 Mac. 6. 16. whereby the people were freed from his tyranny V. 13. Goe thou dispose thy selfe to end thy dayes quietly during which thou shalt be exempt from these calamities v. 9. and shalt keepe those great honours which thou enjoyest Daniel 6. 28. The Booke of the Prophet HOSEA ARGUMENT AFter the ten Tribes of Isaell were separated from the kingdome of Iudah and from the communion of the Church and from the pure service of God the Lord did for all that preserve some forme of Church amongst them by the preaching of his word ministred by his Prophets to keep his Elect in the prosession of Gods covenant and the enjoyment of his grace and to preserve Them from those evils which then reigned and to gather together and save the reliques of them And also to reprove and condemne the wicked call them to repentance and affright them with the denunciation of Gods judgements and finally to supply the defect of the ordinary ministery of Priests and Levites which was quite annihilated amongst them and to preserve Gods right amidst a Nation which through his patience did yet beare his name and badge Amongst these Prophets was Hosea raised up in the last declining of the kingdome The summary of whose prophesies is contained in this booke and is referred to two chiefe heads namely to the Law and the Gospell In the first he discovers reproves and sharpely condemnes the generall corruption which reigned in the ten Tribes Especially in regard of the idolatry of the Calves and Baali the well-spring of all other vices which are either in a publick government or in a private life without sparing sometimes Iudah it selfe though in a more moderate degree of reproofe by reason of his persevering in Gods covenant and service Then he denounces unto them Their approaching reprobation and finall destruction notwithstanding all their confidence in worldly assistance and meanes whereof he confuteth the vanity In the second he promises Gods grace to the remainder of true and repentant Beleevers and to the body of the people their latter conversion and re-establishment under the Gospell and to all the true spirituall Israel taken indifferently out of all nations their gathering together peace safety regeneration and eternall conjunction with God by Iesus Christ his Churches King and Bride-groome Now these two heads are diversly handled In the three first Chapters briefly and abscurely under two figures or visions In the rest of the booke in cleerer and plainer terms and larger discourses CHAP. I. Verse 1. IEroboam as Amos 1. 1. there were indeed other Kings of the ten Tribes untill the time of Ezekiah But it may be that Hosea prophesied under Jeroboam amongst the ten Tribes and that after his reigne he came into Judah Or that the other Kings are left out because that under them the state was turned upside downe by revolts and continuall troubles V. 2. By Hosea or in Hosea to signifie the inward propheticall revelation Num. 12. 6. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Goe take unto thee it is likely that all this was commanded and seemed to the Prophet to be performed in vision that it being related to the people they might perceave in the looking-glasse of this Allegory their duty towards God and their rebellion and disloyalty and the punishment which God would inflict upon them for it See Hosea 3. 1. A wife of whoredomes not that she was a whore already but that being first a married wife she afterwards went a stray The application of the figure to the subject requireth that it should be so understood whereby it appears that all this was done in vision Children of whoredomes which are really borne of an unlawfull copulation though they beare thy name For the land I will have thee in this manner represent unto the people their idolatries and spirituall strayings and reprove them for it See Psal. 73. 27. Ezek. 23. 35. V. 3. Gomer some hold it to be the name of some famous strumpet
them Prov. 16. 33. V. 9. I feare my Religion is to serve and worship him only V. 10. Why hast thou alas what a great fault hast thou committed V. 11. Said unto them by Gods inward revelation more then discourse of reason V. 14 Innocent blood For our parts for he never offended us and if he hath offended thee wee are not to take notice non judge of it in that as wee now doe follow that which thou declarest unto us by thy Workes and by thy Word which hee himselfe hath pronounced Hast done Wee doe acknowledge in all this expresse signes of thy power justice and supreame providence to which because we will not displease thee wee submit our senses to performe this execution CHAP. II. Verse 2. ANd said This prayer which containes the Prophets concei 〈…〉 and motions whilest he was in the Fish was set downe in writing by him after his deliverance with the addition of thanks-giving V. 4. Yet I will Words of faith grounded upon an expresse revelation V. 5. Unto the soule Bringing me into danger of present death See Psal. 69. 1. V. 6. Barres A terme taken from prisons The meaning is I am in the sea as it were in a strong prison shut up and 〈…〉 rred from the earth on â—ll sides For ever Unlesse thou dost miraculously relieve me V. 7. Temple namely In heaven Gods dwelling in glory the representation whereof was in the Temple of Jerusalem V. 8. They that namely Idolaters and Infidels are sometimes moved when they are in want with some feeling of devotion towards God But because the lively root of Faith of the Spirit is wanting in them that motion is not constant in them But I will fulfill my duties of piety with perseverance and loyalty CHAP. III. Vers. 3. EXceeding great Heb. A great City of God for the Hebrewes doe extoll the greatnesse of things by adding the name of God to their ordinary names Three dayes In circuit V. 4. A dayes journey Not going on continually but by pawses and at times going on from place to place as his charge required V. 5. God his word preached by Jorah V. 6. For word The Fast which the people had voluntarily undertaken to keep was authorised and enjoyned by the Kings command who would also be partaker thereof V. 7. Taste any thing For a certaine limited time which likely was a whole day V. 8. And beast According to the custome of those dayes the beasts they used to ride upon and to employ for carriage were wont to be covered and trapped but in time of mourning they tooke those ornaments off and covered them with haire-cloth and ragged clothing That is in Whereof he is guilty as if his hands were soyled therewith V. 9. Will turne Towards us in grace mercy V. 10. Repented that is to say He revoked his sentence which was but conditionall in 〈…〉 mind and decree 〈…〉 gave Jonah notice thereof See Gen. 6. 〈◊〉 CHAP. IV. Vers. 1. IT displeased Not so much for feare of being thought a false Prophet as for the zeale of Gods glory which he thought was wronged by his change and for affection he bore to Gods people who had then no greater enemy to feare then the Empire of Assyria as by effect it appeared not long after V. 4. Dâ—st thou well O thou hast great cause to be angry an ironicall reproofe V. 6. Prepared Did miraculously cause this plant to spring and grow up to a great height Per adventure this happened when the booth began to dry up and shadow Jonah no more A Goard A plant which is very common in those hot countries and groweth up to a great height and spreadeth out in great breadth called commonly Palma Christi His griefe namely From the heat which increased the greif of his mind or to give him by the meanâ— of this plant some wholsome document and remedy for his passion V. 7. It smote namely Did gnaw the root of it V. 8. A vehement Hebr. A deafe wind that is to say A still hot wind which re-doubled the heat of the sunne others a wind that made one deafe it was so tempestuous V. 9. I doe well Words of a passionate spirit blinded with anger rather then by any expresse rebellion V. 10. Chast had pity that is to say Thou wouldst have spared and dearely preserved V. 11. That cannot Little children that are not yet come to age of understanding The Booke of the Prophet MICAH ARGUMENT MIcah having prophesied at the same time as Isaiah did is also very like him in the subject and in the termes and stile of Prophecies Wherein he discovers and sharply reprooves the Idolatry and other sinnes of Iudah and Israel and denounceth unto them therefore Gods extreme judgements and their approaching dispersion by the Assyrians and Caldeans Then turning himselfe to the residue of true Believers he promiseth them on the one side temporall deliverance from the captivity of Babylon and on the other side the everlasting salvation of the whole Church gathered out of all Nations through Christ whose birth in the flesh and place thereof he describes very particularly joyning thereunto excellent Prophecies concerning his Kingdome the calling of the Gentiles and eternall glory and happinesse of the Church and the destruction of all her enemies CHAP. I. Verse 1. THe Morasthite namely Of some City called Moresheth whereof the Scripture maketh no mention nor cannot be the same as v. 14. Samaria and And the chiefe Cities of the two Kingdomes namely of the ten Tribâ—s and of Judah and their Princes and Heads V. 2. Yee people A figurative manner of calling all creatures as it were to a solemne appearance at the judgement wherein God will judge his people See Deut. 32. 1. Psalm 50. 1 4. Isa 1. 2. Amos 3. 9. Be witnesse that is to say He will convince you of your sinnes O yee of Judah and Israel From hu ho'y Comming forth as one should say out of Heaven or out of the Temple of Jerusalem where he is present in his signes of grace and power V. 3. And tread Hee shall shew himselfe exalted above all worldly greatnesse or hee shall tread under foot all powers as shall offer to resist him Amos 4. 13. V. 5. What is Where is the spring of all these Idolatries and other sins of these two Kingdomes Is it not in these two chiefe cities and in the Kings and Princes and in their courts which are kept within those cities V. 7. The hires thereof that is to say All her riches and goods which shee thought to have gotten by her unlawfull treaties and leagues with prophane Nations and as it were for a reward given her for consenting to Idolatry See Hos. 2. 5 12. and 9. 1. Shall returne A proverbiall kind of speech as much as to say Those goods shall goe away as they came that which hath beene gotten in the brothell shall be lost in the brothell Or the Assyrians who shall make a prey
of them shall also take them as a reward and a gift of their Idols V. 8. I will waile The Prophets words having a feeling of the publike calamities Stript and namely In my shirt or without my outward garment which was a fashion used in times of extreme sorrow V. 9. Her wound namely Samaia's v. 6. Whereby is meant the whole Kingdome of the ten Tribes It is come The Assyrians after they have conquered and laid waste the ten Tribes shall also lay Judah waste even to Jerusalem 2 King 18. 13. Isa. 8. 8. The gate namely To Jerusalem the Kings residence and where Judah's soveraigne court of Justice was held which the Scripture calleth often times Gate V. 10. Declare yee it not The meaning is the peoples calamities shall be so horrible that it were to be wished that their deadly enemies such as those of Gath and other Philistims were mâ—ght never heare no newes of it for feare lest they should make triumphs for it and should aggravate the measure of them by their insultings 2 Sam. 1. 10. Neither weepe yee Forbeare making any shew of your miseries for feare of giving your enemies occasion of laughter Roule thy selfe namely Thou Nation of Israel in signe of extreme sorrow Jer. 6 26. These names of Aphra and Saphir c. are nor sound any where else and yet seeme to signifie some noted places therefore it is likely that they were framed by the Propher to make some allusion to the sence of his prophecy As in stead of Ephraim that is to say fruitfulnesse he saith house of Aphrah that is to say of ashes To shew that this Tribe which was so mighty should he ruined and brought to ashes In stead of Samaria that is to say a place of coales he saith Saphir that is to say faire to signifie the glory to which that City was raised and from which it should fall In stead of Sion he saith Zianan 〈◊〉 that is to say a place of comming forth of great concourse of persons going and comming Out of which place when the Assyrians should overrun the countrey one should not be able to come out In stead of Bethel that is to say the House of God he saith Beth-ezel that is to say a house of Separation because God should forsake it as an uncleane place In stead of Ramoth which signifieth altitudes or heights he saith Maroth that is to say bitternesses by reason of the great and bitter mourning and lamentation which should be made in it V. 11. Passe ye away into captivity loden with reproaches O thou Inhabitant or people of that City Standing the Italian his defence the Heb. his presenting For the Hebrewes when they would say defend one did say present himselfe for one See Exod. 32. 25. Numb 14. 9. Isa. 22. 8. V. 13. Bind the charet to run away if thou canst from before the Assyrians who come to beâ—ege thee 2 King 18. 14. To the swift beast that is to say horses or mules which could run very swiftly She is hence it appeares that Lachish was first infected with the ten Tribes Idolatry and that from thence it passed even to Jerusalem V. 14. Give Presents buy the friendship and assistance of this City of the Philistines and of other Cities of that Nation against the Assyrians yet all shall be in vaine Achzib it appeares by 〈◊〉 19 29. Judg 1. 31. that this City was one of those out of which the Canaanites could not be driven And it seemes that upon this invasion of the Assyrians the Israelites had made a league with those Nations by whom they were deluded either through weaknesse or treachery And Micah amongst those Cities hath made choice of Achzib by reason of the signification of the name which is a Lye V. 15. Will I bring I will cause the Assyrians to come who shall make themselves Lords of thee and thy goods Marâ—shaâ— A City of Judah Jos. 15. 44. And this also seemes to have been chosen out by reason of the nearenesse which is between the word heire and Mareshah Adullam A City of Judah Jos. 15. â—5 The glory namely to Jerusalem the City of Gods glorious residence in his Temple and of the Kings residence in his Royall Palace V. 16. Make thee bald that is to say O thou Jewish Nation make most bitter lamentation See Job 1. 20. Isa. 3. 24. and 15. 2. 22. 12. Jer. 7. 29. The Eagle when she changes her feathers CHAP. II. Ver. 4. SHall one that is to say whilest you shall weep your enemies and ill-willers shall 〈…〉 de your miseries How hath this calamity is past restauration the people will never be able to recover their countrey nor settle themselves againe in their former estate V. 5. Therefore by reason of the sinnes set downe v. 1 2. you shall be put out of all right and share in the Church and people of God whereof the driving out of the Holy Land shall be a signe V. 6. Prophesie ye not the Italian drop not that is to say prophesie not See concerning this manner of speaking which is very frequent amongst the Prophets Ezek. 21. 2. Amos 7. 16. Now these are words of prophane men who would hinder the free exercise of the Prophets Office as Isa. 30. 10. Jer. 11. 21. Amos 7. 13 16. Say they to them that prophesie the Italian hath it yet they shall Gods reply that is to say they shall preach in dâ—â—ight of you and if it be not for you ye Rebels which wrong them yet it shall be for the salvation of mine Elect as Isa. 8. 16. V. 7. O thou Is not this an execrable boldnesse in you to oppose your selves against my Prophets The Spirit namely the power and authority of my Spirit which from time to time hath see my Prophets on to preach my Word Is it now lessened or weakened that it should yeeld to your desires See Jer. 6. 11. and 20. 7 9. Mic. 3. 8. Are these the cause of all these evils and threatenings which are denounced against you by my Prophets is in you and not in me and therefore you wrongfully complaine of my Prophets as if they were the Authors of all the evill that befalleth you Isa. 28. 21. Lam. 3. 33. Doe not if you will be good men and beleeve you shall heare nothing from my Prophets but onely promises and assurances of Graces and Blessings If you be sinners but corrigible and capable of repentance you shall have by them healthfull meanes of conversion V. 8. Even of late whereas your forefathers shewed their valours in just warres You use nothing now but thefts and murthers V. 9. The Women namely the poore widdowes out of those houses where they had lived all their time in esse with their Husbands and children Taken away you bring them into such a state of misery and slavery that the splendor and honour of being my children and members of my people appeares in them no more V. 10. Arise you have
thought to settle your selves in your countrey in faire and magnificent houses in rest but I will shortly drive you out into captivity It shall the pollution of the Countrey by publicke and raigning sinnes shall be a cause that you shall not live in rest nor security but that you shall be driven out and dispersed as Lev. 18. 25 28. and 20. 22. Jer. 9. 19. and 10. 18. Ezek. 36. 12. V. 11. If a man namely false Prophets who say they have divine inspirations and dally with the peopleâ— promising them good and plenty are those whom they accept of and hearken unto See Isa. 30. 10. V. 12. I will surely an Evangelicall promise of gathering together the universall Church under the Kingdome of Christ Jerermah 31. 10. contrary to the precedent dispersion Bozra a place in the Land of Moab abounding in cattell and pastures V. 13. The breaker up I will take away all hinderances which may hinder the spirituall deliverance of the Church beating downe and laying plaine all manner of oppositions Isa. 57. 14. and 62. 10. Their King namely Jesus Christ Hos. 1. 11. CHAP. III. Ver. 1. I said This is the beginning of a new discourse of the Prophet Know shall you not be instructed and understanding in the Law of God and know how to doe justice according to it See Jer. 5. 4 5. V. 4. Then namely in the time of Gods judgements set downe in the former Chapters Or plainly the time will come that they will cry unto the Lord. V. 5. Cry peace who under a false shew of goodnesse and mildenesse are ravening wolves both in soule and body Mat. 7 15. V. 6. Therefore night by my horrible judgements and your extreme miseries I shall so trouble and confound your senses that having no true Prophecye from me you shall not dare to faine any false ones according to your owne mindes and shall be reproved also for your former ones See Isa. 8. 20 22. V. 7. The Seers namely the Prophets though they be false ones 1 Sam. 9. 9. Shall all cover in token of mourning and confusion Lev. 13. 45. Ezek. 24. 7 22. V. 8. But truly I I Micah being guided by the Spirit of God doe not falsifie His word through disloyalty or feare but doe proceed in mine Office in righteousnesse and freedome V. 10. Build up they that doe fill Jerusalem with stately Palaces built by rapines and extorsions See Jer. 22. 13. V. 11. Will they leane though they commit such cruell sinnes yet they presume that God is for them and that he will defend them from all evill as if he were tyed to them and could not goe away from them See Isa. 48. 2. Jer. 7. 4. Rom. 2. 17. CHAP. IV. Ver. 1. IN the last See the exposition of these three first verses upon Isa. 2. 1. V. 3. Afar off even as far as to the end of the World Psal. 2. 8. V. 4. They shall s 〈…〉 A figurative description of the Churches spirituall peace and security under Christs Kingdome Jer. 30. 10. Zech. 3. 10. For the mouth this shall certainly come to passe seeing God hath solemnly promised it V. 5. For all people it is an usuall and almost naturall thing for man to hold the same Religion as their forefathers did but under the Messias it shall be an especiall gift of Gods grace in all true Beleevers that being enlightened in the true faith and knowledge of the true God they shall never depart from it See Jer. 2. 11. We will we will live and persevere in the faith invocation and service of God which shall be revealed unto us as it were in his owne name See Zech. 10. 12. V. 6. In that day namely in the Messias his time I will gather into the sheepfold of my Church my poore dispersed afflicted and weake Beleevers V. 7. And I will make my promises word and grace shall be preserved in the reliques of those poore dispersed Israelites who shall be as it were the seed of my Church and the hope of re-establishment which I will accomplish in its due time with great increase V. 8. O Tower It is the same place as is spoken of Gen. 35. 21. which was neare to Jerusalem and was afterwards called the Sheep-gate Neh. 3. 1. By it is understood the whole City figure of the Church into which Gods Sheep are gathered up in safety Strong hold the Italian Rocke it seemes to be the place called Ophel that is to say strong hold which was under the Temple neare to the aforesaid Sheep-gate 2 Chron. 27. 3. Neh. 3. 26. to signifie the inviolable security of the faithfull gathered together into the Church Even the namely the kingdome of David which seemed to be quite overthrowne shall be raised up again in thee by the spirituall and everlasting kingdome of Christ. V. 9. Why doest thou O Church be comforted thy King and kingdome is not quite perished though it seeme to be so by the Babylonian captivity for Christ thy true everlasting King shall appeare in his time and shall re-establish his kingdome in thee V. 10. Be in paine and indeed for the present thou hast reason to be perplexed but take comfort in my promises In the fields wandering and dispersed out of thy countrey V. 11. Defiled polluted with blood and slaughter Sacked without any respect to her Holinesse and all her ornaments taken away from her V. 12. His councell namely to cleanse and chastise his Church by their meanes and afterwards to bruise and thresh them out like corne in a floore See Isay 10. 7. 21. 10. Jer. 51. 33. V. 13. Arise consume and destroy thine enemies He attributes that to the Church which Christ her head doth for her and sometimes also by her meanes See Isay 41. 15 16. Thine horne hereby it should seeme are meant the hoofes of beasts wherewith they used in former times to thresh corne Deut. 25. 4. Consecrate he alludeth to the interdicts whereby certaine Nations were accursed and all the people absolutely condemned to be rooted out and their goods absolutely to be consecrated to God Jos. 6. 17. 19. CHAP. V. Verse 1. GAther thy selfe O Jerusalem which hast hitherto been filled with rapines like unto those which are committed by robbers upon the high-wuy gather all thy forces together to resist the Chaldeans if thou canst The judge the City being taken the King and all the great Ones shall be shamefully used by the enemies V. 2. Little though at this time thou beest the least and weakest City amongst the Tribes of Judah yet shalt thou be exalted by Christs comming in the flesh And Saint Matthew hath the same words to the same sense with a Negation Thou art not the least c. after the said Prophecy was fulfilled Thousands the Tribes of Israel being divided into thousands whereof every one had a Head or Prince Judges 6. 15. 1. 6. Chro. â—2 20. Zech. 9. 7. Whereupon Saint Matthew in stead of thousands faith Head or
〈◊〉 12. 1. 12. Of the daughters namely of their descent or lineage V. 6. Before God in truth and sincerity of conscience answerable to God and to his Judgement and not in shew towards men onely V. 9. His lot this manner of distributing the particular services in the Temple is not specified in Scripture and therefore is thought to be brought in by tradition Now that which is said Exod. 30. 7. that it belonged to Aaron to burne incense ought also to be understood of all his children 1 Chron. 6. 49. V. 10. Without namely in the peoples Court. V. 13. Thy prayer which he had made long before for to obtaine children For it is not likely that he sought it at that time being both past age See v. 18. 25. Iehn that is to say favour or grace of the Lord to shew not onely the abundant favour and grace of the Lord upon his person but also the ministery of Gods grace in Christ for which he was ordained V. 15. In the sight that is to say in his service and in his esteeme which is opposite to Iohns meannesse according to the worlds esteeme Neither wine beeing consecrated to God as a Nazarite Num. 6. 3. Shall be filled that is to say he shall be abundantly endowed with the gifts of the holy Ghost befitting his vocation V. 16. Shall he turne that is to say he shall be an instrument of their conversion by his preaching accompanied with Gods power Acts 26. 18. Iames 5. 19. 20. V. 17. Before him namely before the Messias who is the true God of Israel as it is cleere by this passage In the Spirit that is to say adorned in his person and acompanied in his ministery by the miraculous power of Gods Spirit as Elias was and for the same ends The disobedient this is added for the explication of the words of Mal. 4. 5 6. to shew that the childrens going astray from their fathers wayes which Malachy speakes of was nothing but their disobedience and rebellion and their going astray from the wisdome and justice of their good forefathers V. 19. That stand as his minister and messenger V. 20. Thou shalt be a miraculous signe to confirme the foresaid things and withall for a punishment of his incredulity See Ezek. 3. 26. 24. 27. Because thou hence it appeares that Zecharias his request v. 18. did not proceed from a pure and humble desire of being confirmed in Gods promise as Mâ—â—ies was v 34 but from a vicious diffidency V. 23. As the dayes which were a whole weekeâ— 1 Chro. 9. 25. V. 24. Hid her selfe untill the miracle came to be certaine because she might not expose her selfe to the scorne of men which might have moved her faith and have redounded to the contempt of God V. 25. Thus hath words of admiration and joy after she was certain of her conception My reproach because that barrennesse was accounted a dishonourable thing amongst Gods people Gen. 30. 23. as a kinde of curse of God or defect of nature V. 26. Sixth moneth after Elizabeth had conceaved V. 28. Favoured who art excepted of at Gods hands and hast received this singular favour as to be esteemed worthy of this Soveraigne honour to be the Mother of the Messias V. 32. Shall be called that is to say shall be acknowledged to be the true everlasting and essentiall Sonne of God though manifested in the flesh which he taketh from thee and that by reason of the union of the two natures The throne that is to say the spirituall kingdome of the Church of which Davids temporall kingdome was a figure V. 34. How shall a question out of pure admiration and a desire to be instructed in a truth needfull to be knowne and not to be apprehended by mans understanding Seeing the Virgin speaketh thus because that the Angell had spoken to her of Christs conception as of a thing which should shortly come to passe and the marriage betweene Ioseph and her might be deferred for a time as it appeareth by Mat. 1. 18. V. 35. Overshadow thee a figurative kinde of speech to signifie the secret power of the holy Ghost in this worke taken most likely from thence that God did anciently appeare wrapped up in a Cloud and mist 1 Kings 8. 12. Therefore that is to say this supernaturall conception and sanctification of Christs humanity shall cause the glorious name of Sonne of God which did from all eternity essentially belong unto his Godhead to be also fitly attributed to him in regard of his humanity by reason of the correspondency of it in perfect holinesse and other vertues V. 36. With her of her being with childe V. 39. The hill countrey it was a part of the land of Iudah See Iosh. 15. 48. Into a Citie namely Hebron a City appointed for the Priests such as Zacharias was in the same countrey of Iudah See Iosh. 21. 11. V. 41. Leaped for a signe of this new power and motion of the holy Ghost that did at that instant seaze upon the mother by Propheticall inspiration Or to shew the secret and miraculous correspondency which was between Christ and Iohn and Iohns joy at Christs comming Was filled that is to say was inspired and fully enlightened by the h. Ghost in the knowledge and mistery of the incarnation of the Sonne of God and in the knowledge of such things as had hapned to Marie though absent and farre off V. 45. That beleeveth for Mary by faith which is also a gift of God in her had made her selfe capable of this miraculous grace as that vertue was necessary in all miracles V. 48. Hath regarded that is to say hath taken pity upon the wretched condition and estate that I the daughter of David was brought into and hath not disdained my poverty but hath been pleased to chuse me for a vessell of his grace in this great work See Psal. 113. 56. and 138. 6. V. 51. He hath a prophecie of the establishment of Christs kingdome to the overthrowing of all the counsels and endeavours of Gods enemies In the the Italian By the as Psal. 34. 22. and 94. 23. Or those who are proud in the imagination of their hearts See Iob 5. 12. V. 54. Hath holpen or hath taken into his protection or hath raised up V. 55. As he spake that is to say as he promised V. 59. They came namely into the place of prayer or into the Synagogue according to the custome or into the private house with an assembly of people V. 60. Not so it is likely that Zacharias had given Elizabeth notice by writing of the name which was appointed by the Angell v. 13. V. 66. The hand that is to say Gods apparant favour and protection was with him and there appeared in him an extraordinary divine vertue and operation V. 67. Prophecied that is to say he spake by divine inspiration of the misteries of the Churches salvation which as yet were not fully revealed V. 68. Visited that
See Rom. 15. 26. 1. Cor. 16 1. 2. Cor. 8. 4. and 9. 1. Gal. 2. 10. Verse 30. To the Elders a generall name for all the guides and ministers of the Church from which greeke name hath been taken and framed the name of priest CHAP. XII VER 1. HErod surnamed Agrippa who was grandchilde to Herod the great and had received the title of King from the Emperours Cains and Claudius together with the governement of the temple in which hee did according to his pleasure whereupon he also undertooke these executions as by a generall commission though capitall judgments were taken away from the Iewes Ver. 2. Hee killed secretly in prison for after this triall hee purposed to make a publike spectacle of Peter Ver. 3. Then were this seemes to be added to signifie the cause why the punishment was delayed namely in reverence of the Passeover which lasted eight dayes Ver 12. Marke it is uncertaine whither it bee the same as writ the Gospell and that seemes to bee named Col. 4. 10. 2 Tim. 4. 11. 1 Pet. 5. 13. Ver. 15. It is bis amongst the Iewes as it appeared by their histories there were very frequent apparitions of dead persons and these phantasmaes which lesse were diabolicall were thought to be the spirits of the persons whom they represented and they thought there were some good and some bad according to the diversity of the persons and their fore-passed life Now it should seeme that these people amazed as it were at an unlooked for chance followed the popular opinion and would thereby inser that Peters death was inviolable seeing his spirit did already begin to appeare V. 17. James antiquity affirmed that this is hee who was called the brother of the Lord Matthew 13 55. who was also made the first Bishop of Jerusalem Act. 15. 13. and 21. 18. Gal. 1. 19. and 2. 9. 12 and was surnamed Juslus and Oblia and was held in great esteeme even amongst the Iewes Others take it to be Iames of Alpheus the Apostle Matthew 10. 3. Verse 23. He gave not not rejecting nor suspecting but rather swallowing up and accepting of those impious flatteries Verse 25. Their ministery Namely their carrying and delivering the reliefe which was sent by the Church of Antioch CHAP. XIII VER 1. PRophets it should seeme that here a remnant such as had the gift of expounding publickly the resolutions of the Christians faith by the infallible conduct of the holy Ghost 1. Cor. 14 23. 32. and it was an extraordinary degree and singular for these times of Ecclesiasticall office yet inferiour to that of Apostles 1. Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 11. And in many it was accompanied with divine predictions Tetrarch See upon Matth 14. 1. Verse 2. Ministred in publick prayers expounding of the word administration of the sacraments and other parts of the evangelicall ministry Said by some prophetick Revelation directed to some or more of them with the consent and approbation of all the rest Separate me to be held in equall degree with the Apostles and to be as they sent indifferently every where with eqvall authoritie as haveing the same infallible grace of the holy Ghost Gal. 2. 9. V. 3. Laid their for a signe of consecration to the office of Apostle and in signe of blessing Acts 14. 16. V. 4. Seleucia a sea towne of Siria called by authors Pieria V 5. Salamis a City of Cyprus which is thought to be that which in these dayes is called Famagusta Minister not so much to their persons as to the worke of the ministrie See Acts 15. 37. V. 7 Deputie the Italian Proconsul or propretor for Cypres was not consular but a praetorian province governed by them which came out of the yearly office of Praetors and were called propraetors Verse 8. For so is Elymas an Arabian name which signifies a magician or a master of hidden arts and sciences Verse 9. Who also it is uncertaine whether he alwayes had these two names whereof Paul is the Roman name and Saul the Hebrew name or whither hee tooke the Roman name after hee was appointed Apostle to the Gentiles V. 10. To pervert to give bad constructions and lay false imputations upon the Gospell which is the way of salvation and to hinder the worke of Gods grace Verse 12. The doctrine which he saw accompanied with so much power of God in perswading arguing and doing of miracles and with so much majestie and holinesse Ver. 15. The reading which was every Sabbath-day in certaine parcels or portions See Acts 13. 25 and 15. 21 If ye have See upon Luke 4. 16. Verse 17. The God the end is to shew that God after he had governed his people by divers persons and by severall kindes of governement had at the last established the everlasting Kingdome of the Messias sonne of David according to the flesh to whom all Gods promises had a relation and to whom all other governements had bin referred Exalted first by Iosephs greatnesse and next by the marvellous increase of the people and lastlie by their glorious deliverance Verse 21. Fourty in which ought to bee comprehended the time of Samuels governement Verse 25. I am not hee namely the Messias or the great Prophet foretold by Moses See Iohn 1. 21. 25. Verse 26. To you namely to the Iewes dispersed into far countries seeing those of Jerusalem had rejected it and persecuted the Lord. Verse 33. As it is not that the Son of God was engendred at his resurrection or after it but because by it all humane weaknesse which hee had put on being put off hee was gloriously and undoubtedly declared to be the Son of God Rom. 1. 4. Verse 34. And as concerning by his resurrection he hath fulfilled this following promise others to shew that he hath raised him he said c. The meaning of this prophecy sheweth that Christ was to rise againe To corruption Namely to a mortal life and to death The sure Namely the effect of the invariable promises of grace which I made to David concerning the everlasting Kingdome of his progenie Psal 8 9. 4. 19 Ver. 36. For David we must suppose that this passage must necessarily have a relation to Christ for it cannot properly belong to David He had served done that which God hath appointed him to do in his royall and prophettick calling Fell a sleep died See Acts 7. 60. Verse 39. From all things namely from all sinnes pollutions bonds justified absolved in Gods judgment Christ having satisfied for all by his death Eâ—a 53. 6. 11. By the law because that the ceremoniall Law being but figurative had no power of it selfe over the soule Heb. 9. 9. and 10. 1. 11 and out of its relation to Christ had nothing but signals and seales of sinne and condemnation Col. 2. 14. the moral law also being without force in sinfull man â—om 8. 3. could not justifie him but only discouer and condemne his sinne Rom. 3. 20. and 4. 15. Gal 3. 21.