should not take the daughters of the strange nations to their sonnes least they should make them to goe a whoring after their gods Exod. 34.16 yet was it simply forbidden to marrie any such though such danger ensued not as the people confesse that they had trespassed against God in taking strange wiues of the people of the land Ezra 10. 2. yet there is no mention made that by them they fell to idolatrie 3. Some thinke that the King is forbidden by violence to take away other mens wiues as they did before the flood which was Dauids great offence in taking Vriahs wife Pellic. in Deut. 17. If this were the meaning then Salomon in the great multiplicitie of his wiues had not transgressed against this law for we find not that among so many of his Queenes and concubines any of them was an others wife 4. Neither yet can it be thought of Dauid so holy a man that he would apparently transgresse such a manifest law which he could not be ignorant of beeing continually exercised therein and therefore howsoeuer it were a generall infirmitie in those daies not onely in kings but in their people to haue diuerse wiues which it pleased the Lord to vse connivence toward them in yet it sheweth not to be the meaning of this law simply to forbid more wiues then one vnto kings seeing that the Lord gaue power and libertie vnto Dauid to take his masters wiues I gaue thee thy lords house and thy lords wiues into thy bosome 2. Sam. 12.8 The Lord would not haue gone against his owne law 5. Therefore in this place not the thing but the manner thereof is forbidden that he should not take many wiues to giue himselfe to lust and pleasure and so to neglect the office and dutie of the kingdome Borr. for as the King is forbidden to multiplie horse and gold and siluer so he is restrained from multiplying of wiues but it was lawfull simply for the King to haue many horse and to haue much siluer and gold as Salomon had but not to trust in them So was it permitted vnto them in respect of those times to haue diuers wiues so they vsed them not for lust and concupiscence but for procreation neither were addicted vnto them 21. Quest. v. 44. Of the great wrong which Saul offered Dauid in taking away his wife Michal 1. Saul offended first in taking away Dauids wife which was due vnto Dauid in a trebble right by Sauls promise for killing of Goliath by Dauids compact with Saul for he bought her with two hundreth foreskinnes of the Philistims and by the law of matrimonie Saul sinned againe in giuing her to another man 2. Michal also offended in giuing consent to be maried vnto an other for it can not be alleadged that Dauid had giuen her a bill of diuorce or seperation because he afterward did require and receiue her againe which by Moses law he could not haue done if he had giuen vnto her such bill neither had Michal renounced Dauid for it was not the vse for the women to giue the bill of diuorce vnto the man 3. Phalti also sinned in taking an other mans wife the Rabbins here excuse Phalti holding him to haue beene a good man and affirme that he came not neare Michal but the contrarie appeareth in that he was so loath to part with her following her a great way weeping behind her when shee returned to Dauid 2. Sam. 3.16 Sauls tyrannie may be alleadged for defense that they were cōpelled thus to doe though that doth somewhat extenuate the offence yet doth it not iustifie it ex Martyr 22. Quest. v. 44. Of Dauids many wiues and first of Polygamie in generall whether it be simply vnlawfull There are two sorts of bigamie that is the marrying of two and likewise of polygamie the mariage of many wiues for either these tearmes are vsed to signifie the marriage of two or more successiuely one after an other or when two or more wiues are had together but the first acception and vse of these tearmes is improper for he properly by the law is said to haue two wiues that hath them together binas vxores habere dicitur qui eas habet simul he is said to haue two wiues that hath them at once or together Cod. lib. 5. tit 5. leg 1. Diocletian In veritate digami non existunt they which marrie second wiues in truth are not to be said to haue two wiues decret Gregor lib. 1. tit 1. c. 5. the question is here of the second kind of digamie or polygamie not of the first Now first those reasons shall be brought forth and answered which would seeme to prooue that polygamie that is the the hauing of many wiues at once is not simply vnlawfull 1. Holy men as Abraham Iaakob Elkanah Dauid had many wiues at once Ans. Holy men might haue their infirmities God might tolerate it in them in respect of those times which maketh it not simply lawfull 2. The Prophets neuer reprooued them for hauing diuers wiues as when Nathan came to tell Dauid of his sinne he spake nothing of that Ans. The Prophets were silent therein because it was either permitted or tolerated in those times for the procreation of the people of God and therefore it was no maruell if the Prophets spake nothing thereof the people beeing beside enclined to many grosse sinnes 3. But if it were a fault or ouersight in those holy men they would haue repented them thereof which we read they did not Ans. In particular they could not repent of a fault which they were ignorant of in generall they did repent thē of whatsoeuer they did amisse as Dauid oftentimes asketh forgiuenes of sinnes in the Psalmes 4. Nathan comming to Dauid saith that God had giuen his lords wiues into his bosome therefore it was not vnlawfull Ans. This was but Gods indulgence or permission to Dauid to vse this libertie if he would this onely sheweth a toleration or relaxation of the general law for a time it prooueth not simply the lawfulnes of it 5. There is no positiue law made to restraine polygamie Ans. Some thinke that God gaue them no direct law concerning that matter for the propagation and encrease of that nation among whome onely the visible Church of God was Mar. But the proposition is vntrue for beside the generall law giuen in the creation They two shall be one flesh there is an other particular law which restraineth marriage of more then one Leuit. 18.18 Thou shalt not take a wife with her sister during her life to vexe her which is vnderstood not of the naturall sister but of any other woman for the naturall sister could not be maried no not after her sisters death 6. But the law which giueth the brother power to marrie his brothers wife which is deceased maketh no exception if he be maried but absolutely enioyneth him to marie his brothers wife Ans. The Rabbins answer that shee was not properly counted
a bundle Borr. 3. Some that he should haue a sure house to him and to his posteritie who should be as fast bound to continue as a bundle surely tied together Vatab. 4. But it is rather vnderstoode of Dauids preseruation euen in this life as the words shew both going before and following for before shee spake of Sauls rising against Dauid and after shee saith that God shall cast out his enemies as out of a sling that is their life shall be violently taken from them as it was from Saul but Dauids life shall be surely bound vnto him that no man shall be able to take it from him Iun. yet these words haue also a fit relation vnto eternall life where the Saints are bound vp together in the booke of life Mar. 13. Quest. v. 31. Of the griefe of conscience and of the difference betweene a troubled and quiet conscience 1. The word here vsed phukah signifieth a stumbling a metaphore taken from those which doe dash their foote at any thing and so are ouerturned and fall so the conscience is offended at the remembrance of the sinnes past and committed Borr. 2. Some read it shall be no griefe vnto thee that thou hast not shed blood causelesse B.G. but in the originall it is read affirmatiuely that thou hast shed for the griefe of conscience ariseth vpon the guiltines of the things which are past and done therefore it is better read with an affirmation 3. Hence it appeareth what the proper propertie of conscience is that although it doe not presently smite a man when the sinne is committed yet it wil sting in the ende the Latine interpreter translateth it singultum that as the heart throbbeth and sobbeth after some griefe and heauines and as the stomacke riseth after the eating of vnwholesome meates so the conscience in a man boileth within him after that sinne is committed 4. Hereby appeareth the power of the conscience that it euen smiteth Kings they are not free from the stroke thereof for before God in whose sight they are as other men their conscience accuseth them as it doth others God is no accepter of persons 5. Further a difference may be made of consciences there is a troubled conscience and a quiet conscience and both these are seene and found as well in the wicked as the righteous but not after the same manner There is in the wicked sometime a perplexed conscience full of horrour and terrour without any comfort as in Iudas when he had betraied Christ and sometime their conscience is quiet and troubleth them not no not after they haue committed most horrible and hainous sinnes as we doe not read that Saul did any thing at all repent him after he had caused the Priests to be most cruelly slaine and these are the worst of all So there is in the righteous sometime a troubled conscience but not without hope and it is a degree vnto the peace and quietnes of the conscience as Dauid after the sinnes of adulterie and murther was greatly plunged as the fiftie Psalme sheweth The peaceable conscience in the righteous is when hauing wrestled with their sinnes and iudged themselues they finde peace with God by faith in Christ whereof the Apostle speaketh Beeing iustified by faith we haue peace toward God thorough Iesus Christ Rom. 5.1 which peace of conscience Saint Paul enioyed saying I know nothing by my selfe 1. Cor. 4.3 5. Wise Abigail reseruing this argument taken from the testimonie of a good conscience vnto the last place sheweth that there is no greater reward in this world then the inward assurance of the conscience which if it doe cleare vs we neede not feare what the world can obiect against vs as Dauid in an other Psalme saith This I had because I kept thy precepts Psal. 119.56 This was Iobs comfort in his affliction and nothing is more auaileable to refresh vs in the day of our temptation yea in the houre of death then to say with S. Paul I haue fought a good fight I haue finished my course I haue kept the faith 2. Tim. 4.7 God graunt vs all to labour for this peace of conscience 14. Quest. v. 31. In what sense Abigail desireth to be remembred 1. Some thinke that shee prophesied that shee should become Dauids wife but it was not fit that Abigail should haue any such cogitation to desire to be an other mans wife her husband though vnlâ—uely yet beeing liuing 2. Others therefore conceiue that shee foreseeing Nabal was like to die and that shee beeing a widow should haue neede of helpe desired that against such time Dauid should remember her But it can not be gathered that Abigail had any such cogitation or forecast of Nabals death for as yet he was not sicke shee at her returne found him very merie and drunke with wine 3. Therefore shee in effect doth desire no more but this that Dauid would remember afterward that by her meanes he was deliuered from such a great sinne and that he would thinke of her accordingly as Ioseph desired Pharaohs butler to remember him Mart. 15. Quest. v. 33. Of Dauids answer to Abigail 1. Dauids modestie appeareth that at the admonition of a woman is not abashed to acknowledge his ouersight so when Nathan reprooued him he immediately confessed his sinne so Peter beeing rebuked of Paul refused not to ioyne with him the right hand of fellowship Gal. 2. which teacheth vs not to thinke much to be aduertised and aduised by others when we doe amisse 2. He acknowledgeth Gods prouidence herein in sending this woman as an instrument of this worke in keeping him from this sinne so are we taught when we are preserued from any daungerous temptation to returne the praise vnto God yet so as Dauid doth first of all blesse God as the author so he blesseth Abigail as the instrument for we are in some measure bound euen to the instruments whereby the Lord conueigheth any blessing vnto vs as the instrument also of any wicked worke is accursed as the serpent was whose subtiltie Sathan vsed to insinuate himselfe into Eue. 3. This is a speciall fauour of God when he doth preuent the cause of sinne in his children which is done three waies 1. when as God keepeth a man that he doth not so much as intend or purpose any wicked thing as Dauid was free euen in his purpose and desire from wishing the death of Saul 2. when a man is tempted in his thoughts but yet is preserued from doing the fact as Dauid here from killing Nabal 3. when a man hath committed sinne if then he haue grace to repent that he continue not in sinne so Dauid beeing reprooued by Nathan was yet recouered and restored by repentance Mart. 16. Quest. v. 35. Whether Dauid offended in breaking his oath which he had made for the destruction of Nabal and his house 1. A rash vowe and oath for the same reason is both are better broken then obserued the reasons are these the ende of
priuate man to lay hands no not vpon a Tyrant for if it be not lawful for a priuate man to kill a theefe or murderer that is but a priuate person much lesse is it to be permitted that he should rise against the Magistrate though neuer so wicked As Dauid would not here lay hands vpon Saul but leaueth him to God till he should smite him with some extraordinarie sicknesse as he did Nabal or his naturall time come to die or some violent death in battell for these three kinds of death Dauid here toucheth 2. But such priuate men are here to be excepted which are stirred by some extraordinarie motion of the spirit as Ehud was against Eglon king of Moab Iud. 3. In which kind of extraordinarie vocation two things are to be considered both the ende that they did it not for their owne reuenge but to deliuer the people of God as Ehud here did and their persons that though they liued as priuate men before yet in these extraordinarie acts they were declared to be publike gouernours and deliuerers as Ehud was one of their Iudges 3. But yet Tyrants and wicked gouernours may be remooued by the whole state as Athens and Rome were deliuered from their cruell gouernours but this must be vnderstood of such kingdomes where the kingdome goeth by election as in Polonia and Venice for from whom kings receiue their authoritie by them they may be constrained to keepe within their bounds but where kingdomes goe by succession the reason is otherwise vnlesse the Prince by oath be tied vnto certaine conditions and so his authoritie be not absolute but conditionall so long as he obserue and keepe the auncient rites and priuiledges of the countrey which seemeth to be the question at this day betweene the Archduke and the States of the vnited Prouinces 3. Quest. v. 18. Of Dauids Apologie vnto Saul consisting of sixe seuerall reasons and perswasions 1. He sheweth that Saul did persecute him vniustly what haue I done or what euill is in my hands v. 18. 2. He reasoneth from the nature of his offence that it is not such but there may be a reconciliation and God may be appeased by sacrifice 3. From the person of his enemies they were wicked men and accursed before God who haue prouoked and stirred vp Saul against him 4. From the inconuenience that was like to follow that they would driue him from among Gods people and out of his Church and as much as in them lay cause him to consent to the Idolaters 5. If his blood did fall to the ground in the sight of Iehouah he would reuenge it v. 20. 6. Lastly from the indignitie of the fact Saul was like to get no honour by pursuing Dauid who was but as a flea or a partrich in respect of Saul who was king ouer a mightie people Martyr 4. Quest. v. 19. Of the meaning of these words If the Lord haue stirred thee vp let him smell the sauour of a sacrifice 1. Some doe referre this as spoken of Saul that seeing the wrath of God was kindled against him and had sent an euill spirit vpon him which vexed him that Saul should offer sacrifice vnto God to be reconciled vnto him that he beeing directed by his spirit might cease pursuing of Dauid Osiand Pellican but that the offering of the sacrifice is vnderstood of Dauid this dilemma or forked argument which Dauid vrgeth two waies sheweth if it be of God let him smell a sacrifice if of men cursed be they and the whole sentence still runneth vpon Dauid because they did cast him out from the inheritance of the Lord. 2. Others doe vnderstand it of Dauid and here there are diuers expositions Some expound it thus if God haue done it let him be appeased with sacrifice if he wil not be appeased his wil be done but if this were the sense thē the other part of the dilemma were superfluous the argument beeing both waies inforced alreadie in this sense Dauid should speake doubtfully as though God would not be appeased toward him by sacrifice Others thinke that Dauid meaneth that God would by some extraordinarie signe to be giuen by his sacrifice testifie his innocencie as he did in Abels sacrifice iustifie him against Cain and Elias against Baals priests but the phrase of smelling the sauour of a sacrifice signifieth nothing els but the acceptance thereof and of him that sacrificed as it is saide of Noahs sacrifice that the Lord smelled a sauour of rest Gen. 8.21 Iunius referreth it to Dauids person that if there were any sinne found in him he was willing to yeild himselfe to the magistrate to be put to death and so to be offered vp as it were in sacrifice but the phrase let him smell the sauour of a sacrifice sheweth that it can not be vnderstood so for no sacrifice of any man was of a sweete smelling sauour but onely the sacrifice of Christ Eph. 5.2 it is therefore vnderstood of the externall sacrifices which had also a sweete sauour before the Lord not of themselues but as they were figures and types of Christ. Dauids meaning is that he would offer a sacrifice vnto the Lord that his wrath might be appeased toward him Mart. Borr. 5. Quest. How the sacrifices of the law had a sweete sauour 1. The sacrifices of themselues could not giue remission of sinnes for as the Apostle saith Heb. 9.9 The sacrifices could not make holy concerning the conscience him that did the seruice they therefore did no otherwise sanctifie and reconcile vnto God then as they had their force and efficacie from faith in Christ. 2. But yet both the name and the thing is communicated vnto the signe sacrament which is wrought onely by the thing signified and exhibited therein as the lambe is called the Passeouer Exod. 12.11 and circumcision the couenant Gen. 17.3 But this coniunction betweene the signe and thing signified dependeth not vpon any naturall coherence as the Sea followeth the influence of the Moone but it standeth by a diuine constitution so the sacrifices beeing sacraments of the passion of Christ are said to purge and clense and to be of a sweete smell Mart. 6. Quest. v. 19. How the Lord is said to haue stirred vp Saul against Dauid God stirreth none nor tempteth them to euill as he himselfe is not tempted of any yet the Lord may be said here to stirre Saul vp vnto this action in pursuing of Dauid three kinde of waies 1. Instrumentally because God vsed herein iustly the ministerie of the euill spirits that were the instruments and ministers of God in stirring vp Saul they were sent of God in iustice vpon Saul to worke his will Osiand 2. God may be saide to stirre vp the Magistrate to doe iustice properly and as the efficient cause but here Saul did iniustice 3. The Lord stirreth vp occosionally when the wicked take occasion by Gods mercies vpon others to fret and shew their malice as Pharaoh did hate the
some temporall benefit so the thing is vnseemely which is committed and the ende also not good both these Dauid here offendeth in for he speaketh against his conscience and he intendeth therein a temporall benefit that he might still retaine the grace and fauour of the king whatsoeuer should happen Now in respect of the ende and intention of flatterers we may discerne between Christian comitie and gentlenes and carnall adulation and flatterie S. Paul became all vnto all men he seeked to please in things not vncomely but indifferent and he did it not for any temporal commoditie or aduantage to himselfe but onely to winne them vnto Christ. Further let it be considered that there are two sorts of flatterers some are palpable and grosse flatterers that say and vnsay to please them whome they flatter if they say nay they likewise answer Nay if yea then yea also there is an other sort of flatterers that pretend a kind of libertie as though they seemed not to flatter as here Dauid seeketh to please the king by shewing his desire to the kings seruice contrarie to the kings determination Mart. 5. Some also thinke that Dauid in deede desired to stay still in the campe that he might certifie the Israelites of the counsells and intendements of the Philistims and so they might auoid them L. Ben Gerson But this is not like for neither could Dauid haue done this safely without danger and beside he should haue by this meanes cast himselfe into apparent danger if the Philistims should ouercome as they did he was like to loose their fauour if Saul and the Israelites he and his also should haue gone to wracke 3. Quest. v. 9. Of Achish answer to Dauid 1. In that Achish likeneth Dauid to an Angel of God that is as an excellent man sent of God for Angel signifieth a messenger we see that the heathen had some knowledge both of God and of his spirits and messengers the Angels As in this place Achish confesseth these three things 1. that there is a Iehouah that is one almightie God gouernour of the world 2. that the same Iehouah is iust and vpright and therefore loueth such as are so v. 6. 3. he acknowledgeth also that the blessed Angels were ministring spirits vnto this Iehouah Borr. 2. He reporteth the words of the Princes of the Philistims in better manner then they first spake them neither doth he rehearse all their words because he would not altogether discourage Dauid teaching vs that when we doe report a tale from an others mouth we should make not the worst but the best of it Osiand 4. Quest. v. 10. Of Dauids returne 1. Iosephus thinketh that Achish sent backe Dauid to defend the borders of the Philistims least the enemies should inuade the land while they went against Israel adding further that this should be as acceptable a seruice vnto him as if he went with him to battell 2. But the true cause Achish openeth himselfe saying that he should take his masters seruants with him suspecting that they would not be faithfull vnto him that had left their master Saul Pellican 3. Thus wee see what was the issue of Dauids fleeing to the Philistims they haue no confidence in him but send him away as a man not to be trusted Mart. 4. But howsoeuer this returne of Dauid was somewhat contumelious vnto him yet Gods prouidence therein appeareth that by this meanes deliuereth Dauid from so great a straight that he should not be forced to fight against his owne people Osiand CHAP. XXX 1. Quest. v. 1. Of the Amalekites sacking and taking of Ziklag 1. BY this it appeareth what inconueniences followed vpon Sauls sparing of Amalek contrarie to the commandement of God who were reserued for a plague vnto Israel Bor. 2. Beside by this accident God chastiseth and corrects Dauid if he had entertained any such thought as to fight against Israel Osiand 3. Yet so as the Lord remembreth his mercie in iudgement and so ouerruleth the Amalekites as that they put none to the sword but onely caried Dauids wiues away captiue that they might be recouered againe aliue Mar. 4. Gods prouidence also further sheweth it selfe toward Dauid in that Achish did hasten him forward to goe away in the morning very earely and by this meanes making hast he came the sooner to Ziklag to pursue after the Amalekites Pellican and so the Lord calleth Dauid from an vniust quarrel against the people of God to a iust battell against the Amalekites Mar. 2. Quest. v. 3 4. Of the straite that Dauid was in 1. His owne people would haue stoned him laying the cause vpon him that they left their citie without defense to follow after him So Dauid hath fowre kinde of enemies Saul and his companie the Philistims the Amalekites whom Dauid now pursueth and which was most grieuous of all vnto him his owne people and followers intended to stone him wherein he was a figure of our Sauiour Christ who was hated of his owne people as was Moses that faithfull seruant of God Thus it pleased the Lord to trie Dauids patience and now beeing as it were plunged in the depth of sorrow it was a signe vnto him that his deliuerance was neere at hand 2. Dauid weepeth together with the rest and that excessiuely but they for their present losse that their wiues and children were caried away but Dauid further considered that the Lord did chastise him for his sinne 3. By this example of Dauid thus grieuously weeping and lamenting that opinion of the Stoikes is confuted that would haue a wise man without all passion and affection and not so much as to change his countenance Mart. 3. Quest. v. 6. Of these words Dauid did comfort himselfe in his God how the Lord is called his God 1. The Lord was God not onely of Dauid but of all Israel and not onely of Israel but of the Gentiles also But Dauid calleth him his God because he had particular experience of the goodnes of God toward him as all the seruants of God haue Mar. So S. Paul saith I thanke my God Rom. 1.8 and speaking of Christ he saith who hath loued me and giuen himselfe for me Gal. 2.20 2. In the Canticles the Church saith vnto and of Christ My well beloued as Christ calleth the Church My spouse my loue whereupon Bernard noteth well Vniversitatis Dominum quadam sibi proprietate vendicat in dilectum shee challengeth the vniuersall Lord by a certaine proprietie to be her beloued And againe Mirum hoc videtur sed verum animam Deum videntem haud sâ—â—us videre quam si sola videatur à Deo this seemeth strange and yet is true that the soule seeth the all-seeing God as though it alone were seene of God Serm. 69. in Cantic 3. This then maketh strongly against the opinion of the Romanists who thinke it to be presumption for one to haue a particular confidence and assurance in God 4. Quest. v. 15. Whether Dauid
his praise this their vaine ioy continued not long for afterward Dauid was raised vp to be reuenged vpon these despightfull vncircumcised Philistims Mar. 7. Quest. v. 10. How the Philistims hanged vp the bodie of Saul in Bethshan 1. Here mention is made onely of the bodie of Saul so hanged vp but 1. Chron. 11.12 it is gathered that all the bodies of Sauls sonnes were so serued 2. They are said here to be hanged vp on the wall of Bethshan that is in the streete adioyning to the wall 2. Sam. 21.12 3. This Bethshan or Bethshean Iud. 1.27 belonged vnto the lot of Menasseh but was not yet recouered from the Philistims as is noted before of Keilah c. 27.6 4. The Israelites by the law of Moses were not to suffer the bodies of those which were put to death to hang all night vpon the tree Deut. 21.23 but the Philistims beeing more inhumane and reiecting the lawes of the people of God doe expose the bodies of these worthie men vnto derision And in this kind of death Saul is accursed for the curse of God is on him that hangeth on a tree Saul was reiected of God in this life and accursed in his death 5. And herein appeareth Gods iust wrath and indignation against him that doth suffer his owne glorie to be obscured among the Philistims that he might bring vpon Saul this iust and deserued punishment When the Lord was angrie with Israel for the golden calfe set vp in Horeb and would presently haue destroied them Moses turned the Lords purpose by this perswasion that the Egyptians would haue taken occasion thereby to haue blasphemed God Exod. 32.12 but here the Lord neglecteth and is carelesse of his owne glorie that his iustice might take place in Sauls punishment God receiueth dishonour two waies either by the euill life of those which professe his name as Dauid by his sinne caused the enemies of God to blaspheme 2. Sam. 12.14 or els by the punishment of his people which is procured notwithstanding iustly by their sinnes so the people are taught to pray for the turning away of Gods iudgements saying Giue not thine heritage a reproach vnto the heathen Ioel 2.17 And thus the Lord sustained some dishonour in the punishment of Saul among the Philistims but no dishonour at all among his owne people which did see that Sauls sinnes did call for vengeance at Gods hands Mart. We learne by this that sinne is so grieuous a thing in the sight of God that he will not suffer it to goe vnpunished though it be with the hinderance for the time of his owne glorie 8. Quest. v. 12. Of the fact of the men of Iabesh Gilead in rescuing the bodie of Saul and of his sonnes 1. These men of Iabesh dwelled on the further side of Iordan whether the Philistims had not approached therfore by this it is euident that they are deceiued which read v. 7. that the men of Israel on the other side of Iorden when they saw them put to flight left their cities and fled so read S.C. L.B.G. for the Iabeshites dwelt on the further side of Iorden who were so farre from flying and leauing their citie that they valiantly set vpon a citie of the Philistims and recouered the bodies of Saul and of his sonnes the meaning then is that they which were on this side Iorden toward the Philistims fled away for begheber in transitu indifferently signifieth on either side this or the other Iun. 2. These men of Iabesh did this exploit to shew their thankfulnes vnto Saul by whose meanes they had beene formerly deliuered from Nahash king of Ammon c. 11. Pellic. 3. Though Saul died in his sinne yet they would not be wanting toward him in an office and part of humanitie for there is a kinde of courtesie and dutie to be performed euen toward the wicked A child is to shew his reuerence toward a wicked father not enioyning him any euill thing as Ionathan followed Saul to battell and would not be wanting in any dutie So neither are subiects to renounce their obedience vnto an euill Prince standing vnder Gods curse when Ambrose excommunicated Theodosius the Emperour he did not free the people of their obedience and seruice vnto him the practise of the Church of Rome is contrarie who when they excommunicate Princes doe absolue their subiects from their fealtie and allegeance 4. But this is to be vnderstood of humanitie to be performed to such wicked men where God hath not commanded the contrarie for Saul sinned in sparing Agag contrarie to Gods commandement and Achab in letting Benhadad goe Mart. 9. Quest. v. 12. Why the men of Iabesh burned the bodies of Saul and his sonnes 1. Some thinke they did it to giue vnto them honourable buriall burning onely the flesh from the bones not the bones and all to ashes as they vsed to burne malefactours Pellican 2. Some vnderstand that they burned odour for them as they did for Asa 2. Chron. 16.15 and vsed to doe for the Kings Ierem. 34.5 But the words of the text are they burnt them there that is their bodies 3. The meaning then is that they burnt the flesh onely from the bones for these two reasons both because the flesh was now corrupt and putrified and least their bodies afterward falling into the Philistims hand might be exposed to derision Mar. and this was the cause why the auncient Romanes vsed to burne the bodies of the dead Iun. 10. Quest. v. 13. Why the men of Iabesh fasted seuen daies 1. They did not fast to the which they also added lamentations and praier to procure any ease vnto Saul beeing dead as the Romanists thinke by their superstitious praiers and obits to releeue them which are in Purgatorie for euery man liueth by his owne faith not by an others and the Apostle saith that euery one shall receiue according to that which is done in his bodie whether it were good or euill 2. Cor. 5.10 therefore that which is done without the bodie by others helpeth not prayers may mutually helpe the liuing before the sentence be ouer but after sentence which euery one receiueth in his passage out of this life it is too late as is euident in the parable of the rich glutton and Lazarus Luk. 16.2 They fasted then and mourned onely to shew their griefe and to lament for the losse which the commonwealth of Israel receiued by this ouerthrow Ioseph and they mourne seauen daies in memorie of the seauen daies of truce which sometime Nahash the king of Ammon gaue them within which time Saul came and deliuered them Borr. This small comfort Israel had by their first King whome they asked against the will and pleasure of God Mart. To God onely wise be praise thorough Iesus Christ for euer Amen Rom. 16.27 FINIS ERRATA P. 2. read Caietanus for Chartalus p. 4. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 f. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 5. r. iagnal f. ragnal p. 20. r.
God 2. it must be committed by such as haue knowledge and so sinne against their iudgement and conscience 3. the manner must be respected they sinne with an high hand of malice obstinacie and contempt in all these three were the sonnes of Eli found guiltie 9. Quest. v. 25. Of the meaning of these words they hearkned not to the voice of their father because the Lord would kill them 1. Some referre this to the absolute decree of God whereby he had ordained the sonnes of Eli to destruction which went before their rebellion and obstinacie and they adde further that as of saluation so of condemnation there are two causes the first which is the decree and will of God the second of the one faith and the grace of God of the other contempt and disobedience and that herein no reason can be yeelded of Gods will which is most iust but he hath mercie on whome he will and whome he will he hardneth Bor. Pellican But this seemeth not so to be taken of Gods absolute and eternall decree 1. because here mention is made not of their euerlasting damnatiō but of their violent death 2. it would be inferred that Gods will should be the cause of their hardning which in no wise is to be admitted 3. because the positiue and actuall decree of reprobation and destinie vnto damnation is not without respect vnto mans finall impenitencie howsoeuer the reiection of them in not electing them is the act onely of Gods will in which sense it is said that God will not the death of a sinner neither doth he desire that the wicked should die Esech 18.23 God out of his owne will electeth whome he will and reiecteth the rest and those so reiected he ordaineth vnto condemnation but iustly for their sinnes 2. Wherefore the will of God is here rather referred to Gods setled and determinate purpose arising from their obstinacie and impenitencie whereby he had set it downe with himselfe to punish them by death and so to denie them grace of repentance as beeing giuen ouer to a reprobate sense sic Iun. Osiand 3. And further whereas it is said Esech 18. that God will not the death of a sinner and yet here that God would kill them first it may be answered that the Prophet speaketh of penitent sinners whose death indeed the Lord will not neither shall they die but here of obstinate and impenitent sinners secondly Augustine distinguisheth betweene the simple and absolute will of God and voluntas retribuens his recompensing will simply God willeth not death neither made he death but it was brought in by sinne yet God as a iust iudge willeth it as it is a punishment of sinne Martyr 10. Quest. v. 25. Whether any may be said to sinne with the will of God This question is mooued by occasion of these words they obeyed not the voice of their father because the Lord would slay them as though God should be the cause why they obeied not the voice of their father 1. First here the Manichees did most impiously affirme that there were two beginnings and two chiefe princes one of light and an other of darknes from the one proceeded good from the other euill but this is directly contrarie to the Scriptures Psal. 135.6 That God doth whatsoeuer pleaseth him in heauen in earth therefore there is no contrarie power against God 2. Some thinke that God suffereth sinne to be done onely in the world and otherwise concurreth not then in leauing and suffering sinners which was the opinion of Iulian the Pelagian against whome Augustine writ but if God be saide to permit and suffer as he doth for by his absolute power he could hinder that no sinne should be committed he either suffereth sinne against his will which cannot be saide for nothing can resist his will or with his will if he willingly permit then there is more then a bare suffering likewise the phrase of Scripture when he is said to harden Pharaohs heart to bidde Shemei curse Dauid to giue ouer to a reprobate sense doe shew more then a permission 3. Therefore although sinne may be saide in some respect to stand with the will of God as shall be shewed yet God is no way the author or cause of sinne but euery man is tempted and lead aside of his owne concupiscence Iam. 1.14 but how sinne standeth with the will of God it now followeth to be declared 1. God concurreth in euery action as a generall cause for whatsoeuer is wrought by the second causes proceedeth originally from the first cause for in him we mooue we liue and haue our beeing Act. 17. but the euilnes of the action issueth from the second causes as the rider is the efficient cause of the going of the lame horse but his lame going is of himselfe 2. God also concurreth in subtracting and denying his grace where he giueth grace it is of mercie where he withholdeth it is iust for none are depriued of his grace but the vnworthie and such as refuse but why God giueth not like grace to all there is no other reason but his good pleasure 3. Sinne as it is sinne standeth not with Gods will but as it is the punishment of sinne 4. God is willing sinne should be done because he knoweth how to vse it to his glorie as the fall of Adam was the occasion of the redemption of the world 5. God concurreth in the actions of sinners as a supreame iudge and ouer-ruler sometime staying sinne before it be done by punishing it when it is done and in the wicked by drawing forth their malice and causing it to appeare as in this sense he is said to haue hardned Pharaohs heart 6. Yet Gods will is to be considered two waies there is his secret and reuealed will as when he bid Abraham sacrifice his sonne his reuealed will was that he should slay him his secret will that he should not so Gods will reuealed is against sinne but it standeth with his secret will as is before shewed Martyr 11. Quest. v. 30. Of these words I said that thine house and the house of thy father should walke before me for euer when this promise was made concerning Eli his house 1. Some thinke that whereas Eli came of Ithamar the sonne of Aaron in the time of the Iudges the sonnes of Eleazar in whose posteritie the high Priesthood was setled abusing themselues and their place their office was taken from them and giuen conditionally vnto the sonnes of Ithamar if that they faithfully would execute the same sic Borr. Osiand Mar. But seeing no such conditionall promise made to the sonnes of Ithamar is mentioned in Scripture it is hard to coniecture it and beside seeing the Lord had promised vnto Phinehes and his seede the high Priests place for euer Num. 25. how could this promise stand if that office were afterward assured vnto an other it is like then that in those disordered times vnder the Iudges especially
taking an oath wishing that God should doe so and so to him if Ionathan died not both shewed his prophane custome of swearing and cursing to the which it seemeth he was much giuen Iun. as likewise his vnnaturall crueltie ioyned with vaine glorious ambition in hardening his heart against his owne sonne whome rather he should haue sought meanes to deliuer from this daunger Osiand but this oath and curse did in the ende fall vpon his owne head Iun. 2. The people oppose a iust oath against his hypocriticall oath Borr. and doe charge his conscience before God that he should rather haue respect vnto equitie then vnto his rash oath Iun. and they vse two reasons why Ionathan should not die first that he was found guiltie of no capitall offence in saying shall Ionathan die that is in whome there is found no cause of death Borr. secondly because he by whom God had wrought such deliuerance was not worthie of death Iun. it was not fit that he should die by whose meanes they were all aliue Osiand 3. Iosephus thinketh the people were mooued by pitie and commiseration toward Ionathan when they saw that he willingly yeilded himselfe to death but it seemeth rather by Ionathans answer I tasted a little honie and loe shall I die that he thought his fathers sentence vniust and hard against him and was discontented with it 4. If the people interceded by their praier they offended not but if they pressed violently vpon Saul in making a mutinie they can not be excused Mar. 22. Quest. v. 47. Of Sauls victories 1. Some read he ouercame them L. some he did valiantly P. stoutly V. or troubled disquieted them Iun. some that he condemned them A. or handled them as wicked men G. the word is iarshiang he made them euill which is well interpreted he put them to the wurse B. which is more then to disquiet or trouble them for one may be troublesome where he preuaileth not 2. It pleased God though Saul were a wicked a man yet for his Church and people sake to giue him good successe Osiand 3. But he did not make a perfect conquest of them that was reserued for Dauid Borr. 23. Quest. Of Sauls sonnes 1. Here are three sonnes onely rehearsed of Saul he had Ishbosheth beside 2. Sam. 2.8 who is omitted here as some thinke because they onely are here named which were fitte for the warre Vatab. but this is not like for Ishbosheth was 40. yeare old when he beganne to raigne ouer Israel after Sauls death 2. Sam. 8.9 And Saul did not raigne aboue twentie yeares for Samuel and Saul had but 40. yeares betweene them Act. 31.21 whereof twentie were expired before Saul was chosen king c. 7.2 then Ishbosheth might be at this time about 20. yeare old which age was not altogether vnfit for the warre 2. It is more likely that he is omitted here because they onely are mentioned which died with their father in the battell against the Philistims c. 31.2 Iun. 3. He which is called Ishua is named also Abinadab c. 31.2 and 1. Chron. 8.9 Iun. Genevens 24. Quest. v. 50. Of Sauls monogamie or single marriage 1. Some doe number this among Sauls vertues that he had but one wife fere solus non multiplicasse vxores legitur and he is found alone almost of all the kings not to haue multiplied wiues Pellican the same author saith that excepting the persecution of Dauid which was for the kingdome meliores Israelitae reges paucos habuerunt the Israelites had few better kings But he faileth in both these commendations of Saul First concerning his wife though he be read to haue but one no more is there mention made but of one wife of Ieroboam 1. king 14.1 As Ieroboam notwithstanding with his one wife is not to be preferred before Salomon with his many wiues no more doth Sauls monogamie ioyned with many vices obscure Dauid with his polygamie beeing endued with many vertues Dauid transgressed in two great sinnes against the second table but Saul beside his murders and other trespasses against the second table chiefly offended in his hypocrisie disobedience and rebellion against God in the breach of the first table so that in these two examples it is euident that the sinnes against the first table which concerneth our dutie toward God are more grieuous in their kind and degree then the sinnes committed against the second table but in this comparison the great transgressions of the first table must be set against the greatest of the second not that the least offence of the first table is heauier then the greatest of the second as that it is more hainous to worke vpon the Lords day then to commit adulterie or to kill a man but Idolatrie is more grieuous then either the comparison then must be in the same degree or els it holdeth not But to returne to Saul what though he had but one wife yet he had a concubine beside Rispah by whome he had two children 2. Sam. 21.8 which was all one as if he had two wiues nay in those daies when for the carnall generation of that people polygamie was tolerated or rather winked at it was worse Secondly there were other great enormities in Saul beside his persecuting of Dauid as the putting to the sword of the innocent Priests with their whole citie the seeking vnto witches beside his hypocrisie and disobedience toward God that many worse can not be found setting Idolatrie aside which Saul was not touched with in all the ranke of the kings of Israel there were many morall and ciuill vertues in Saul his valure and magnanimitie against the enemies of Israel his blind zeale for the people of God so are there to be found among the heathen many worthie examples of fortitude iustice temperance which were in them but speciosa peccata goodly sinnes as Augustine saith and so were they in Saul his goodly vertues in shew were obscured with most foule vices CHAP. XV. 1. Quest. Why God is called the Lord of hoasts GOd is called the Lord of hoasts whome all the hoast and armies of the creatures both in heauen and earth doe serue and are at his becke as Isa. 40.26 He bringeth out their armies by number ond calleth them by their names This title is giuen vnto God in Scripture vpon foure principall occasions 1. To shew that none other God is to be worshipped beside the Almightie Creator and soueraigne Commander of all creatures as c. 1.3 Elkanah is saide to worship and sacrifice vnto the Lord of hoasts and this reason the Prophet Isai alleadgeth c. 40.25 that they should not liken God to any thing nor make any similitude of him To whome will you liken me c. behold who hath created all these things 2. It is vsed as a perswasion to obedience that we should serue the Lord of hoasts whome all creatures readily obey as the Prophet reproouing the disobedience of the people of Israel comparing them to a vineyard
made him in Carmel 1. Some thinke that he there set vp a triumphant pillar or monument of the victorie Hierom. as taking the honour thereof vnto himselfe and not giuing due thanks vnto God Osiand but this Carmel beeing in Iudah it seemeth that Saul would not haue chosen that place rather then his owne tribe and territorie of Benjamin to set vp any such triumphant monument in 2. Some thinke that Saul made some stay there to diuide the pray and spoile among the people Vat. but it seemeth by the bleating of the sheepe and the lowing of the oxen afterward that the pray was not diuided yet and Saul afterward excused himselfe that they had reserued them for sacrifice v. 14. 3. So neither is it like that Saul made him a place that is there built an altar vnto God as some Hebrewes thinke for by his answer made vnto Samuel it appeareth that he had not yet sacrificed 4. Therefore the place which in Hebrew properly signifieth an hand that is a space or elbow as it were of ground which Saul made was some conuenient plot of ground where Saul refreshed his hoast beeing newly returned from battell for he staied not there long but from thence went to Gilgal Iun. 13. Quest. v. 12. Of Carmel where Saul made his place 1. This word Carmel is sometime taken appellatiuely in Scripture and it signifieth a greene eare of corne Leuit. 2.14 or purple colour Cantic 7.5 sometime it is taken for a fertile or fruitfull field as Isa. 10.18 carmilo his fruitfull fields 2. But here it is a proper name of a towne in Iudah Iosh. 15.55 which was in the way as they returned from Amalek Iun. 3. There was an other Carmel which bounded Zebulun Ifachar and Assher Iosu. 18.24 which was diuerse from this Carmel for that was toward the Sea westward as that place of Ioshua sheweth famous for the confession of Baals priests there by the Prophet Elias 1. king 18. the other was South neere vnto mount Seir in the tribe of Iudah Borr. in Iosh. 18.24 4. Yet some doe thinke that it might be all one Carmel one ende whereof hung ouer into the Sea the other reached vp in the land toward mount Thabor Masius in Iosh. 14. Quest. v. 15. Of Sauls excuse and defense vnto Samuel Sauls hypocrisie here is discouered 1. in boasting that he had fulfilled Gods commandement wheras apparātly he had transgressed it for this is the manner of hypocrites when they follow their owne deuises to say they haue fulfilled the commandement of the Lord. Bis. 2. He excuseth himselfe in laying the fault vpon the people and putting it from himselfe Pellican 3. He cloaketh and coloureth his couetousnes with a pretense of zeale and religion as though he had spared the best things for sacrifice 4. He afterward notwithstanding iustifieth his sinne as though he had for all this done well and obeied the voice of God v. 22. Pellican 5. He maketh a semblance of sorrow and repentance at the last but it was farre from true submission v. 25. Borr. 6. He doth all vpon a vaine ostentation onely desiring that the Prophet would honour him before the people v. 25. Osiand 15. Quest. v. 23. Of the meaning of the Prophets words Rebellion is as the sinne of witchcraft 1. The Prophet to amplifie Sauls sinne compareth it with two great transgressions of soothsaying and diuining by magicall predictions and of committing idolatrie he toucheth two kindes of idolatrie one inward in the superstition of the minde called here aven which signifieth a lie or falshood as also iniustice or vnrighteousnes as the Sept. read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but here it is properly applied to false worship the other kinde is in the outward adoration of Idols here called teraphim Bor. 2. Some thinke that here is a comparison made not of the sinnes but of the punishment that rebellion deserueth as well a capitall punishment as either Idolatrie or soothsaying ex Vatab. but the Prophet speaketh directly of the sinne it selfe as before of the vertue of obedience to obey is better then sacrifice v. 22. 3. The Prophet must be vnderstood not to speake of transgressions either of ignorance or infirmitie but of the sinne of obstinacie contumacie and rebellion whē one knowing the will of God doth wilfully resist it for this proceedeth from the same cause namely infidelitie which the other sinnes of witchcraft and Idolatrie doe he which feareth not to breake Gods commandements doth in a manner not acknowledge the Lord to be God Pellican and he maketh himselfe wiser then God as though he could finde out a better way then the Lord hath prescribed Vatab. 4. By this then we see what is to be iudged of the manifold superstitions among the Romanists their leauing of Gods commandements to establish their owne traditions that although they pretend a good intention yet the wilfull forsaking of the word of God and his institution to make way for humane superstitious rites is as the sinne of soothsaying before God 5. Yet it can not be inferred hereupon that sinnes are equall and that euery transgression and disobedience of Gods cōmandement is equall to the sinne of witchcraft and Idolatrie but the qualitie of the sinne is rather here to be respected then the quantitie for rebellion and obstinacie in what thing soeuer doth proceed from infidelitie euen as the sinnes of witchcraft and idolatrie though not in the same degree and Iosephus doth seeme to expound it thus that this disobedience of Saul did preiudice his sacrifice and made it of no value or acceptance with God as if a soothsayer or Idolater should sacrifice vnto God as the Prophet in the same sense saith he that killeth a bullocke is as he that smiteth a man Isa. 66.3 that is an hypocrite is no more accepted of God then a prophane murderer and wicked person And this disobedience of Saul was a sufficient cause to depriue him of the kingdome as if he had beene guiltie of soothsaying or Idolatrie 16. Quest. v. 24. Of Sauls repentance in saying to Samuel I haue sinned There was great difference betweene Sauls repentance here and Dauids 2. Sam. c. 12. who in the very same word saith catathi I haue sinned 1. Dauid at the first as soone as his sinne was shewed vnto him confessed it but Saul is hardly brought to acknowledge his sinne it was a long time first so he is serae poenitentiae exemplum an example of slow late repentance 2. He doth not make a simple and plaine confession but minseth and extenuateth his sinne that he feared the people and so at their instigation did as he did so hard is it for hypocrites to be brought to make a true confession of their sinne but to lay the fault vpon others Osiand 3. He confesseth his sinne rather for feare to loose the kingdome then for greefe that he had offended God for till such time as Samuel had saide the Lord had reiected and cast him off
Saul would not confesse himselfe in a fault Borr. 17. Quest. v. 25. How Saul praieth Samuel to take away his sinne 1. Some read fer porta beare my sinne S. L. V. but neither Samuel nor any other Saint can beare an others sinnes or make satisfaction for them but onely Christ who hath borne our sinnes and healed our infirmities others therefore read remit Chal. forgiue Iun. but neither hath any man power to forgiue sinnes but God onely therefore the best reading is take away for all these significations the word nasha hath that is he desireth to be reconciled vnto God by the Prophet that by his praier and mediation his sinne might be forgiuen which he desireth rather because of the fearefull expectation of the punishment threatned then for the hatred and detestation of his sinne 2. But Saul herein goeth somewhat further then Simon Magus who depended altogether of Peters prayers desiring him to pray for him hauing no heart to pray for himselfe but here Saul desireth the Prophet onely to goe and pray with him he will pray himselfe but he would haue the Prophet also to pray with him 3. And whereas Saul desireth Samuels assistance then present and liuing to pray with him and for him this example doth not giue any warrant that men should flee to any of the Saints that are departed to be reconciled vnto God by them who can not pray with vs beeing absent and not knowing our necessities can not pray for vs. sic fere Pellican 18. Quest. v. 28. How the kingdome is said to be rent from Saul 1. By this present occasion of rending the lappe of Samuels garment he confirmeth Gods former sentence in the reiection of Saul Iun. not that he was now actually deposed for he continued king till his dying day but he was depriued of the right of the kingdome which was translated to Dauid though not presently in his owne person yet in his posteritie and succession and hereby also may be insinuate the violate death of Saul who should as by force be pulled frō the kingdome and it rent from him Pellic. 2. And whereas Dauid is said to be better then he it is not vnderstood of any difference in their nature at all for we are all by nature the children of wrath nor so much in respect of outward workes wherein in some of them Dauid offended more then Saul but this is to be taken both in respect of God of whome Dauid was better accepted and more fauoured and his sinnes pardoned as also of Dauid that he had a more obedient heart wrought in him by grace to doe the will of God and seeke and set forth his glorie whereas Sauls heart was not sound but auerse and estranged from God sic fere Pellican 19. Quest. v. 29. Whether is the better reading The eternitie of Israel or the strength of Israel will not lie 1. The word netzach is by the most here translated victoria fortitudo victorie strength C.B.G.V.P. some referring it vnto God who gaue Israel power and victorie ouer their enemies some to the people that God would not faile them of their former strength 2. But seeing netzach signifieth also eternitie as Psal. 49.20 They shall not see light or liue ghadh netzach in eternū for euer that sense is more fit here because it is more agreeable to the eternitie and constancie of God not to lie or repent then properly an effect of his power 3. Some vnderstand this of the constancie of Gods sentence against Saul that although a man may in his rage threaten and yet after repent him yet it is not so with God he hath said and he will performe Osiand yet it is better referred to both the infallible purpose of God in electing of Dauid as in the reiecting of Saul Iun. 4. And although Gods iudgements are immutable and irrevocable where there is no repentance yet vpon our repentance and submission the Lord is said also to repent him of the euills otherwise determined against vs. Osiand 20. Quest. v. 31. Why Samuel returned with Saul which he had refused before 1. At the first Samuel denied to returne with him v. 26. least he might haue seemed in shewing such facilitie to haue approoued his sinne he did not simply then denie him but said in effect that he would not goe with him yet or at that time Osiand as Christ said Ioh. 7.5 I will not goe vp yet to the feast and yet afterward went 2. Some thinke that because Saul onely required a ciuill honour of Samuel to honour him in the presence of the people that Samuel refused not Osiand but seeing that is saide that Saul worshipped God and Samuel was also present it is not like but that Samuel worshipped God also with Saul as Iosephus well noteth c. 7. lib. 6. de antiquit 3. But yet though Samuel vouchsafed his presence to Saul in prayer he did not pray for the restoring of the kingdome to Saul or for the reuersing of Gods sentence for then he had praied against the will of God but onely he assisteth Saul in his propheticall office according to the will of God Pellican 4. One reason also of Samuels returning might be to see iust execution done vpon Agag the king of Amalek whome Samuel hewed in pieces before the Lord. Borr. 5. This reuerent and respectiue behauiour of Samuel toward Saul sheweth that the ministers of God should yeild outward honour euen vnto euill Magistrates contrarie to the practise of that proud man of sinne that hath disgraced accursed and trampled vpon with his feete good Princes Emperours and Kings the Lords Anointed Osiand 21. Quest. Of Agags behauiour and speech before Samuel 1. Whereas it is said he came mighedanoth daintily or delicately the sense can not be that he came 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trembling as afraid of death as Lat. Septuag for it seemeth by his speech that he did not looke for death at Samuels hand a weake old man some make the contrarie sense that he came pleasantly Genevens as contemning death Osiand but rather it is vnderstood that he came delicately apparelled and adorned as a king Vatab. Iun. as fearing nothing lesse then death 2. Concerning his speech the bitternes of death is passed some thinke he spake it as bewailing the bitternes of death which he was like to suffer as saying a bitter death so R. Levi. Iosep. Lat. Septuag some thinke he came confidently as making no account of death Osiand But he rather thought there was now no feare of death but that the danger was ouer seeing he came from a valiant captaine to a weake old man Iun. and the same mercifull and clement beeing the Lords Prophet Pellican 22. Quest. v. 33. Of Samuels hewing Agag in pieces 1. Iosephus saith onely that Samuel commanded him to be slaine in Gilgal but the text is otherwise that Samuel commanded Agag to be brought vnto him who with his owne hands hewed him in pieces 2. This Samuel did beeing
may admit degrees 3. Quest. v. 8. Of Sauls hatred toward Dauid 1. Saul is giuen ouer to be tormented of his owne affections at once he is inuaded with anger feare and enuie which bringeth forth hatred at the last first he is angrie with the women without cause for they had ascribed vnto Dauid no more then he deserued for in killing Goliath he had done as great seruice as ten thousand could haue done and they gaue vnto Saul more then he deserued as Chrysostome sheweth homil de Davide Saule for Saul had continued 40. daies in the campe suffering the Philistim to make his vaunts and did nothing yet least they should seeme altogether to disgrace Saul they say Saul hath slaine his thousand Next vnto his anger followeth his feare he beginneth to be iealous of his kingdome saying What can he haue more sauing the kingdome then he falleth to enuie Dauid and to be suspicious of him he had an eye vnto Dauid from that day forward v. 9. and last of all he hateth him and deuiseth mischiefe against him Martyr 2. This enuie which Saul bare vnto Dauid brought these enormities with it first he therein opposed himselfe against the will and counsell of God who had determined and set it downe that Dauid should be King Dauid did not so who beeing driuen out of Ierusalem by his sonne doth meekely submit himselfe to the Lords pleasure saying If he say thus vnto me I haue no delight in thee behold here I am let him doe to me as seemeth good in his eies 2. Sam. 15.26 Secondly Saul is violently caried with this streame of enuie to hate Dauids vertues euen that for the which Dauid was worthie to be loued Thirdly this enuie tended vnto Sauls owne hurt it was as a fire in his bosome and as a worme continually gnawing vpon him not suffering him to haue any rest so enuie is a sinne against God against man and most of all the enuious person sinneth against his owne soule Borr. 4. Quest. v. 10. How Saul is said to haue prophesied 1. Some doe interpret that he was madde Chal. but to play the Prophet simply is not to be madde 2. Some thinke he is said to prophesie because he spake in his fitts he knew not what he vttered straunge words and phrases farre from the capacitie of other as the Prophets vttered parables as Avicenna noteth that madde men in their fitts many times vtter straunge languages and words which they neuer learned nor vnderstood Mart. 3. Some take it to be spoken according to the opinion of the vulgar sort who when men prophesied thought they were madde as Iehu his companions called the young man which Elisha sent to anoint Iehu king madde fellow 1. king 9. and those which were madde they thought did prophesie Mart. 4. Some thinke that Saul here vttered sacred psalmes and hymnes as the two Prophets vsed to doe Osiand but Sauls manner of prophesying here and that c. 10. and 19. when he prophesied among the Prophets was not all one for there he did as the other Prophets the spirit of God comming vpon him but here the euill spirit vexed him 5. Therefore the meaning is no more but this that Saul was rauished as a man beside himselfe his speech for manner though not for the matter was straunge and his behauiour outwardly was such as when the Prophets were stirred by the spirit of God Iun. Borr. 5. Quest. v. 11. Of Dauids escaping when Saul east the speare at him 1. Where it is expressed that Saul saide namely within himselfe that is thought as the word is taken often in the new Testament as the Scribes and Pharisies said within thēselues that is thought Borr. it appeareth that though Sauls head were troubled yet he was not starke madde but that he knew what he did some thinke that as men in their sleepe doe dreame of those things which they thought when they were awake so madde men haue reliques of their former euill thoughts remaining but here Saul saide that is thought thus and reasoned within himselfe he was not then altogether depriued of reason but we see the fruits of this his madd prophesying as the spirit wherewith he was mooued was a murtherer from the beginning so Saul intendeth nothing but murther and mischeife 2. Gods prouidence appeareth in deliuering Dauid that as God directed the stone out of Dauids sling to hitte Goliath so he guideth the speare out of Sauls hand that it did not touch Dauid though he by Gods direction vsed the meanes also in declining the stroake Martyr 3. Herein Dauid was a type of Christ who as Dauid here by his sweete musicke would haue allaied Sauls madnes so by the sweete voice of his preaching sought to cure the Scribes and Pharisies of their spirituall madnes and oftentimes escaped their snares which they laid for him Mart. 4. Beside it hath this morall vse that it is lawfull for vs to decline and auoid violence and daunger intended as Dauid did twice at this instant but not to offer violence and reuenge againe Osiand 6. Quest. v. 13. Why Saul set Dauid ouer his men of warre 1. Some thinke that whereas Saul had set Dauid before ouer all his men of warre v. 5. he now to disgrace him maketh him but captaine ouer a thousand but neither was Dauid set ouer all the men of warre for that place Abner had Pellican and that setting Dauid ouer the men of warre is the same here mentioned for when Saul put Dauid from him he made him captaine of a thousand and then he set him ouer his men of warre so Iosephus saith ex satellite tribunum fecit of his harnesse-bearer or one of his guard he made him a tribune or captaine 2. This Saul did partly to prouide for his owne securitie when Dauid was furthest from him Ioseph partly to obiect and expose Dauid vnto danger that he might fall by his enemies whome he did fight against Mart. 7. Quest. v. 17. Of Sauls breaking promise with David concerning his eldest daughter 1. Sauls daughter was alreadie by Sauls promise to be giuen vnto Dauid for vanquishing of Goliath Pellican as Saul broke his promise before so he doth againe for his eldest daughter was giuen to an other 2. This mariage was pretended to be an occasion of further danger vnto Dauid for Saul doth condition with him to fight the Lords battels pretending religion where he intended mischeife that Dauid might be ouerthrowne in battell marriage was ordained for mutuall helpe and comfort but there is nothing of so good institution which is not peruerted and abused by the hypocrites and wicked Mart. 3. Saul would haue the matter so carried as that he might be without all suspition his hand should not be vpon him not so much to auoide sedition among the people or as Kimchi thinketh least he might afterward haue beene brought into question of murder but he pretendeth loue purposing mischeife that Dauid might be the sooner ouertaken suspecting
by rockes and caues and such other places as he is reprooued afterward by the Prophet Gad v. 5. Iun. 3. Some thinke that at this time Dauid made these two Psalmes 57. and 142. as the title sheweth Osiand But these Psalmes seeme rather to haue beene indited when he was in the caue or hold of Engedi 1. Sam. 24.1 Iun. Mar. for the title of the 57. Psalme sheweth that Dauid when he was in that caue fled from Saul but at this time he did not directly flee from Saul but came from the Philistims countrey 4. Iosephus saith that Dauid sent from this place to his father brethren shewing where he was which might very well be because they came vnto him for otherwise they could not haue found him out Saul for hatred vnto Dauid beganne to deale hardly with his kinred and therefore in disdaine he called him the sonne of Ishai herein Dauid sheweth his dutifull affection vnto his parents that he was carefull to prouide for them in the middes of his affliction Mar. 2. Quest. v. 2. Whether Dauid did well in receiuing those vnto him which fledde away for debt 1. It may well be that all those which came flocking to Dauid to the number of 4. hundreth came not all with a sincere minde as acknowledging Dauid to be the Lords anointed for Dauid himselfe suspected them as he saith vnto them 1. Chron. 12.17 that if they came peaceably vnto him his heart should be knit vnto them but if they came to betray him to his aduersaries God would behold and rebuke it Iosephus also saith that some came rerum nouarum cupidi beeing desirous of chaunge and nouelties But if any such came vnto Dauid vpon any sinister pretense it made not Dauids cause the worse our Sauiour had one Iudas among his Apostles and some followed him onely to see his miracles and now many hypocrites seeme to professe the Gospel yet is not the cause and profession it selfe thereby disgraced Martyr 2. But howsoeuer some of them might come rather to seeke their owne then Dauids wealth yet their cause was good in generall they were not such a band of ruffians and rakehels as wicked Ahimelech hired to kill his seuentie brethren Iud. 9. but such as were oppressed and wronged and perplexed in minde and vnder the extortioners hand the most read cui erat creditor he that had a creditor and was endebted which some excuse thus that these indebted could not obtaine their right and so fell into other mens daunger or beeing in debt if they had possessions and lands those might satisfie their creditors if they had nothing their owne tenuitie and poore estate might excuse them Mar. But the word nosheh of nasha signifieth also an oppressour extortionour and such persons endebted are vnderstood which were vnder the extortioner and vsurers hand Iun. that were cruelly handled and extorted vpon for their debts 3. Herein Dauid was a type of Christ who called vnto him all those which were heauie laden with the burden of their sinnes promising to ease them Borr. Osiand 3. Quest. v. 3. Of Mizpeh in Moab whether Dauid went and where he left his parents 1. Beside this Mizpeh in Moab there were fowre places beside of that name as is shewed before qu. 7. in chap. 7. it was also called Malle that is a fort 1. Macchab. 5.26 as Iunius readeth there following Iosephus 2. Dauid commended his father and mother to the king of Moab some thinke because he was allied by the mothers side by Ruth to the Moabites but that kinred was somewhat too auncient others thinke that Moab became Sauls enemie since the ouerthrow at Iabesh Gilead by Saul but that was the king of the Ammonites not of the Moabites some Hebrewes thinke that this king of Moab did put Dauids parents to death ex Pellic. but that is not like for it is saide they dwelt with the king of Moab that is was honourably entertained as Iosephus saith the reason why this king fauoured Dauid was for that Saul was his enemie as appeareth c. 14.48 which was the cause also that Dauid afterward found entertainment likewise among the Philistims chap. 27. Iun. 4. Quest. v. 5. Of the Prophet Gads comming to Dauid 1. This Gad was the same Prophet that came to Dauid after he had numbred the people and offered him three choices 2. Sam. 23. of him mention is made also 1. Chron. 21. and 2. Chron. 29. it seemeth that Dauid vsed to consult with this Prophet to be directed by him and to be informed of the Lords wil Mar. wherein the Lords mercie appeareth to Dauid that leaueth him not in the middes of his affliction destitute of the word of God Osiand whereas Saul yet flourishing in authoritie and wealth was forsaken of God Mar. 2. Some thinke that this hold which Gad aduiseth Dauid to leaue was not farre from the caue in Adullam Osiand but the text sheweth it to be otherwise for the caue of Adullam was in the tribe of Iudah and now Dauid was not in Iudah but in Moab in the hold of Mizpeh 3. After Dauids returne into the land of Iudah Saul began more eagerly to persecute Dauid and to be incensed against the Priests and this fell out after the counsell of the Prophet but Gods word was not the cause of that cruel murder but it was an occasion whereby Sauls malice and hypocrisie was discouered Mart. 5. Quest. Of the vse and necessitie of Prophets in times past God saw it needfull vnder the law to sustaine his Church with Prophesies and continually to send them Prophets for their instruction and strengthening vntill the Messiah came which calling of the Prophets the Lord seeth not to be necessarie now as then for these reasons 1. The Church of God was to be nourished in the hope and expectation of the Messiah by the reuiuing of prophesies but now Messiah is exhibited to his Church 2. The visible Church of God then was limited vnto one nation vnto whome Prophets might be sent whereas now the Church is dispersed ouer the world 3. The people of Israel beeing then the visible Church and so hated and enuied of the whole world in that respect had neede of Prophets to be encouraged by them 4. Beside the Iewes were curious and inquisitiue of things to come and therefore to stay them from running to Soothsayers and wizzards the Lord sent them Prophets to resolue them 5. They had then onely the fiue bookes of Moses first and afterward the Prophets and till the Scriptures were full a supplie was to be made by Prophets for after the books of the Prophets were written and added to Moses after Malachies time they had no more Prophets much lesse now the new Testament beeing ioyned to the old to make the Scriptures complete hath the Church of God the like neede of Prophets Mart. 6. Quest. v. 6. Of the place where Saul called his seruants together 1. Some read thus Saul remained in Gibeah vnder a tree in
alwaies to be put of with violence but when there is no other way to escape God found out other waies whereby Dauid escaped therefore he was not driuen vnto any such straight 2. It was not therefore lawfull for Dauid to lay violent hands vpon Saul because he should haue taken reuenge into his owne hands which belongeth vnto God he should haue brought the Common-wealth into daunger by ciuill dissension by this meanes he would haue raised a skandall against himselfe that he attained vnto the kingdome by blood and it would haue beene dangerous to his owne state and person others would haue thought they might haue attempted the like against him when he should be King Mar. 6. Quest. v. 9. Of Dauids defense in generall 1. As there be many things which make a man bold as riches honour fauour so there is nothing which worketh such boldnes and confidence as the testimonie of ones innocencie and the witnesse of a good conscience as here Dauid beeing thus inwardly armed steppeth boldly out of the caue and calleth after Saul Borr. 2. By Dauids example we see that it is lawfull for a Christian to purge himselfe of such crimes as are laid falsly to his charge as our blessed Sauiour did before Pilate and Paul before Festus and Agrippa Mar. 3. Dauid vseth these arguments to qualifie the rage of Saul toward him first his humilitie which appeared in bowing himselfe to the earth v. 9. and in his speech in calling him his lord and king his innocencie which against the vaine words of false accusers he prooueth by his present fact in sparing Sauls life when he might haue killed him which he doth demonstrate by the lap of his garment v. 11 12. then by his cōfidence he appealeth to the Lords iudgemēt v. 13. by his continuall fruits which would haue bin wicked euill if he had beene lewdly giuen which he prooueth by that vsuall prouerbe v. 14. Lastly he vrgeth his tenuitie and meanenes that it was not for the Kings honour to persecute such a poore worme who in respect of the King might be compared to a dead dogge or a flie v. 15. Mar. 7. Quest. v. 11. In what sense Dauid saith The Lord had deliuered Saul into his hand seeing he killed him not 1. This Dauid spake not either in respect of the opinion of his seruants which so said the day was come wherein the Lord would deliuer his enemie into his hand v. 5. 2. Neither doth Dauid thus say as though he himselfe had thought at the first that the Lord had offered Saul into his hands to kill him Pellican for Dauid had no such thought at all as is before shewed qu. 3. 3. But Dauids meaning is that Saul was deliuered into his hand in respect of the opportunitie and occasion which was offred which Dauid in all likelihood might haue taken if God had not staied him God then deliuered Saul not to that ende that he should lay hands vpon him but to make triall of Dauids patience and charitie and to make manifest his innocencie 4. God sometime is said to offer one into a mans hands in regard of the present action as when one is slaine his life beeing not before sought Exod. 22.13 sometime in respect of the occasion and opportunitie onely which opportunitie somtime not to take is sinne as in Ahab who let Benhadad goe whome the Lord had deliuered into his hand and appointed to destruction 1. king 20. sometime to take it is imputed for sinne because such occasion is onely offered for triall and probation as here Dauid should haue done euill if he had apprehended this present occasion 8. Quest. v. 14. Of the meaning of that proverb Wickednes proceedeth from the wicked 1. Some doe vnderstand it to be spoken of Saul as if he should say though I know such is the wickednes of thy heart that thou wilt not leaue persecuting of me yet wickednes shall not proceede from me my hand shall not be vpon thee ex Borr. but seeing Dauid did not directly charge Saul with any crime but laid it vpon those whome he listened and giue eare vnto it is not like that Dauid would in that sense vse this prouerbe of Saul 2. Therefore it is thus rather to be applied wicked and euill workes doe proceede from them which are wicked and voide of the feare of God but I am none of those therefore mine hand shall not be vpon thee which were a wicked and vngodly worke Pellic. 3. But it may be obiected that this prouerbe doth not alwaies hold that wickednes should alwaies proceede from the wicked and pious and good workes from the righteous for hypocrites many times doe dissemble their impietie vntill occasion be offered to shew it and then their impietie breaketh forth to this it may be answered that such fained and dissembled pietie can not last long but it will breake out at the last Mart. But Saul had continuall experience from time to time of his faithfulnes and therefore it was like to be vnfained 4. Some doe make this application of the prouerbe that the wicked shall perish through their owne wickednes therefore his hand neede not be vpon Saul for his owne wickednes should bring him to destruction Vatab. But Dauid by this prouerbe doth rather cleare himselfe then accuse Saul 9. Quest. v. 17. Of Sauls confession and his teares 1. Some thinke that these teares of Saul and this kinde of confession of his fault was but in hypocrisie which Saul dissembled both in respect of others who would haue thought Saul to be too hard harted if he could not be mollified by Dauids submission as also that by this meanes Dauid might be induced to come to the Court that so Saul might haue his will of him But it seemeth both by Sauls accusing of himselfe his acknowledgement that Dauid should be king his instance in making Dauid to sweare vnto him that Saul was touched in deede 2. For the wicked though they haue no true feeling of their sinnes yet may sometime be mooued in conscience though it continue not long as Pharaoh confessed to Moses that he had sinned and Iudas also knew that he had sinned in betraying the innocent blood for by the instinct of nature the conscience doth in some degree both excuse and accuse as the Apostle sheweth Rom. 2.14 15. As Dauids musicke had before diuers times allaied Sauls maladie so now his diuine voice doth worke some remorse in Saul Pellican 10. Quest. v. 23. Of Dauids oath whereby he bindeth himselfe not to cut off the posteritie of Saul 1. Dauid refuseth not to sweare vnto Saul for these causes both because Saul did yeild vnto Dauid the right of the kingdome one good turne as it were required an other that Dauid againe should giue him securitie for his posteritie beside Dauid had alreadie in effect sworne as much vnto Ionathan the sonne of Saul not to cut off his seede c. 20.15 and further if Dauid had refused to take
Popish doctrine of merits which is ouerthrowne by these three reasons 1. Where merit is a man must doe some seruice of his owne abilitie which he hath not receiued of him of whome he looketh for a reward for betweene him that meriteth and him which rewardeth there must be a giuing and receiuing but man can giue nothing vnto God neither can he doe any good thing of himselfe our good workes are his workes then can they not properly merit 2. Betweene the merit and the reward there must be an equalitie for a man to receiue so much as he deserueth but betweene our imperfect obedience and the infinite reward of eternall life there is no equalitie as the Apostle sheweth Rom. 8.15 That the afflictions of this present life are not worthie of the glorie c. 3. He that rewardeth is endebted vnto him that meriteth and worketh and is bound in iustice to recompence him but God is no way endebted or bound to vs for we doe but our dutie and when we haue done all we are found but vnprofitable seruants Luk. 17.10 6. But it will be obiected 1. why then doth the Scripture vse this tearme of reward and recompence if it be not merited Ans. 1. Because there is some similitude though no equalitie betweene our seruice and Gods reward 2. In Christ Iesus the reward is indeede merited in respect of his obedience but in fauour it is giuen to vs. Obiect 2. S. Paul saith that the righteous Iudge shall giue him a crowne of righteousnes 2. Tim. 4.8 the reward then is of iustice Ans. Of iustice indeede but not with relation to our workes but in respect of Gods promise who is iust to performe keepe all his gratious promises Obiect 3. Euill workes are meritorious of hell and therefore good workes are also meritorious of heauen Ans. The argument alwaies followeth not from contraries where the reason is vnlike for good workes herein haue a diuers reason from euill works because the euill are from our selues so are not the good the euill are perfectly euill but the good are imperfectly good S. Paul also sheweth the weaknes of this consequent for hauing said the stipend of sinne is death he addeth chaunging his forme of speech life eternall is the gift of God through Christ. 7. Lastly that Popish distinction of the Schoolemen of merit of congruitie and condignitie falleth to the ground good works they say as they proceede from our freewill doe merit of congruitie it is fit they should be rewarded as they proceede from the grace of God they deserue of condignitie they are worthie to be rewarded Contr. 1. From our freewill without grace proceedeth nothing that is good for beeing without faith it is sinne as the Apostle saith whatsoeuer is not of faith is sinne Rom. 14.23 and that which is sinnefull hath no merit in it at all 2. Merit of condignitie the Apostle absolutely denieth Rom. 8.15 non sunt condignae passiones The sufferings of this life are not worthy of the glorie c. Grace maketh not our workes meritorious but it maketh them good workes and acceptable vnto God which he crowneth of grace and mercie sic fere Martyr CHAP. XXVII 1. Quest. v. 1. Whether Dauid did well in flying to the Philistims 1. LYranus defendeth Dauid herein that he fledde not as fearing he should be killed beeing assured of the kingdome but least he should be forced to fight with Saul but this is contrarie to the text for he feared least one day he should perish by the hand of Saul 2. Others thinke that Dauid might so conceiue as though promise of the kingdom were conditionall if Dauid did not fall into some grieuous sinne and therefore he fled but if this had beene so Dauid offended more in going for succour vnto the vncircumcised then if he had staied 3. Some thinke that Dauid did it not as doubting of the promise of God but as a wise and prouident man vsing the meanes of his safetie Borr. but his owne words doe shew his infirmitie that he doubted least he might perish he was in deede to vse the meanes but such as were lawfull and without offence 4. Wherefore the truer opinion is that Dauid herein shewed his infirmitie Mar. Iun. Osiand as shall be shewed afterward First the reasons shall be examined which are brought in defense of this fact of Dauid 1. Dauid fled before to the Moabites and was not reprehended why might he not as well flee to the Philistims Ans. 1. The Moabites were not such opposite enemies as the Philistims 2. He fled not then to the same ende then he went onely to succour his father and mother here to serue as a captaine with his souldiers vnder Achish 3. His going then was not very pleasing vnto God for he was admonished by the Prophet to depart 4. And then he knew not the Lords pleasure till the Prophet had spoken to him as he now did 2. But whence should Dauid haue prouided for all his companie vnlesse he should haue liued vpon the spoile of his owne countrey and by staying he should haue brought himselfe and all his friends into daunger and he should haue tempted God if he had refused the occasion offered Ans. 1. Dauid needed not haue spoiled his countrey he might haue praied vpon the Philistims and other enemies adioyning 2. He was not to doe any vnlawfull thing to prouide for himselfe and his friends but to depend vpon God 3. A good occasion and opportunitie is not to be refused but to let passe occasion and meanes not lawfull is not to tempt God but rather to cleaue vnto God which Dauid should haue done rather then by vnlawfull waies and meanes to seeme to doubt of Gods deliuerance 3. Christ fled vnto the Sidonians Tyrians and Samaritans Ans. He fled not vnto them to take part with them against the Iewes but to instruct and teach them but Dauid went to serue Achish ex Martyr Now the reasons which shew the vnlawfulnes of Dauids flying are these 1. He fled vnto those which were enemies of religion as if now a captaine with his souldiers should flee vnto the Turke herein he did contrarie to the law which did forbid the Israelites to make any couenant with the heathen which were about them 2. He in a manner runneth from his calling who beeing appointed king of the Lords people to defend them goeth to ioyne with their enemies Mar. 3. This his flight seemed to proceede from the weaknes of his faith Iun. as doubting of Gods promises 4. And many inconueniences followed vpon this his flight 1. Dauid is driuen to dissemble v. 11. when Achish asked him where he had roued to day 2. By this occasion the Amalekites burned Ziglag c. 30. and caried away his wife and children 3. He was like to haue serued the Philistims against his countrey 4. By his absence the power of Israel was weakned and ouercome in battell 5. He made himselfe by this meanes beeing entertained among
the Philistims beholding and bound vnto them with whome he knew when he should be king he was to haue warre Therefore it must be confessed and yeilded vnto that Dauid in comming vnto the Philistims for succour therein committed a great ouersight for herein it is not expressed that he consulted with God as at other times but he herein tooke counsell of himselfe and of the rest of his companie as Iosephus writeth But this ouersight of Dauid is excused by his necessitie as a theefe stealing to satisfie his hunger is more to be pitied then he that stealeth of wantonnes such was Dauids extremitie at this time Martyr 2. Quest. v. 2. Why Dauid fleeth againe to Achish of whome he was afraid before c. 21. when he fained himselfe madde 1. Some thinke because Achish is here called the sonne of Maoch that he was an other king of the same name and that this was a generall name to all the kings of Gath. Osian 2. The Rabbins thinke that Dauid sent messengers before vnto Achish and so he was receiued fide publica faith beeing made before for his safetie Iun. which is not vnlike 3. Adde hereunto also that whereas before he went priuily and by stealth now he goeth with a band of men able to doe the king seruice and for that cause he is entertained as Xerxes receiued Themistocles the Lacedemonians Alcibiades and the Volscians Coriolanus Mar. 3. Quest. v. 5. Why Dauid desired to be remooued from Gath. 1. Some thinke that Dauid desired to goe from the kings Court and citie least he might haue beene enuied of the Philistims and because he could not away with the vices superfluitie and excesse of the Court or most of all because of the Idolatrie of the citie Borr. 2. Some least he might haue bin chargeable to the king Pellican 3. But it is most likely least he might haue beene vrged to fight against his owne people Mar. and to be emploied against them Mar. And Dauid did see that he could not maintaine that great companie without liuing vpon the spoile and therefore he desireth to be further off that he might pray vpon the bordering nations without any controlment Osiand which his counsell Dauid wisely coloureth with a shew of modestie that it was not for him beeing a stranger to dwell with the king Iun. Also this fell out well in this respect that Dauid should haue a citie assigned him whether came vnto him a great number of Israel till they made a great armie like the host of God 1. Chron. 12.22 By this occasion Ziklag which was allotted to Iudah Iosh. 15.31 and vniustly deteined by the Philistims was restored to the right owners Iun. 4. Quest. v. 7. Of the time of Dauids aboad among the Philistims 1. Some read the time that Dauid dwelt c. was foure moneths L.S. but here somewhat is omitted it is in the originall daies and foure moneths R. Selamo thinketh that he was there but foure moneths then daies beside moneths should be superfluous in the text 2. Some read foure moneths and certaine daies B. G. V. but here the words are transposed which stand in this order daies and foure moneths so Iosephus thinketh that he was there foure moneths and twentie daies 3. Chimhi thinketh he was there seauen moneths for so many moneths were betweene Samuel and Sauls death 4. But the sounder opinion is that Dauid was there a yeare and foure moneths as it may appeare by these reasons 1. Because chap. 29.3 Achish saith he hath beene with me these daies or these yeares that is one full yeare and going vpon the second for in the space of a few moneths the king could haue no great experience of his seruice 2. In so short a time all those things could not well be done which are set downe from this chapter to the 31. 3. iammim daies is taken in this sense as c. 1.21 a sacrifice iammim of daies that is a yearely sacrifice and the order of the words shew as much the greater number is vsed to be placed first we say not daies and moneths but moneths and daies but to say a yeare and moneths agreeth well 5. Quest. v. 8. Of the Geshurites and Girzites whome Dauid put to the sword 1. These were a remnant of the Cananites the Geshurites were those that dwelt in Geshur Iosh. 12.5 in Gilead and the Gizrites in Gezer which belonged vnto Ephraim Iosh. 16. v. 3. who at the comming of the Israelites left those places and went and dwelt among the Amalekites but at the beginning they dwelt in that land that is the Geshurites and Girzites in Canaan Iun. 2. These Cananites were ordained of God to destruction and therefore Dauid might safely inuade them Osiand 3. But it is like that Dauid as he did this exploit of a zeale to roote out the enemies of Gods people so also he had at this time a respect vnto his present state and tooke the spoiles of them for the maintenance of him and his for God many times vseth mens infirmities to accomplish his will Martyr 6. Quest. v. 10. Whteher Dauid offended in making such an excuse to Achish as though he had inuaded the Israelites 1. Some thinke that it was lawfull for Dauid to destroy those nations without sinne so he might without sinne colour it with a shew of inuading his owne people Osiand but that is not so for not onely the lawfulnes of the thing which is done must be considered but the manner also that it may be done without offence now howsoeuer for the present Dauid cōtented Achish yet was it an offence vnto good men which might take Dauid to haue done as he spake Mar. 2. Some thinke that Dauid dissembled not but spake the truth not that he put the Ierahmeelites which were a familie of the Iudah to the sword 1. Chron. 2.9 or the Kenites but onely smote the south coasts which of right belonged vnto the Israelites but were possessed by other nations But it appeareth in that Achish was contended with Dauids answer that he vnderstoode him to speake of the Israelites whome he had inuaded 3. Others say that Dauid here plainly mentitur telleth an vntruth Mar. but I rather thinke with Iunius that Dauid speaketh here doubtfully and ambiguously not vsing that plainnes which became such a good man that he might either be taken to speake of the Israelites inhabiting Iudah or of the nations which bordered vpon the South coasts 4. Achish was very credulous and readie to beleeue Dauid Iosephus giueth this reason because it was easie to perswade him to beleeue that which he greatly affected and desired CHAP. XXVIII 1. Quest. v. 2. Whether Dauid promised his aide vnto Achish and whether therein he did well 1. SOme thinke that Dauid had no purpose at all to fight against Israel but onely he would haue defended the Kings person who saith he would make him keeper of his head for euer but this agreeth not to Dauids owne words that seemeth to be