corruptions of the Egyptians and to keep you in an united body in purenesse of religion and manners Every shepheard Those that did use grazing for to eate the flesh of cattell which the Aegyptians did not do Gen. 43. 32. Exod. 8. 26. And though they did bring up cattel Gen. 47. 6. 17. and Exo. the 9. 3. yet they made no use of them but only for the wooll the tilling of the earth to carry and to trade with strangers CHAP. XLVII VERS 7. BLessed Saluted him thanked him wishing him Gods blessing for his many good deeds V. 9 Of my pilgrimage Which I have passed without any settled habitation of mine own in strange countries which to the ancients was a figure of the spirituall pilgrimage here on earth Heb. 11. 13. short In respect of Noahs and other more ancient Patriarks V. 11 Rameses Which might peradventure be the chief City of Goshen V. 13 In all the Land Namely in Aegypt and all countries thereabouts as Gen. 41. 54 V. 18 The second yeare That was the seventh yeare of the fore-told famine V. 19 Buy us Let the King get the Dominion and propriety of us and of our Lands that we may become thy servants tenants and husband-men Seed To till and sow the ground for this yeare they took courage and did so because they knew the famine should end then see Gen. 45. 6. Desolate For want of inhabitants and tilling V. 21 Removed them That is to say brought the greater part of the people out the countrie to dwell in the Cities for handy-crafts traffick and trades to multiplie and increase the Cities wherein consists the glory and power of a Kingdome leaving only such a number without as should suffice to till the ground V. 22 Their Lands Their proper and hereditary livings V. 24 The first part This hath been and continueth in Aegypt from Josephs time to this houre V. 25 Let us finde A civill terme that is we be contented we accept the match and we hold it as a singular favour which we beseech you to continue always towards us V. 27 Had possession For their dwelling and use of the pastures for the King held his right and title in it as before and there remained also many Aegyptians living amongst the Israelites V. 29 Put I pray thee See concerning this kinde of ceremonie in swearing Gen. 24. 2 Deale With mine and with me also in carrying my body into Canaan saying this in testimony of his communion with the ot 〈…〉 Patriarks in expectation of the heavenly life of which this countrey was a figure and for an instigation to his posterity not to settle their mindes in Aegypt but to aspire unto the place of the rest and establishment of the Church see Genesis 23. 4. and 50. 11. 12. Heb. 11. 22 V. 31 Bowed himselfe upon the beds head The Italian addeth And worshipped Being not able to arise out of his bed he put himselfe in the posture of those that worship his body bended and his face upon the bolster 1. Kings 1. 47. Isa. 38. 2. and so worshipped God to give him thanks for all his good gifts but especially for the spirituall and everlasting gift which he apprehended by a lively faith in this last failing of all his forces and strength see Heb. 11. 21. CHAP. XLVIII VERS 3. APpeared unto me This seemeth to be remembred by Jacob to acknowledge that Josephs issue was an effect of that blessing of God and also to shew that since he had from God right in the land of Canaan he might by especiall authority dispose of it as he doth here adopting of Josephs children and placing them in the same ranke with his owne and by that meanes binding Joseph and his to keep themselves joyned to the body of the Church V. 5 Are mine That is to say I adopt them for mine and make them heires to an equall share with mine owne children and will have every one of them to be a severall head of a tribe see 1 Chronic. 5. 1. Reuben and Siâ—eâ—n Which were Jacobs two eldest sons V. 6 Shall be thine Shall be held in the number of my grand-children and shall not be severall tribes but must joyne with one of the two Manasses or Ephraim and carry the name of it and have a part amongst them as if they were their children V. 7 And as forme This seemeth to be also inserted to instigate Joseph to desire the Land of Canaan where his mother was buried and to shew that she dying in the floure of her age he would by adopting Josephs sons fill up the number which she might have had besides V. 12 Brought them out after Jacob had a while cherished Josephs children Joseph did put himself in an humble and reverend posture to receive the prophetiall and patriarchall blessing V. 14 Wittingly Not by chance nor through error but purposely and by divine inspiration V. 15 Fed me Provided for me in all my wants guided and conducted me V. 16 The Angel The son of God who appeared in the time of the fathers and in whom the everlasting Father did manifest himselfe unto them as in the person of the mediator See upon Genesis 16. 7. and is the same who was called God in the precedent verse Be named on them Let them beare the name of us Patriarks as our lawfull children not only according to the flesh but also according to the promise of which they shall be heires He saith so because that the name of Patriarks was quickly extinguished in Ismael and Esau his race who were cast out of the holy stock and remained appropriated to the Church Gen. 21. 12. Grow into a multitude The Hebrew hath it let them increase like fishes for the increase of fishes is more numerous than that of any other kinde V. 17 It displeased him Through the naturall affection of Father to their first borne though God hath almost alwayes put them back as Cain Japhet Ishmael Esau Zera Reuben the brothers of David and others to shew that his grace is not tied to any order of nature V. 20 Israel That is to say thy children shall be as a President of an excellent blessing amongst the Israelites see Ruth 4. 11. 12. and Jerem. 29. 22. V. 21 And bring you againe Shall at his appointed time bring your posterity back againe into the Land of Canaan of which he hath promised given a right to your fore-fathers and where they have dwelt as in their native countrey V. 22 To thee Besides the two parts which I have assigned to thy posterity in the division of the Land of Canaan I do order that Ephraim shall have moreover Sichem and the countrey belonging to it See John 4. 5. One portion In the Hebrew there is an ambiguitie between part and Sichem and by that Jacob sheweth that by that part he specially meaneâ—h Sichem With my With my sâ—ns swords who there wrought my revenge for the disgrace done to my daughter Gen. 34.
by his neighbours the Arabians and other Easterne nations as being upon their confines beyond Jordan according to the custome of borderers He makes an allusion between the Hebrew name for troopes of souldiers and forragers and the name of God At the last Or at the last he shall prey and forrage V. 20 Out of Asher The Italian hath it Out of Ashers countrey That is to say he shall have aboundance of all things to live on in his own countrie V. 21 A hinde A nation of a quick and ready wit yet courteous and loving without gall or offence to others like a tame hinde Prov. 5. 19. which needeth no watch nor locking V. 22 Bough A figurative description of the marveilous increase of Josephs progenie chiefly by Ephraim Gen 48. 16. 19. V. 23 The arâ—â—ers Though he hath always been as the But at which too many unjust persecutions have shot by his brothers his master his mistresse yet hath he through Gods grace withstood all these assaults without diminishing either in state or faith and he hath alwayes raised him up greater and happier to be the relief of his Church in the extremitie of famine V. 24 Of the mightie God the Italian hath it Of the mightie of Iacob that is God in whom lieth all his Churches strength see Psa. 132. 2. V. 25 Of heaven In dewes raine sunne-shine and other celestiall influences Lev. 26. 4. Deut. 28. 12. Of the deep By springs and streames which do all issue out of the great masse of waters which is under the earth Of the breasts by the copious bringing forth and bringing up of children and cattel Deut 28. 4. 11. V 26 The blessings The favours I have received of God have abounded above them of my forefathers as in respect of the great number of children which God hath given me as in regard they are all admitted to be of the blessed seed and none of them hath been cast out as in the families of Abraham and Isaac besides other wonderfull gifts wherewith God hath blessed me Vnto the A proverbiall manner of speech which signifieth the highest of a thing as the tops of the high hills are above the plaines Now he saith the everlasting hills as Deut. 33. 15 Hab. 3. 6. because that for the most part they were from the beginning created in the same forme and manner as they have continued in ever since They shall As I have received thâ—se favours through Gods blessing so I do wish them in thee through my blessing which I assure my self God will ratifie Of him Of thee Joseph whom God hath made remarkable in spirituall and temporall gifts and raised to so excellent a dignitie V. 27 A Wolfe A description of the warlike customes of this tribe V. 28 All these This is the state of the partition of the twelve tribes of which Jacob had spoken in this his propheticall will According That is to say according to those gifts as God would bestow upon them which will was revealed to Jacob. V. 33 Gathered up An act of a sweet and quiet breathing his last as of a man that falleth a sleep CHAP. L. VERS 2. IMbalme This custome of the Aegyptians was grounded upon vanitie and the fond desire of shunning or prolonging the condemnation of sin which is returne to dust Gen. 3. 19. But since God having spoken nothing thereof in his Law it hath been held as a thing indifferent V. 4 Spake Because that those which mourned did not go abroad Gen. 2. 32. and it was not lawfull to appeare before the King in mourning habit Hest. 4. 2. as well by reason of the sadnesse of the spectacle as also because the meeting of such a one was held for an evill signe V. 5 Digged In that great cave or hole in the rock Jacob had caused a monument to be cut according to the fashion see 2 Chron. 16. 14. Isa. 22. 16. Matth. 27. 60 V. 7 The Elders of his Councellors Senators and Officers V. 11 Abel-Mizraâ—m That is the Aegyptians sorrow or the plaine of the Aegyptians sorrow for Abel signifieth both sorrow and plaine V. 17 Forgive the Words of messengers and intercessors V. 18 Behold we be We yeeld our selves unto thee and we acknowledge that thou hast reason to requite us for the slavery we sold thee into V. 19 Am I in To work my own revenge which belongeth to God alone Deuteron 32. 35. and to oppose my selfe to his Councell and decree through which I was to be afflicted and tried Psal. 105. 19. and to turne that to be an evill to you which he had ordained for your good Gen. 45. 5 V. 23 Upon Iosephs knees He held them as his own and brought them up tenderlie even from their infancy V. 24 His brethren Under which name were comprehended his nephews also Visite you Shall make you feele the effects of the care he taketh of you by delivering you out of captivitie See Gen. 21. 1 V. 25 My bones That is my dead body see the reason of this desire Gen. 47. 29 THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES called Exodus THE ARGVMENT THis book hath been by the Graecian Interpreters called Exodus that is to say the comming forth because the chief subject thereof is the history of the miraculous comming forth of Gods children out of Aegypt where they had been detained after the death of Ioseph in long and cruell slavery and oppression untill the time appointed by Gods promises for their deliverance to bring them into the Land of Canaan promised to their forefathers And just then the Lord by the hands of Moses and Aaron set the people in full libertie after he had with many and terrible plagues broken and tamed Pharaohs pride causing them to passe drie foot through the red Sea where he drowned Pharaoh and all his host that pursued them That the people after that time might not have nor acknowledge any other God and Lord but the everlasting Sonne of God who had manifested himself unto them by a new glorious and most singular name which he revealed unto Moses and had instituted the new Sacrament of the Passeover for a remembrance of this miraculous deliverance After which he himself conducted them through the desert even to mount Synai where he more particularly and solemnly renewed hâ—s Covenant with them giving them his Law together with many ordinances ceremonies and Statutes as well Ecclesiasticall as Politick to consecrate and appropriate them altogether to himself and to sever them from all intermixture with prophane Nations and chiefly to keep them alwayes ready through faith and desire for the comming of the Messias in the â—lesh in whom was to be the accomplishment and substance of all these shadowes and figures of the Law Appointing also the Priesthood and ordinary service of God amongst his people and a holy Tabernacle in manner of a moveable Temple with all its ornaments and parts amongst which the Arke of the Covenant held the first place over which the Sonâ—e
in slavery through envy and malice as they had done by him he might then keep him with him in honour and safety but if they did shew themselves well-affected towards him hee might then discover himselfe unto them and forgive what was past and doe them some good V. 5. Whereby This also is fainedly spoken to aggravate the theft Now such manners of divining by Cups and Basons full of water were frequent amongst the Egyptians and Chaldeans and were done with certaine plates and Characters and invocations of the devill who answered them out of the water to such questions as were demanded of him See upon Gen. 30. 37. V. 15. Such a man as I He spake thus fainedly according to the common opinion as if Joseph were one of the wise men of Egipt which were all addicted to magick V. 16. God hath Wee are convinced by God himselfe no excuse can serve in a fact which is so evident He speaketh thus imagining some of them had beene faulty Or his meaning is God by this accident whereof wee are innocent will punish us for other sinnes V. 21. Set mine eyes That is as much as to say will be so farre satisfied as to see him Or I will do him any favour and take him into my particular protection V. 27. My wife Rachel my most lawfull and dearest See Gen. 46. 19. CHAP. XLV VERS 1. COuld not refrain Could not forbeare any longer to make himselfe known to his brethren which could not be done without a great deale of tendernesse and discovering of his brethrens error Wherefore he commandeth the people to goe out as well to maintaine the majesty of his degree as also to preserve 〈…〉 s brethrens honour V. 5 God did send me God hath guided all these occurrences suffering your evill will to be 〈…〉 cted yet directing them to a comfortable end both for you and me So that you ought no more to grieve for the offence done to me seeing it is fallen out to bee for a greater good Joseph leaveth them neverthelesse to thinke upon the sin committed towards God whose secret councell doth not justify man who did not know it nor follow it in sinning V. 6. Earing For the people knowing the prediction of seven yeares barrennesse would not lose their seed which was needfull for their nourishment and food V. 7. To preserve you To cause the small number which is of you to escape the scourge of famine so to increase to bee that great nation promised by God V. 8. A father As well by my authority advice and guiding of all his businesse as also in regard of the great honour and respect he beares unto me V. 15. Talked with him They were encouraged to talke familiarly with him being freed from that fear which before stopped their mouthes V. 20. Regard not The Hebrew hath it Let not your eye spare your houshold-stuffe That is to say let it not be grievous unto you to remove with some dammage and discommoditie for here you shall bee largely recompenced Or leave nothing behind you bring all for I will give you an excellent countrey for a constant habitation V. 24. See that ye Doe not fall out blaming one another for the injury that was done unto me For they were not all equally guilty Gen. 37. 21. 26. V. 26. Fainted At the mentioning of Joseph his griefe renewed whereby he fell into a swoun V. 28. It is enough My desires are now accomplished I care for no more so he cuts off all his sonnes long discourses and breaks off all the delayes of his voyages CHAP. XLVI VERS 3. FEare not Because it was fore-told that Gods people should be afflicted in Egypt Gen. 15. 13. and Abraham had beene injured there Gen. 12. 15. And that God in the time of the like dearth had forbidden Isaac to goe thither Gen. 26. 2. and lastly because that Canaan was become already as it were his owne native countrey V. 4. I will goe downe I will accompany thee with my grace and favour bring thee Not that Jacob did ever return out of Egypt but it is spoken of his posterity which was brought from thence in its due time or it might be spoken of his body which was brought back againe into the Land of Canaan to thy S pulcher of his Fathers in token of the right which he had to the Countrey Gen. 50. 13. shall put That is to say shall close up thine eyes so he assureth him that Joseph is living and comforts him by telling him of the good offices he should doe unto him and how hee should out-live him which is the Parents desire V. 7. His daughters That is to say his daughters in law with Dina Gen. 37. 35. V. 8. Which c 〈…〉 e That were mustered in the first mustering that was afâ—er Jacobs comming into Egypt for otherwise many of these were borne in Egypt V. 10. J 〈…〉 l Also called Nemuel Num. 26. 12. So many of these names doe vary in Numbers and in the Chronicles for some unknowne reason V. 12. Hâ—zron These were borne in Egypt Now the sonnes of Shela and Zerah which are set downe Num. 26 20. are here left out because they were not born when these were set downe V. 15. The sonnes and Grand-children And his daughters Not that Dina and his sonnes wives were comprehended within this number of thirty three but hee would onely say that his sonnes were marryed and had brought their Wives with them into Egypt V. 18. These sâ—e bare Namely Gâ—d and Asheâ— from whom came the aforesayd Grand-children Sixteene Not counting Sera the aforesaid daughter of Asher as Dinab also was not numbred as verse fifteenth V. 19. Wise See Gen. 44. 27. V. 21. Belah All these or the greatest part of them were also borne in Egypt for Benjunin was not above three and twenty yeares of age when he came into Egypt and besides they were not all his sons but his Grand-children as it appeareth Numbers 26. 40. Of which he could not have any yet neyther V. 26. Threescore and six To bring this number within compasse wee must exclude Joseph and his two children which were in Egypt and did not come with Jacob and Er and Onan which dyed in Canaan and then we must adde Dinah unto it V. 27. Which came Either in their owne persons or their fathers Threescore and ten Joyning to the fore-sayd threescore and sixe Jacob and Joseph and his two sonnes Now Acts 7. 14. there is the number of seventy five because that the Greeke version of the seventie Interpreters which was then in use amongst the Jewes hath added in the twentieth verse of this Chapter sive nephewes to Joseph V. 30. Let me die I have now obtained that which might makes me desire to live more than any thing else now will I dye contented and comforted See Luk. 2. 29. V. 34. That ye may To enjoy the fruitfulnesse of the pastures and principally by these means to bee severed from the
blemish A figure of Christs perfâ—ct jâ—stice and innocency Heb 9. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 19. V. 6 Uâ—till the fourteenth Towards the end of which day which was at the setting of the sunne the lâ—mbe was killed made ready and eaten v. 18. Lev. 23. 5. Num. 28. 16. and then immediatly after being the fifteenth begun the feast of unleavened bread Lev. 21 6. Num. 28. 16. and ended on the even of the one and twentieth In the evening The Italian hath it Beâ—ween the two eveâ—â—ngs The Jewes anciently used no houres but did part the light or naturall day into morning midday and evening Psal. 55 18. Dan. 6. 10. Now the midday and evening were by them called by a duall name as who should say two middayes and two evenings because that under the name of midday were comprehended two houres before and two houres after thâ— just meâ—idiâ—nall point and under the name of evening the beginning of the â—â—nnes declining untill the full setting thereof The Romanes brought up the division of day light into twelve houres whereby this time of two evenings was then accounted from the ninth houre or three in the afternoone untill the sun was set see Acts 3. 1. and 10. 3. 6. and this time answereth just to the time of Christs death Matth. 27 46. Mark 15. 34. V 7 Of the blood For a marke to distinguish those houses which God would free from that corporall death which should overthrow the Egyptians houses and for a figure of the application of Christs bloud in baptisme for the redemption from everlasting death which falls upon the rest of the world see concerning the spirituall seale figured by this Rev 7. 3. and 9. 4. and 14. 1. This circumstance also was singular for the first Passeover V. 8 Let them eate So Christ having sealed us with his bloud in Baptisme to absolve us from death and damnation doth afterwards give himselfe to us for food whereof the holy Communion is a Sacrament In that night In the evening of the fourteenth the night of the fifteenth comming in into which night the n eale did also somewhat extend it selfe â—oste To figure Christs â—uâ—â—erings which were extreame and universall without any drop of comfort or refreshing subsisting in the fire of Gods anger against the sin of man for which he was become pay-master Psalm 22. 15. 16. John 19. 28. Through the onely juice as one may say of his owne justice and innocency With unleavened bread In remembrance of their hasty departure out of Egypt verse 34. and for the peoples poverty in that countrie Deuteron 16. 3. and to teach us that none can participate of Christ with the leaven of hypocrisie impurity or malice Matth. 16. 6. 11. 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. Bitter hearbs The Italian hath it Wiâ—de lettuce So the Hebrew word is translated by the ancient and so now the Jewes do use to eat wilde succory which hath been holden for a kinde of lettuce dipped in a certaine sauce made with other bitter hearbs That signified at that time the troubles which should accompany the people at their going out of Egypt untill they did arrive into the Land of Canaan And for ever the tribulations of all the true faithfull partakers of Christs life and of his sufferings Mat. 20. 22 23. Rom. 8. 17. V. 9 Râ—w Ill or half dressed As a figure of Christ who to be our true Passeover was to be afflicted to the uttermost Isa. 53. 3. Sodden Because that water correcteth and tempereth the scortching of the fire which did not befall Christ at all who felt the heat of Gods wrath against sin without any lightening or easâ— Head this betoakeneth also that Christ ought to be apprehended by faith in his whâ—le person his office grace justice and benefits without any division The purâ—enance Namely that which was to be eaten and not be offered unto God as the fat the caul and the kidneies were 2 Chron. 35. 12. 14. V. 10 Ye shall let nothing to avoid superstition and to shew that Christ must be apprehended whole and at once V. 11 With your loines the Italian â—ath it Have your loines with your garments girded and tuckt up alter the manner of travailers to be ready to depart out of Egypt A figure of all the faithfuls preparation to expect Christ for their full deliverance disburthened of all affâ—ctions sollicitudes and other carnall hinderances Luke 12. 35. 1 Pet. 1. 13. This ceremony was also singular and peculiar for that first Passeover as it app 〈…〉 th by our Saviours Passeover with his Apostles Passeover that is in commemoration of the passing over of the destroying Angell by whom I will work your deliverance It is a figure and Sacrament of Christ his passing out of the world to the Father by death Joh. 13. 1. by which the Church hath obtained redemption V. 12 Execute judgement Either that the Idols of Egypt by miracle were thrown down or that he only meaneth that through his judgements upon Egypt he would confound the false Gods thereof that they should not be able to escape see â—pon Isa. 19. 1. and 46. 1. and elsewhere in the Prophets I am a manner of affirming a thing as it were by oath as if he should say as certaine as it is true that I am the Lord. V. 13 A token of safety to you and for a distinction to mine Angel as Ezech. 9. 4. Rev. 7. 3. To destroy you not like unto the Egyptians plague V. 14 For ever All the time that ceremonies shall last namely till Christ who by the fulfilling of them shall abolish the use of them bringing in a new age and state in the Church Rom. 10. 4. Col. 2. 16 17. V. 16 A holy That is to say a solemne and holy day on which the people shall meet in a place for the publique servâ—ce of God to be instructed in his word and to render unto him the worship of praises and sacrifices c. Lev. 23. 35 36. May be done Unlesse it were in case that â—ay should fall on the Sabbath which day the making ready of meat was forbidden Exo. 16. 25. and 35. 3. And it is credible that this permission did extend also to other solemne feasts V. 22 Ye shall take This also was ordained only for the first Passeover Untill the That is to say before the slaying of the first borne be ended for otherwise they went out in the night yet somewhat neere the morning v. 42. V. 23 Will passe The Italian hath it When the Lord shall passe That is to say shall cause his destroying Angel to passe V. 24 This thing The generall command of the Passeover and unleavened bread but not to observe all the particular forenamed orders V. 25 When ye be For the Passeover by reason of many discommodities was kept but once in the wildernesse and that by Gods expresse command Num. 9. 2 3. This service The Sacraments being part of the sacred acts of the publique service of
accustomed to labour enclined to obedience and strengthened in faith by the long journey in the desert before I put them to the triall of war against the Cananites and that all hope of returning into Egypt may be taken away from them knowing no other way but through the red sea which shall miraculously be opened for them and presently shut up again Now this is a kind of human discourse For God is no way tied to means for to come to his ends yet he doth set down many very convenient and fitting ones according to the free disposition of his wisdom V. 18. The Wildernesse of Etham Num. 33. 8. Harnessed the Italian hath it in array the Hebrew word seemeth to signifie in ranke by five and five Jos. 1. 14. others harnessed according as the Hebrew phrase implyeth wearing of the sword bâ—lt about the fifth rib that is to say about the five last small ribs V. 19. Of Joseph together with the other Patriarchs Acts 7. 16. V. 20. Succoth see Exo. 12. 37. V. 21. The Lord the Son of God personally 1 Cor. 10. 9 therfore called the Angel of the Lord Exo. 14. 19. wâ—nâ— he shewed his presence in power and operation joyned to this signe and instrâ—ment wheresoever he removed or transported himselfe a Pillar an airy body like a cloud in sight and quality miraculously formed standing upright and spreading it selfe very high in the aire After the Tabernacle was set up this Pillar had its basis upon it Exod. 40. 38. Num. 9. 15. and remained so in the middest of the Host when God would have it stand still and when he would have it march on it removed to the head of the host to lead them through those deserts uninhabited sands without any beaten way Num. 10. 33. Deut. 1. 33. it was also to make them a shade and keep them from scortching Psa. 105. 39. a pillar it was the same Pillar in substance as the first was but by night by miracle it shewed otherwise and was for another use By day and night as well by day as by night as it pleased God to cause them to remove now at one time now at another Numb 9. 17 and some times also causes them to march diverse dayes and nights without resting Num. 10. 33. and 33. 8. V. 22. He tooke not away all the time they were in the wildernesse CHAP. XIV VERS 2. THat they turâ—e whereas the right and direct way to the land of Canaan is on the left hand let them draw to the right hand towards the red sea Piâ—aâ—irot the Italian hath it the throat or gorge of Hirot hils which made a hâ—ad to the red sea into whose throat Pharaoh thought that the people running away would inclose themselves V. 3. The Wildernesse they thought to have saved themselves in the wildernesse but the difficulty therof hath affrighted them wherefore they have turned aside to shut themselves up and inclose themselves within the streights of these mountaines V. 5. Fled made a shew of going away intending not to returne contrary to Pharaohs opinion grounded upon Moses his first proposition Exo. 3. 18 and 5 3. which Pharaoh disobeying and now again following them in an hostile manner Moses was no more tied in that unto that first proposition and the peoples departure was justified by Gods providence V. 7. Over all cerâ—ain heads commanded over all this number of chariots or over every chariot there was an Officer who had the rule over them that were upon the said chariot V. 8. A high hand openly freely with displaied banners not like runâ—waâ—es V. 10. Cried out through feare and perturbation not with a faithful calling upon him V. 15. Wherefore It is likely that Moses amazed at the peoples murmuring was gone aside to pray unto the Lord who chideth him not for the holy act of praying but for his feare which stayed the execution of that which he had already abundantly consented unto And did also let him know that hee was readier to heare him than hee was to call upon him V. 16. Divide it thou making this signe which I commanded thee my self at the same time will produce the effect of it v. 21. V. 19. The Angel the Son of God himself the perfect pattern and eternall Mediator between God and man Exo. 13. 21. removed the Italian hath it went away removing the pillar which was the signe of his presence he spread forth his power behind the host as well as he had done before it V. 20. To them the Italian hath it to the one namly to the Egyptians that part of the pillar which was towards them being like a cloud whereby they were hindred in their pursuite to these the Italian to the other namely to the Israelites to whom the other side of the pillar appeared like fire to shew them the way V. 21. By a strong which in part was a signe of Gods presence who wrought therein by his omnipotency and in parts was an instrument of his working Yet above all naturall property of its owne but rather contrary to it its property being rather to spread the waters abroad than to gather them up in a heap Others say that it was to dry up the muddy bottome of the sea Gen. 8. 1. Exo. 15. 8. V. 24. Morning watch according as anciently the nights in stead of houres were divided into so many watches the number of which is not certainly known see 1 Sam. 11. 11. Looked a figurative terme asmuch as to say darted his thunderbolts as it were out of the lightning of his eyes Psa. 77. 18 19. V. 25. Looke off having broken them or brought them out of order with the thunder Drave them the Italian He did lead them going before them hindered them in their pursuite V. 27. His strength the Italian hath His violent course that is to say a violent fall of waters so heaped up Overthrow by some impetuous wind or otherwaiâ—s V. 30. Upon the sea shore which were driven thither by the boyling of the sea which in that manner casteth up dead carkasses See Psa. 74. 14. V. 31. Beleeved the Lord through confidence and entire dependency of the heart and conference upon him as their Soveraigne Moses through acknowledgement obedience and docility as towards Gods servant and ambassadour Exo. 19. 9. CHAP. XV. VERS 2. SOng the subject of my praises and holy songs prepare him an babitation the Italian hath it glorisie him the Hebrew I will give him ornaments and trimmings others I will set him up a habitation that is to say a holy place where hee shall be served and honored V. 8 With the blast whereby he intimates that the wind Exo. 14. 21 was miraculously raised by God and accompanied with a supernaturall property V. 11. Fearefull the Italian Reverend who by thine excellent and famous works causest thy self to be respected and feared V. 12. The earth it should seem he meant the miry bottom of the sea wherein many did stick V. 13.
The Italian hath it Of Cedar So the Jews commonly expound the word which in their language signifieth a faire and goodly tree Thicketrees The Italian hath it Mirtle tree The Hebrew word signifieth a thicke tree but your ancient Jews have especially understood it of the mirtle tree CHAP. XXIV VERS 3. OF the testimony Drawn before the Arke where the tables of the Law were which were called the testimony Exo. 25. 16. V. 4 The pure Made of pure gold and kept exceeding pure V. 6 The pure table Covered over with pure gold Exo. 25. 24. V. 7 Purefrankircense See upon Exod. 30. 34. A memoriall For that part of the offering which belonged to God for the remainder was the Priests see upon Lev. 2. 2. V. 8 Everlasting covenant That is to say by my command and your own voluntary agreement to obey it V. 9 Andit shall be After he hath put new ones there upon the Sabbath day Most holy See upon Lev. 2. 3 V. 11 The name That singular essentiall and glorious name of everlasting Lord by which name he had revealed himself to his people by Moses Exo. 3. 14. V. 14 Lay their hands For a confirmation of their witnesse Stone him The ordinary punishment for blasphemers Deut. 7. 5. 1 King 21. 13. V. 22 For I am I command you by vertue of the absolute power which I have over you and I will have you herein to be imitators of my indifferent Justice free from all acceptation of persons CHAP. XXV VERS 2. VVHen ye come The beginning of these Sabbaticall yeares was taken from the six and fourtieth yeare after the peoples comming out of Egypt the sixth yeare after their comming into the Land of Canaan when the Land was divided as it appeareth by Jos. 14. 7. 10. Shall the Land The Italian hath it The Land shall have its rest It shall not be plowed nor fruit A Sabbath Not for any naturall or oeconomicall respect to let the tired Land get strength but with a holy rest dedicated to my service for a more expresse document besides the Sabbath of the dayes of eternall rest particular to every faithfull at his death and afterwards generall at the blessed resurrection when there shall be a generall enfâ—anchizement of all Gods children and their new entrance into their heavenly inheritance V. 4 For the Lord Sacred and religious to him V. 5 Undressed In the Hebrew Nazaritish to the resemblance of the Nazarites who did not cut their haire Num. 6. 5. V. 8 Shall be meat Indifferently for any one as shall come to it upon the place without laying it up or making any bundle of it by way of harvest or vintage V. 9 The seventh Which was the first of the civill yeare Exod. 12. 2. Lev. 23. 24. according to whose moneths they counted the times of politick affaires to the order of which the Jubile was for the most part referred though with some instruction for divine and eternall things The Trumpet Which was the ordinary signe of festivall dayes Numb 10. 10. and 29. 1. V. 10 Hallow Distinguish it from all other common yeares to execute in it those commandements which I enjoyne you and shall be a sacred signe unto you of the acceptable yeare of the Lord under the Messias Isa. 61. 2. 2 Cor. 6. 2. The fiftieth Seeing the Jubile was only the revolution of seven weekes of yeares and that in the verse 20 concerning the Jubile there is nothing spoken but onely of the seventh yeare and that besides it would have been a hard matter to let Lands lie still for two yeares together and that the Jewes never reckoned the Jubile but by the seventh Sabbaticall yeare we must understand the number of fifty in that vulgar manner comprehending the yeare of the precedent Jubile Since that indeed from one Jubile to another there was but nine and fourty yeares Liberty Libertie from all slaverie for the Israelites see Exod. 21. 6. Iubile This word is by many interpreted to signifie a rammes horne to sound with But it seemeth that it signifieth rather a consort of many such hornes trumpets and such like loud-sounding instruments And it may be that this name was derived from the first Inventer of Musicall instruments called Jabal Gen. 4. 21. see Exod. 19. 13. Jos. 6. 4. Possession Which hath been sold and alienated Family From which he is gone away having sold himselfe for a slave or being sold by his father v. 39. V. 12 Out of the field And not out of a garner cellar or other store-houses v. 6. V. 14 Oppresse Let him not take an occasion by reason of his poverty to dispossesse him of his inheritance V. 15 Jubile Namely the last part Of the fruits The Italian hath it Oâ— the rent That is to say of the fruits more or lesse which thou mayest gather out of his Land for the yeares to come out of the next Jubile V. 21 For three yeares That is to say for the end of the sixth all the whole seventh and the eighth untill harvest time see 2 King 19. 29. Isa. 37. 30. V. 22 Of old fruit Of the sixth yeare The Italian addeth Of that harvest V. 23 For ever The Italian hath it Absolutely That is to say quite cut off without leaving any hope to the seller ever to redeem it Is mine I reserve unto my self the right of property in it and grant you nothing but the bare use of it therefore I will not have you alienate it at your pleasure neither will I suffer you to bargaine for any things but onely for the fruits but as for the Land it selfe it must alwayes remaine as by perpetuall lease unto those persons and families to whom I have given it V. 25 Possession In the fields for there was another Law for houses in Cities v. 29. Any of The Italian hath it The next of See Ruth 3. 2. 9. 12. Jer. 32. 7. V. 27 The over-plus Of the price of the yeares which are yet to come before the Jubile according to the number of which yeares he had made his sale V 32 Of the Cities Of which see Num. 35. 2. Jos. 21. 4. V 33 And if a man purchase The Italian hath And he amongst the Levites that shall redeem That is to say the next of kinne thaâ— hath between Jubile and Jubile redeemed that house by reason of the kinred For the houses Seeing the Levites have no other proper inheritance but only their Cities and some places about them Num. 35. 2. without any Lands or other possessions because they lived by tithes Num. 18. 24. their houses may not be alienated no more than the Lands of other Israelites V. 34 But the field They were certaine places of a thousand cubites in the suburbs or places adjoyning to the Levites Cities for them to keep and feed their cattel in Num. 35. 4. which being all undivided and lying in common no particular person had any power to make any bargaine for it as he might
Shall reckon Those Lands which were so consecrated might be redeemed by him that had made the vow or if they were not redeemed they were sold to others who were to enjoy the fruits of them untill the next Jubile and then they were the high Priests own and therefore it is ordained that the rate of fifty shekels should be abated according to the number of yeares more or lesse that remained untill the yeare of Jubile V. 20 He will not When it is set to sale publikely V. 21 Devoted See upon v. 28. and Num. 18. 14. V. 23 In that day The same day that he shall enter into possession V. 24. Unto him To him that made the vow by which he could not give but onely what was belonging to himself namely the fruits not the Land in the which the seller had the right of ransoming and to'be restored unto it at the Jubile Levitic 25. 15. 23 24. 30. V. 26 Shall sanctifie it By a voluntary vow because of necessity and by right it is the Lords already V. 28 Devoted thing It was a kind of vow byâ— which man for ever renounced his right and use of theâ— thing vowed which by vertue of this vow was to be destroyed to Gods honour and in execution of his justice if mention were of things belonging to Gods enemies overcome in War of their Cities or goods Num. 21 2 3. Jos. 6. 17. 1 Sam. 15 3. Or belonging to rebells and apostata's Deut. 13. 15. Or it was consecrated to holy uses as for sacrifices if the vow were of cleane cattel belonging to private persons or for the high Priests maintenance if it were of Land or uncleane beasts which were not fitting for sacrifices Num. 18. 14. Most holy See upon Lev. 2. 3. V. 29 Of men Some referre this onely to the persons of accursed natioÌ„s whose destruction ordained by God was to his gloâ—y as an execution of his Justice Others hold that the Law was generall for all persons in which he that made the vow had any right and hereunto they do referre Jâ—phtas vow Judg 〈…〉 30. 34. V. 30 Holy See Lev. 21. 22. V. 32 Passeth By this is meant cattel of one herd or flock which going out at a narrow gate were told by the shepheard with a rod one by one see Jer. 33. 13. THE FOVRTH BOOK OF MOSES called Numbers THE ARGVMENT THis Booke containeth the continuation of the history of Gods people leading through the desert for the space of eight and thirty yeares and nine moneths And fist is set down how by Godâ— command the eleven Tribes which were not consecrated were numbred from twenty years of age upward and the Tribe of Levi by it selfe together with the order which they were to observe in their marching and encamping in the said voyage Then is set down the new forme of publick government established by adding of seventy Elders to Moses whose authority neverthelesse the Lord still maintained untouched no withstanding Aurons and Miriams opposition as Aarons priestly dignity against the viâ—lâ—nt faction of Core Dathan and Abâ—ram And afterwards is rehearsed how that the people being come upon the confines of the land of Canaan Moses sent twelve men to discover the Country ten of which at their returne daunted the people maliciously making the difficulty of the enterprise farre greater than it was And though Ioshua and Caleb did endeavour to encourage them yet they beleeved the others relations and made an insurrection wiâ—h an intent to returne into Egypt Wherefore both the people and the spies were austerely punished by the Lord who pronounced the sentence of death in the desert against all those which were numbred and came out of Egypt save Ioshua and Caleb And therfore God caused the people to turn back into the desert where he made them to wander up and down for the said space of eight and thirty yeares during which time he gave them and renewed diverse Laws concerning his service and politick government and justice And after forty years were expired since their comming out of Egypt he brought them again to the confines of the land of Canaan where he gave them many great victories against the Kings and inhabitants of Canaan and the Amorites which dwelt beyond Iordan although the people did here also go astray after diverse abominable idolatries by Balaams dâ—ceitfull advice and after that Countrey beyond lord in was subdued it was divided amongst two Tribes and a halfe and it was appointed how they should proceed in the division of the rest beyond Iordan And in the mean time God co 〈…〉 ded that the people should be numbred again which were found almost as many as they were in the last muster whereof non◠〈◊〉 left alive buâ— Moses Ioshu and Caleb And because this Book begins with the first mustering and ends with the last it was called by the Greeks the Book of Numbers ANNOTATIONS CHAP. I. VERS 2. TAke ye This is the same Muster which was mentioned Exo. 38. 26. as it may appeare by the comparing of that place with Num. 1. v. 46. Families h 〈…〉 peoplâ— in generall was divided into twelve Tribes and the tribes into seventy two great Families Num. 26. 5. and these families into lesser families called of the Fathers or belonging to the fathers because every one of them bare the name of the head of the branch See Josh. 7. 14 17. V. 3. Al that are able who by any defect or dâ—bility of members Deut. 23. 1. or by reason of old age are not unfitting or unable to beare annes V. 14. Devel or Revel as it is Num. 2. 14. V. 16. These were They that represented the whole body of their tribes in the great assembly of the councell of all the people and it is likely they were the first borne of the tribes others expound it famous and honorable 〈◊〉 See Num. 16. 2. V. 47. After Because that it being of it selfe one of the â—â—ibes they might be numbred as the rest in then order V 49 Shalt not numler Not at this time because this muster was made to set the campe in order for service of war and 〈◊〉 to pay the halfe the s 〈…〉 kel 〈◊〉 Exo. 30. 13. where with the Tabernacle was to be built where those Levites did minister and therefore it is likely they were not comprehended within the command of â—ansâ—me but afterwards they were mastered and numbred Num. 3. and 4. and 26. 57 1 Chr. 6. and 21. 6. V. 50. Of testimony Set up chiefly for to put the Arke of the Covenant in it in which were the Tables of the Law which was called the Testimony Exod. 16. 34. Minister unto it to set it up take it down Keep it c. And after that these kinds of services were 〈◊〉 â—y reason of their setling in the land of Canaan David did assigne unto the Levites other standing services to do in stead of these walking services 1 Chron 23. 26. V. 51. The stranger
we feare these things that are strangers and enemies unto them CHAP. XIV VERS 4. AND let us return which God had expressely forbidden them Deu. 17. 16. Because that Egypt being the figure of spirituall bondage God would have the people to have it for a perpetuall document to abhor to return under the old bondage of sun out of which God of his grace had freed them and also that such a glorious effect of his power might never be annihilated V. 5. Fell on their To prepare the people with their humility to give over this enterprise or to pray to God to turne them from it by his spirit and power Num. 16. 4 and 20. 6. V. 6. Rent In token of extream grief and anger V. 8. If the Lord It wee do not provoke him to wrath by our sins V. 9. They are bread God hath given them into our hands to destroy them and to get all their goods Their defence the Italian hath it their shadow their protection and safety which had hitherto been nothing but Gods patience their measure being not yet ful heaped Gen. 15. 16. to make an opposition between those accursed people abandoned of God and the children of Israel which lived secure under the shadow of the cloud See Ex. 32. 25. Is 22. 8. Mic. 1. â—1 V. 10. The glory Some extraordinary light brightnes signe of Gods glorious presence in the cloud come down lower and spread above the Tabernacle see Ex. 26 16 17. and 40. 34. Lev. 9. 23. Num. 16. 19. 42. and 20. 6. V. 13 For thou I fear lost the Egyptians upon whom thou hast hitherto glorified thy self in the deliverance of thy people now take an occasion to blaspheme thee by reason of their destruction V. 14 Art seen In the signes of thy presence though not in any visible likenes Deut. 4. 15. which was reserved for Moses alone Num. 12. 8. V. 15 As one man At once at one stroak V. 17. I beseech thee let the Accomplish thy work to shew that nothing can be done contrary to thy will V. 18 Cleering The pardon to which I am inclined is not an indisterency or connivence at sin which I always late and punish in all those that continue in it through impenitency and cause the very repentants after I have remitted them their punishments as I am judge to feele my fatherly corrections and punishments See Ex. 23. 7. V. 20 I have pardoned I doe remit unto them the punishment of present and universall death dâ—nbunced by my threatnings v. 12. V. 21 All the earth As I am jealous to maintaine the glory of my justice and providence over all the World much more will I be jealous in doing it in the middest of my people Others all the earth shall be or ought for to be filled that is to say as I will by my works and finally by my word be known and worshipped all the world over for what I am so I will by effects make it knowne to them to whom I have already revealed my self V. 22 Tempted me See upon Ex. 17. 2. ten times that is to say very often as Gen 31. 7 yet some will take this in its proper signification V. 24. Caleb which whom â—s Joshua also to be understood as v. 30. and 38. Spirit hath been moved and inspired by a better spirit namely by Gods spirit Followed 〈◊〉 hath believed in mâ— with an entire heart without varying or wavering Whereinto see upon Num. 13. 33. V. 25 The Amalekites since I have consented unto thee not to destroy this people upon a suddain take heed lest they run from themselves into ruine voluntarily going on against mighty enemies without mine ayd Canaanites these are the Canaanites of the mountaines or the Amorites being different from the Canaanites which were by the sea coasts Num. 13. 31. and 21. 1. In the valley Beyond the hill where you now are Of the red sea Toward Egypt whereunto you had conspired to return V. 28 As you have spoken Namely desiring to die in the desert v. 2. V. 30 Doubtlesse ye shall not The Italian hath it if you doe come into A shortned kind of an oath To make you dwell Namely your Nation in generall V. 33 Wander The Italian hath it shall seed leading heards-mens lives without any firme habitation as the Arabians in the wildernesse Others wandring like sheep in the pastures Fourty untill the fourtieth yeare after the comming out of Egipt because that after this threatning untill they came into the land of Canaan there were but eight and thirty yeares Deut. 2. 14. Whoredome That is to say idolatries which are the spirituall fornications of the soule by a breach of faith to God wherein the people are taxed to have failed often in the wildernesse Num. 15 39 Deut. 32. 17. Amos 5. 25. Act 7. 43. V. 34 Each daie for a yeare The Italian Each year for a day See Ezech. 4. 6. My breach The Italian I will break A kind of humane speech that is to say I shew you that my promises made in generall to my people doe not belong to unbelievers and rebells but onely to them which observe the conditions of my covenant and towards them onely shal my promises never change nor alter V. 37 By the plague Of some strange suddaine and violent death sent supernaturally by the Lord some take it to be the plague it selfe V. 41 Transgresse For God had comanded them to turne their faces towards the red sea v. 25. V. 44 The Arke By which was to be guided every removall in this voyage See Num. 10. 33. V. 45 Hormah A place called by anticipations see Num. 21. 3. CHAP. XV. VERS 4. A Tenth deale called an Omer Exod. 16. 39. V. 15 Before the Lord in holy things belonging to my service there ought to bee no difference between the native Israelite and the Proselite or believing stranger and I will accept of and be propitious to the one as well as to the other V. 19. When yee Every year when harvest is ended you shall eat new corne V. 24 Of the congregation Lev. 4. 13. There is some diversity whereby it seemeth that either God hath here expounded and aggravated his Law to make the people more circumspect or that it is not spoken in both places of the same faults committed by ignorance But that in Levit. is spoken of common errors and faults and here of those onely which are committed in those actions which belong to Gods service V. 30. Ought that is unlawfull or wicked Presumptuously premeditately on porpose through boldnesse and arrogancy See Lev. 26. 21. Job 15. 26. Psa. 19. 13. or publikely and boldly as Exod. 14. 8. Cut off punished with death V. 31. Shall be Let the misdeed returne and the punishment remaine upon the sinner himselfe and let it not through connivence to him be imputed to all the people V. 33 The Congregation In this and the like places it should seem by the Congregation is
received the gift of regeneration Which is the plainer because that the most part of these statutes were confessions remedies and expiations of sin CHAP VII VERS 7. MOre in number As in worldly Kingdomes dominion over a great and powerfull nation is more esteemed than the dominion over a little and feeble one seeing greater glory profit and service is to be expected from it And according to this quality may be valued and rated all other qualities which amongst men may incite others to love or desire any thing V. 10 To their face As an enemy withstanding him face to face or openly as they do who by reason of their great powers do work their revenges openly not privately and by wiles Or thus shaming them by the reproach of their impiety V. 16 A snare A meanes and occasion of ruine and perdition V. 22 By little and little He will not employ his omnipotency therein to work against them in an instant without meanes but he will do according to the quality of humane meanes which he will make use of herein which is to worke by succession of time and by the order and pursuite of the issues V. 25. Snared therein Subtilly and unawares brought into some idolatry and so brought within the compasse of punishment V. 26 Lest thou be Lest thou be irremissibly condemned to utter destruction as the idols and all their substance are to be rooted out CHAP. VIII VERS 2. TO know A humane kinde of speaking for God hath no need of triall to know by signes or effects that which he seeth in the springs affections and motions of the heart But it is to shew that God discovering the secrets of the heart openeth the way for the works of his providence either in justice or in mercy V. 3 By every word Namely by any thing to which God shall bee pleased to grant the power of nourishing Or by the onely issuing forth of his power called in the Scripture word without using of any externall meanes in which sense this passage is alleaged Mat. 4. 4. V. 4 Waxed not old This happened by miracle as also the preservation of their bodies in full health and vigour Deuteronomy 34. 7. Josh. 14. 11. Psal. 105. 37. V. 7 Depths Great and deep springs V. 8 Oyle olive Olives wherewith oyle is made differing from your wilde olive trees which are barren V. 9 Whose stones Which aboundeth in metall mines V. 16 Humble thee This ought not to be referred to the next words of water and Manna but to the words which went before of the voyage in the wildernesse V. 18 To get wealth The Italian To carry thy selfe valiantly Or for to get wealth CHAP. IX VERS 3. VVHich goeth over In the tokens of his presence in the Arke of the Covenant and all the appurtenances thereof like a Generall see upon Num. 1. 53. Jos. 3. 6. V. 10 Of the Assembly The generall Assembly of the people to receive the Law Exod. 19. 17. V. 18 As at the first Namely the first time that I was upon the mount Exodus 32. 11. So it is likely that he was three times upon the mount within the time of fourty dayes The first when he received the Law Exodus â—4 18. The second when he made intercession for the people Exodus 32. 30 31. And the third when he received the new Tables Exodus 34. 28. V. 21 Your sin The matter the object and the instrument of your idolatry which is the greatest of all sins see Hos. 10. 10. CHAP. X. VERS 1. AN Arke Some take it to be some little chest or coffer to lay these tables in for a time untill the Arke of the Covenant was made where they were to be kept alwayes Exod. 25. 16. 21. and 31. 7. Others take it to be the very Arke of the Covenant as if Moses did set down the thing thus generally without observing the order of times and with this seemeth to agree that which is spoken v. 5. V. 6 Mosera This is not Moserot Num. 33. 30. and it is not mentioned in any other place and by the circumstance of Aarons death it is likely that it was some place neere to the mount Hor and that Moses having generally touched the distance from Beeroth to Mosera he doth now divide it into some severall stages v. 7. V. 7 From thence Not from Mosera but from Beeroth Gudgodab Otherwise called Horhagidgad Num. 33. 32. V. 8 At that time After he was appeased with the people concerning the golden calfe V. 14 Behold the heaven The Italian hath it The heavens Aswell this first and neerest heaven which is the aire that encompasseth the earth as the aethereall heaven which encompasseth the aire 1 Kings 8. 27. V. 16 Circumcise Let the spirituall meaning of the bodily signe of Circumcision be set a work cutting off your vitious naturall affections putting off and mortifying the old man and endlessely applying your selves to your sanctification Deut. 30. 6. Jer. 4. 4. Rom. 2. 29. Col. 2. 11. see Lev. 26. 41. Jer. 9. 25. V. 17 Is God The highest true God and Lord of whose God head and dominion those which are called Gods have some likenesse a false one if it be through abuse and a true one if it be by a lawfull and approved representation Joh. 10. 35. 1 Cor. 8. 5. V. 21 He is thy praise He that alwayes gives sufficient cause and matter to praise him for Or he who maketh thee alwayes glorious and worthy to be esteemed Psa. 22. 4. and 109. 1. Jer. 17. 14. CHAP XI VERS 2. FOr I speak It belongeth to you who have been eye witnesses of Gods great benefits to make an acknowledgement of them and not put off the care of it to your posterity who having but onely heard of them cannot be so lively touched therewith as you are by the sight of them Which have not Being unborne or very young when the deliverance out of Egypt was for Moses here speaks to them who in the time of the said deliverance were under twenty yeares of age see Num. 14. 29. The chastisement His punishments upon the Egyptians or his severe corrections upon his people aswell during their captivity in Egypt as indiverse corrections in the desert V. 4 Overflow Having unbound the miraculous heape which he had made to give his people way to passe Exo. 14. 42. 27. Unto this day The memory effects whereof do last unto this day by the weakning of the power of Egypt V. 6 Their housholds The Italian Their houses that is to say their families V. 10 For the Land The meaning or sense is not to preferre the Land of Canaan for fruitfulnesse to the Land of Egypt which was very equall to it Gen. 13. 10. But to shew that the fruitfulnesse of the Land of Canaan did not depend upon humane art as that of Egypt did for the most part but only upon Gods blessing through raines dewes and other blessings from heaven to induce the people
to draw these blessings upon them through their pieties 〈◊〉 it For it raines but very seldom in Egypt but in stead of raine the Land is watered at a certaine season of the yeare through the generall out flowing of Nilus and at other times there are channels and small streames deâ—iyed from Nilus to water the Land With thy foot Some say this is meant by some engines with which the water was raised up with wheeles which were turned by mens fear which was a fashion very much used in Egypt as it is related in histories Others do take it in generall for mens labours and industries in going about such businesses V. 1â— The first In Autumne which was the beginning of the civill and common year and in the spring The first raine was to cause the corne sown to spring The latter raine to nourish the corne untill harvest that it was ready to be reaped Joel 2. 23. Amos 4. 7. Jan. 5. 7. V. 21 As the dayes A proverbiall kind of speech as much as to say for a very long time and steadfast lastingnesse till the appointed end as Psalm 72. 5. and 89. 29. V. 24 Uttermost Sea The Italian hath it The Western Sea That is the Mediterranean Sea V. 26 I set before you I denounce unto you promises on the one side and threatnings on the other and do snew unto you the wayes that lead to the one and to the other to instruct you in the choice which you ought to make V. 28 Which â—e have not Which are strangers to you of whose God-head you never had any such proofes as you have had of your Lord Gods V. 30 By the way Hebrew behind the way that is to say who so goeth that way meeteth with them The plaines See Gen. 12. 6. CHAP. XII VERS 5. TO put his name To settle therein the holysignes of his graces and powerfull presence whereby he will manifest himself unto us as well as by his name and lay open his glory unto us Now those places were Siloh Josh. 18. 1. and afterwards Jerusalem V. 6 Your tithes Not those tithes which were paid to the Levites but of another kinde which were used at your feasts of thanksgiving in solemne festivalls v. 17. Deut. 14. 22. and 15. 19 20. Heave offerings Which were called first fruits also Deuteronom 18. 4. which was a portion taken out of the fruits of the earth made ready and was carried to the Priests into the Temple after they had presented into God in a basket the other first fruits which were not made ready Deuteronom 26. 2. The Jewes say that this portion was levied out of one in fourty at least and one of sixty at the most because there was no expresse order for it see Nehem. 10. 37. Vowes Namely of sacrifices of thanksgiving offered by vow of which one part was also assigned to the partie that offered after the Priest had fallen out his portion Leviticus 7. 11. 31 32. and the same is to be understood of voluntary offerings The firstlings Seeing every firstling of the cattel was ded cated unto God and that part which was not burnt did belong unto the Priests Numbers 18 17 18. It is to be imagined that here and verse 17. and Deuteron 15. 19 20. are not meant your holy firstlings but the next unto them which were for the common use Unlesse by firstlings we will understand the best and choicest of the cattel verse 11. V. 7 Shall eat Of the sacrifices of thanksgiving In all that Indifferently of any thing that you have thought good to offer Or whereon you have bestowed your labour Or of those parts of the offerings and sacrifices of thanksgiving upon which you may lawfully lay your hands that is to say to appropâ—iate them unto your selves for the rest belonged to the Lord. V. 8 All the things Because that the Laws of sacred ceremonies were not not could not hardly be exactly observed in the wildernesse amongst so many voyages and scattered encampings of the people Levit. 17. 5. V. 15 Aâ—deat At common meales not at sacred ones Thy gates Namely Cities or habitations The uncleane Of some bodily or ceremoniall uncleannesse This is spoken for a difference of holy meates the use of which was forbidden to the uncleane Lev. 7. 20. R 〈…〉 buck The Italian hath it A Kid Or sawn which were beasts not accepted in sacrifices see Lev. 22. 19. V. 20 Enlarge It is likely that in the wildernesse they killed those cattel also which were for common use by the Tabernacle for the more strict observing of the abstaining from bloud 〈◊〉 17. 2â— 1 Sam. 14. 34. which being impossible to do in the Land of Conaaâ— by reason of the distance of places the Lord here dispenoeth with this necessity V. 21 As I hate That is to shy spilling the bloud upon the ground v. 16. V. 22. Even as For plaine common use without any religious consecration as was used in the feasts of sacrifices V. 26 Which thou hast Out of which a certaine portion being deducted for God and for the Priest all the remainder was for him that presented the offering see Lev. 7. 19. V. 27. The flesh That portion which is assigned unto thee V. 30 Snared Thou of thy self do not runne upon some occasion into idolatry Or that thou be not induced thereunto by others Or that thou bring not thy self within the compasse of Gods judgements making thy selfe guilty before him Deut. 7. 16. V. 31 Thou shalt not do so Beware not only of serving idols but also of serving the true God after the manner of idolaters CHAP. XIII VERS 1. AProphet Any one that shall vaunt himselfe of having divine revelations by way of visions or dreames Nu. 12. 6. either falsly or truly if he be not sanctified by true piety but be corrupted by idolatry Num. 22. 7. Giveth thee Shall foretell some accident to come at a prefixed time to prove Gods inspiration who only knows and appoints things to come V. 3 Proveth you Suffering through his secret judgement the said signe or accident to happen to make an essay of the constancy of your faith and obedience to his word see Mat. 24. 24. 2 Thes. 2. 11. Rev. 13. 14. To know To draw out by this occasion evident proofes of the uprightnesse or hypocrisie of the heart to give his judgements power and authority over a man so discovered A humane kinde of speech as Deut. 8. 2. V. 5 The evill As Deut. 22. 21. 24. Or the naughty and wicked man as 1 Cor. 5. 13. V. 6 Of thy bosome A proverbiall kind of speech to signifie the matrimoniall love and the place where it abideth Genesis 16. 5. Deuteron 28. 54. Proverb 5. 20. Mic. 7. 5. As thine own soule As a second selfe V. 8 Thine eye It is not sufficient not to give consent to his wicked perswasions but you must also without any mercy procure vengeance on him by the way of Justice by accusing him
the North of Palestina V. 3 Sihor Which was the Torrent of Egypt Numbers 34. 5. which is counted though the Philistims came not out of Canaan Genesis 10. 14. yet was that Countrey which they possessed themselves of held to be part of Canaan and was comprehended within Gods gift given to his people The Avites Which had anciently possessed that countrey which afterwards was taken by the Philistims who chased out the old inhabitants Deuteron 2. 23. But peradventure some remnant of them remained in some part of that Countrey from whom it retained the name V. 4 From the south He would say that upon all the coast of the Mediterranean sea from the South where the Philistims were to the North where the Sidonians were remained the Canaanites Amorites these were some Northern Amorites of which see Judg. 1. 34. V. 5. Gheblites People neare Sidon whose City or Countrey was called Ghebal Psal 83. 7. Ezec. 27. 9. 40. V. 6 Divide thru it Though these Countries are not yet conquered doe thou neverthelesse divide them amongst the Tribes for I will give them the possession thereof in their due i me See the first chap. of Judges V. 11 Border Of which they had onely received the right from Moses and not the possession as appeares by v. 2. and 13. that they had it not yet in Ioshua's time V. 12 The remnant of the Giants The Italian Rahaims or Giants V. 14 The sacrifices The portions thereof assigned to the Priests and under these kinds of Offerings are contained all other kinds which were given to the Levites Num. 18. 8. 20. 24. V. 15. According to Proportioning the quantity of land to the number of the families or assigning to every family its part V. 23 The border See how this ought to bee understood Num. 34. 6. V. 25 The children God had forbidden the taking of any parcel of the Ammonites lands from them Deuteron 2. 19. Whereby it may bee presumed that this halfe was already taken and possessed by Sihon as a part of Moab was Numbers chapter 21. verse 26. V. 31 To the one halfe The other half had its share on this side Jordan Jos 17. 2. 5. CHAP. XIV VERS 2. BY Lot Wherein they proceeded in this kinde All the countrey being divided into so many parts as there were Tribes When the lot was drawn for one Tribe in such or such a countrey according as the number of that Tribe was great or small to the portion of it was either enlarged or restrayned See Num. 26. 55. V. 4 For the This is added to shew how two Tribes and a halfe being provided for of shares beyond Iordan and the Tribe of Levi being to have no inheritance there could be yet nine Tribes and a halfe to provide for Iacob having left but twelve sons in all and that was by reason that the posterity of two of Iosephs children made two Tribes 1 Chr. 5. 1 2. according to Iacobs order Gen. chapter 48. verse 5. V. 6 Came To second Calebs demand by their consent or intercession V. 9 Moses By Gods own will declared Nu. 14. 24. Whereon See how that ought to be understood upon Num. 13. 30. V. 10 Forty and five Seeing that word was spoken two years after the comming out of Egypt and that after that the people had wandered eight and thirty years in the wildernesse Deut. 2. 14. it is manifest that this was the seventh yeare after the comming into the land of Canaan and from hence we may see that six whole yeares went to the conquering of it Wandred was constrayned by Gods command to go back into the wildernesse Num. 14 25. V. 11 I am Caleb speaketh this to celebrate Gods miraculous benefit like unto that which is spoken of Moses Deut. 34. 7. and to shew that he was yet able to conquer the countrey which hee required which was yet possessed by the Anakites the overcomming of which nation he had in Moses his time assured V. 12 This mountaine or mountainous Countrey If so be These are no termes of distrust but of modesty and submission to Gods will for the time and meanes V. 13 Hebron See Ios. 15. 13. Iudg. 1. 20. Now this is to be understood of the territory of Hebron and Cities of that Countrey because that the City it selfe was given to the Priests Ios. 21. 11. 1 Chron. 6. 55 56. V. 14. Caleb And to his posterity CHAP. XV. VERS 1. BY their As every Tribe was divided into families and into housholds according to the number and greatnesse of which was proportioned the share of land which was awarded unto them V. 2 Salt sea The lake of Sodom sulphurous and bituminous contrary to other lakes of fresh water which were in Palestine V. 4 The sea Namely the Mediterranean sea V. 5 Vnto the end Where it went out into the lake of Sodom V. 6 Bohan Iudah did no way border upon Reuben wherefore it is likely this stone was so called for some other unknown reason V. 8 That lyeth Namely the foresaid mountaine V. 10 Seir This Seir being in the middle of the land of Iudah can by no meanes be Seir of the Idumeans V. 12 And the coast thereof See upon Numbers 34. 6. V. 14 The children That is to say they were of his posterity Now under the name of these three giants may be comprehended the whole race of them which dwelt in that City V. 15 He went up The taking of this city hath been already described Ios. 10. 38. and therefore this seemeth to be but onely a repetition of the same history to shew who was chiefe in that enterprise namely Othniel and what was the occasion of it V 18. A field A free hold as an addition of reward for otherwise the daughters had no part in the inheritance Lighted The Italian hath it She cast her selfe down at her fathers feet as intending to make some particular request to him V. 19 A south land The Italian A drye land Hebrew a South land exposed to the scorching of that aspect Give me Ioyne unto this field or inheritance which my Husband hath desired of thee other Lands adjoyning which have water in them that wee may water it and make it fruitfull V. 32 Twenty and nine the afore-named Cities are six and thirty but seven of them were given to the tribe of Simeon Ioshua chapter 19. verse 1. V. 36 Gederothaim This city seemeth to bee but onely an addition to the preceedent as if one should say Gederah the double for otherwise in stead of fourteen cities there would be fifteen V. 47 And the border See upon Numbers chap. 34. 6. V. 63 Could not God whose Oracle was enquired of in all enterprises did not suffer them or did not give them the power and opportunity according to the prediction Deuteronomy chapt 7. verse 22. onely to try and exercise the people Iudg. 3. 3. 45. Drive them out Wholly because that one part of Ierusalem was taken by the tribe of
waters namely of the red sea V. 17. The cloudes these particulars are not specified by Moses but they may be supposed by what is written Exod. 1â— 24. V. 19. Thy way thou wentest in the cloudy and fiery pillar through the sea before all thy people thy foot steps after thy people were gone through the waters returned into their naturall course Exod. 14. 26. 27. whence it appeares that this miracle was no naturall effect nor casuall accident and that it is appointed so to be by thee only for the deliverance of thy people PSAL. LXXVIII THE title Maschil see Psal. 32. in the title V. 1. My Law the Italian doctrine the Hebrew Law V. 4. Shewing to thee or they namely the generation to come shall tell the praises c. V. 5. A testimony namely the Law and the tables thereof see Exod. 16. 34. and 25. 21. V. 9. The children hee hath a reference to the children of Israels discomfiture by the Philistines 1 Sam. 4. 10. and specifieth the Tribe of Epharim as well for the might and valour of it which gave it a superioritie above the rest as also because that the Ark of the Lord was then residing in Siloh a city of Ephraim from whence it was transported to Judah and for this cause and by reason of Davids being chosen King Iudah became the head of the other Tribes and so the people was established in peace and blessing which is the chiefe subject of this Psalme see vers 60. 6â— 68. V. 12. Zoan a very ancient city of Egypt Num. 13. 22. Isa. 19. 13. Ezech. 30. 14. Named by other authors Thanez V. 16. Streames for out of that water issued a streame which went along with the people even in-into the land of Canaan Deut. 9. 21. Psal. 105. 41. 1 Cor. 10. 4. V. 23. Opened a figurative terme to expresse an extreame plenty sent from above as Gen. 7. 11. 2 Kings 7. 2. V. 24. The 〈◊〉 namely a kinde of food which was in stead of bread V. 25. Angels food Hebrew the food of the mighty which was an epithet given to the Angels Psal. 89. 6. and 103. 20. that is to say a food that seemed rather Angelicall and celestiall then earthly as well by reason of it origine parity and perfection as for the efficacie of it to preserve the body in perfect health and strength by Gods speciall appointment in those who did not by their distrust or rebellion make it of no efficacie He sent them in his wrath he would satisfie their unbounded desires though hee had before provided for their necessities Meat namely quailes whereof hee speaks afterward V. 27. Rained made it to fall out of the ayre as thick as any raine V. 28. Of their Camp or in his Camp God being in his Tabernacle in the middest of his people as a generall of an Army V. 30. They were not their lust was not yet satisfied though they had eaten flesh a whole month Num. 11. 20. 33. V. 31. The fattest that is to say the lustiest and mightiest the choyce of the people as Iudg. 3. 29. Or the chiefe and most renowned as Psal. 22. 29. V. 33. In vanity that is to say in long fruitlesse labours wandering in the wildernesse being not able to come into the land of Canaan which was the end of their journy Num. 14. 25. Others reducing them to nothing Others in a moment In trouble the Italian 〈◊〉 terrors namely in perpetuall fears of Gods judgements and of death which they were undoubtedly to suffer in the wildernesse according as God had threatned them Num. 14. 23. 29. Others suddenly V. 34. They sought him they were converted unto him and sought him V. 36. Flatter him that is to say they sought to re-obtaine his favour by fained prayers confessions and prorestations V. 38. F 〈…〉 ve the Italian cleansed that is to say pardoned them as if they had been sufficiently cleansed saving the common people from corporall punishments and as for his Elect applying the promised redeemers bloud unto them to cleanse them from all iniquity and free them from everlasting punishment Stirre up did not punish with extreame rigor see Zaâ—â— 1. 15. V. 39. But flesh that is to say sinners of a corrupt nature Gen. 6. 3. Iohn 3. 6. mortall and corruptible wherefore their misery moved the Lord to compassion see Iob. 7. 16. and 10. 20. and 14. 6. Psal. 103 13. V. 40. Grieve him a 〈◊〉 taken from man and his passions to expresse a grievious offence whereby God is alienated from man as Psal. 95. 10. Isa. 7. 13. Ephes. 4 30. V. 41. Limited they would subject God unto their own wills prescribing his works within certaine bounds of times meanes and other circumstances see Psal. 106. 13. Ier. 49. 19. or restraining through incredulity his power within the bounds of their naturall sense by believing him no farther then they were able to apprehend or through their incredulity they hindered God from working any greater miracles for their deliverence as Mark 6. 5. V. 42. They remembred not the Psalmist seemes here to goe on againe with the matter left off verse 12. V. 47. Sycomore a kinde of tree which by reason of the frequentnesse of it in Egypt is called an Egyptian figge-tree With frost or with haile stones V. 48. Gave up left them to bee kild and destroyed V. 49. Evill Angels namely devils who being Princes of the ayre caused these tempests V. 50. Made away caused these calamities which were sent by him in his wrath to showre down upon them without any stay or hinderance V. 51. The chiefe of the Italian the firstings namely their first-borne according to the phrase of Scripture see Gen. 49. 3. Of Ham that is to say of Egypt for Mizraim father of the Egyptians that gave Egypt its name was the son of Ham Gen. 10. 6. V. 53. They feared not that is to say without any reasonable cause of feare being continually safe under Gods protect on though they did alwayes through diffidence give themselves causes of feares and vaine terrors V. 54. Mountaine namely Sion upon which Ierusalem stood the chiese seat of Church and Kingdome or the whole hill countrey of Israel V. 56. They tempted this is the continuation of verse 42. His testimonies namely his Lawes Exod 16. 34. V. 57. Turned aside that is to say that whereas God led them by the hand to direct their actions and motions to his obedience they were turned aside even as a bow turning in the Archers hand when he is shooting which causeth him to misse his aime Hos. 7. 16. V. 58. High places namely Altars Chappels and such like places to celebrate divine service in out of the only place which was by him consecrated and was onely acceptable unto him or peradventure also dedicated to Idols and were so called because that they chose out the choicest hills for those purposes V. 60. He forsook namely when the Arke which was in Siloh was taken by
of the flesh but view mine inward spirituall beauty with the eyes of the Spirit Psal. 45. 13. which beauty consists in the purity of the soule through the remission of sinnes the renewment of regeneration and by the ornaments of the gifts of the Spirit Ephes. 5. 26. 27. O daughters The Church directs her speech to the particular elect the children of the spirituall Jerusalem Gal. 3. 26. Rev. 3. 12. The tents Which on the outside were of poore and base stuffe but withinside were richly adorned and full of treasure Of Kedar namely the Arabians who dwelt in tents yet were very rich and glorious Isay 21. 16. V. 6. The sonne That is to say God from above hath as it were burnt and scorched me up with afflictions and troubles Mothers children here on earth worldly men that are of the same humane race as I am being vexed at my profession and my separation from them have set upon me and persecuted mee Were angry They have contended with me They made me They have set me to laboursome and unfitting worke to serve mine enemies which hath drawne me away from the care of my selfe who am the Lods vineyard and kept me from the governement and care of particular Churches which was committed to me V. 7. Tell me being weary of the troubles which I undergoe in this world my recourse is to thee O Christ who art the soveraigne shepheard to have thee bring me to the enjoyment of thy heavenly glory where in the high and firme point of the eternall day of thy happinesse thou thy selfe immediately feedest thine elect with the full communication of thy goods and grantest them rest from all their labours Rev. 7. 15 16 17. For why Were it sitting that I should corrupt my selfe here in the world by reason of thy being too long from me or that the world should take me to be a poore vagabond creature whom thou hadst forsaken Because that the fashion of unchaste women was to be in the fields covered over with vailes Gen. 38. 14. The flockes Amongst other nations who vaunt themselves saying they enjoy the presence of their Gods termed though falsely heads of nations deliverers and guardians of men which thou indeed and truly art See Isay 53. 12. V. 8. If thou The bridegroome shewes himselfe according to his brides desire and tels her that she must understand that the onely way to come to his everlasting rest is to come out of the world in heart and affection imitating the Churches example in all ages And â—eed Whilest thou art in this world employ thy selfe in the worke of the ministery and the gathering together of the Saints And never doe thou stray from the example of those great shepheards namely the Prophets first and then the Apostles See Eccl. 12. 13. V. 9. Compared thee That is to say in the course of thy heavenly vocation my Spirit shall carry thee with untired swiftnesse like unto the swiftnesse of Pharaoh King of Egypts Chariot-Horses the horses of that countrey being very famous for their goodnesse 1 Kings 10. 28. Isay 31. 3. See Canticles 6. 12. Isay 40. 31. And in this booke in praysing of the Church he often joyneth strength with beauty Canticles 4. 4. and 6. 4. 10. and 7. 4. V. 10. Thy cheekes Thy face is faire not so much by reason of thy naturall gifts as by reason of the ornaments of my grace and Spirit Cant. 4. 9. and 7. 1. which I will still increase in thee untill such time as I doe crowne them in the eternall life V. 12. While the King this is the bride who saith that whilest Christ is in heaven enjoying eternall pleasures Isay 53. 11. she endeavours to present unto him the exercise and practice of her vertues and especially the pure preaching of his Gospell 2 Cor. 2. 15. Which are like sweet odours wherein he delighteth See Luke 7. 38. John 12. 3. V. 13. My well beloved All these sweet smelling odours of good workes proceed onely from Christ who dwelleth and reigneth in my heart by his Spirit V. 14. Camphirâ— the Italian Cypresse A rare plant like to the Woodbine which bringeth forth a white flowre in very sweet clusters and groweth onely in the land of Jurie or as some say in Egypt see Cant. 4. 13. Of Engedi A pleasant place in the land belonging to the Tribe of Judah Iosh. 15. 6â— V. 15. Behold thou art This is the bridegroome Doves eyes The sight of thy faith wherewith thou doest contemplate in Spirit is sweet amiable simple and chaste V. 16. Behold This is the Bride Pleasant Faire of a sweet and pleasing beauty not terrible nor majesticall Our bed I have prepared thee an habitation in my heart full of joy and feasting Like unto a bridall-bed decked with garlands and greene boughes In middest of the assembly of the faithfull as in a palace built with precious stuffe V. 17. Of fiâ—re the Italian Cypresse the Hebr. signifieth a particular kind of cypresse which spreadeth the boughs abroad contrary to your ordinary cypresses and smells very sweet and yieldeth very exquisite Timber and is not to be found but onely in the Levant or Easterne Countries in Latine is called Bruca a name very neare the Hebrew name CHAP. II. VERS 1. I Am This is the bride-groom as if he should say as I am perfect in beauty and holinesse represented by these flowers so have I made my Church like me by my sanctifying spirit 1 John 4. 17. Sharon A most fruitfull and pleasant plaine Isaiah chap. 35. vers 〈◊〉 V. 2. Among the Namely amongst all other Nations and Assemblies which in their owne naturall corruption are but like thornes and barren and hurtfull plants which are destinated to the fire V. 3. As the Apple-tree This is the Bride The sonnes Namely amongst the other heads or false gods of prophane nations I sate downe The Italian I have desired to be under I receive a double benefit from Christ as from a faire and fruitfull tree for first he is my protection and safeguard especially against the heat of Gods wrath and secondly hee filleth mee with good things for the food of my soule V. 4 He brought me Hee hath brought me into the communion of himselfe and all the Saints where he unfoldeth and bestoweth upon his elect all manner of spirituall gifts Proverbs chapter 9. verse 〈◊〉 Matth. chap. 22. verse 〈◊〉 Who through faith are already in heaven enjoying the fulnesse thereof Matth. chap. 26. verse 29. Luke chapt 13. verse 29. and 22. 30 Rev. 19. 9. His Banner That is to say from heaven whither he is ascended for me he sheweth mee evident signes of his love to the end that I should alwayes look and goe towards him and that I should not goe astray in the world but retire and draw nigh unto him as souldiers doe unto their Banners V. 5 Stay me The Italian Coâ—fort me a figurative description of the fervent enterchangeable love of the Church which can
shall not the Italian it is because you are not certain of it by some signe of the truth or by Gods promise V. 10. Spake again namely 〈…〉 y Isa. ah V. 11. Thy God to whom thou makest a shew of being servant unto as indeed thou oughtest truly to be seeing thou art King over his people Or in the height that is to say on earth or in heaven V. 12. I will not ask this did not proceed from any abundance or strength of saith against which two vertues may be comitted the sinne of tempting God but it did proceed from hypocrisie wherewith he covered the vain contempt of Gods promises to which he gave no faith nor did not desire to be confirmed in them V. 13. Men namely with your tyrannies and unjust dealings and especially the prophets with your persecutions My God namely by the refusall and contempt of his grace when it is profered you see Psal. 78. 40. and 95. 10. Isa 63 10. V. 14. Therefore seeing thou wilt desire none the Lord shall give thee one of his own proper motion A signe Christs birth was not the proper signe of this present deliverance for that is set down v. 16. But because that God would give a little childe for assurance of this deliverance the Prophet upon this occasion saith that another childe that is to say Christ should be the cause and signe of eternall salvation upon which are also grounded all the temporall deliverances of the Church Isa. 8. 10. and besides he sets downe an infallible argument of the preservation of the Jewish nation being that it was in a manner great with childe with Christ and with Gods promises in him Revel 12. 2. and therefore could not perish before Christ were come into the world according to the prophecie Gen. 49. 10. A virgin namely the blessed Virgin mother of the Lord Jesus according to Gods first promise Gen 3. 15. see Mich. 5. 3. Shall conceive not by the work or operation of man but after an unspeakable manner by the power of the holy Ghost Luke 1. 45. Shalt call the Italian thou shalt call the propertie of the holy language sheweth that this speech is directed to the holy Virgin as Luke 1. 31. not onely because the women did ordinarily use to name the children Gen 4. 1 25. and 16. 11. and 29. 32. and 30. 6 8. 1 Sam. 4. 21. but also to shew that she had good reason so to doe being a mother without any father Immanuel that is to say God with us not because Christ made any use of this name but because the substance of the signification of it was in him he being true God and true man he having dwelt with men in the flesh Joh. 1. 14. and remaining amongst them for ever in grace spirit power and glory and finally he being the onely tye and conjunction of God with men V. 15. Shall be eat that is to say though he must be born miraculously and not after the manner of other men yet shall he be true man as it shall appeare by the food he shall take which shall be like to that of other children and by the properties belonging to a very man growing in stature and knowledge Luke 2. 52. V. 16. For that is to say O Ahaz I have set thee downe this argument and foundation of eternall salvation because there is some similitude between that signe and the signe which God will presently give thee of the present temporall deliverance for they are either of them litle children tender and growing up in yeeres Before this is the proper signe of this present deliverance as Isa. 8. 4. The child namely Shearjashub the sonne of Isaiah whom he had brought with him to Ahaz v. 3. see Isa. 8. 18. and likely he was at that time but very young and according to this signe these Kings dyed few yeeres after 2 King 15. 30. and 16. 9 The Land namely the Land of Syria and Israel which are thine open and rofessed enemies shall lose their two Kings Shall be forsaken see such another manner of speech Isa. 17 9. V. 17. The Lord the prophecie of the evils which God would bring upon Ahaz by meanes of the Assyrians whom he called to assist him but all in vaine for they did contrariwise bring him into great distresse 2 Cor. 28. 20 22. and from thenceforth did alwaies infest the Land of Judea V. 18. Shall hisse that is to say he shall cause Armies to come in which shall be like Flies and Bees in number Deut. 1. 44. Psal. 118. 12. from Egypt and Assyria which Kingdomes warring often one against another did lay waste the Land of Judea Which lay between them and did oftentimes take part with one against the other see 2 King 18. 21. 33 29 33 34. 24. 7. Jer. 37. 5. Of the Rivers namely divere branches and channels of the River Nilus V. 19. Desolate valleys amongst the hills and valleys in the Land of Judea spoiled and made desolate by the precedent warres V. 20. Shave that is to say shall spoile and destroy see 5. 1. That is hired this hath a reference to that which Ahaz did when he hired the King of Assyria with a great sum of money to come and ayd him 2 King 16. 7 8. which Assyrians did ever after afflict Judea The River namely Euphrates Of the feet of the lower parts of the body both great and small V. 21. And it shall come to passe a figurative comfort for the remainder of the Church by a promise that Gods grace and blessing should not faile it in these publique calamities and desolations V. 23. Every place that is to say fat and fruitfull places shall be made Wildernesses and Wildernesses shall become fruitfull v. 25. that is to say God shall spare and helpe the weake and lowly and shall destroy the great and mighty ones see Jer. 39. 10. V. 24. With A 〈…〉 to h 〈…〉 wilde 〈◊〉 which shall flie thither for refuge as into a Co 〈…〉 y overgrowne with woods and bushes CHAP. VIII Vers. 1. Roll of Paper or some other thing fit to write upon to set up the ensuing words in some publique place and peradventure upon the gates of the Temple to assure the ruine of these two confederate Kings see Isa. â—0 8. With a mans pen the Italian With a mans stile that is to say with an ordinary manner of writing as Heb. 2. 2. for some times the Lord haâ— his revelations set downe in such manner of writing 〈◊〉 could be understood by none but the Prophet as Dâ—â— 5. 5. 7. Concerning a propheticall and short description of the destrustion of Syria and Israel by the Assyrians V. 2. I tooke I would have these great persons to be present when I did set up this writing in some publique place that they might informe every one that I have done it and what the meaning thereof was which questionlesse the Prophet had explained to them V. 3.
commit fornication the Scripture useth this terme onely to shew the concourse and mixture of strange Nations upon occasion onely of prophane commerce and of gain obtained by cunning and deceit see Ezek. 16. 17. Revel 17. 2. and 18. 3. Upon the namely with great pride and ostentation V. 18. And her the Italian but in the end her that is to say God by the Gospell shaâ—â— call the Tyrians also unto him Psal. 87 4. Acts 21. 3. and then their tâ—ading which before was defiled with avarice shall be sanctified by charâ—tie towards those which are of the houshold of faith see Zech. 14. 20. CHAP. XXIIII Vers 1. THe eaâ—th the Italian the coâ—ntrey namely Iudea V. 2. The priest that is to say as well the politick as the Ecclesiasticall order in which consists the order of the state shall be overthrown or all shall be dealt with alike great and little V. 5. Is defiled with blood murthers rapes and other cruelties and outrages of war and hath not beene kept with that respect as is due to a Country consecrated to God V. 6. The curse namely the curse of God or the punishment of their perjurie for violating the oath which they had made to God see Deut. 29. 20. Are burned are consumed by the combustion of warre or dried up like a river through an extream drought V. 11. For wine the Italian for want of wine because all occasions and meanes of mirth have been taken away The mirth since the peoples captivity all manner of mirth and pleasure hath ceased in the countrey V. 13. When thus that is to say that small remnant of people that shall escape the wars shall be all gathered together and carried away captive to Babylon or shall voluntarily exile it selfe into Egypt and so the land shall remain empty V. 14. They shall sing at the time of their deliverance For the majestie the Italian for the height namely for his glorious power shewed for their deliverance From the sea namely from those far Countries whither they were carried V. 16. Have we heard a description of the confession of their sins which the Jews should make in Babylon and of Gods Justice in visiting them see Dan. 9. 5. Isaid namely I Isaiah even at this time doe lament their grievous transgressions before the punishment fall upon them as they themselves shall afterwards confesse V. 18. He who slecth that is to say Hee that escapeth from one danger shall fall into a greater Amos 5. 19. The windows that is to say Gods Judgements shall come pouring downe upon the earth like a deluge Gen. 7. 11. Psal. 42. 7. and therefore there will be no way to avoid them V. 20. The transgression it shall be so overburthened with grievous punishments for our sinnes that the Lord shall even overthâ—ow it Not rise it shall not be able to stay the ruine nor know how to get out of it as it did in the former calamities though at last it shall please God to restore it wiâ—h his almighty hand V. 21. The bost namely the Church likened to the Stars of the firmament for the dignity of her heavenly vocation Dan. 8. 10. see Isa. 34. 4 5. Lam. 2. 1. The Kings namely of the world and all their might V. 22. Bee visued with Gods grace by Christs comming upon the earth who shall be the Sunne of righteousnesse and the day spring from above who with his soveraigne divine brightnesse shall darken all other inferiour and worldly lights as a great light dims a lesser see Luke 1. 78. V. 23. Shall reign in the person of his Sonne manifested to the world and raised up in glory Before his ancients gloriously the Italian there shall be glory before his ancients that is to say God in the glorious power of his Spirit shall bee present in his Church signified by the ancients or heads of the ancient people see Exodus 24. 9 10. Revelation 4. 4. CHAP. XXV Vers. 2. ACitie namely of the enemies of thy Church A palace the Italian Castles into strong places kept by forraign souldiers V. 3. Therefore in the time of the Messias thou shalt make these ruines of States and Nations serve for their conversion when they shall see thy Church though poore and weake subsist in the world against all oppositions V. 5. The noise namely the furious commotions and enterprises of thine enemies As the heat even as the greatest heat in the driest desert is abated by some cloud that shadoweth the air or is resolved into rain V. 6. Make unto ali he shall distribute unto all Nations gathered together in his Church his spirituall gifts and graces see Psal. 22. 26 29. Pro. 9. 2. Matth. 22. 2. Wines on the lees the Italian excellent wines the Hebrew word properly signifieth Wine that hath not been racked but is yet upon the lees see Jer. 48. 11. V. 7. The face of the namely the vail of blindnesse and want of knowledge of God and of his mysteries which naturally is in all men 2 Cor. 3. 15. V. 8. Swallow up or destroy that is to say Christ the true everlasting God shall by his death destroy the prince of death and death it selfe especially in the blessed resurrection so that it shall never more have any power over his members 1 Cor. 15. 26 54. 2 Tim. 1. 1â— Heb. 2. 14. Rev. 20. 14. and 21. 4. V. 10. The hand that is to say his power shall be for ever present and effectuall in his Church Moab by the name of this Nation is meant all other Nations that are deadly enemies to the Church by reason of the extream fiercenesse of that Nation see Isa. 16. 6. V. 11. Shall spread forth hee shall execute and worke his will at his owne pleasure without any opposition CHAP. XXVI Vers. 1. IN the land namely in the true Church under the Gospel We have that is to say the Church wherein we are is safe against all dangers for the eternall salvation which God hath given us through Christ is the cause and ground of our deliverance from all our enemies and from all evils V. 2. Open ye let all beleevers who are justied and sanctified by God have free entrance and abode therein indifferently without any distinction of Nations V. 5. Them that dwell namely all the powerfull enemies of the Church 2 Cor. 10. 〈◊〉 V. 6. The foot that is to say the beleevers though poor and weake according to the world shall tread upon all contrary powers which are overthrown by the power of God Rom. 16. 20. Rom. 2. 26. V. 7. The way thou guidest and directest him happily in all his affairs see Psal. 143. 10. Prov. 21. 8. V. 8. Have we namely we beleevers have alwayes had our hope and confidence in thee even then when thou hast wrought against us in the rigour of thy punishments To the remembrance of thee namely to all the signes gages and testimonials which thou hast given us of thy grace by thy Word
Italian married that is to say returned into favour and communion with her husband which is God V. 5. Thy Sonnes that is to say thou shalt have Princes and Magistrates of thine owne Nâ—tion and not strangers Jer. 30. 21. under the supreame command of God and his Christ. V. 6. I have set Gods Word that is to say I have given thee Prophets who are like watchmen upon the wals to admonish thee by their preaching and to preserve thee by their prayers to God Isa. 21. 11. Ezek. 13. 17. 38. 7. Ye that Isaiah his words That make mention the Italian that remember the Lord that doe keep the knowledge and service of God amongst his people and the remembrance of his grace and promises by your preaching V. 7. And give him never let your fervencie and perseverance in praying grow slacke V. 8. By his right hand that is to say as true as he is almighty Give thy Corne thou shalt be no more exposed for a prey Figurative termes to shew the Churches security and spirituall tranquillity under the Messias his Kingdom A promise contrary to the threatning Deuâ— 28. 31. Jer. 5. 17. V. 9. In the Courts that is to say in my Church and as it were in my presence with thanksgiving He hath a relation to those sacred feasts which were kept in the Court of the Temple to give thankes unto the Lord in holy mirth see Deut. 12. 12. 14. 26. 16. 11 14. 26. 11. V. 10. Goe thorow that is to say O you beleevers which are already gathered into the Church goe and meet the Gentilesâ— whom God purposeth to bring into it And make their conversion â—he easier by your doctrine example and charity take away all stumbling blocks and le ts out of the way Gather out or pave the waies with stones V. 11. The Lord God hath appointed this to be publiquely declared by us Prophets that all men may receive him when he appeares His worke that is to say his redemption and salvation Or the recompence which he wil give to his V. 12. They shall call them namely those that shal joyne themselves to the Church vers 10. And thou namely O thou Church in general Sought out namely by God thy husband after he had cast thee off Isa. 54. 6 7. Now this terme sheweth that the beginning of conversion commeth from God CHAP. LXIII Vers. 1. WHo is this the Prophets words or the Churches brought in here wondring at Christs glorious triumph over all his enemies figured by the Idumeans the Jewes perpetual adversaries Bozrah a chiefe City of Edom. Died namely with blood I Christs answer That speake who have faithfully promised everlasting salvation to my Church and wil powerfully perform my promise V. 3. I have namely I have without the help or assistance of any man executed Gods just vengeance upon his enemies often set downe under the name of Vintage Lam. 1. 15. Revel 14. 19 20. 19. 15. V. 4. The yeere namely the time of the Gospel figured out by the yeere of Jubile in which every one re-obtained his liberty and his patrimony V. 5. I looked he sheweth how that the whole glory of this victory belonged to Christ alone see John 16. 32. My fury all my weapons and aid were nothing but my justice provoked and zeale for my Fathers glory V. 6. Make them drunke as who should say drowned in their own blood see Rev. 16. 6. V. 7. I will mention Isaiah or the Churches words giving God thankes for his infinite goodnesse V. 8. He said namely God said formerly when he brought his people out of Egypt Surely they he brings God in as a father conceiving good hopes of his children V. 9. In all he had a lively feeling of all those evils which were done to his people see Zach. 2. 8. Acts 9. 4. The Angel namely the Sonne of God in whom the father hath at all times revealed himselfe as being â—he lively Image of God who is invinsible see Exod. 23. 20 21. and 33. 14. Col. 1. 15. V. 11. Remembred namely in many deliverances of his afflicte people Moses namely his covâ—nant in which Moses had been the Mediator Or Moses his vehement intercession that he had used upon the like occasion Exod. 32. 11. Saying the Italian but now namely in Isaiah his time in the peoples great distresse neere the time of the Babylonian captivity Where is that is to say God seemeth to have given over the conduct of his people the outward conduct by his Word and the inward conduct by his Spirit With the shepherd the Italian with the shepherds namely by the ministerie of Moses and Aaron Exod. 34. 10. Psal. 77. 20. V. 12. With his that is to say he accompanied Moses his ministerie with his glorious and divine power V. 15. The sounding the Italian the commotion the fervency of that fatherly affection which thou formerly shewest V. 16. Though Abrabam though we are so much degenerate that if Abraham were alive againe he would hardly acknowledge us to be his children V. 17. Made us to erre that is to say thou hast by thy just judgement taken away the conduct of thy Spirit from us and hast forsaken and left us to our own blinde lusts and for a height of punishment hast given us over to the spirit of error see Job 12 16. Thyservants sake namely the ancient Fathers with whom God made his Covenant and who did also faithfully keep it for whose sake he prayeth God to be mercifull to their posterity V. 18. Have possessed it namely the countrey which thou hadst promised us we should enjoy for ever V. 19. Not called not accepted for thine own nor called by thy Name as children are by their fathers name CHAP. LXIIII. Vers. 1. OH that the Churches prayer to God that hee would bee pleased to shew his divine power for her deliverance as he did formerly when he brought her out of Egypt and gave her his Law Psal. 68. 8. V. 3. When thou didst namely in the old daies in the deliverance out of Egypt in the bringing of thy people through the wildernesse and in the bringing of them into the land of Canaan V. 5. Thou meetest thou wert most bountifull of thy favours towards this people that did endeavour to serve thee and doe good works with a willing heart Remember Isaiah his words the meaning is when thou hast executed thy judgements upon thy people by the Babylonians they will turn unto thee in their captivity and will call upon thee with a sincere confession of their sinnes Levit. 26. 39. Dan. 9. 4. V. 6. He are all we acknowledge that our persons and our actions even the most praise worthy of them namely those wherewith we did thy service were all contaminated with hypocrisie prophanenesse or some other vices wherefore thou hast rejected us as abominable Taken us away namely out of thy sight out of the blessed country into captivity V. 7. For thou hast because
of my pure worship which thou canst not now pretend being fully instructed in it As a young Maid if â—hee were seduced might partly be excused for her simplicity which a married woman that is of full age cannot plead V. 23. Pâ—â—ed Names of some people of Asia which were subjects to Nebuchadnezzar of which his army was also composed Jerem 50. 21. V. 24. To their Iudgements they shall indeed be my judgements but I will leave the execution of them to their discretions 〈…〉 hee doth oppose mens judgments which are without mercy to the judgements of God which are alwayes tempered with some clemencie see 2 Sam. 24. 14. Zec. 1. 15. V. 25. Take away the Italian cut off manners of speaking taken from the ignominious punishments used in some countreys towards adulterous women or from the cruelties of enemies enraged against their prisoners before they kill them V. 27. From the land I will hinder thee from going any more into Egypt to commit fornication 〈…〉 or I will cause thy fornication which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt to cease V. 29. Shall be discovered even as a male factors misdeeds are discovered when he is once sentenced to death V. 31. Of thy sister namely of the ten tribes will I give that is to say I will inflict the same punishment upon thee a terme taken from the ancient manner of feasting where every one had his portion of meat and drinke given them see Psal. 75. 8. Jer. 25. 15. V. 34. Breake Thou shalt grow mad therewith like to a drunken man who after he is overcome with wine will breake the cups and the poâ—s and will teare his flesh with his nailes and with his teeth Jer. 25. 16. V. 38. They have They have openly derided and mocked mee making a shew as if they would doe me some service in my Temple at appointed times see Ezek. 20. 39. Or they have even committed these abominations in my Temple and upon Holidayes see 2 Kings 21. 4. Jerem. 11. 15. Ezek. 8. 3 6. V. 40. Yee have sent A figurative description of the prophane entertainment given to the Chaldeans Egyptians and others sent for by the Jews to treat about unlawfull covenants taken from a Whores preparation when she entertaineth her expected Ruffian Wash thy selfe he directs his speech to either of them two namely Ahola or Aholibah V. 41. Vpon a According to the manner of many ancient Nations and also of the Jews namely at their most solemne feasts to sit or lye upon beds Est. 16. 78. 6. 4. Joh. 13. 25. mine incense namely which thou hast received of me together with other blessings and with which they did rub and anoint themselves at banquets and publique feasts Hee would say that she had employed Gods gifts in gaining the favour and friendship of prophane nations V. 42. With her The Italian in her that is to say Jerusalem and Samaria upon these occasions have been full of strangers walking and taking their pleasures like fornicators in a brothel-house with the men the Italian besides the men besides those great and noble nations as the Chaldeans the Jewes have also desired the friendship and reliefe of the Arabians the Ethiopians and other base nations who thinking themselves much honoured by such a request have carryed them preseuâ—s which the nobler nations have not done but have received presents of the Jewes Ezek. 16. 33. 34. V. 43. Vnto her the Italian of her of or to either of those nations which were growne old in their idolatrie now words of disdaine as much as to say now they will satisfie their unbridled lust having all these fornicators at their command V. 45. Righteous men namely the Assyrians and Chaldeans have executions of Gods justice who shall have a just cause according to mens opinions to revenge themselves of the Jewes and Israelites perjuries and rebellions V. 48. All women namely Nations and Cities especially those where God hath planted his Church V. 49. Your lewdnesse namely the just punishment for it CHAP. XXIV Vers. 1. THe ninth of the captivitie of Jehoiakim Ezek. 1. 2. V. 3. Set on a Pot See such a similitude Jer. 1. 13. Ezek. 11. 3. The Pot is Jerusalem the flesh and the fat pieces are the chiefe richest and the noblest that are in her the fire are Gods judgements by which hee would have humbled and mollified his peoples hearts to bring them to repentance but that having taken no effect by reason of their obstinate rebellion hee would convert those judgements into a totall consumption V. 5. Burne also the Italian Lay the bones in the bottome it seemes that the bones that were put into the bottome of the pot v. 4. 10. and not as others have understood it without the pot to kindle the fire And by the bones are meant the great ones and governours which beare up the body of the State V. 6. Wherefore thus To make the accomplishment answerable to the figure to the p 〈…〉 namely to Jerusalem that hath not been cleansed by my punishments see Jer. 4. 11. and 6. 29. Ezek. 22. 24. bring it out Let all the people without any difference be driven out of it and carryed away let none be pardoned for in warres often times they cast lots to slay some and save some V. 7. Her blood Shee is full of misdeeds especially of murthers and oppressions She set it she committed them boldly and did not care if they were knowne to all men contrary to that which God had commanded namely that the very blood of beasts should be covered over with dust Lev. 17. 13. Deut. 12. 16. 24. V. 8. Set her blood I will punish her openly and the signes and monuments thereof shall remaine for ever V. 9. I will make thee that is to say What I have commanded thee to doe for a signe doe thou also in effect making ready the Caldeans great fire Jer. 1. 13. V. 10. Spice it well the Italian Bring her to be like a composition of sweet smells causing the whole Nation to be destroyed leaving not so much as any forme or strength of state V. 11. Set it empty To signifie that Jerusalem after the inhabitants were gone out of it should be burned by the Chaldeans as it were to cleanse it perfectly from all its ordures The brasse As who should say her rust V. 12. She hath in stead of the onely meanes of deliverance which was repentance and conversion shee hath with a great deale of care sought out other worldly and unprofitable meanes V. 13. In thy filthinesse that is to say Wicked obstinacie hath been the onely cause that thou hast not been cleansed for I have sought to doe it with all carefulnesse by admonitions exhortations and punishments V. 14. The Iudge namely the Chaldeans see Ezek. 23. 45. V. 16. The desire namely thy deare wife V. 18. A 〈◊〉 namely by a sudden death proceeding from some supernaturall and divine cause V. 17. Binde the tire Shew
the uncircumcised of prophane and accursed people like to the ancient Cananites which were accursed See Ezek. 32. 21. V. 12. Thou hast sealed up the summe the Italian thou wert at the height Heb. thou sealedst the summe or thou didst make up the account a terme taken from them which tell money and make up what is wanting of the whole summe V. 13. In Eden like to a tree planted in an earthly Paradise Gen. 2. 8. Ezek. 31. 8 9. the workmanship Hee hath a relation to the art of musick which was alwayes held in great esteem amongst the Tyrians Isa. 23. 16. Ezek. 26. 13. was prepared in the Even at the first founding of thy state musicke began to flourish in thee V. 14. Anointed endowed by God with severall Prerogatives Cherub amongst the great ones of the world which are Gods Ministers upon earth thou wert exalted in glory even as the Cherubims are amongst Gods other Angels in heaven that covereth the Italian the protector being a secure defence to thy people covering them with thy wings which are attributed to this King because he is called Cherub whose shape and forme is set downe in the Scripture with wings The Holy having likened him to a Cherub he compares his seat being full of magnificence to mount Sina where God appeared with millions of his Angels having a fiery pavement under his feet Exod. 24. 10. V. 15. In thy wayes the Italian in thine imployment Heb in thy wayes which may be also understood of the state and condition or of the enterprises From the day He seemes to allude to the fall of wicked Angels till iniquity whilest thou hast continued in justice and integrity I have borne thee up But since thou and thy City have given your selves to violences deceits and other manner of wickednesses thy ruine hath been ready at hand V. 16. Cast thee that is to say I will subvert thy glorious state V. 17. Thou hast corrupted thy glory and greatnesse have caused thee to lose thine understanding and wise carriage for which thy predecessors were admired and thine owne splendor hath dazled thee V. 18. Thou hast thou hast made thy chiefe City which ought to have been a holy Seat of justice and vertue a den of theeves and of all manner of wickednesse From the mids He seemes to intimate that the occasion of the ruine of Tyre did succeed from its selfe by some meanes or accident which the History doth not specifie V. 22. Shall be in the manifestation of my justice and power exercised over thee Sanctified I shall have given sufficient subject for to be feared and worshipped yea and blessed and praised V. 25. When I shall This prophecye hath in part and according to the letter a relation to the returne from the captivity of Babylon but perfectly and in spirit to the spirituall re-establishment of the Church by the Messias CHAP. XXIX Ver. 1. THe tenth namely of the captivity of Jehoiakin Ezek. 1. 2. V. 2. Pharaoh likely this was Pharaoh Hophrah Jer. 44 30. V. 3. Dragon the Hebrew word signifieth any great creature that liveth in the sea Here is meant the Crocodile the figure of Pharaoh the river I possesse a most fruitfull kingdome and so strongly situated by reason of the river Nilus that it cannot be taken away from me by any humane strength I have made it I doe not depend upon any one as I have gotten and increased my kingdome of my selfe so am I sufficient to maintaine it against all men V. 4. Hooks I will draw thee out of thy country which is so strong together with all thy subjects which will follow thee to goe and meet Nebuchadnezzar to the end that you being all slaine by him your bodies may lye for food for the fowles of the aire and the wilde beasts of the field Psal. 74. 14. V. 5. Gathered to be buried V. 6. They have been they have solicited my people to rebell against the Caldeans promising them assistance and have violated their faith and so have not only been unprofitable but also very hurtfull to them V. 7. Madest all their loines thou hast left them to defend themselves with their owne strength and alone to beare the burden of the warre which they had undertaken for your advantage V. 9. And I have he speaks in the person of this King or in generall of all the Kings of Aegypt his predecessors who with great charges and labour had brought Nilus with channels over all the land of Aegypt V. 10. From the tower from one of the ends of Aegypt to the other Of Seventh it hath been commonly thought by reason of the likenesse of the name that it was the city of Siene standing upon the confines of Aegypt and Aethyopia where there might be some tower to marke the defect of shadowes in the very day of the Summer Solstice as there was a Well also to that purpose But because here are set downe two bounds from the North to the South and that Siene was the Southerne bound we must with more likelihood take it to be the branch of Nilus called Sebenniticus upon which there was in former times Pharus called by the Greeks the tower of Persons which was the Southerne bound or confine V. 14. A base namely subject and tributary to the Persians who shall people it againe See Ezek. 17. 6 14. V. 16. Which bringeth that by reason of these unlawfull practises through which my people trusting upon Aegypt have forsaken their beliefe they had in me and have broken their faith to the Chaldeans I may not againe call them to account for all the sinnes which they have committed imitating the Aegyptian idolatries Ezek. 8. 10 14. and 23. 19 20 21. V. 17. Seven and twentieth It is not likely that this yeare must be counted after the taking of Jehoiachin as the rest of the yeares are in this booke See Ezek. 29. 1. and 30. 20. but after the Jubile Unlesse this prophecye be inserted out of the order of times and was directed to the Prophet after the taking of Tyre the enterprise of Aegypt being already begun V. 18. Caused his army namely to execute my judgements upon Tyre and therefore I will requite him And if that ancient Histories be true that siege lasted thirteen yeares Every head that is to say they have suffered long and hard labours and toiles and have worne out themselves about it V. 20. For me to execute my judgements though they did not know my will nor had no intent for to obey it V. 21. In that day when I shall beat downe the Aegyptians then will I begin to raise up again my people in Babylon by the exaltation of Jechoniah Jer. 52 31. which questionlesse caused a great deale of ease and liberty to the Jewish prisoners To bud See Psal. 132. 17. will give thee I will make it so that thou Ezekiel and all the rest of the beleevers may freely and with open mouthes praise the Lord in your
Assemblies CHAP. XXX Ver. 2. HOwle namely you Aegyptians and other Nations which are subject to and confederate with them Woe worth the day the Italian what day is this namely the day of the ruine of Aegypt whereof he speaks hereafter V. 3. A cloudy day namely of horrible and strange calamities as rainy dayes are very rare in Aegypt Of the heathen the Italian of the Nations in which the prophane Nations Egyptians Aethyopians and others shall be visited and punished V. 4. In Aethyopia a neighbouring and confederate Nation with Aegypt V. 5. Aethyopia the Italian Cush people of Africa See Gen. 10. 6 13. mixed people See Jer. 25. 20 24. Cub the name of some part of Africke not mentioned elsewhere Of the land that is in league the Italian of the land that is in covenant it might be some land which was confederate with Aegypt or some countrey of divers Nations which governed themselves in commonalties which were confederate one with another Unlesse the word of league or covenant be taken for the proper name of a city in Arabia called Berites for the common or mixed people also which were spoken of before were of Arabia V. 6. They also namely those armies and Nations which shall take their parts or relieve them V 9. From me the Italian from my presence namely from Aegypt where I will shew my selfe present by the execution of my judgements For God is said to be present there where he operates In ships upon the Red Sea Isa. 18. 2. As in the day as formerly all neighbouring Nations were astoshed at the report of the Aegyptians discomfiture in the Red Sea Exod. 15. 14. It commeth namely the foresaid calamity V. 12. I will make that countrey which is most fruitfull by reason of the abundance of waters which are in it shall become barren and desolate as if it were scorched up with the Sun Or I will make the waters thereof to be no safeguard for it See Jer. 50. 28. V. 13. Noph called by the Ancients Memphis V. 14. Pathros The name of a countrey in Egypt Zoan Which is Tanis one of the chiefe cities of Egypt No Which is Alexandria V. 15. Sin Which is Pelusium a strong frontier citie of Egypt V. 17. Aven Or on which is the city Heliopolis Phibeseth Called by Authors Bubathus These cities namely The multitude of people that is in them V. 18. In Tehaphnehes This is the city of Daphne which was as it were the gate of Egypt at which the Chaldeans came in Shall be darkned that is to say an extreme calamitie desolation and confusion shall overtake them The cloud as who should say a sudden storme of evills v. 3. V. 20. The eleventh From Jehoiachins captivity Ezek. 1. 2. V. 21. I have broken This hath a relation to the first overthrow of the Egyptians under Neco Jerem. 46. 2. by which they lost a great part of that which they possessed out of Egypt which is the broken arme and there remained nothing to them but Egypt alone which was the whole or sound arme and after this losse they could never recover nor defend themselves against the Chaldeans V. 24. My sword namely The execution of my judgement CHAP. XXXI Vers. 1. THe eleventh namely Of the captivity of Jehoiachin Ezek. 1. 2. V. 2. Whom art thou like Equall thy selfe if thou wilt through thy pride to the greatest Empires of the world as to the Assyrian which was the first and mightiest of all and thou mayest see how I have overthrowne it the like shall happen to thee see Isay. 23. 13. V. 3. A Cedar See Ezek. 17 3. 22. 23. Dan. 4. 10. V. 4. The waters He was growne great through abundance of all prosperties Her rivers The great sea of his happinesse did seeme to run round as it doth at the comming in of great rivers at the foot of this tree and hee out of his grace and plentie seemed to send forth some small streames out of it to other Kingdomes V. 6. The soules The greatest part of man-kind lived under dominion and protection V. 8. The Cedars No other great Kingdome likened to the trees of earthly Paradice Ezek. 28. 13. could equall him in height and greatnesse V. 10. Thou hast namely thou Assyrian Empire V. 11. Of the mighty namely Of Nebuchadnezzar who subdued Assyria and overthrew the Empire of it V. 12. Strangers namely The Chaldeans V. 13. The soules namely The nations which were subject to the Assyrians after the overthrow of their Empire did prey upon them with contempt V. 14. That none I have set forth this spectacle of my judgements upon Ashur fot to reach all Princes that are growne great through my blessings not to raise themselves against mee through pride for they are all mortall by nature and I can bring down their estates as I have raised them V. 15. I caused By this fall of Assyria I raised a generall horror and terror in them all seeing him on a sudden deprived of my helpe and blessing by the meanes of which he had prospered so well V. 16. Comforted Having so great a Kingdome for their companion in miserie their evill seemed lesser and more tolerable unto them a figurative and poeticall representation as Isa. 14. 8. 9 10. Ezek. 32. 31. Hab. 2. 17. V. 17. His arme that is to say All his power and dominion V. 18. To whom He applies the foresaid things by comparison to Pharaoh as if he should say Compare thy selfe to whom thou wilt thou canst not avoid ruine This is Pharaoh as much as to say All this Allegoricall speech hath a relation to Pharaoh CHAP. XXXII Vers. 1. THe twelfth Of the captivitie of Jehoiachin Ezek. 1. 2. V. 2. A young Lyon in cruelty and violence see Ezek. 19. 2. A Whale See Ezech. 29. 3. Thou camest forth by reason of the convenient situation of the countrey thou didst undertake divers enterprizes annoying and invading of other nations A similitude taken from Crocodiles which come up into the land by divers armes of Nilus V. 6. Of thee Of thy blood and of thy dead carkasses V. 7. I will cover I will fill the world with horror and terror at thy ruine see Isa. 13. 10. V. 8. Will I make darke I will deprive thee of all advice wisdome and direction and will bring all thy state into confusion and extreme miseries V. 9. Vex thee Seeing so mightie a Kingdome perish and the King of Babylon growne so great V. 13. The great From off the Land of Egypt which is abundautly watered and therefore very fruitfull V. 14. Their waters deep the Italian Their waters to setle a figurative description of a mighty desolation of a waterish countrey wherein there is neither man nor beast for to trouble the waters V. 16. The daughters namely The cities and commonalties V. 17. The twelfth See v. 1. The moneth namely The twelfth moneth V. 18. Waile the Italian Tune a mournfull song that is to say Make some kind of
for this grace is not universall nor common to all V. 12. Because their waters these admirable effects shall be produced because the Gospell shall be accompanied with a celestiall power of Gods Spirit Shall be meat this may signifie the double use of beleevers good works the one to the glory of God and advancement of their own salvation the other to the edification and correction of their neighbours V. 13. Ioseph whose posterity was divided into two Tribes Ephraim and Manasseh See Genesis 48. 5. 1 Chro 5. 1. V. 15. The great sea namely the Mediterranean sea in regard of the little seas or lakes of Palestine Now these bounds or borders doe signifie that Christs kingdome shall have its perfect being within it selfe and shall be severed from the world V. 17. The border of Hamath namely the uttermost part of the Northerne line which from Hamath shall turne Eastward V. 18. From the border namely Hamath where as it were in an angle shall meet the North and the East side The East sea namely the sea of Sodome Ioel 2. 20. Zach. 14. 8. V. 19. The River namely Sihor called the river of Egypt Num. 34. 5. Josh. 15. 47 1 Chron. 13. 5. V. 20. From the border from the end of the foresaid Northerne line unto that place where the land of Hamath butts upon the Mediterranean sea towards the North. V. 22. The strangers a figure of the calling and ingrasting of the Gentiles into the Church CHâ—P XLVIII Verse 1. HAzar 〈…〉 an the meaning seemes to be there shall be a line drawing from the Mediterranean sea along by the way of Hethlon to Hamath and from thence to Hazar-enan which on the one side borders upon the land of Hamath and on the other side upon the countrey of Damascus For Dan these divisions are quite differing from the ancient divisions which Ioshua made and by these seems to be shewen the equall râ—ght which Gods children shall have in his Church and in his spirituall goods V. 9. The â—blation the Italian The part This consecrated part which was five and twenty thousand cubits in length and as many in breadth was divided into three parts ten thousand of those cubits in breadth was for the Priests and there was the Temple other ten thousand cubits were for the Levites v. 13. The other five thousand were for the city of Jerusalem and there being a great deale of space yet left Eastward and Westward besides these five and twenty thousand câ—bâ—ts that was for the publique officers and for the Prince v. 18. 21. V. 12. Most holy Belonging onely to the Priests who were to enjoy it in the presence of God in the exercise of their Function in the Temple as they did the most holy parts of the offerings Lev. 2. 3. V. 14. The first fruits This part was consecrated to God as the first fruits of the earth were V. 16. The measures This representation is altogether figurative and mysticall representing the perfect constitution and ordering of the body and state of the Church as Rev. 21. 16. V. 18. That serve All those which doe the publike service in the meanest kindes of secular callings V. 28. To the river Called Sihor or the river of Egypt the Southerne confine of Palestine V. 35. The name Gods presence in his Word grace spirit and vertue shall give the Church its true being wherefore for to give the Church its true name we must say That it is the assembly in which God is present in the aforesaid manner See Isa. 26. 4. Jer. 33. 16. The Booke of the Prophet DANIEL ARGUMENT THough Daniel did never exercise the publique Calling nor Function of a Prophet in the qualitie of an Ecclesiasticall person to preach to the people and expound in sacred assemblies the revelations which were sent him by God yet his booke hath alwayes beene insâ—rted amongst the number of the other Prophetâ— as containing most speciall and admirable predictions of the state of the world and Church from his time untill Christs comming in the flesh gathered by himselfe and published in this Booke Whereiâ— we may observe two generall parts the one Historicall and the other Propheticall In the first he sets downe what notable things happened concerning his owne person and his course of life to make himselfe to be acknowledged a Prophet authorised by God relating how that in his youth he was carried away captivâ— to Babylon and was with others of the same Nation age and condition chosen to be instructed and consequently employed in honourable employments in that Empire But that God having taken them into his particular care and charge did 〈◊〉 those humane instructions by an infusion of divine giftâ— and graces First in a spirit of sanctification zeale and singular piety â—ried by cruell torments inflicted upon Daniels three companions in their youth and upon Daniel himselfe in his old age and besidâ—s in sâ—verâ—ignâ— understanding and wisdome wherein Daniel was remarkable and spoken of as iâ— were by a common Proverb whereupon they were promoted to eminent dignities to the great â—ase and sustenancâ— of the Church in her captivitie and sufferings in Babylon And at the last in the spirit of Prophâ—ciâ— in Daniel which manifested it selfe first in 〈…〉 ing Nebuchadnezzar in mind of his 〈◊〉 which he had forgotten and interpretting of them and afterwards in the miraculous prediction of the â—vills which did hang over the head of Belshazzar his grandchilde But it did fully shiâ—◠〈◊〉 in the incompâ—rable visions set downâ— iâ— the second part of this Booke concerning the foure grâ—â—â— Monarchies of the world â—ntill the â—â—mâ—ing of Christ and especially touching Selucides King of Syria and other successors of Alexander under whom the Iewish Church should suffer most grievous and mourneâ—ull accidents and especially under Antiochus Epiphanes the most cruell subtill and pestileâ—â— persecutor that ever the Church â—ad his principall â—ime and end being to root out Gods worship in it together with all impression and motion of piety in mens hearts Under the figure of whom are also foretold the persecutions of Rome whilst it was â—eathen and also of Antichrist the last deadly enemiâ— of the Christian Church as Antiochus had beene of the Iewish Church against whose outrages the Prophet comforteth and strengtheneth the Church by the promise of Gods helpe and deliverance in his appointed time lifting their hearts notwithstanding up for a soveraignâ— comfort to Gods promise of everlasting salvation by Christ who being established by the father to be the everlasting King of the world should from time to time cause 〈◊〉 to fall upon thâ—se Empires and should at the last lay the foundation of his ownâ— spirituall and everlasting Empire upon the redemption purchased by his death the prefixed time whereof is more cleerely showen to him then to any other Prophet through which all 〈◊〉 ceremonies being accomplished in their signification the use of them should also be abolished to 〈◊〉 to the service of God in
6. From the west namely from Greece and Macedon west from Asia where the Prophet was and where the Persians reigned The whole so those great Monarchies through ambition called themselves universall though they possessed but a small part of the world Dan. 2. 39. Yet it was that which was most esteemed and best knowne Touched not whereby is signified Alexanders extreame celerity in his conquests as if he had flien and not walked See Dan. 7. 6. A notable borne the Italian A crooked borne this is Alexanders person in his kingdome which is signified by the Goat V. 6. And he came a description of Alexanders acts against Persia by which he overthrew the Empire and made himselfe Lord of Asia V. 8. The great that is to say Alexander died suddenly in the flower of his age and the middle of all his victories Foure these are the foure Satrapies or kingdomes of the Grecians which were seazed upon by Alexanders Captaines out of the shipwrack of his Empire Babylon towards the East Asia towards the North Macedonia towards the West and Egypt towards the South which in processe of time came to two the Seluecides towards the North and the Lagides towards the South Dan. 11. 5 6. V. 9. Out of one namely out of the Seleucides who reigned in Asia and Babylon A little born namely Antiochus Epiphanes Toward the South in Egypt which Antiochus seazed upon Daniel 11. 25. 40 43. The East in Persia which was also conquered by Antiochus The pleasant land the land of Israel so called in Scripture by reason of its great prerogatives both spirituall and temporall See Jer. 1. 3. 19. Ezek. 20. 6. 15. Dan. 11. 16. 41 45. Zach 7. 14. See of these enterprizes of Antiochus upon Judea Dan. 11. 30. and the following verses V. 10. Even to the even to war against Gods Church which is as heaven where God dwelleth in grace and where the faithfull doe hold the place of Angels Isay 14 13. Dan. 8. 24. 11. 32. V. 11. Even to the Prince daring to push at God himselfe by blaspheming him and violating his service and glory See Dan. 7. 25. 11. 22 36. The daily sacrifice namely the morning and evening sacrifice Exod 29. 38. Num. 28. 3. whereby is meant all Gods service See 1 Mac. 1. 47. V. 12. And an hoste was given the faithfull shall be in great danger of apostating from the true religion and Antiochus shall give them many occasions to doe it and shall seek to induce them to it and the Lord shall put them to this triall Dan. 11. 32 35. Cast downe all use preaching and profession of Gods truth and doctrine of salvation shall be forbidden and suppressed by Antiochus Who did seek to destroy even the very books of the law 1 Mac. 1. 59. V. 13. One Saint an Angell The vision that is to say the things signified by it The transgression the idolatry of the Olimpian Jupiter which Antiochus had set up in the Temple instead of Gods pure service 2 Mac. 6. 1. which caused the extreame desolation of the Temple in some spirituall by apostacy in othersome bodily by persecutions and torments Dan. 11. 31. 12. 11. V. 14. He said unto me for that Angell had asked that question in Daniels name and for to instruct him concerning it Vnto two this time containes six yeares three moneths and eighteen dayes and that ending at the purification of the Altar 1 Mac. 4. 25. it is likely that we must take the beginning of it from that time which is set downe 1 Mac. 1. 12. 2 Mac. 4. 23. Of evening and morning the Italian addeth dayes that is to say the day and night of foure and twenty hours Gen. 2. 5. Cleansed the Italian Justified that is to say freed by Gods just judgement from Antiochus his tyranny Who had made it a receptacle of Idols to be againe according to its first institution the holy Temple of the true God Others it shall be purified from its uncleannesses V. 15. The appearance namely the Angell Gabriell in humane shape v. 16. Dan. 9. 21. V. 16. Betweene the Italian in the mids of betweene the two banks of that river or in some Island incompassed by it Gabriel the name of an Angell which signifieth strong man of God See Dan. 9. 21. Luke 1. 26. V. 17. The vision the things foretold in it shall happen about the time of the Messias his comming who shall fulfill the prophesies and the old age For to bring in a new one by renewing the state of the Church See Ezek. 38 8. Daniel 9. 24. V. 18. A deepe sleepe that is to say in my propheticall extasie I lost all manner of action and motion like a man that were overcome with sleepe V. 19. What shall be what shall befall the Jews in these last afflictions which God shall send them for a punishment for their sins after which shall be revealed the great and eternall reconciliation in Christ Dan. 9. 24 11. 36. The end there shall be a certain prefixed time for the lasting of these calamities Dan. 11. 35. V. 21. The first King namely Alexander V. 22. The nation namely of the Greek or Macedonian nation though not of Alexanders posterity V. 23. Of their Kingdome Over Gods people who after Antiochus did shake off the yoake of the Seleucides Dan. 7. 22. who notwithstanding a long time after that raigned over the remainder of their Kingdome The transgressors Which are amongst Gods people Are come to the â—ull Of open impietie and formall apostasie Dan. 11. 30. 1 Mal. 1. 12. A King namely Antiochus Epiphanes Dan. 7. 20. and 11. 21. Darke sentences See Dan. 7. 8. V. 24. Not by his owne power But by his cunning devices and the perfidiousnesse and trecheries of other men Dan. 11. 23. The mighty Great Kings and Princes and especially them of Epypt Dan. 11. 25. The holy people namely The Church of God V. 25. His policy His cunning and deceits By peace See 1 Mac. 1. 30. 31 32. The Prince namely against God himselfe who is King of kings v. 11. Broken downe shall perish stricken by God and not by men 1 Mac. 6 8. V. 26. The vision Concerning that determined number of dayes v. 14. Shut thou up As Isa. 8. 16. Dan 12. 4. Keepe it to thy selfe and reserve it in writing for posterity without much publishing of it at the present for it is not so much for the use of this age as for the use of ensuing ages CHAP. IX Vers. 3. VNto the Lord that is to say Towards heaven or towards Jerusalem a City chosen by him to be the place of his presence as Dan. 6. 10. V. 9. To the Lord Thou hast a large subject to exercise thine infinit mercy upon us which is as it were the Queen of thy perfections to which we also have recourse and not to thy Justice in this our height of iniquitie Or having sinned so excessively as we confesse we have
shall he Antiochus Teus shall soone after that be poisoned and the forces of his kingdome shall be overthrown by diverse sinister accidents which shall be set downe hereafter But she namely Bernice and her sonne and all those that tooke her part and her followers shall be constrained to yeeld to the mercy of Seleucus Callinicus the sonne of Teus and Laodice Who shall put them all to death by the instigation of his mother He that begate her the Italian her sonne Others her father namely the King of Aegypt who died presently after V. 7. Out of a branch namely Ptolomeus Evergetes brother to Bernice shall succeed Ptolomeus Philadelphus his father in the kingdome of Aegypt and to revenge his sisters death shall with very good successe set upon Seleucus Shall prevaile or shall strengthen himselfe V. 8. Their Gods according to the custome of heathen conquerours See 1 Sam. 5. 1. Isa 46. 2. Then the King the Italian without feare of the King or the King of the North being not able to hinder him or being secured from him or being more powerfull then he V. 9. Shall come shall cause himselfe to be crowned King of Syria which he shall hold for many yeares V. 10. His sonnes namely Seleucus Cherau nus and Antiochus the Great sonnes of Callinicus King of Asia 〈…〉 red up the Italian shall commence war against Ptolomeus Evergetes King of Aegypt to get the kingdome of Syria againe And one namely Antiochus the Great with a sudden force like unto an overflowing streame shall regaine a great part of his kingdome Returne the yeare following he shall returne with great power and having discomfited the army of Ptolomeus Philopater the sonne of Evergetes shall come unto a principall fort of his called Raphia upon the frontiers of Aegypt and shall take it Others understand this of another fort called Rabathamam V. 11. And the King namely Ptolomeus Philopater The multitude that great army shall be discomfited by Philopater V. 12. His heart shall be lifted up being puffed up by this victory shall contemne his enemy and give himselfe up to dissolute pleasures and shall not follow Antiochus to his totall ruine V. 13. The King namely Antiochus after the death of Philopater shall againe assault Ptolomeus Epihanes the sonne of Philopater being yet young against whom many of his subjects shall rebell and many Princes combine V. 14. The robbers he seemes to meane some seditious and peradventure apostated Jewes who joyned themselves to the King of Aegypt his faction and to his false Religion To establish the Italian to fulfill taking this for a pretence of their faction which Isaiah chap. 19. 19 21. had spoken of namely Aegypts spirituall union with the Church They shall fall being persecured by Antiochus as rebels to him V. 15. The armes that is to say the strength V. 16. But he namely Antiochus the Great the glorious land namely Judea See Dan. 8. 9. V. 17. He shall also namely Antiochus the Great shall set upon Aegypt againe with prosperous successe but for feare of the Romans who shall interpose themselves in the behalfe of Ptolomeus Epiphanes he shall make peace with him giving him Cleopatra his daughter to wife having before suborned her to kill her husband which neverthelesse he would not performe but went with her husband against her father See Dan. 2. 43. V. 18. Shall he turne Antiochus shall warre against the Islands and Provinces beyond the Seas which were subject or confederate with the Romans A Prince the Italian a Captaine namely Scipio a Roman Consul with his brother cause the he shall not only force Antiochus to retreate out of all those places which he had taken from the Romans or their friends to the disgrace of the Common-wealth of Rome but shall also overcome him in a pitched battell and shall spoile him of part of his dominions and force him to accept of a disgracefull peace V. 9. He shall turne he shall goe into Syria keeping himselfe in strong holds and shall not dare to wage warre any more Stumble being killed in a tumult as he would have spoiled the Temple of Belus in the Elimeans countrey V. 20. A raiser of Seleucus Philopater the sonne of Antiochus the Great whose Raigne shall be tyrannicall and full of exactions which he shall endeavour to have even out of Gods Temple 2 Mac. 3. 4. Shall be he shall be poisoned not killed in war nor by any open violence V. 21. A vile Antiochus sirnamed Epiphanes that is to say illustrious opposite to that which the Spirit cals him by reason of his execrable deeds and qualities See Dan. 7. 8. and 8. 9. To whom who shall neither be created nor crowned King nor shall not obtaine the kingdome by force of armes but shall advance himselfe as tutor to Demetrius his nephew the sonne of Seleucus and shall win mens hearts with presents curtesies and secret practises and so shall install himselfe in the kingdome Peaceably namely by deceipts Dan. 8. 23 24. V. 22. The armes the power of Aegypt shall be suddenly assaulted and overthrowne by him which Aegypt is a countrey that is yearely overflowne by the river Nilus whence proceeds the great fruitfulnesse and strength of it The Prince namely God Himselfe Dan. 8. 11 25 who is the Prince of his people and joyned to them by his holy covenant And so in this verse are summarily comprehended Antiochus his two greatest enterprizes namely upon Aegypt and Judea both which are afterwards more particularly specified V. 23. With him namely with Ptolomeus Philometer King of Aegypt Shall come up he shall come into Aegypt bringing but small power with him for feare of affrighting the Aegyptians and yet he shall gaine into his hands the chiefe forts V. 24. Peaceably namely into Aegypt which at that time shall enjoy both peace and plenty Shall doe that gaining the greatest part of Aegypt which his forefathers could never doe He shall scatter See concerning Antiochus his infinite bountifulnesse to his souldiers 1 Mac. 3. 30. Strong holds of Aegypt For a time untill such time as Philometer being come to age drove out his garrisons V. 25. For they shall his great ones his Officers and Counsellors being corrupted by Antiochus shall betray him whereby he shall lose the battell V. 26. Destroy him by their treachery they shall cause him to be overthrowne His Army namely Antiochus his army V. 27. Hearts shall be after Philometer shall be discomfited he shall make peace with Antiochus and shall receive him with great feasts and shewes of courtesie but all that shall be but fained both of them still retaining their ancient hatreds The end of this false peace at that time as God shall appoint See v. 29 and 40. V. 28. Shall be namely Antiochus His heart he shall undertake to overthrow the true worship of God and to destroy his people v. 22. Dan. 7 25. and 8. 24. 1 Mac. 1. 46 47. V. 29. At the time of which time see v.
27. V. 30. Shall come namely the Romans called by the King of Aegypt to ayd him who shall come by sea out of the harbours of Grecia called Chittim Numb 24. 24. or out of Italy and Cilicia enjoyning Antiochus by an expresse embassage to let Aegypt live in peace which he shall doe inforcibly and then shall vent his rage upon the Jewes Shall euen returne at the end of two yeares 1 Mac. 1. 30. 2 Mac. 5. 24. Shall have intelligence the Italian shall lend the â—are to wicked perswasions and the advices of certaine apostated Jewes to oppresse and injure even their owne brethren such as Jason was 2 Mac. 1. 7. and 4. 7. and Menealus 2 Mac. 4. 23 V. 31. Armes many of the mightiest among the people shall follow him 1 Mac. 1. 45. Of strength namely of Jerusalem a place exceeding strong by scituatian Or of the Temple which was the great Kings rocke See Zech. 9. 12. and 11. 2. Shall take away they shall bring all Gods service to nothing Dan. 8. 11. The abomination according to some it is the idoll of the Olympicke Jupiter 2 Mac. 6. 2. according to others an idolatrous Altar erected above Gods Altar 1 Mac. 1. 54 59 for which things the people refusing to consent to idolatry were destroyed and the Temple and Gods service made desolate V. 32. By flatteries by gifts promises and allurements he shall draw the Jewes to his side to prostitute themselves to idolatry for to draw others to it by their example The people namely the true beleevers amongst whom Gods true people shall be preserved shall shew themselves constant and perseverant in his pure service Doe exploits shall overcome all their temptations V. 33. That understand those whom God shall enlighten by his Word and Spirit shall instruct and strengthen their brethren by their doctrine and example Others understand this of a certain religious society which was newly set up in those dayes called the Asideans that is to say pious and holy very understanding and zealous in the Law of God See 1 Mac. 2. 42. and 7. 13. 2 Mac. 14. 6. V. 34. They shall be namely by Mattathias and other Asmoneans or Maccabees 1 Mac. 2. 1. and 2 Mac. 8. 1. Many of Gods people who being run into idolatry when they shall see some enlargement by the meanes of the Maccabees shall unite themselves to their brethren yet without any inward faith or piety V. 35. Shall fall many of them shall suffer martyrdome that the triall of their faith and the purification of their hearts and works may be in this world by the fire of afflictions to their everlasting salvation See Dan. 12. 10. To the time which is appointed by Gods counsell to have an end of these persecutions V. 36. Above every because he shall forbid the use and exercise of any Religion but only of that which he shall establish 1 Mac. 1. 43. and 3. 29. Marvellous things See Dan. 7. 25. and 8. 10. 25. 1 Mac. 1. 46 c. Till the untill the time as God hath set downe for his judgments and visitations of his people V. 37. Shall be regard he shall disannull his owne ancient Religion 1 Mac. 1. 43. Nor the desire Antiochus shall be so rigorous in his superstition that he shall not suffer any of his women whereof he shall have many and amongst the rest a Jewesse to use their own religion as other Kings have done 1 Kings 11 4. 16. 31. Others refer this to the cruely of this Kings heart who would never be moved by any naturall affection Unlesse the sin against nature be here meant V. 38. The God of namely the Olympian Jove to whom Antiochus had consecrated the Temple of God 2 Mac. 6. 2. and so he placed him as it were in Gods own rock v. 31. Whom his fathers for the said Olimpian Jove was an Athenian Idoll and not a Syrian one which was Antiochus his native countrey With gold namely with gifts and offerings of such things according to the manner of Idolaters V. 39. Thus shall the Italian he shall come that is to say he shall seaze upon Jerusalem and especially upon the strong City and fort of David which hee having well fortified and furnished with men shall put downe Gods true service and establish his owne abominable idolatry in the Temple 1 Mac. 1. 35 38. As if that Idoll were his protector against God And increase he shall raise these Jewes to honour who shall take pleasure in his wicked counsels and enterprizes as Jason 2 Mac. 4. 7 8. and Menelaus 2 Mac. 4. 23 24 50. Whom for money he made High Priests and Governours of the people V. 40. The end when God shall have set a period to Antiochus his reigne and persecutions v. 35. The King Philometer King of Egypt shall come against Antiochus who with great strength and celerity shall set upon him overcome him and drive him out of his dominions and shall victoriously over-run Egypt and other neighbouring countries V. 41. The glorious land namely Judea See Dan. 8. 9. 11. 6. Overthrowne by the incursions and spoiling of the countrey Shall escape because they shall hold of Antiochus his side V. 43. The Lybians a people of Africa subjects to Philometer who after that he was overcome submitted himselfe to Antiochus his service V. 44. But tydings of the Persians and Parthians rebellion which were nations towards the North-east of Syria and of their invasion made upon Antiochus his dominions Shall trouble him in his enterprize against the Jewes who shall have shaken off their yoake and shall be set at liberty under Judas Maccabeus 1 Mac. 3. 27. Goe forth he shall send his Captaines with a mighty army to destroy all the Jewish nation 1 Mac. 7. 31 35. V. 45. Shall plant Antiochus his army shall intrench it selfe having the royall tent set up for a signe of full power given to his Captaines in Emmaus betweene the Sodome and Mediterranean sea neer to Jerusalem 1 Mac. 3. 40. 4. 3. and there it shall be overthrowne In the glorious See Psal 48. 1. Dan. 8. 9. To his end whereof see 1 Mac. 6 8. CHAP. XII Verse 1. AT that time after the destruction of all the foresaid Monarchies See Dan. 2. 24. Michael the Sonne of God shall appeare in the flesh and shall by God his father be established everlasting King of the Church See Dan. 10. 13. Josh. 5. 14. 15 Which standeth who is their protector against all their enemies Psal. 54. 4. A time this seemes to have a relation to the extreame calamities which the Jewes suffered under the Romans after Christs ascent into heaven Mat. 24. 21. Thy people God shall deliver his elect out of the generall reprobation and extermination of the Jewish nation See Mat. 24. 22. Rom. 9. 27 29. In the booke of eternall life Psal. 69. 28. Luke 10. 20. Phil. 4. 3. Rev. 3. 5. 13. 8. 2. Many of them the Angell goeth on to the
which lived in those dayes Others that it is a fained name to signifie the qualities of Gods people as well in grace for it may signifie perfection as in judgement for it may be taken for the end or finall extermination Diblaim the reason of this name which seemes also to be figurative is very obscure Some have held it to be the name of some wildernesse Ezek. 6. 14. to shew the Churches wretched beginning in its own nature As Cant. 3. 6. Ezek. 16. 7. V. 4. Izreel it seemes that by those three Children was figured the ruine of the kingdome of the ten Tribes which was effected at three severall times The first was when the progeny of Jehu was extinguished 2 Kings 15. 12. The other two was when the King of Assyria did invade them 2 Kings 15. 29. 17. 3 6. The blood namely the executions done by Jehu in Izreel 2 Kings 9. 24 31. 10. 11 17. which were commanded by God for the re-establishment of his service which Jehu not performing they are imputed unto him for so many murthers See 1 Kings 16. 7. Will cause to cease for by the rooting out of the line of the line of Jehu the kingdome of Israel receaved such a wound that it could never rise againe V. 5. Breake I will beat down the power of Israel I will take away from them all means of defending themselves and of subsisting against their enemies by the losse of some battell or by some other accident not mentioned in Scripture In the valley of which See Josh. 17. 16. Judg. 6. 33. V. 6. Lo-ruhamath that is to say one of whom no mercy is had Rom. 9. 25. But I will because I have pardoned them enough already V. 7. Of Judah in which the covenant remained and the service and Church of God By the Lord by my selfe miraculously or by vertue of the everlasting Son of God perpetuall Head and Saviour of his Church V. 9. Lo ammi that is to say one that is not my people Rom. 9. 25. Your namely your God according to the enterchangeable condition of the covenant V. 10 The number this may be understood of the increase of this people in all their dispersions untill the time of their conversion In the place the Italian Instead that is to say by the Gospell which they shall at last receive they will obtaine a more firme covenant and conjunction with God being made not onely his people and subjects but his children by adoption of grace and regeneration of Spirit and holy spirituall liberty V. 11. The children that is to say at the last all Israel shall acknowledge and accept of Christ for their head and shall be altogether re-united to his Church Rom. 11. 12 15 25. 2 Cor. 3. 16. See Isay 11. 13. Jer. 3. 18. Ezek. 37. 16 22. Come up they shall separate themselves from the world to joyne themselves to the Church and so goe on the way to the Kingdome of heaven The day That time shall be admirable by reason of the gathering together of the Israelites which before seemed rather to be an Izreel that is to say a people dispersed by God then an Israel CHAP. II. Vers. 1. SAy yee unto Thou Hosea and all other believers which are amongst these people doe not hold them to be altogether rejected to forsake them to their owne lusts but call them to repentance setting before them what is the duty of Gods people signified by Ammi that is to say My people towards whom God hath not yet shut up the entrals of his mercy which is signified by Ru-hamah V. 2. Plead with Reprove the body of your Nation openly She is not She doth not keepe her faith which she hath promised me and I have already good cause to put her away which I forbeare to do through my great patience Let her therefore put away Let her dispose her selfe to true chastity and spirituall purity using no more lascivious baits and practices to draw prophane Nations on to trade with her in Idolatry see Jer. 2. 33. and 4. 30. V. 3. Lost I strip her Lest I take away from her all my bodily and spirituall graces and bring her to extreme misery see Ezek. 16. 39. and 23. 26 29. She was borne See Ezek. 16. 4. With thirst that is to say With the scorching heat of my wrath not tempered with any grace or comfort Jer. 2. 15. Ezek. 22 24. Amos 8. 11 13. V. 4 Upon her children Namely Upon the particular members of this people Of whoredomes that is to say Bastards having no part in the regeneration of the heavenly Father to holinesse of life but being altogether corrupted like their mother see John 8 44. V. 5. My lovers Idols and Idolatrous people by whose gift and benefit and not the true Gods I have plenty of all good things v. 8. 12. See Jer. 44. 17. V. 6. I will hedge I will enclose her up with difficulties and extreme distresses that shee shall not be able to run out at her owne pleasure see Job 3. 23. and 19. 8. Lam. 3. 7 9. V. 7. She shall follow She shall seeke for favour and aid at their hands but all in vaine they shall all forsake her and shall change their ancient love into mortall hatred Jer. 2. 36. Ezek. 16. 27. To my first namely to God V. 8. Which they In making of Idols or in serving and honouring them see Ezek. 7. 20. and 16. 16. Hos. 8. 4. V. 9. In the time namely At the time which I have appointed or in Harvest-time and Vintage-time I will take away her increase of corne and wine and give it for a prey unto her enemies V. 11. Her feast dayes Which were dayes of publike rejoycing Numb 10. 10. and were observed even amongst the ten tribes in imitation of those of Judea 1 King 12. 32. V. 13. Decked her selfe A terme taken from lascivious women which decke themselves to allure men whereby are meant the Israelites prophane pomps in their Idolatries V. 14. Therefore Because she hath quite forgotten me and will never be converted of her selfe I will prevent her by my mercy recalling her mildly by my Gospel Which is referred to the last conversion of Israel And bring her I will bring her unto me bringing her home from her banishment through many miseries as I brought my people out of Egypt into the land of Canaan through the wildernesse V. 15. From thence namely From the head of the wildernesse The meaning is that as my people comming out of the wildernesse came into a most fruitfull countrey so mine elect comming out of an extreme spirituall misery shall enjoy mine abundant blessings Others translate it from that time forward The valley of Whereof mention is made Jos. 7. 26. Isa. 65. 10. It was a most fruitfull place at the entrance of the countrey so soone as they were come over Jordan and by it are meant the first favours which God bestowed on his when they enter into his
the neerest friends A guide so are they called in Scripture who by reason of their degree duty or authority are as it were the heads and directors of others as the husband is of the wife the Schoolemaster of his scholers and the Councellor of the Prince Psal. 5â— 14. Keepe the discover not thy secret to thine owne wife for feare left she betray thee V. 7. Therefore I the Italian but I namely I Micah with all true beleevers seeing all manner of hope of being releeved by men to be past will turn to God by faith expectation prayer V. 8. Rejoyce not words of the Church encouraged by Gods grace against all the taunts of the whole multitude of her adversaries V. 9. I will beare with humility and patience He plead against mine enemies who taking no care for to execute Gods judgements for my sins have wreaked all their cruelty upon me Will bring me as it were out of the low pit of misery in which I am His righteousnesse his deliverance the effect of his loyalty and love towards me and of his severe justice against his and mine enemies V. 11. In the day An Euangelicall promise the meaning is when in the Messias his time I shall re-establish my Church which hath beene as an excluded and abandoned Possession Amos 9. 11. I will set her in perfect liberty freeing her from the commands of all others but mine owne V. 12. They shall come All Nations shall joyne themselves to the Christian Church See Isa. 19. 23. The fortified cities A Countrey which is most strong by nature being bounded by the sea and by wildernesses and entrenched with great channells of water The Prophet names it so by an allusion to the Hebrew name of Egypt See Dan. 11. 15 24. The river namely Euphrates V. 13. The land namely Judea before the comming of Christ in the flesh Because of Or together with c. For the â—ruits For the just recompence and punishment of their sinnes V. 14. Feed thy The Prophets words to our Saviour Jesus Christ that hee would be pleased to feed and guide his Church which is destitute of all humane help and is exposed to many dangers like sheep upon the mountains and in woods Carmel Basham Places yeelding fat pastures V. 15. Will I shew Christ his answer V. 16. They shall lay They shall hold their peaces for fear Shal be deaf With the sudden bursting forth of Gods wonderfull and terrible works V. 17. Thâ—y shall â—ick They shall be cast down with all their pride at Gods feet who shall raigne in his Church Psal. 72. 9. Isa. 49. 23. Because of thee O God! or of thee O Church when thou shalt be restored to thy glory and splendor by Christ who shall dwell and operate in thee The Booke of the Prophet NAHUM ARGUMENT AFter the Lord had suspended his judgements touching Nineveh which seemed to be moved to repentance by Jonahs preaching and that City together with the whole Assyrian Empire whereof it was the head were returned to their former sinnes encreasing them through the oppression and persecution of the Church Nahum was raised up to denounce to both of them the last and irrevocable decree of their ruine by the Chaldeans and Medes The summe of which is That the everlasting glorious and Almighty God being jealous of the wrong done to his Majesty and the oppression of his people by the Assyrians and to execute his judgements upon them for many other sinnes and violences would within a short time cause that so ancient mighty and flourishing Monarchie to perish The execution of which decree and sentence is set downe and lively represented by Nahum by all its circumstances to assure Gods people so much the more thereof and to comfort them for the evills which they had suffered by them CHAP. I. Vers. 1. THe burthen that is to say A Prophecie of threatnings and evils Isa. 13. 1. Jer. 23. 33. Nineveh The head of the Assyrian Empire which was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar the Great King of Chaldea who also destroyed Nineveh Isa. 10. 5 12. Ezek. 31. 3. Zeph. 2. 13. Elkoshite Of a city or castle called Elkosh which ancient histories have affirme to have been within the Tribe of Simeon but the Scripture makes no mention thereof V. 2. Is jealous Who cannot endure such injuries done in his glory and to his children as the Assyrians have done to them V. 3. The clouds He meaneth the cloudes of the ayre even as a great cloud of dust would be raised by a great multitude of horsemen riding apace V. 4. Bashan The strength and beauty of creatures is destroyed when they seele His wrath The floure namely The faire and excellent Cedars and other trees of Lebanon Or Lebanon which was so prosperous and flourishing V. 7. He knoweth them that is to say He approveth of favoureth and taketh an especiall care of them V. 8. With an overrunning floud Which shall breake downe all defences and banks and shall not be kept backe nor turned any other way as Isa. 28. 19. Thereof namely of Nineveh V. 9. What doe yee imagine What counsell or advice can you take to withstand the judgement which hangeth over you V. 10. Folden together Troubled and perplexed in their counsells and meanes of their defence and also made drunke with wine and pleasures and with pride of their greatnesse and power V. 11. One come He seemes to point at Senacharib who had plotted the totall ruine of Jerusalem under Hezekiah V. 12. Though they be The height which this Empire shall have attained to shall be like unto the ripenesse of corne or of the grasse of the fields which seemeth to call upon the Sickle and Sithe to cut and mowe it downe Though I have God turneth his speech to the Church V. 14. Concerning thee Thou King or Empire of Assyria Betweene namely That after thou art thus cast downe as v. 12. thou shalt no more come to thy former state contrary to those fields which after the coâ—ne is cut downe are sowne againe or he intimates the totall extinguishment of the royall race of Assyria Will I â—ut off This is added according to the custome of Prophets who in the description of the ruines of States doe adde thereunto the overthrow of the Idolls Make thy namely That house of thy Gods hee seemeth to have a relation to Senacharâ—bs being murthered in his own Idols temple 2 King 19. 37. after he had been shamefully forced 〈◊〉 goe out of Judea V. 15. Behold A description of the Churches joy at the newes of the Assyrians ruine by the meanes of which shee might in peace security and m 〈…〉 h attend upon God service and give him thankes Performe Or pay and yeeld them up CHAP. II. Vers. 1. HE that dasheth namely The King of the Chaldeans Keepe the Use what care thou canst for to defend thy selfe for all shall be in vaine See Jerem. 51. 11 12. V. 2. Turned away the Italian Restored that is
See Isa. 14. 8. Ezek. 31. 16. The spoile as oftentimes Wolfes and other ravening beasts are surprised in the greatest heate of their slaughter which blindeth them so the like shall happen to thee V. 18. What profiteth A scoffe at the Caldeans vaine confidence in their Idols A teacher Idols are so called Jer. 10. 8 14. Zech 10. 2. because that according to the opinion of Idolaters they are remembrances and visible documents of an invisible Deity And in the meane time they cause mans minde to goe astray from the true and saving knowledge of God revealed in his Word imprinting false opinions of God in him bringing him downe to sensible things in stead of raising him up to spirituall ones V. 19. Awakâ— to help me Teach that is to say counsell and direct thee V. 20. Is in his liveth and raigneth in Heaven in glory and is present in grace in Spirit in his Temple and it is â—itting that all the world should submit to him in all humility CHAP. III. Ver. 1. SIgionoth A terme of musicke The meaning whereof is unknowne See Psal. 7. upon the title V. 2. Thy speech namely the precedent prophecye concerning the â—â—ine of Babylon Wherefore in all humble reverence I submit my selfe to Thy will Only I pray thee that thou wouldst continue thy worke of grace in thy Church during The seventy yeares of captivity of which thou hast declared â—nto us the prefixed time V. 3. God he describes the glorious bringing in of Gods people into the Land of Canaan under Joshua inferring thereby that as God had miraculously brought his people into that Countrey so he might bring them in againe notwithstanding all lets and hinderances From Teman of Idumea within whose territories lay a great part of that Wildernesse through which the people passed Judg. 5. 4. Parâ—â— a place in the Wildernesse Numb 10. 12. Selah See Psal. 3. 4. Of his praise of his noble acts worthy to be praised in all ages and at all times Others of his Brightnesse V. 4. The hiding the brightnesse thereof was so great that it dâ—â—â—lâ—d the sight so that one could not see into it V. 5. Before him these scourges went before him and behind him as his Officers and executiâ—neâ—â— of his vengeances V. 6. He stood as it were in the frontier to mâ—â—â— out the Countrey for his people The Nations namely the Canaanites See Exod. 15. 15. Jos. 2. 9. and 5. 1. Everlasting which have never changed neither place nor forme since their Creation See upon Gen 4â— 26. Deut. 33. 15. 〈◊〉 all worldly heights which seemed immutable melted before him His wayes to him only belongeth to move everlastingly in the actuall exercise of his power to doe whatsoever he pleaseth V. 7. I saw that is to say all the neighbouring Nations as the Arabians that lived in Tents were terrified at the peoples passage through the Wildernesse See Exod. 15. 15. Numb 22. 3 4. Others thinke he hath a relation to the discomfiture of Cushan-Pisaraim by Othniel Judg. 3. 10. of the Midianiteâ— by Gideon Judg. 6. 1. V. 8. Was the Lord God did not cry out upon the Red Sea nor upon Jordan because he was angry with those creatures to destroy them or to alter their naturall course but only for the safe-guard of his people Psal. 114. 5. Thou didst ride every time that thou hast shewed thy selfe as it were in baâ—â—ell array it hath alwayes been for the deliverance of thy people V. 9. Thy â—â—w A figurative terme taken from that in those Countries the Archers did use to carry their bones in certaine cases Cleave A poeticall hyperbole Thou didst cleave the earth and causedst waters and streames to come forth every where V. 10. The overflowing thou pouredst downe from Heaven a strong and fierce raine Psal. 77 17. Uâ—teâ—ed his voice A poeticall representation as if the Sea had required mercy and pardon of God feeling it selfe strucken by his hand V. 11. The Sun this may be referred to that which was done by Joshuah Jos. 10. 12 13. or it is a continuation of the precedent representation Thâ—â—e â—â—â—owes namely of thy lightenings V. 13. Thine Aâ—â—inted namely Moses and Aaron or Joshua persons consecrated by God to be instruments of his peoples deliverances and victories See Psal. 77. 20. Isa. 63. 11. Woundeâ—â—â— thou destroyedst Pharaoh King of that wicked Countrey Aegypt with all his Army even as a house which were overthrowne to the very ground V. 14. With his staves causing his enterprize and the preparation which he made to follow thy people to be the occasion of his owne ruine Of his villages namely of all the Land of Egypt inhabited as the most part of Africke is in Castles and Villages See Isa. 1â— 2. Secretly being far from any reliefe or assistance A terme taken from high-way robbers Psal. 10 8. V. 15. with thine horses whereby are meant the windes or the cloudes Psal. 104. 3. or the Host of Angels who are Gods Horse-men Psal. 68. 17. V. 16. I heard the denuntiation of thine horrible judgments upon thy people so different from these thine ancient deliverances hath quite dismayed me Râ—ttennesse my spirit is gnawne and consumed therewith V. 17. The Fig-tree that is to say the Countrey shall be brought into extreme desolation V 18. Yet I will notwithstanding the naturall feeling of all these great evils I and all other true Beleevers will be comforted by the most certaine promises of deliverance Hab. 2. 4. V. 19. â—e will make he will at last doe his people that favour as to let them escape and save themselves in the Church under Gods protection as the Hinde hunted followed by the huntsmeâ— retireth to her covert To the See Psal. 4. in the title The Booke of the Prophet ZEPHANIAH ARGUMENT THis Prophet lived and prophesied but few yeares before the captivity of Babylon together with many others who by their preachings have kept off the imminent ruine exhorting That wicked people to repentance and conversion to prevent Gods judgements And such is also the only subject of this Prophecye in which Zephaniah denounceth the approaching desolation by the Caldeans for a punishment of their idolatries tyrannies oppressions and incorrigible wickednesses which raigned in all the people high and low from which he earnestly exhorteth them to turne Then he turneth towards the true Beleevers and the Elect whom he comforteth with the promises of deliverance from these evils and of everlasting salvation by Christ who should gather together His Church from amongst all the Nations in the World and should sanctifie it blesse it and glorifie it for ever and should ruine all her enemies CHAP. I. Ver. 2. I Will A threatening of the Countries desolation by the Caldeans V. 3. The fowles A kinde of amplification very frequent amongst the Prophets See Jer. 4. 25. and 12. 4. Hos. 4. 3. Stumbling blocks the Idols and all the objects and instruments of Idolatry by which men were induced to sinne even
which was my due to attribute it to themselves and by this meanes obtaine grace and credit for thâ—â— owne false doctrine and defame mine Ver. 16. For though an answer to an objection which might have beene made thus And what great glory can there bee in this is not the charge of preaching the Gospell of it selfe a thing of far greater value then this scrupulous abstaining from reward he answers my charge was imposed upon re by an expresse command which I must obey unleâ—â—â— I will draw down Gods curse upon me now there can be no glory in doing of things which are of absolute necessitie but in those which are of free-will as in refusing to take any thing of you to avoid scandall and calumnie Ver. 17. For if here ought to bee supplied by preaching the Gospell I doe howsoever escape the punishment for disobedience but this is not suffici 〈…〉 for I must doe it of a free will which onely makes the workeman acceptable to God and capable of the free reward of eternall glory and not the worke or labour it selfe to which God oftentimes bâ—â—des him and many times drives him thereunto against his will See Isaiah 50. 5. Ieremiah 20. 7. Ezekiel 5. 14. 1 Pet. 5. 2. V. 18. What is my reward namely the present reward of men of which the Lord hath said the labourer is worthy That when I preach instead of recompence and reward I have this comfort that I have taken away all occasion from weake and wicked men of speaking ill of the Gospell and me That I abuse not namely that I make no indiscreet use of it not regarding the consequences and other 〈◊〉 understandings V. 19. Though I be though I be not bound 〈◊〉 any one and that no body can impose any Law â—â—on mee by any authority in these things yet through charitie I have framed my selfe to the will of others to draw them so much the easilier unto the 〈◊〉 Rom. 1. 14. Gal. 5. 13. The more namely as many as possibly I can Ver. 20. As a Jew namely in the observing of many externall ceremonies of the Law in which the Iewes who were converted to the faith did yet beleeve and did devoutely observe them abhorring to keep company with such as did not use them Ver. 21. To them that namely to the Ge 〈…〉 Rom. 2. 12 14. To God namely in mine 〈◊〉 parts and in respect of God and the obedience 〈◊〉 to â—im conforming all mine actions and motions 〈◊〉 the ruâ—e of his spirituall and everlasting Law Unâ—â— the this mine obedience to God is not after the lewish manner in ceremonies and externall observations but such as Christ app oâ—â—s and inspires into those who are his Rom. 7. 6. 1. Cor. 7. 22. 2. Cor. 3. 6. V. 22. Became 1 I condescended to their weaknesse either in teaching of them according to their capacity or bearing with their defects or Keeping my self from offending or provoaking them V. 23. For the Gospell to procure the advancement of the Gospell for the salvation of others and that I likewise by the faithfull accomplishment of mine office may obtaine the effect of the promises of it in the life everlasting V. 24. Know ye not as in your race there are some which fall in the middle of the race or cannot finish their course or come not time enought to the end so you following mine example must perseruere and set all our strengths to the finishing of the race of your heavenly calling without contenting your solues with haveing begun V. 25. Every man this other comparison of â—â—astlers or others that strive upon stages or at publick shewes after the ancient manner serves to shew 〈◊〉 Christians vocation is also to fight and overcome Now these Kinde of wrastlers or strivers either to gaine or to preserue strength used to keep very good diet in a choice and certaine quantily of food and grea continence and all this they did to obtaine the victory in these publik sports which victorie was honoured with some garland of flowers herbes or leaves from whence the Apostle drawes these exhortations to desire beleevers to abstaine from lust and delights of the flesh especially in those heathâ—nish feasts which were joyned with much intemperancie that theymight prove the stronger and abler in their spirituall combates and obtaine the crowne of everlasting glorie in all things which may hinder his profession or his end as especially in their use of woman for they did 〈◊〉 to seed abundantly and upon grosse meates V. 26. Not as to that I may not be in any danger or doubt of having runne in vaine without obtaining any reward thorow any default of mine owne for not making use of those meanes as god had appointed not as on that striking and missing as your in expert beginners doe who cannot hiâ—â— nor any right nor certainly V. 27. Keep under by mortifying my carnall affections and by all manner of â—â—ouâ— exercises I dobring my self in the obedience and discipline of Gods spirit and to patience and constancie in all travailes and to strength and 〈…〉 ity requried in these spirituall combates a cast a â—â—y found unworthy of beeing approved and 〈…〉 ded as one of Gods bold Champions he hath a relation to that there were certaine colledges 〈…〉 s of these exercises of armes in which 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 entred if they did not submitt themselves to the rigor of the discipline or did not prove as they should doe were crossed out by the masters or if they were before knowen to be base or cowardly they were not admitted at all CHAP. X. VER 1. OVr fathers namely the ancient Israelites to whom we succeedede in Gods covenant and title of his Church The end is to draw the Corinthians away by the example of the ancient people from all proâ—hannesse Idolitrie and other fines which they might fall into thortow too much liberty especially by frequentinge of those idolatrous feasts under pretence of Christiane liberty V. 2. were all the meaning is as the deliverance out of Egipt was afigure of the redemption by Christ and the pilgrimage thorow the wildernesse and image of the elects life in the world and the land of Canaan a shadow of the Kingdom of heaven So the passage thorow the red Sea was correspondent to Baptisme and Manna and the water comming out of the rock a signe which had some resemblance to the Lords supper Whence it appeares that our fathers did enjoy the same spirituall benefitts as the Christian church though in an inferiour degree and yet manie of them were punished rooted out and rejected for their sinnes So Christians ought to fear the same usage if they doe prophane their profession by the like acts See Heb. 4. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 21. Unto Moses the Italian in Moses namely in or unto the confirmation of the promises of grace preached and administred by Moses and under the forme which God had appointed by him V. 3 The same namely the