water Annoint For in times of rejoycing people did annoint their faces with sweet smelling oyles when they went to the Table and contrariwise in time of mourning they did abstain from it See Eccles. 9. 8. Mat. 6. 17. V. 4. Of the first Of this presens yeere Hiddekel Which is Tigris Gen. 2 14. V. 5. A certaine man The likenesse of a man representing the Sonne of God that was to take humane flesh upon him See Ezek. 1. 26. and 40. 3. Dan. 12. 6 7. Rev. 1. 13. Uphaz See Jerem. 10. 9. V. 6. The Beril the Italian hath it Chrysolite as Ezech. 1. 16. and 10. 9. Po 〈…〉 shed brasse See Ezek. 1. 4. Rev. 1. 15. V. 7. Alone As Acts 9. 7. V. 8. There remained See Dan. 7. 15. 28. 8. 27. V. 12. From the first See v. 2. That thou By fasts and devotions didst dispose thy selfe to receive some propheticall revelation from God concerning the State of the Church to which the re-establishment of the Temple and of Gods service is yet forbidden and the peaceable restauration of Jerusalem though the seventie yeeres which were prefixed be past For thy Words namely To fulfill thy requests and prayers V. 13. The Prince namely Cambises the son of Cyrus who governed the Kingdome whilest Cyrus was employed in sorraigne warres Now Cambises was an enemy to the Jewes and hundered the restauration of Jerusalem and this Angel remained in Persia for to represse him the space of three weekes which was the time of Daniels fasting v. 2. Whereby the execution of his Commission against Daniel was staid Others take this to be some evill Angel Prince of the world particularly assisting to these evill counsels which were against the Church Michael Saint Jude calls him Archangel Jude 9. that is to say An Angel of eminent degree which commanded the rest Dan. 10. 21. He is termed head of the Church And Dan. 12. 1. Defendor of the same and Rev. 12. 7. head of the Angels Whereupon many thinke that it was the Sonne of God himselfe as indeed Michael signifieth Who is like unto God And so the meaning would be that the Sonne of God had joyned his divine power to the worke of this Angel for the defence of his Church One of the If Michael be the Son of God by these chiefe Princes may be understood the three persons of the most holy Trinity If a created Angel the Archangels See 1. Thes. 4. 16. So Angels are called Principalities and Powers Rom. 8. 38. Ephes. 3. 10. Colos. 1. 16. The Kings namely Cambises already declared King and his Councellors and Lords V. 14. In the latter namely In the declining and almost at the end of their temporall state a little before the comming of the Messias under whom began another age and a spirituall state of the Church See Ezek 38 8. Hab. 2. 3. V. 15. I set Through reverence and feare V. 16. My sorrowes The Italian My joynts See Dan. 7. 15. Others expound it great sorrowes assailed me V. 17. The servant I thy servant in the state which I am in Of this So glorious and Majesticall V. 20. Knowest thou Hast thou not understood what I told thee v. 14. that I was come unto thee to tell what should hereafter happen to my Church Will I returne I will againe oppose all the Kings of Persias plots against my people untill such time as going from thence I goe and call Alexander to destroy the Persian Empire V. 21. That which is namely Gods determined counsell which is as it were All written in His minde and providence figurative termes see Psal. 139. 16. and 149. 9 Mal. 3. 16. There is none No humane strength upholds the Church but Christ alone who is her Head by the ministerie of his Angels v. 13. Jos. 5. 14 15. CHAP. XI Vers. 1. ALso I These are also words of the Angel who was mentioned in the former Chapter his meaning is I have been assisting to the destruction of Nebuchadnezzars progenie by Darius and so have begun to beat downe the Chaldeans Empire now I will declare unto thee the continuation of Gods victories over such enemies Others take this Darius to be Chiasseres King of Media made for his honour King of Babylon by Cyrus see upon Dan. 5. 31. and then the meaning would be I have upheld these beginnings of Cyrus raigne whilest he hath been favourable to my Church Ez. 1. 1 2. Then I resisted Cambises the sonne of Cyrus Dan. 10. 13. Now I will tell thee what shall follow V. 2. Three Kings which are according to some Cyrus Cambises and Darius the son of Hystaspes Others leave out Cyrus as having resigned the Kingdome to his sonne Cambises and Count Cambises Smerdes and Darius The fourth namely Xerxes surnamed the Terror of Greece not that hee was the last King of Persia but because through his so famous enterprize against Greece he gave the first occasion of warre betweene the Persians and the Greekes which at last caused the totall ruine of the Persians by Alexander the great Stirre up all A hyperbolicall terme meaning an innumerable company of all manner of people V. 3. A mightie King namely Alexander Dan. 7. 6. and 8. 5. V. 4. And when the Italian And as soone namely Some twelve yeeres after that he shall be come to the crowne see Dan. 8. 8. Toward the foure Into foure principall Satrapies and Provinces Dan. 7. 6. and 8. 8. To his Posterity Which perished all after the death of Alexander Nor according namely In greatnesse or strength Dan. 8. 22. Plucâ—t up By the totall extermination of Alexanders race Besides Besides those foure Satrapies there shall be other petty Governours and Kings of some small parcels of the ruine of Alexanders Empire Others translate it to others besides those namely them of Alexanders line V. 5. The King of At the last these foure Satrapies shall be reduced to two principall Kingdomes namely of Egypt seized upon by Ptolomie the sonne of Lagus called the King of the South and the Kingdome of Babylon and Asia possessed by Seleucus Nicanor called King of the North who were both Alexanders captaines And hee shall namely The King and Kingdome of Asia Above him namely Above that of Egypt Or against him because he tooke away all Syria and Judea and divers other countries from him V. 6. Shall joyne the King of Asia Antiochus Soterus the sonne of Seleucus and the King of Aegypt Ptolomeus Seleucus shall joyne together in amity and their sonnes Ptolomeus Philadelphus and Antiochus Teus by marriages according to the prophecye Dan. 3. 43. Daughter namely Bernice the daughter of Ptolomeus Philadelphus married to Antiochus Teus who for the love of her did put away Laodice his lawfull wife and sister to the said Berniceâ— To make to keep the peace and end all differences by reason of which they were ready to goe to warres She shall not this marriage shall not hinder them from comming shortly to open warre Neither
might be some Pagan superstition in them because he would utterly cancâ—ll all markes of the Chaldeans customes whence these came and where these eare-rings were used both by men and women Iud. 8. 24. Or because he would present his family to God in a habit of humilitie and repentance See Exod. 33 4 5. Hid them That is to say buried them privately V. 7 El-bethel The Italian hath it The God of Bethel See upon Gen. 33. 20 V. 8 Allon Bachuth The Italian hath it The â—ake of weeping It may be that this weeping hath a reference to that which is written Hos. 12. 4 V. 9 When he came While he was yet in the way before he came to his fathers house V. 10 Called his Confirmed in a vision his name which the Angell had already give him Genes 32. 28 V. 13 VVent up See upon Gen. 17. 22 V. 14 A drink offering The Italian hath it An offering to be spilt Of liquid things as of wine and oile to give God thanks according to Iacobs vow Gen. 28. 21 22 and to consecrate that stone Gen. 28. 18 V. 15 Called the name That is confirmed it solemnely in the presence of all his family and published that name which he had given it in secret Gen. 28. 19 V. 16 A little way Or a mile 2 of Kin. 5. 19 V. 18 Benoni The son of my sorrow Benjamin son of my right hand as who should say staffe of my old age see Psal. 80. 17 V. 26 Padan-Aram In the Italian it is verse 27 save only Benjamin CHAP. XXXVI VERS 2. ADah These women and their fathers were diversly named Gen. 26. 34 and 28. 9. either because they had more names or for some other unknown reason And that is very frequent in Scripture V. 6 Into the countrey That is to say further up into the countrey others have it in another countrey From the face voluntarily yeelding the place unto him Now Esau was before well seated in Seir Gen. 33. 14 16. having left his fathers house because of his wives and because he saw himself excluded from the holy race to whom the Land of Canaan was allotted by Gods order and promise Yet it is very likely that he did yet frequent the Land of Canaan and had some houshold there till that after the death of Isaac he altogether remained in Seir to avoid all occasion of strife with Jacob. V. 11 Zepho This name with diverse others that follow are diversly set down 1 Chron. 1. 36 V. 12 Timua It may be the same which is mentioned v. 22 as Aholibama 21. 2. was the same as the Horite was v. 25. and it is likely that these alliances with the Horites Esau his posteritie setled themselves in that countrie which at the last he made himself master of destroying the ancient inhabitants Deut. 2. 22 V. 15 Dukes That is heads and Princes according to whose number the countrie was divided into severall principalities and peradventure under one only supreame Lord head of all the nation Now in this partition Eliphaz as first borne had a double part his six sons being made Dukes as Esau his own children were see a like example 1 Chron. 5. 1. Those of Revel were so also it may be in part to equall Basemats progenie who had but one sonne with Aholibâ—â—us who had three V. 16. Korah This is not named amongst the children of Eliphaz v. 11. and therefore it is very likely he was his nephew V. 20. Inhabitea Who there had their habitation and command untill such time as Esau and his posteritie did drive them out of â—t Deuteron 2. 22. V. 24. The Mules By the mixture of the two kinds the asse and the horse So the Hebrews interpret it Others believe the word may be understood of certaine hot waters or minerall waters which he found out V. 31. The Kings Moses sets down the Kings which had been in Idumea before his time which he sheweth had been tyrants and usurpers or elective Princes without any right of succession seeing they were of diverse Cities and those being extinguished the state returned to its first forme of diverse Dukes v. 40. Any King before any forme of supreme governement was established amongst the people of God which began in Moses called a King Deut. 33. 5. So Esau condemned to servitude raigneth in the beginning whilest Israel who was the right master serveth in Aegypt but that was but for a little while untill the Kingdom of Israel was established and then Esau is subject unto it A pourtraiture of the world which raigneth in this age untill the Kingdome be given to the Saints Daniel 7. 22. 27. V. 37. By the river A City standing by Euphrates Gen. 10 11. V. 39. The daughter Or neece V. 40. The Dukâ—s After the Kings of Edom were failed for some reason which is not set down the Countrie was againe governed by Dukes and it should seem that the heads of Esau his nation came into their states againe And because here they are but eleven whereas before they were fourten v. 15. it is to be thought that some families were quite extinct or joyned to some other to strengthen themselves CHAP. XXXVII VERS 1. ANd Jacob This is a continuation of the narration broken off from Gen. 36. 7. V. 2. The generations Described Gen. 35. 23. now this â—eemeth to be added to take on the course of Jacobs history after the interweaving of Esaus Was feeding By reason of his youth and through the envie of his brethren he was held in the degree of a servant and in the company of the hand-maidens sons Jacobs concubines whom it is likely the other brethren disdained 〈…〉 l Of some facts or wickednesses not set dâ—wâ— in this place V. 7. Were bâ—ndâ—ng These two dreâ—mes signified the self same thing namely Josephâ— exal 〈…〉 ion above his brethren and their submission to him in their necessitie and the honour Jone to him by his father in sending his children to him before they knâ—w him V. 10. Rebuked him Being not yet perswaded that they were divine dreamâ—s or to trie whether there were no childish vanitie in this his saying or to abate his brethrens anger Thy mother Rachel Josephs mother was already dead Gen. 35. 19. but here is understood Leah his mother in Law who was Jacobs then only lawfull wife V. 25. A company A great company of merchants and travailers which were wont to travaile that way in great companies fearing the dangers of the countrie see Job 6. 19. Balm or rozen Myrrhe namely liquide myrrhe or Ladano V. 28. Midianites It is likely that this people was mixed of Ismaelites Midianites and Medanites see Gen. 16. 15. and 25. 2. V. 29. Reuben Who was not present at Josephs sale and beliâ—ved that his brothers had indeed killed him Gen. 42. 22. He rent a custome amongst the men of old times in some unexpected evill news or in some cruell case V. 34. Sack-cloth Or haire-cloth or a rough-cloth
That which is left Of the sacrifice of thankes-giving Since I have said since I appointed this feast V. 25. The top of the house Of his own house which was made flat in manner of a terrace according to the fashion and it was a commodious place to treat of s 〈…〉 affaires out of other mens fight and hearing V. 26. To the top The Italian hath it That was on the top the meaning is that Saul being told by Samuel that he would speake with him privately was gone up to the top of the house but that Samuel called him down and did and said unto him what he intended to do and say as they were waâ—â—ing without the City CHAP. X. VERS 1. OF oyle An ordinary ceremony in the consecrations of the old Testament grounded upon the communication of the gifts of the holy Ghost figured by the oyle Now it is not said that it was any other but ordinary oile as 2 King 9. 1. for the Priests holy oile was not to be used about any other persons Exod. 30. 32. Yet it is likely that the horne of oyle wherewith David was anointed 1 Sam. 16. 1. was afterwards kept in the Tabernacle and other Kings when occasion served were afterwards anointed therewith 1 King 1. 39. Kissed him in signe of congratulation or of homage Gen. 41. 40. Inheritance Namely his own people Deut. 32. 9. V. 2. When Tokens to assure Saul of the truth of his calling For my son to finde him V. 3. To Bethel The Italian to the house of God it is a question whether Siloh be meant here for it hath not yet been said that the Tabernacle or the Altar were removed as afterwards 1 Chron. 16. 39. and 21. 29. 2 Chro. 1 3. or whither he meant Kiriath-Jearim where the Arke was 1 Sam. 7. 1. V. 5. The bill Upon the which Kiriath-Jearim stood where the Arke was at that time or some other place where there was a colledge of Prophets The garrison See upon 1 Sam. 7. 13. Of Prophets they were certain chosen persons consecrated to God and prepared by continuall meditations studie and exercises of piety to receiue of God propheticall inspirations and revelations under the conduct of Sam. 1 Sam. 19. 20. such were afterwards called the children of the Prophets Psaltery according to the custome of moving the soule of man by meanes of musick to raise it selfe to heavenly and spirituall things 2 Kin. 3 15. Prophecy they shall be in a propheticall action and motion moved thereunto by a divine and supernaturall spirit in all their actions and gestures see Numbers 11. 25. V. 6. Turned Thou shalt upon a suddaine miraculously be filled with new and divine gifts qualities and motions V. 7. That thou do Undertake thou thy lawfull calling for the Lord will accompany thee wâ—th his power V. 8. Shalt thou tarry After thou shalt be come to Gilgal 1 Samuel 13. 8. An expresse command to try Sauls obedience which he breaking discovered his rebellious heart 1 Samuel Chapter 13. verse 13. V. 12. But who is The inferiour Prophets were called children and the head such as Samuel was at that time was called father Now Samuel being absent at this time it seemeth they would say see yâ—â— not that Saul holds the first degree amongst them and leadeth them as their head and he hath a soveraign Majesty with more abundance and strength of gifts which did increase the miracle A proverbe to expresse a strange and miraculous thing V. 13. To the high place Where the Tabernacle and Altar were then namely either in Siloh or in Gibâ—on 1 Kin. 3. 4. though the history make no mention of the time that it was brought to this last place see 1 Sam. 9. 12. V. 17. Unto the Lord Who is present and governeth the assemblies of his Church where his name is called upon see Judges 11. 11. and 20. 1. Unlesse peradventure the Arke were carried thither as 1 Samuel 14. 18. To Mizpeh See 1 Samuel chapter 7. verse 5. V. 19. Ye have See 1 Samuel chapter 8. verses 7 19. Present your selves To draw lots as Joshua 7. 14. Thousands According to the divisions of the tribeâ— into thousands of families made by Moses Exodus 18. 25. V. 22. Enquired By Urim and Thummim Num. 27. 21. V. 25. The manner As who should say the fundamentall laws of the Kingdome inspired by God to temper monarchy with a liberty befitting Gods people and with equity towards a nation which of its own free will did chuse a King and with a benignity of government of brethren of the same race Deuteronomy 17. 20. by this meanes to withstand the abuse of an absolute power which the peoples blind desire might have caused the new King to runne into 1 Samuel chapter 8. v. 11. Before the Lord in the Tabernacle before the Arke V. 27. Brought him no present In signe of homage to a new King 1 Kings chapter 10. verse 25. 2 Chron. 17. 5. CHAP. XI VERS 1. THe Ammonite That is to say King of Ammon 1 Samuel 12. 12. Came up by the 1 of Samuel Chapter 12. verse 12. it appeares that this preparation of warre made so long before hand by Nahas was a cause that the people demanded a King V. 3. We will come out Wee will yeeld unto these covenants see concerning the Ammonites pretences upon Gilead Judg. 11. 13. V. 4. Gibeah it is the same City which in other places is called Gibeah of Benjamin which after Saul was King who was borne therein bore his name in honour him V. 5. After the herd for he had yet no Court non state appointed in him V. 6. The Spirit in an instant the Spirit of God inspired into his heart a supernaturall strength of minde and a majesty of command and put him on by a mighty and heroick motion to undertake this deliverance see Iudg. 3. 10. 6. 34. 11. 19 13. 25. 14. 6. V. 7. Samuel who accompanied Saul in this enterprize as a Judge and a Prophet As Jâ—dg 4 9. V. 10. Tomorrow to blinde and â—ull 〈◊〉 the Ammonites and keepe secret the newes of their reliefe which in such a case is but a lawfull dissimulation in warre V. 11. The morning watch when they use to relieve the watch upon the break of day V. 14. Renew let us by a generall consent of all renew Sauls election now 〈◊〉 is authorized by this victory for to cut off all pretence of rebellion V. 15. Before the Lord see 1 Sam. 10. 17. CHAP. XII VERS 2. VVAlketh he guideth and governeth you And J seeing that I through mine age can no more undertake the publick government and that my sonnes are reduced to a private life I require of you a publick approbation of mine innocency that my memory may not remaine blemished nor spotted by your taking a distaste at me and desiring a King V. 3. To blinde to cloake his misdeed and let him escape unpunished V. 7. Now therefore I as
23. 17. and 24. 21. Of the Lord Which he so strictly recommends unto us and is so acceptable and pleasing unto him and to which he bindeth all his children through the kindnesses which he sheweth them Or which wee have sworne between us in his name I dye not through jealousie of state or to revenge the injuries and persecutions done to thee by my father V. 16 Let the Lord The Italian But the Lord Notwithstanding these covenants and Davids faithfulnesse in performing of them 2 Sam. 9. 3. and 21. 7. God executed his judgements upon Sauls issue by other meanes 2 Sam. 31. 2. 1 Sam. 4. 7. and 31. 8. V. 17 Because he loved him The Italian hath it By the love he bare him Not onely by the duty of gratitude for his watching for his safety but also by the most strict and loyall bond of amity V. 19. When the businesse The Italian In the day of businesse It was peradventure some speciall name of some one day in the week as a day of worke Others translate it in the day of that businesse namely when I made intercession for thee towards my father Ezel The Italian That sheweth the way or Ezel V. 20 I will shoot The reason of this kinde of giving warning was because that if there was no hurt meant to David he might come securely of his owne accord that their acquaintance might not be discovered to make Saul jealous V. 21. Goe find out Goe and stand in such a place that when I have shot mine arrowes thou mayest take them up and bring them to me againe Take them come thou along with him as if thou caâ—est thither by chance and come to my fathers court without any feareâ— No hurt There will be no danger nor cause of mistrust V. 25 Arose It is likely that Saul and Jonathan were set before Abner came and that when he came Jonathan did him this honour as being the Kings cousen and captaine of his host V. 26 Hath befallen him By nocturnall pollution or some other ceremoniall uncleannesse Lev. 11. 24. and 15. 2. 16. whereby it was not lawfull for him to eate of the offerings of thanksgiving which were offered the first day of the moneth with the flesh of which these holy feasts were made see Lev. 7. 19. 20. V. 27 The second day Of those three dayes in which it was concluded between David Ionathan to sift out Sauls intention or the second day of the royall feast Wherefore This sheweth that Saul imagined that David would attribute his endeavouring to â—lay him to his madnesse of which he being now cured David would forget it and not bee affraid V. 29. A sacrifice Of thanksgiving after which there followed a holy feast V. 30 Thou sonne Whether he had any evill conceit of Ionathans mother Or that hee would say thou art more likely to be a bastard than my lawfull sonne having so little care of thine owne good and credit V. 40. Artillery Namely his bow his arrows and his quiver V. 42. Forasmuch Our enterchangable oathes may cause thee to trust me and beleeve that I will never betray thee but will doe what lyeth in mee for thy safety and on the other side the confidence which I have in thee causeth me to wish all happinesse unto thee The City of Gibeah which was Sauls residing place CHAP. XXI VERS 1. NOb A City of Benjamin Neh. 11. 32. into which it seemeth the Tabernacle was brought from Siloh by the authority and in the behalfe of saul who was of the tribe of Benjamin as t was brought to Siloh a city of Ephraim in the dayes of Ioshua the Ephramite and David afterwards carried it into his Tribe to have Gods oracle alwayes neere him upon all occasions and that was the reason that there were so many Priests in Nob. â—as afraid suspecting some sinister accident seeing the Kings sonne in Law and such a great commander in warre alone or with but small company Alone By the fourth verse and Matth. 12. 3. It is plaine that David was not alone in this voyage but by this word is onely to bee understood that hee was without his ordinary traine of followers V. 3 Under thine hand What food thou hast ready to be eaten V. 4 Hallowed In other places bread of the presence or Shew-bread Exodus 25 30. Mat. 12. 4. Young men Those few that David had with him Kept themselves They ought not to be eaten but onely by the Priest Lev. 24. 9. Yet in this urgent necessity which thou shewest unto mee I will give you share of them so that you have refrained from all cohabitation with women though legall which though it was not comanded by the law yet was observed by a laudable kind of devotion in your most sacred occurrences as Exodus chapt 19. vâ— 15. Zac. ch 7. v. 3. V. 5. Vessells That is to say we and all that we have having been clean from all ceremoniall pollution ever since our departure though we did not think to doe any religious act How much more carefull then will we be this day of not prophaning the hallowed bread by any bodily pollution of our persons or of any thing about us see Hag. 2. 13. V. 6 That was taken On the Sabbath day see Lev. 24. 8. 9. V. 7 An Edomite By nation but by profession a Proselite Detayned Within the Court of the Tabernacle which was in Nob by some vow or some expresse devotion Neh. 6. 10 as contrarywise there were some detainments which did exclude men out of the Temple Jeremy Chapter 36. verse 5. V. 9 Behind the That is to say behind that holy place where the sacred vestures and holy ornaments were laid up of which the Ephod was the chiefest Exodus Chapter the 28. and verse the 4. 6. V. 11. King That is to say he that is in as great esteem as the King and is followed in the wars and comands as the King or peradventure the Philistims had heard something of Davids being destinated to be King V. 12 Laid up Weighed them and did deliberately think upon them V. 13 In their hands Being taken by them to be brought to Achish Ps. 56. 1. CHAP. XXII VERSE 2. IN distresse Through poverty debt or other wants Discontented For some injury or violence offered them for which they could not bee righted or by reason of some notable losse or accident V. 4 In the hold In Mizpeh which was a strong hold V. 6 In Ramah Within the territories of that City neere to Gâ—ibeah or in some hill within Ghibeah Hiâ— speare Whether that were his custome as amongst many nations such weapons were in stead of a scepter Or whether it was to shew that his wrath was ready to be put in execution against any one that should be found guilty V. 8 Lye in wayt According to Sauls false suspition and mistrust which hee had conceived of Jonathans friendship with David by Davids returne into the Countrey and by Jonathans
It is the City of Laish at other times called plainly Dâ—n Jos. 19. 47. V. 7 To all the cities In which those people remained mixed with the Israelites Judg. chap. 1. ver 31 32. V. 10. Snote him By a remorse occasioned in him by the holy Ghost See 1 Samuel chapter 24. verse 5. Take away See a Samuel chapter 12 verse 13. V. 13 Seven yeares Because that 1 Chronic chapter 21. verse 12. There are but three yeares spoken of it is thought that David committed this fault the yeare after the three years famine 2 Sam. 21. 1. was stayed Whereupon if hee had made choyce of this scourge with three other successive yeares of famine the number of seven would have been compleat V. 14 Into the hand That is to say his hand immediately for when men are imployed in these punishments they mixe their owne passions and oftentimes exceed the measure not of the secret providence but of Gods manifested intention which aimes at correction and not at destruction See Isa. chapter 47. verse 6. Zac. chapter 1. verse 15. V. 15 Time appoynted That is to say of three dayes verse 13. Others take the Hebrew word for the ordinary houre of the evening sacrifice of the same day and so they believe that God shortened the terme of three dayes out of his superabundant mercy V. 16 Repented him See upon Genesis chapter 6. verse 6. Araunah who is also called Araniah verse the eighteenth and Ornan in the Chronicles The Jebusite That is to say a Proselite of that nation V. 17 When be saw Because hee appeared unto him in a visible forme 1 Chronicles Chapter 21. ver 16. V. 18 Rerâ— This was the same place that Abraham had led his sonne to for to offer him and where the Temple was built afterwards 2 Chron. 3. 1. which place was consecrated by this Altar upon which was made the first essay for a publike atonement V. 22 Here be Oxen See 1 Kings Chapter 19. verse 21. V. 23 As a King The Italian King Araunah It is likely that he had been a King or of the bloud royall while the Jebusites were in possession of Jerusalem and afterwards being converted to the true religion he remained in Jerusalem in some degree of honour Accept thee Namely in this sacrifice which thou art going to offer for the deliverance from this scourge V. 24 Bought The threshing floore for sixe hundred shekels of gold 1 Chronicles chapter 21. verse 25. and the oxen and instruments for fifty shekels of silver others doe reconcile this place with that of the Chronicles in this manner that in this place by silver ought to bee understood not the mettall in kind but the value of fifty shekels of Gold and that in the Chronicles the six hundred shekels were of silver but disbursed and layd out in fifty shekels of gold which according to the proportion of the common value of twelve shekels of silver for one golden one comes to the foresaid six hundred shekels THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS The ARGUMENT THe holy Ghost continuing the sacred History setteth down in this Book made by one or more Prophets how that by Gods expresse order and Davids appointment whilst he was yet living Salomon was chosen and consecrated King over Gods People notwithstanding the eldership of his brother Adonijah and the power of his faction and consequently hâ—â— after Davids death hee began his reign by executing his Fathers last commands And how God appeared to him in a dreame and according to his holy and well guided request did endow him with divine and incomparable wisdome to govern his people wisely and happily to know and understand the secrets of nature and to conceive and utter sentences and notable sayings for the Churches instruction By which he got the voluntary love respect and obedience of his people the good will and esteeme of Kings and Princes farre and neare peace and inviolable securenesse in his state and established an excellent order in his house and all his affaires But above all things hee was moved to undertake and had meanes gloriously to accomplish the structure of the Temple of God the seat of the manifestation of his grace truth vertue and spirit and a place peculiarly and alone consecrated to yeeld unto him holy and acceptable service by him required and commanded So that Salomons reigne accomplished with a politick and religious happinesse represented the triumphant Church in heaven as Davids reign had been a figure of the Church Militant upon earth And all by vertue of Gods promises made to David by meanes of his perseverance in pietie which God had required for them by necessary conditions To which Salomon was also lively exhorted and confirmed in by the Lord by a second appearing to him But according to the manner of all temporall things and by the meanes of mens ordinarie corruption who can never for any continuance of time guide and rule themselves in a happy estate the heigth whereunto Salomons reigne was come began quickly to decline through his own fault who should have beene the man that should have made it firme to leave it so established and perpetuall to his posterity For having entangled himselfe in the love of an exorbitant number of women which were heathens and idolatrous in his old age he grew slack suffering their Idelatries and the open exercise of their abominations neare unto Ierusalem as one might say under the very eyes of God Whereupon even in his life time the threat of the rending of his kingdom was denounced unto him which happened soone after his death by the meanes of Rehoboam his sonnes pride and evill governed understanding who having alienated his peoples love from him did drive them to chuse Ieroboam King over the ten Tribes under the name of Israel the other two of Iudah and Benjamin only remaining under the obedience of the house of David which never had any more permission nor power from God to bring those other Tribes unto their former obedience This revolt or division of state was followed and seconded by a heavie and mortall scisme in Religion Ieroboam forbidding his subjects to frequent the Temple at Ierusalem and setting them up two Calves to the likenesse of the old one in the Wildernesse for to have them worship the Lord in those similitudes and yeeld him in them all manner of worship due unto him and did also at his pleasure alter the Ceremonies and Servants Which things quickly drew the wrath of God upon his house which was wholly rooted out Neither did his Successors of other Families any way amend themselves but grew still worse and worse even to the publike bringing up of the Gentiles Idolatries accompanied with all manner of wickednesses as well in their private conversations and lives as in their publike government As for Solomons posterity it varied much for sometimes there were very wicked Kings and sometimes again the Lord did raise pious and religious ones who re-established
have it the assent by which he went up into the house of the Lord because that between the royall Palace and the Temple there was a very stately bridge built over that hollow place mentioned upon 1 King 9. 15. and in this sence must be understood that which is spoken 2 Chron. 9. 4. V. 11. Of Hiram that is to say which was built after the Tirian manner and with the Timber sent by Hiram and was manned by his Marriners 2 Chron. 8. 18. besides Solomons navie mentioned vers 22. Almug trees a kinde of precious wood like Ebony or some such like wood where of there was great store in the Indies though by 2 Chr. 2. 8. it appears that there grew of the same or the like in Libanus if so be that Algummim and Almuggim be all one name V. 13. Gave her of his own free will without any asking V. 15. Of all by way of tributes or presents for victuall or for the obtaining of traffick V. 17. Three pound the Italian hath it three Mines the Mine being threescore Shekels Ezec. 45. 12. which makes two pound and a half at twelve ounces in the pound V. 19. The top the top of it with its neech was made in a semicircular forme V. 22. A Navie his owne Ships for the Ocean Sea besides them which the King of Tire had lent him Peacocks the Italian hath it Parrats or Peacocks V. 26. Gathered contrary to the Law Deut. 17. 16. V. 27. Sycomore-trees wilde figge-trees which are very common in those Countreys called in these dayes Egyptian figgs or Pharaohs figgs V. 28. Horses Egypt abounding in horses and fine linnen Prov. 7. 16. Isa. 31. 1. 3. Ezec. 27. 7. brought out by covenant and agreement made with the King of Egypt Merchants Solomon had all the profit of it whereby hee made a great gaine CHAP. XI VERS I. LOved contrary to the Law Deut. 17. 17. V. 3. Princesses solemnly espoused who participated of their husbands state and dignity whereas the concubines were in an inferiour degree V. 5. Milcom it is the same Idol which elsewhere is called Molec and Molcam V. 6. After the see upon Num. 14. 24. The meaning is that though Solomon did not personally himselfe commit Idolatry yet hee grew slack and connived at the bringing of it in to please his women carnall love drowning his zeale to God Others translate it hee did not persevere in following after the c. V. 7. Build that is to say â—ee suffered to be built the hill the mount of Olives on the East V. 11. Said caused to bee said by some Prophet as this thou hast kept hidden within thine heart this evill seed of impiety rend I will suffer a great division to be made therein and the greatest part to withdraw it selfe from thine obedience A manner of speech taken from that the Kingdome is like unto a glorious mantle upon the Kings shoulders as 1. Sam. 15. 28. see v. 31. and 1. Kings 12 16. V. 13. Ierusalems for my Churches sake which I will preserve in the pure observance of my service performed only in Ierusalem V. 15. To bury these circumstances are not specified in the story V. 16. Every male it is very likely that this â—ught to be understood but only of one or some Cities of Idumea which being beâ—ieged refused the reasonable conditions of peace whereupon they perished with the edge of the sword according to the Law Deut. 20. 13. Or every male namely they which were taken in the heat of the fight 1. Chron. 18. 12. V. 18. Of Midian whether Midian was comprehended within Idumea which was a very generall name of those Countries or whether Hadad being gone out of Idumea did rest himselfe some time in Midian V. 21. Let mee depart it is likely that while Solomon persevered in well doing all Hadads attempts were vaine But after Solomon was corrupted hee got his Kingdome of Idumea againe which remained to his posterity which held it in see of Iudah which subjection was also shaken off 2. Kings 8. 20. according to the prophecy Gen. 27. 40. V. 24. Vnto him others have it against him namely against Hadad-Ezer V. 25. All the dayes after Solomon did begin to goe aftray V. 26 Servant it is likely that Ieroboam was one of those Cananites which remained in the land whom Solomon employed about his work 1. King 9. 20 and were called Solomons servants Ezr. 2. 55. V. 27. The cause particularly set down v. 29. repaired the Italian closed with a wall upon which was made that great place or terrace called Millo V. 28. Made him see 1. Kings 5. 16. of the house of the tribe of Manasses and of Ephraim especially of this last which by its preheminence oftentimes bare the fathers name which was common to both V. 29. Clad some refer this to the Prophet some to Ieroboam V. 32. One tribe namely that of Iudah to which alwayes remained joyned a great of the tribe of Benjamin and Simeon which were intermixed with that of Iudah V 36. A light some of his posterity in whom the light of the Kingdome may remaine alive and who may possesse the state of it see 1. Kings 15. 4. 2 Kings 8. 19. Psal. 132. 17. my name the seat of my Majesty and the signes of my presence V. 37. Reigne as a soveraign absolute and undependant King V. 38. Build thee I will give thee a firme and durable state and give thee contiuned issue to possesse it Israel the ten tribes called Israel from that time to make a difference between it and Iudah V. 39. But not for Christ descended from David according to the flesh was to restore the ruines of Davids temporall Kingdome changing it into a spirituall and everlasting Kingdome V. 40. Therefore the knowledge and notice of this prophecy being come to his eare by some meanes which is not specified V. 41. In the book which as well as divers others is lost the Scripture notwithstanding remaining still perfect as also the beliefe and instruction of the Church CHAP. XII VERS I. SHechem to hold the generall assembly of the Kingdome in that place made choice of for that purpose because it was in the middest of the countrey and in the most powerfull tribe of Ephraim within whose countrey the people were the more encouraged and emboldned to demand to be eased and redressed in some grievances to make him to receive and install him as lawfull successor An opportunity upon which the people did use to desire favours new privilidges or a confirmation of the old and a redresse of grievances and oppressions V. 4. The grievous service Solomon made the Cananites only servants 1. King 9. 20. 22. but peradventure their requests were seconded by all the children of Israel who might also bee wronged therein being that service which before was common to all the people was now reduced to be the Kings only V. 7. VVilt serve them wilt incline to please them V. 10. My
2 Kin. 15. 1. or whether hee was not properly King untill hee was established by the King of Assyria his protection as beginning a new numeration of the yeares of his reigne according to the custome see upon Ezech. 1. 1. V. 4. To so to have reliefe from him against the Assirians those monarchies having been emulators one of another for a long time see 2 Kings 18. 21. Ier. 37. 5. V. 9. Secretly this may be referred to private idolatries and impieties Ezech. 18. 12. besides the publick and authorized ones Or to the pretences of good intentions wherewith they coloured their publick superstitions from the towers set in severall places for the safeguard of the countrey against the enemies incursions or for the safeguard of the cattell and of the fruites of the earth the meaning is that they did it in all places from the biggest to the least V. 15. Vanitie a frequent name for iâ—â—ls Deut. 32. 21. 1 Cor. 8. 4. Became vaine be sotted in idolatry and as it were transformed into the likenesse of the heathen see Psal. 115. 8. V. 18. Out of his from the place where God was present upon earth in grace and vertue which was his Church over which Gods eye yet watcheth in a speciall manner V. 24. The King first Salmanezer and then Esarhaddon Ezr. 4. 2. V. 25. Feared not they yeelded no religious worship to the true God neither did they in any manner of way acknowledge him V. 26. Of the Land the foolish conceit of idolaters that each countrey and nation should have its own proper deity what it had pleased them to choose V. 17. Let them goe let there another new plantation be sent thither in the place and stead of them which were devoured by the Lions which perhaps happened in the dayes of Ezar-haddon Ezr. 4. 2. V. 28. One of the not one of them which were of the tribe of Levi but one of them which the Kings of Israel had made of their own minde 1 Kings 12. 31. how they should the outward ceremonies of the law by which the people yeelded unto the Lord some kinde of worship though false and corrupt yet it did keepe alive some memory of him and some reverence of his name V. 34. Neither doe they their religion is but a mixture of the true and false CHAP. XVIII VERS II. TWenty and five seeing Ahaz began to reigne at the age of twenty years and reigned sixteen years 2 Kings 6. 2. he must beget Ezechiah at eleven yeares of age which must not seeme strange considering the singular blessing that nation had for generation So Reboam was begotten by Solomon about the same age 1 Kings 14. 21. V. 4. Did burne by an arbitrary superstition as unto a signe of Gods grace yet being not commanded by him to doe it which command ought to be the rule and scope of all true divine service That having been kept but only for a memoriall Nehushtan a peece of brasse to shew that it was to be valued no more then so much of such stuffe there remaining none of the ancient vertue in it and to annihilate by this name of scorne the false honour which was yeelded to it V. 5. Like him in perfectly purging the service of God from all Idolatry and superstition V. 7. He rebelled in a just zeale for Gods government he being the only soveraign Lord of his people and in detestation of his Fathers wicked covenant V 8. From the tower the Italian towers taking and sacking all their towers as well the strong as the weak ones 2 King 17. 9. V 14. To Lachish a city of Juda to besiedge which Sennacherib did stay I have offended in having rebelled against thee V. 16. Had overlaid restoring them into their former state 2 Chron. 29. 3. in which Solomon had made them namely covered with golden plates 1 Kin. 6. 32. which Ahaz had taken away beside all other dammages which he had done to the Church V. 17. Sent breaking the covenants when he had received the money for he would now have King Hezekiah to yeeld himselfe wholly to him and to deliver Ierusalem into his hands Râ—â—saris this name as well as Rabshakeh are names of offices The first signifieth chiefe of the Eunuches the other chiefe of the Cupbearers see upon Ier. 39. 3. V. 20. I have councell that one needeth nothing neither for councell nor strength which are the two necessary meanes to make warre with but only to pray to God Or that these humane meanes are of themselves vaine and unprofitable V. 21. Will goe into he is not onely unprofitable but also very harmfull V. 22. Whose high places whose service thou hast lessened and put down according to the sence of Idolaters that doe think pietie consists in the endlesse multiplication of their superstitions V. 25. The Lord said a foolish imagination of Sennacherib or Rabshakeh for to afright the people which imagination they had conceived either by reason of their pretended offence towards God vers 22. or by reason of the prosperous successe they had in conquering the rest of the Countrey V. 27. They may eat as much as to say that hee would keep them shut up and make them endure all the extreamest wants of a siedge V. 31. Make an agreement Heb. a blessing that is to say a friendly agreement CHAP. XIX VERS II. THe Elders the Italian the eldest namely the heads and governors V. 3. Of trouble into which the people of God being fallen the enemies doe take an occasion from thence to blaspheme and despight God the children a proverbiall kinde of speech to signifie an extreme danger as when a womans strength faileth her even upon the point of being delivered V. 4. Will heare a phrase taken from men meaning he may have considered of it and be wrath in his minde for it V. 7. I will send I will send a panick terror in his minde concerning the comming of the King of Ethiopia and a true and reall terror by the mortality and death of his Camp that he shall determine to be gone V. 9. He heard say see an example like this 1 Sam. 23. 27. V. 16. Sent him the Italian sent this namely the subject of this letter which I hold in my hand V. 21. The Virgin the Prophets use to call those cities states so which are and ought to be to their Princes in stead of chaste daughters to be inviolably kept under their lawfull Lords who ought also to keep themselves pure in the integrity of their faith and obedience towards them V. 23. With the multitude a figurative description of Sennacharibs vaine-glory who presuâ—ed that hee could easily subdue all Iudea which was likened to Lebanon for heigth and magnificence And to Mount Carmel for pleasantnesse and fruitfulnesse see Isa. 14. 8. V. 24. Strange waters newly found out which heretofore were not know or of strange countreys dried up my armies are so great that they can drie up rivers drinking but
8. I will heare the Psalmists words preparing himselfe and the whole Church to hearken unto the promise of Gods grace which was revealed unto him by divine inspiration but let not the Italian but will not let hee will convert and sanctifie them to himselfe giving them the spirit of true wisdome to keep them from rashly offending God V. 9. His salvation in the corporall deliverance of his Church but chiefely in the universall redemption of the world by the Messias to whom the ensuing words are plainly referred that glory wee shall againe have the glorious presence of God in our land in the signes of his grace and power as it was in the Arke and then it will powerfully and gloriously dwell in his Church in his sonnes person being made manifest in the flesh see Hos. 2. 7. 9. V. 10. Mercy this cannot perfectly agree with any but the Messias his reign The meaning is Gods grace shall be so largely spread abroad that it shall in truth bee answerable to those large promises which were formerly made Or the blessings of God shall be accompanied with his constant truth to make them firme and perpetuall see Isa. 55. 3. righteousnesse Gods righteous and just government by his word shall produce true peace and happinesse and shall have it inseparably joyned with it see Psal. 72. 3. Isa. 32. 17. V. 11. Truth men shall bee true subjects and God shall be a just King which are the two relative qualities that keep every state in perfect harmony see Isa 45. 8. V. 12. Good namely the true and only good of man which consists in Gods grace joyned with corporall goods as farre as is fitting in his wisdome V. 13. Shall set us the Italian set it that is to say hee shall establish them wheresoever he comes by the preaching of his Gospell PSAL. LXXXVI VER 5. REady to forgive or inclinaâ—le and easie to be drawn to forgive V. 7. Thou wilt that is to say thou usest to answer or heare mee V. 11. I will walke the Italian cause mee to walk governe thou my whole life and actions according to thy holy word and in such sincerity as thou requirest and such as thou doest beget in thy children by thy holy spirit unite let my heart cleave close unto it without varying or going from it or being drawn away to contrary things V. 13. My soule that is to say my person from mortall dangers V. 14. Not set thee who doe not feare thee nor looke after thy judgements or commandements PSAL. LXXXVII VER 1. HIs foundation that is to say the firme place of his abode opposite to the moveable Tabernacle which was made by Moses mountaines figuratively in Ierusalem which had two hills within the precinct of it Sion and Moriah and in reall spirituality in the universal Church which is the heavenly Ierusalem Gal. 4. 26. Heb. 12. 22. V. 4. I will make mention making as one should say a survey of my people I will adde the Gentiles unto them calling them to the knowledge of mee by my Gospell and regenerating them in my Church holding them in the same degree with the Israelites as true children of my covenant Rahab a frequent name for Egypt by reason of its pride and haughtinesse V. 5. This and that indifferently of all nations and persons in a very great number V. 7. The singers Gods words to his Church meaning I will give thee full cause of rejoyceing through my blessings which shall flow upon thee as it were from all their springs PSAL. LXXXVIII THE title Heman it seemes to be the same as is named 1 Kings 4. 31. Ezrahite of the off-spring of Zarah the sonne of Iudah 1 Chron. 2. 6. V. 3. Vnto the grave Heb. to hell because that according to the first degree of Gods justice the first death is inseparable from the second and the name of hell is common to both And though by the second degree which is grace by vertue of the Messias his redemption corporall death to Gods children beno more a passage to everlasting death yet the name of hell hath still kept its ordinary signification of both to shew that not by the nature of death but by Gods grace these two deaths are severed one from the other in the elect V. 5. Free among Others translate it I am severed from the living whom over which in respect of the body and this present life thou doeest no more shew thy providence in governing and relieving them and in bestowing other benefits upon them V. 8. Shut up namely by evills and dangers without any way to getout without any comfort or reliefe V. 9. I have stretched out see upon Iob 11. 13. V. 10. Wilt thou shew the Italian wilt thou work the meaning is if thou doest leave me in this case long I cannot chuse but fall and die then can thy glory appeare no more in my miraculous deliverance see Job 7. 7. The dead Heb. the gyants that is to say those that are abissed and sunk in death as the gyants were in the generall deluge Sometimes this name is taken for the damned as Iob 26. 5. and sometimes plainly for the dead Isa. 26. 19. by reason of what was said upon verse 3. Arise he doth not meane the generall resurrection nor any particular one which happened by miracle but of the common course according to which the dead returne no more into the world to enjoy any new benefits of God V. 11. In destruction that is to say in hell see v. 3. Iob. 28. 22. V. 12. In the land namely in death in which the dead forget the living and the state of this present life Iob 14. 21. Eccles. 9. 5. 6. and likewise the living doe forget the dead Iob 24. 20. and all commerce is taken away and annihilated betweene them V. 15. Ready to die the Italian addeth with roaring with my lamentable crying out as Psal. 22. 1. V. 18. In darknesse the Italian are hidden in darknesse I can see nor descry none of them or they hide themselves from mee thorough horrour and being ashamed of mine afflictions PSAL. LXXXIX THE title Ethan of whom see 1 Kings 4. 31. 1 Chron 2. 6. and it is likely that he out-lived Solomon and saw the destraction of the Kingdome under Iereboam by the separation of the ten Tribes and by the spoyle of the countrey by Shishack King of Egypt 1 Kings 14. 25. 2 Chron. 12. 2. which calamities may likely bee the subjects of this Psalme Ezrahite descended from Zarah the son of Iudah 1 Chron 2. 6. V. 2. I have said I hold it for certaine and have fully concluded it in my minde Built up a phrase taken from sound and well sounded buildings contrary to moveable and waisairing habitations of Tents and Cabins Sbalt thou the Italian thou hast that is to say the effects of thy covenant and promises are certaine being grounded upon thine everlasting decrees made in heaven from whence they have their beginning
Maher these are the very Hebrew words which were written in the roll it being the Lords will that this prediction should be remembred by all men by the name of his child V. 6. This people namely this Army of Assyrians and Israelites The waters that is to say the small meanes and strength of the Church sigured by the small streame which the Fountaine of Shiloah did send into the City of Jerusalem which had no great River see Psal. 46. 4. And rejoyce in the Hebrew there is an allusion between these two words contemning and rejoycing His meaning is he hath glorified himselfe or hath been proud of the might of these two Kings and hath triumphed as though he had been sure to overcome the Jewes V. 7. Of the River namely Euphrates the chiefe River of Assyria a figure of the power of that Empire And all his glory namely his power and his Armies V. 8. Passe thorow Judah this happened in the daies of Hezekiah 2 Kin. 18. 23. To the necke even to Jerusalem which is the head of Judah A figure taken from one that is like to be drowned in some great floud see Isa. 30. 28. Hab. 3. 13. Of his wings that is to say his Armies as Isa. 18. 1 Of thy Land namely of the Land of Judea within which was restrained the Church and the Kingdome of the promised Messias Isa. 7. 14. by whom she should also be delivered from this invasion v. 10. V. 9. Associate as the two Kings of Syria and Israel had done against Jerusalem Isa. 7. 2. V. 10. God is with us this is the exposition of the name Immâ—nuel Isa. 7. 14. V. 11. With a strong hand that is to say accompanying of his word with the power of his holy Spirit in me and in all true beleevers against the generall terrors of the unbeleeving and diffident people which feared these two confederate Kings V. 12. Say ye not as though ye were affrighted at this league taking it to be invincible V. 13. Sanctifie give him the glory that is due unto him putting your trust in him as in the holy one of Israel namely he whose Kingdome and Majesty cannot be violated nor overthrown V. 14. For a Sanctuary for a sacred and inviolable place of refuge for the true elect and faithfull see Ezek. 1â— 16. A stone namely an occasion of ruine for their rebellion and incredulity To both the to the whole body of the unbeleeving and carnall Israelites which were divided into two branches namely Judah and the ten Tribes V. 16. Bind up these are Gods words to the Prophet the meaning whereof is When thou preachest the doctrine and testimony of my grace especially concerning the Messias it shall be like unto closed and sealed Letters to all save onely to true beleevers and them which are enlightened by my Spirit who alone shall understand them and beleeve them for the rest shall reject them see Isai. 29. 11. Mic. 2. 6. V. 17. And I wil that is to say since it hath pleased God to reveale unto me this which he hath decreed against his ungratefull and rebellious people I will peaceably submit unto his will in the exercise of mine Office hoping that I shal be acknowledged and approved of by him though men reject me That hideth namely that hath taken his grace and Spirit from him who had so long withstood it V. 18. Behold O ye faithfull looke upon me whom God hath confirmed and strengthned by propheticke revelation in all this common terror v. 11. and upon these my little children whose mysterious and propheticke names assure us of the good which God will doe unto you and of the evill which he will send upon your enemies Isa 7. 3. 8. 3. 10. 21. for to stengthen you in faith see upon Heb. 2. 13 14. V. 19. And when they shall if the wicked will draw you away from these my Prophecies after divellish southsayings which wickednesses were very frequent amongst the people Iâ—a 2. 6. Familiar spirits see Lev. 19 31. That pâ—epe the Italian that whisper according to the manner of Magicians see Isa. 29. 4. and also the word Magician seemes to be of Hebrew originall and signifies a murmurer or whisperer From the living that is to say should he use Necromancy which is done by calling up of the spirits of dead men to take advice of them for the safeguard of his life in stead of calling upon the living God the onely author giver and preserver of mans life see Deut. 8. 11. 1 Sam. 28. 8 12. V. 20. To the Law that is to say turne to God alone who by his Law declares his will unto you which you must observe and by his Prophets he witnesseth his good will unto you whereupon you must hope There is no light because he speaketh by the Prince of darknesse and not by the Spirit of God and hath no divine illumination wherefore he can give no assured comfort nor faithfull counsell see Mich. 3. 6. V. 21. They shall passe all those that have committed any such manner of wickednesse and shall have beleeved therein shall in the end be grievously punished for it falling through extreame calamities into despaire and madnesse Their God namely that Idol whom they had sought after for these southsayings Isai. 2. 8. or peradventure also the true God of that people whereof this wicked man was And looke to see if any ayd will come to him from Heaven 2 Sam. 22 42. CHAP. IX Vers. 1. IN her vexation namely the Nation or the Land of Israel shall suffer a more grievous desolation then that of the two Kings of Assyria was who are spoken of hereafter At the first namely when Pul made an inrode into the Countrey at the first and then for money went away againe 2 King 15. 19. And afterward namely by Tiglathpilezer 2 King 15. 29. who though he were not yet come at that time as Isaiah prophesied these things yet he is here spoken of as though he were come already according to the manner of Prophets More grievously with more grievous warre and fiercer onset The Sea of Genezareth or Tiberias Beyond Jordan namely in Gilead and other Countries Of the Nations the Italian Of the Gentiles Galilee is so called because it was in the confines of the Tirians and Sidonians and therefore the people were there mingled with the Pagans 1 King 9. 11. V. 2. The people a prophecie of Gods grace through the Messias to man who lay buried in darknesse of ignorance and extreame misery such as the state of the people of Israel was set down here before by Isaiah Now he sets down this gift which was to come as if it were come already In the Land as who should say in the infernall cloisters of death under the earth V. 3. Thou hast multiplied by joyning the Gentiles unto it having called them by the Gospell V. 4. Thou hast freed her from the bondage of sin the divell and other spirituall
neere to Jerusalem and very much abounding in Corne. V. 6. Grapes that is to say some small remnant of people shall remaine in the Countrey V. 7. At that day when these calamities have hapned that small remnant shall be converted to me and to my true seruice which came to passe in part under Iosias 2 Chr 34. 33. and was perfectly accomplished under Jesus Christ. V. 8. That which namely the Idols the Groves which were consecrated by the Idolaters Isai. 1. 29. Or the images see Lev 26. 30. V. 9. A forsaken Bough namely after all the fruit is shaken of V. 10. Of the Rock see Deut. 3â— 4. Shalt thou plant thoushalt tâ—ke much paines and use much industry in tilling of ground but the fruit thereof shall be carried away by thine enemies Strange slips rare and excellent â—â—ips which were brought a great way either through curiosity or for the rarenesse of them V. 11. The day of griefe namely of the last desolation of the Assyrians Country V. 12. Woe to a new prophecie of the discomfiture of the Assyrians Army by the Angel 2 King 19. 35. Of many people or many sorts of divers Nations whereof the Assyrians Army was composed V. 14. Trouble a horrible tumult by reason of such a sudden slaughter CHAP. XVIII Vers. 1. SHadowing which raiseth and sendeth forth such mighty Armies that they seeme to be thicke Clouds of Locusts which shadow the Earth which is ordinary in Ethiopia Joel 2. 10. see concerning these innumerable Armies of Ethiopians 2 Chron. 14. 9. So Armies are called wings Isa. 8. 8. This prophecie seems to have relation to the conquest which Nebuchadnezzar made of Ethiopia together with Egypt Beyond or along by he Rivers V. 2. Ambassadours Ethiopia is divided into the Easterne which was a part of Arabia and the Westerne and the Red-Sea in the middle Gen. 2. 13. Numb 12. 1. and it seems that the seat of the Kingdome as in the Easterne part so that they were faine to send messengers into the Westerne parts for to have levies of men made By the Sea namely the red Sea or Arabicke gulfe Of Bulrushes according to the ancient custome of those Countries which in some places lasteth to this day to make the easier way against the streame by rockes flats and fals of Rivers Scattered the Italian hath it Of a long stature Heb. a Nation of long extent which is a thing namely their tallnesse that hath beene obseâ—ed at all times in the Ethiopians Peeled without haire or smooth having no haire upon their bodies which is also a property of those Country bodies by reason of the excessive heat A terrible people namely the most savage and rude amongst them which are those that dwell in the innermost parts of Ethiopia farre from the Sea looking more blacke and horrid and being more barbarous then the others Troden namely a vile and abject Nation kept in extreame slavery a thing proper to the Moores and Ethiopians both in their owne Country and abroad The Rivers this is also one of the properties of Ethiopia namely that the Rivers Nilus and Niger overflowing by reason of the great raines in Winter doe wash away all the fatnesse of the Land whereupon Egypt was by the ancients called the gift of Nilus V. 3. All ye that is to say I doe bring the world tidings of the Chaldeans generall over-running the Country Wherefore so soon as ye shall perceive it once to begin you must expect the continuance of it untill such time as all that be accomplished which I prophecie unto you V. 4. I will that is to say I will give the Chaldeans leave to goe on with this their great enterprise and will no way hinder them onely I will have the eye of my providence open and sixed upon my Church to comfort conduct and defend her amidst all these tempests as I did at her comming forth of Egypt and in the wildernesse by the siery and cloudy pillar Isa. 4. 5. V. 5. For that is to say the effect of my sufferance shall be this that the King of the Chaldeans shall conquer and destroy the great states of the world before they be growne old and weake with age even as if one should cut and dresse a Vine where it is budded and ready to beare fruit V. 6. Left that is to say they shall be left for a prey to their Conquerours and new Lords or to the eves and robbers on the high way as it often falleth out in new conquered Countries V. 7. In that time namely after all these ruines and calamities the Ethiopians shall be converted to God under the Gospell and shall embrace the Christian faith which indeed hath been so and is so to this day see Acts 8. 27 37. Shall the a figurative description of that peoples spirituall subjection to Christs Kingdome with termes taken from tributes and presents which are brought to earthly Kings and Princes as Psa. 68. 31. 72. 10. Isa. 16. 1. CHAP. XIX Vers. 1. RIdeth a propheticall description of Gods sudden and unlooked for judge ments executed by the Chaldeans upon Egypt as Psa. 18. 9. 104. 3. The Idols all the divels endeavours who is served in those idols and thereby seduceth men making a shew of defending those that worship him shall be quite overthrowne see Exod. 12. 12. and the beliefe which men had in them shall vanish away and the images themselves shall be beaten down and destroyed Jer. 43. 12. or carried away into captivity according to the custome of the heathen Isa. 46. 1. V. 2. Set the raising warres and civill factions amongst themselves Kingdome namely a province or rectories for Egypt was divided into rectories V. 3. The Spirit namely their strength valour and heart shall faile them at their need familiar spirits see Lev. 19. 31. V. 4. Cruell Lord namely Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon Jer. 46. 26. V. 5. The waters a figurative description of an extream desolation of Egypt which had all its pleasure profit ritches and security comming in by Sea the chiefest meanes of their great traffique and by means of the River Nilus which is the cause of the Countries great fruitfulnesse V. 6. Turne the Rivers farre away the Italian the Rivers shall goe backe namely by reason of the falling of the waters Of defence Egypt is often times thus called by reason of the Hebrew names signification The Countrey being much strengthned by meanes of the waters Others construe it as though he meant great bankes raised up upon the sides of the Rivers V. 7. By the Brookes being sowne and growing upon grounds all wet and dirty by reason of the overflowing of the River Nilus Driven away they shall be all spoiled through the rage desolation of war which shal be like the overflowing of a River V. 9. In fine Flax which was one of the singular and choicest rarities of Egypt see 1 King 10. 28. Prov. 7. 16. V. 11. Zoan a most ancient City of
Chaldeans securenesse and negligence in standing to their Armes V. 6. Goe set all this was done in a vision as it were drawing out in a table the approaching of the enemies campe and the taking of Babylon V. 8. I sland the Prophet tels the Lord how he is grieved because that having kept him so long in a vision and in the contemplation of the preparation made for Babylons ruine he had not yet shewed him the full execution of it Whereunto God answers declaring it to him by way of an irrevocable decree V. 9. Charet of men namely Charets of warre opposite to Charets to carry baggage see Isa. 22. 6. And he namely God V. 10. Of my floore that is to say the Kingdome which I purpose to thresh and beate down like straw on the floore Have I declared the Prophets words to the Church V. 11. Dumah this was the Country which belonged to Ismaels posterity Gen. 25. 14. and by this or with this seeme to be meant and understood the Edomites a neighbouring Nation He calleth a representation of the anguish the Edomites were in during these dangers as if they had desired to be certified by the Prophet of some certaine newes Watchman that is to say O thou Prophet whose office it is to see and foretell things to come as after night is past they use to set watches upon high places especially in time of warre tell us if thou hast any good advice or councell to give us V. 12. The Watchman that is to say I can say nothing to you from God but that your calamities will surely come to passe and they shall be accomplished like to an entire day consisting of day and night If ye will all your cares and foresights cannot prevent your evils which are unavoidable see Jer. 49. 7 Ezek. 35. 2 Obad. 5. V. 13. Shall ye lodge all the Countrey being full of Souldiers you cannot now securely travaile in great companies according to the Custome of the Country Ge. 37. 25. Job 6. 19. Of Dedanim people of Arabia descended from Abraham by Keturah Ge. 25. 3 V. 14. Brought water a propheticall description of the flight and affrightment of the Arabians at the Chaldeans comming V. 16. Within a yeere the Arabians being overcome by the Chaldeans Jer. 49. 28. Long after this prophecy This must not be understood of the time that was between the prophecy and the fulfilling of it but of the time that this warre lasted against Arabia as Isa. 20. 3. According to the see upon Isa. 16. 14. CHAP. XXII Vers. 1. OF the valley he doth obscurely speak of Jerusalem which was encompassed with hils Psal. 125. 2. and cals it the valley of vision by allusion to the name of Ierusalem for Salem signisieth a place where God sees and provides see Gen. 22. 14. What aileth thee a propheticall representation of the siege and sacking of Ierusalem Gone up the house topps were made like unto great open terraces and they went up to them in time of publique mourning and calamities as it were to present themselves openly to God and to aske and begge reliefe at his hands see Isa. 50. 3. Ier. 48. 38. V. 2. The slaine men he hath a relation to Zedekiah and his men of warre who were taken after they fled out of the City whereof the chiefe were slaine Ier. 39. 4. V. 4. Said I the prophets hearty sorrow for the miseries which were to come upon his Nation Of the daughter that is to say of the City or Communalty V. 6. Elam a people of Persia and Media who served the King of Babylon in this warre Of men see upon Isai. 21. 9. Kir an Easterly Nation in Persia or Media 2 Kin. 16. 9. Uncovered that is to say have taken their Armes for in time of peace they wrapped up their Armes for feare of rufting V. 8. The covering namely the Rampire and defence that is to say Gods protection see Exod. 32. 25. Num. 14. 9. Mic. 1. 11. Thou didst looke O people you have looked after and trusted in humane meanes for to defend you The house he meanes the royall Palace which was called the house of the wood of Lebanon 1 King 7. 2. which was also the armorie for the Kings guard 1 Kings 10. 16 17. 2 Chron. 12. 10. V. 9. Ye gathered you Jews will imitate by reason in your fear Hezechiah by prevailing against the Assyrians in cutting off the waters from them and bringing them into the Citie by pipes under ground 2 Chron. 32. 4. 30. but not in his faith having a recourse to God by prayers humiliation V. 10. Numbred to know the certain number of the inhabitants and the people which were for defence for to give every one their charge and to distribute the provision of victuall V. 11. Between the two this was a place on the north-side of Jerusalem where the gathering of waters was between the wall of the City and another compasse of wall within side which was called Bezera see 2 King 25. 4. Jer. 39. 4. For the water a great pond into which were gathered and kept the waters which came from the upper poole Isa. 7. 3. which was formerly made by Solomon Nehem. 12. 14. and therefore is called The old pool or fish-pond opposite to that which Hezekiah made 2 Kings 20. 20. and is here called The lower poole vers 9. Looked by faith conversion and prayer Unto the maker namely to God who is the author of these judgements and visitaâ—ions see Isa 37. 26. Others to him that made iâ— that is to say That built and established Jerusalem and his Church Long agoe he hath a relation to this vision which was long before it came to passe V. 12. Call that is to say hath given you great cause of griefe for to bring you to repentance To baldnesse the Italian to tâ—aring of hair as Ezr. 9. 3. Mich. 1. 16. V. 13. Let us eat a representation of the peoples prophane and desperate thoughts in their calamities V. 14. And it was or and the Lord of hosts hath revealed himselfe to mine ears that is to say to me speaking as followeth V. 15. Treasurer it should seeme that he was the chiefe both for the state and for the treasure Shebna it may be the same man as is mentioned 2 King 18. 18. where he is named Secretary There is not any mention made elsewhere of the evill carriages nor of the end of this man Others by conjecture onely do beleeve that he was deposed from his government and made secretary onely and that that was the beginning of his fall which was here foretold by Isaiah V. 16. What hast thou that is to say thou art unworthy of this high degree and oughtest to be deposed and therefore shalt not enjoy these honours till thine houre of death upon which hope notwithstanding thou'buildest thy selfe this stately Scpulchre And whom hast he seems to have a relation to Shâ—bnas base and forraigne parentage his meaning is
from Euphrates unto the little Rivet called Sihor which were the two uttermost bounds of the Land of Israel in length Ye shall be none shall escape V. 13. In that day after the execution of these my judgements I will bring my people together againe which were scattered up and downe in captivity Which must chiefly be understood of the spirituall bringing together of the Saints by the Gospell CHAP. XXVIII Vers. 1. TO the Crowne namely to the Kingdome of the ten Tribes the chiefe Tribe whereof was Ephraim for his number and power more glorious then Judah and much given to all manner of dissolutenesse Hos. 5. 5. 7. 5 10. 13. 1. Amos 6. 6. On the head for the Country of the ten Tribes was more high and hilly then Judahs Country which was lower towards the Wildernesse Others in the best and the flower of the Countrey V. 2. Hath that is to say he hath the King of Assyria ready at his command for to execute his judgements upon the ten Tribes V. 5. In that day after the ten Tribes have been destroyed He shall cause Judah to be glorified by his grace and miraculous protection against his enemies and by an excellent re-establishment of the state and Church under Hezekiah Isa 32. 1. V. 6. And for a Spirit that is to say I will inspire righteousnesse and justice in the King and Princes of Judah and valour in his men of warre for to beat backe their enemies A description of a happy state governed justly at home and able abroad to resist any endeavour of their enemies V. 7. They also namely they of Judah also have imitated and shall imitate the foresaid sins of Ephraim notwithstanding the good order which Hezekiah re-established Have erred through Wine the Italian have fallen in love with Wine the Hebrew word signifieth a violent passion which troubles the understanding and causeth it to goe astray out of the right way of reason see Pro. 20. 1. Hos. 4. 11. In vision in faithfully relating what they have received from God in propheticke revelation This hath a relation to Prophets In judgement this is spoken of the Priests who were interpreters of the Law and decided causes in judgement see Deut. 17. 9. 2 Chro. 19. 8. Mal. 2 7. V. 9. Whom shall these desolations doe dim and dull their understandings that they are not able to receive instruction nor correction by the word of God Isa. 29. 10. V. 10. For precept must be they are become so â—upid that one must propose Gods Word unto them as in the first rudiments to children in a rough manner whereas they should have been solid and perfect in it Heb. 5. 12. 6. 1. V. 11. For with this people understand not the word of their God though plaine and intelligible no more then if he did speake in an obscure and confused way and in an unknowne Language V. 12. This is in the observation of my Law consists your peace and security Cause the weary doe so that your poore Country which hath been so much afflicted may now be a little eased of the scourges which she is threatned with V 13. The word I will punish their wilfull rebellion with a greater blindnesse and astonishment so that being no way guided by my word nor spirit they may fall into finall ruine V. 15. We have we are or at least hold our selves to be safe from any dangers Scourge whereof is spoken vers 2. We have made that is to say we have provided for our safeties with fraudes and deceipts V. 16. Therefore because that your sinnes being grown to their height my justice requireth to have you punisht therefore I will first provide for the comfort of mine elect to confirme their soules by faith in the promised Redeemer which is the onely foundation and prop of the staggering Church and afterwards I will come to the rigorous execution of my judgement Isay the Italian That have laid I have not onely appointed that my sonne should be the foundation of the Church but have also planted faith in him in the hearts of mine elect that leaning upon him they may stand to any manner of proofe or triall Shall not make haste the Italian shall not goe astray Heb. shall not make haste because that folks which are out of their way do run up and downe at randome to finde it againe without any judgement V. 17. Judgement also but as for you wicked ones I will deale with you in my justice And will make your punishments equall with your faults The haile whereof see vers 2. The refuge whereof see vers 15. V. 19. By morning beginning still againe without any rest Shall be the cry of the enemies comming shall yeeld no remedy for it it shall serve but onely to put you in greater terror and confusion V. 20. The bed figurative and proverbial terms the meaning is that all meanes and devices they can use will no way defend them V. 21. His strange namely wonderfull and terrible or which seemes not to agree with the mildenesse of a father toward his children but rather with the fury of an enemy against a stranger see Lam. 3. 33. V. 22. Lest your bands lest Gods judgements which already keepe you bound like prisoners doe grow stronger upon you V. 24. The plowman even as the plowman doth not alwaies plow but after he hath prepared and made ready the Land he soweth it so God after he hath a long time spoken and threatned comes to execution with a distinction of persons and punishments befitting his Justice and providence V. 25. Principall Wheat the Italian Wheat by a certaine measure according to the bignesse of the field which he meanes to sow The appointed Barley the Italian Barley at certaine marks he meanes certaine markes which husbandmen did use to set up in the fields for to sort out their seeds according to the diversity of the soiles and for to avoyd confusion and keep an equality in their sowing V. 27. Are not threshed as after harvest all kind of seed is not threshed out after the same manner but Corne is threshed out with Cartwheeles or beasts hoofes according to the custome of those Countries other smaller seeds are threshed out with â—â—ails or rods So Gods visitations are dispensed according to the diuers qualities of the persons V. 29. This also this diversity in the dispersing of Gods judgements proceeds from Gods wise providence who as he is the authour of reason in men and in the guiding of their actions so doth he also observe supreame wisdome in his owne CHAP. XXIX Vers. 1. TO Ariel by Ezek. 43. 15 16. appeares that this was a name of the Altar of burnt offerings or of the upper part of it it signifie the Lyon of God either because there might be some Lyons shapes upon the Altar or because God shewed himselfe terrible in his Temple and roared by his word against his enemies Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2. Or because that
instruments of comfort and deliverance to his Church in her extreamest necessities and calamities So did he also in her greatest and horriblest depravations send her excellent Ministers to beare up the imminent ruine and to interpose themselves between the wrath of God and men enclining the ones rebellion to repentance and to appease Gods wrath by prayers and intereâ—ssions and in default of one or the other to justifie at least Gods judgements and condemne the rebellious and hardned world This did he especially doe by the means of Jeremiah to the Jewish Nation For the whole state and government both Politick and Ecclesiasticall being corrupted and perverted Gods Service neglected polluted and almost annihilated by publike idolatries and the common course of life defiled by all manner of raigning sinnes and finally all forme and appearance of a Church being almost cancelled and extinguished and God being almost ready to dart out his last sentence he would first raise up Jeremiah of the priestly stocke and besides divinely called to the office of Prophet and endowed with all the most eminent qualities belonging unto it for to oppose himselfe to that torrent of evils by lively reprehensions denunciations and protestations and to try whether he could call them to repentance before the fulnesse of Gods judgements did overflow But all these remedies of grace and means of reconciliation proving unprofitable being overcome by the peoples untamed malice he was at the last employed to denounce the decree of their last ruine which did hang over their heads by the Caldeans who by the desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple should subvert the Kingdome and the whole body and form of a common wealth and should carry away the people into a long captivity Reserving neverthelesse after the manner of all Prophets for the remnant of the Elect and true beleevers excellent promises of grace and assurances of preservation and of returning from Babylon at seventy yeers end and of their temporall re-establishment and especially of their eternall salvation by Christ the onely foundation and lively root of hope and restauration to all the fathers of whose Comming Covenant Benefit Kingdome and Priesthood he prophesieth in divers places in a most divine and high straine And to shew that Gods Justice was not asleep concerning other Nations which had been occasions of corruption or stumbling blocks to the people or had been assisting to the destruction of them God gives him a Commission to prophesie against them also and to tell them that they should be involved in the same inundation of the Chaldeans And especially he causeth him to thunder out his most fierce and thundering threatnings upon the head of Babylon In the exercise of this his Office there may be discerned in him not onely a most entire fidelity towards God but also a most entire charity and compassion towards his Nation carrying in his owne person and digesting in his owne holy bosome all the anguishes and feelings of lively sorrowes whereof the people made themselves uncapable through their owne hardnesse And likewise to Gods glory and for the example and instruction of all his faithfull servants he himselfe discovers his owne infirmities the combats of impatience which he hath felt in so toilesome and contentious an exercise of many yeeres describing also the corrections and comforts of Gods Spirit by vertue of which he was able to stand to the triall and finish his course To this Propheticke part of this booke Jeremiah doth in divers places joyne the other which is the historicall relating how unworthily his ministery had been entertained both by great and small how he had been contradicted by Priests and Prophets his person despised slaundered assaulted by violence and secret conspiracies threatned beaten persecuted and imprisoned in extreame misery yet still held up by God and borne up by some remainder of holy soules And at last how the event verified his prophesies when the Chaldeans after divers inroads having over-runne the Countrey changed the Kings subdued the State and carried away part of the people into captivity did at last execute the finall sentence by the taking sacking and burning of Jerusalem destroying the Temple killing the Royall Progeny and all the men of command and transporting the King and the remainder of the people into grievous captivity to Babylon all this falling out before the Prophets owne eyes he being preserved by singular miracle He doth moreover set downe how for all these accidents the heart of that perverse Nation was no way humbled For there being a small remainder left in the Countrey under the government of Gedaliah who was appointed by the King of Babylon some wicked men conspired against the said Gedaliah and slew him Whereupon the people notwithstanding that Jeremiah did strictly forbid them did retire themselves into Egypt forcing the Prophet to goe along with them And their persevering in their franticke idolatry and rebellion they heard from him new threatnings of their last perdition wherewith they were so enraged that they cruelly murthered him as antiquity beleeved and left to us by tradition CHAP. 1. Vers. 1. ANathoth one of the Cities assigned to the Priests Josh. 21. 18. 1 Chro. 6. 60. V. 3. In the fifth of the present yeere V. 5. I knew thee that is to say I did by a degree of my Soveraigne pleasure choose and appoint thee to take upon thee the sacred Office of Prophet see Exod. â—3 12 17. V. 7. Thou shalt goe doe thou obey me without any contradiction for I will give thee strength and all needfull meanes to fulfill my commands To all that I shall the Italian Whithersoever I shall or to doe all those things which I shall send thee to doe V. 9. Put forth namely in a vision for a token of inspiration and confirmation see Isa. 6. 6 7. V. 10. Over the Nation to declare my word publikely with a prophetical authority to the ruin and perdition of the wicked and rebellious and for the salvation of the faithfull and penitent which shall be accomplished and fulfilled from point to point as if thou thy self didst put it in execution V. 11. What seest thou namely in propheticke vision Of an Almond tree the name of this Tree in the Hebrew tongue is taken from a word which signifieth watching or being attentive upon some businesse For the Almond tree blossomes sooner in the spring then any other Tree and upon this signification is this vision founded see Amos 8. 1. 2. V. 13. A seething pot a figure of Jerusalem and Judea as Ezek. 11. 3 7. 24 3. in which God would seeth destroy and consume the Jewes by the fire of the Chaldeans which were Northward from Judea V. 15. They shall set that is to say they shall encampe themselves with their royall tents which shall be like so many thrones in which I will sit and condemne my people to such punishment as the Chaldeans shal execute upon them see Jerem. 52 4 5. V. 17. Gird up
Jeremiah spake to Zedekiah and to the Priests Ier. 27. 12. In the beginning some take this at large as who should say in his first yeeres for afterwards it is said that this happened in the fourth yeere Others hold that this was in the first yeere of Zedekiahs raigne and in the first of the weeke of yeeres Exod. 23. 10. Lev. 25. 3. as also they will have in other places these Sabbathicall yeeres meant 2 Kin. 19. 29. Dan. 1. 1. The Prophet namely one of the Colledge of the appointed Prophets Ier. 26. 7. or professing to have propheticke revolations though he had none V. 〈◊〉 I have broken that is to say I have determined shortly to deliver my people out of the Chaldeans bondage figured by the yoake which Ieremiah did weare about his necke V. 8. The Prophets that is to say it is an ordinary thing for true Prophets to denounce Gods judgements upon grievous sinners as this people is and one ought not to suspect so much deceit in sinister predictions which cause offence as in favourable ones which doe gaine favour and applause yet the event will shew the truth Thus spake Ieremiah being not yet certaine of Hananiahs falshood as he was afterwards v. 16. 17. V. 16. Rebellion because that by thy false promises thou hast caused the people to be hardned in their sinnes and hast contrary to Gods will and to the the oath which Zedekiah had sworne 2 Chro. 36. 13. fostered his rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar CHAP. XXIX Vers. 5. BUild you by these meanes he signifieth that the captivity would be long v. 28. and exhorteth them to mitigate the troublesomenesse of it by all honest means V. 8. Which you cause to be dreamed namely inducing your false Prophets by bribes or flattery to speake as you would have them and to frame their predictions according to your minds V. 10. Accomplished and not before as the false Prophets said V. 11. End of evils which are past and hope for the time to come V. 15. Because because you believe false Prophets that are amongst you v. 21 24. which feed you with vaine hopes Heare ye Gods decree concerning the remainder of the Jewes which is yet in Jerusalem so farre are you which are out already from comming home V. 22. Rosted that is to say burnt with a soft fire V. 23. I know though they commit their wickednesses in secret and doe dissemble them before men V. 24. Speake that is to say denounce this prophecie against him here and then send it to him in writing V. 25. Zephaniah this was the second Priest next to the high Priest 2 King 25. 18. and therefore had great power in Ecclesiasticall businesses see Ierem. 20. 1. V. 26. Iehoiada if by this Jehoiada be meant the high Priest in the time of Ioash 2 King 11. 2 Chro. 23. the meaning is seeing it hath pleased God to establish thee in the Priestly Office doe thou imitate Iehoiada his example who upon an extraordinary occasion did use Soveraigne power in re-ordering of the State and Church and doe thou the like against Jeremiah who seeketh to subvert both Others thinke that this Iehoiada was Zephaniahs predecessor That is mad thus did prophane men scoffe the Lords Prophets because of their extasies and extaordinary motions see 2 Kin. 9. 11. V. 32. Shall not have that is to say I will cause all his generation to perish before the time of the promised deliverance come CHAP. XXX Vers. 3. FOr lo I will have thy prophecies as well of threatnings as promises bee preserved for posteritie the one for the comfort of the residue of my people and the other for their instruction in after times when I have re-established them to keepe them from falling againe into the same miseries through sinne V. 5. We have a representation of the peoples generall terror upon the Chaldeans comming V. 8. His namely the King of Babylons Yoake he hath a relation to the signe spoken of by Jeremiah Jer. 27. 2. V. 9. David namely the Messias descended from David according to the flesh and shall hold his place in being King over his people see Ezek. 34. 23. 37. 24. from hence it appeares that the perfect accomplishment of this promise is referred to Christ and belongs to the spirituall Israel V. 12. Incurable that is to say inevitable by Gods irrevocable decree V. 13. To plead the Italian to take in hand that is to say that seekes to stay my judgement by conversion prayers and other spirituall meanes to ease thee of those evils thou art threatned withall V. 14. Thy lovers namely the Egyptians and other Nations with which thou hast joyned thy selfe in league to the wrong of Gods pure service Jer. 22. 20. Ezek. 16. 37. 23. 22. Cruellone that is to say without any compassion by a desire of a just revenge and through a jealousie even to utter destruction Which must be understood of the impenitent people and not of the elect which were amongst them V. 17. They called thee thine enemies thought that I had for ever cast thee out of my favour and driven thee out of the Land of promise never to have either care or remembrance of thee V. 18. Heape that is to say raised up upon its owne floore The manner that is to say according to the ancient modell and forme A figurative Prophecie of the spirituall re-establishment of the Church by Christ. V. 21. And their that is to say my people shall no more be governed nor tyrannized over by strangers It shall have governours of its owne Nation who shall therefore be more pitifull and loving Deut. 17. 15. Isa. 62. 5. This being refeired to Christ signifieth that he shall really be of the Iewish Nation according to the flesh and that being like his Church save onely in sinne he shall take compassion enough of their miseries and infirmities Heb. 2. 17. 4. 15. Will cause him that is to say I my selfe will convert my people by vertue of my spirit seeing that of themselves they cannot nor will not do it and that without me it is impossible for man to doe it Ier. 13. 23. 31. 18. Lam. 5. 21. Ioh. 15. 5. CHAP. XXXI Vers. 1. THe same time namely of the Messias promised in the precedent chapter V. 2. Left of that is to say the deliverance out of Egypt and the bringing of the people through the Wildernesse ought to be an example and pledge to you of the new deliverance out of Babylon which I promise you and of everlasting salvation in Christ. The Sword from the Egyptians persecution with armed hand and from their cruell oppression Went that is to say in the signes and effects of my presence the Arke going before them Rest that is to say a place to settle and encampe themselves in commodiously Num. 10. 33. Deut. 1. 33. and afterwards a firme and peaceable habitation in the Land of Canaan Psal. 95. 11. V. 3. Of old the Churches reply
a ruler or a cleft sticke And write Set downe upon it that part of the people which is signified by it For the children of Israel Whereof many namely the two whole tribes of Levi Benjamin and many other particular men of the other tribes did joyne with Judah when the ten tribes revolted 2 Chron. 11. 12. 13. 16. Unto Joseph namely to the ten tribes whose head was the tribe of Ephraim which came from Joseph V. 19. I will take that is to say I will gather together and unite all mine elect of what nation soever they be into one spirituall body annihilating by Christs crosse the divisions and enmities of the nations as of Judah and of the ten tribes oftentimes used by the Prophets for a signe of the division which was between the Jews and the Gentiles Isa. 11. 13. Ephes. 2. 14 15 16. The stick of Ioseph of the ten tribes represented by this tree of Joseph by reason that the tribe of Ephraim had ruled over them V. 22. One King namely The Messias V. 23. Their dwelling places Wheresoever they shall be in exile or captivity as in Babylon in Egypt and other places of the world where either willingly or by compulsion they have beene partakers of Pagan Idolatries Jer. 44. 8. Ezek. 14. 3. and 20. 30 39. V. 24. David namely Jesus Christ the sonne of David according to the flesh V. 25. In the land A figure of the Church V. 26. will set my I will be present in my Grace Word and Spirit in their assemblies and in their hearts of which spirituall presence the Tabernacle and Sanctuarie heretofore were signes and pledges Lev. 26. 11 12. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 16. Ephes. 2. 21. 22. V. 28. Doe sanctifie That doe take it and consecrate it to my selfe and by my presence do make it holy and inviolable against all manner of injuries and offences CHAP. XXXVIII Vers. 2. GOg Names of Scythian people this day called Tartars Gen. 10. 2. this Prophecie may be referred partly to the desolations that befell the Jewes which returned from Babylon by the King of Asia and Syria Dan. 8. 23. and 11. 31. And because that the Scythians had anciently overrun and possessed Asia minor and Syria whereof in Asia there was a city called Magog and another in Syria called Scitopolis the Provinces have taken their names from this cruell and barbarous conquering Nation to signifie the inhumanenesse of those Syrian Kings Alexanders successors towards the Jewes But it is likely that besides this the spirit of God did purpose to signifie a great oppression which the Church is like to suffer and especially the Jewes which shall be converted to Christ towards the latter end of the world by the said Scythians or Tartars as John seemes to point out Rev. 20. 8. Zach. 14. 2. The chiefe Prince namely A Province which commandeth those Provinces See Gen. 10. 2. V. 4. I will turne thee backe namely After thou hast assaulted my people With all sorts Or furnished and armed with compleat Armes V. 5. Ethiopia Nations of Africa joyned in this enterprize V. 6. Gomer People of Asia towards the North Gen. 10. 2 3. V. 7. Be thou An Ironicall kind of speech as much as to say Defend them if thou canst from my power and from the battell which I shall fight with them V. 8. Visited Like an instrument or weapon which was laid up and afterwards used to punish my people In the latter A little before the comming of Christ in the flesh in whom begins a new age if this be meant by the Kings of Syria But if this have a relation to the other great inundation of the Scythians it meanes the times which shall be towards the latter end of the world Alwayes waste that is to say For a long time likewise never to be restored to it former state V. 11. Villages Where the inhabitants either because of their continuall peace or by reason of their fore-past miseries have not cared or have not had the meanes to wall and fortifie their cities and therefore dwell in open villages V. 12. Turne thy hand Renewing the ancient desolations of this poore countrey restored from its ruines In the midst the Italian In the Navell namely In the heart of the land where they shall thinke themseves more secure then if they dwelt upon the borders See Judg 9. 37. V. 13. Sheba These people of Arabia and they that dwell upon the Sea-coast shall come to thee to have part of the prey and to buy the spoiles of thee The young Lyons The pirats and robbers upon the Sea who are like to wild Sea-beasts V. 16. Sanctified When I shall have shewed my selfe glorious venerable and terrible in sacred Majestie by my judgements upon thee V. 17. Art thou Seeing I have foretold thy comming and thine endeavours I must be acknowledged to be the director and moderator of them by my sacred Providence which shall suffer these evills but shall limit them and cause the issue of them to be to my glory and the comfort of my people In old time We finde no such prophecies before the time of Ezechiel and therefore the words old time must be understood in comparison not of the age in which the Prophet lived but of the time wherein these prophecies were fulfilled The Prophets namely Ezekiel in these two Chapters Zech. chap. 14. and Saint John Rev. 20. 7. Against them namely against my people V. 18. Shall come up A humane kind of speech taken from men whole nostrills puffe out when they are heated with anger V. 19. Shaking All creatures shall be astonished and terrified at the presence of my glorious Majestie when I punish mine enemies V. 21. Asword This was partly accomplished in the civill warres of the Kings of Syria whereupon followed the ruine of their Empire V. 22. Will raine I will cause a miraculous destruction and discomfiture to come upon them termes taken from the deluge the fire of Sodom and Joshuahs haile Josh. 10. 11. CHAP. XXXIX Vers. 6. A Fire namely An extreme ruine and desolation V. 7. Pollute By the blasphemies and insultings of mine enemies V. 8. It is come that is to say It will questionlesse come to passe V. 9. They that dwell Hyperbolicall termes to signifie an exceeding great discomfiture V. 11. The valley This valley is not made mention of any where else It is likely to some passage which was much frequented by strangers that came into Judea the intent is to shew the greatnesse of the slaughter by the greatnes of the burying place which was appointed which should be stopped up with the carkasses and bones of dead men that travellers should not be able to goe that way The Sea Hee seemes to meane the dead Sea or the lake of Sodom To stop namely their noses by reason of the stinke which shall proceed from thence V. 12. May cleanse For according to the law a dead carkasse not buried did defile the
accomplishment of Christs kingdome and the eternall salvation of the Church at the last Resurrection joyned with the finall destruction of her enemies That sleepâ— a Scripture terme to shew the immortality of the soule after the death of the body with the certainty of the resurrection To shamâ— See Isay 66. 24. Rom. 9. 21. V. 3. Tâ—y that be wise namely the true beleevers who in this life are inlightned by the holy Ghost in faith shall injoy the light of glory in the kingdome of heaven He alludes to the understanding men of which he had spoken in the times of Antiochus Dan. 11. 33 35. That turne many namely the faithfull ministers of the Gospell See 1 Tim. 4. 16. Iam. 5. 19 20. As the stars See 1 Cor 15. 41. V. 4. Shut up the use and cleere understanding of these prophecies is not for this present time v. 9. but for the times of the fulfilling of it which is appointed by God Shall 〈…〉 unne to and fro to seek out these prophecies to be instructed comforted and strengthened Knowledge that is to say God by his Spirit and by the events shall give full knowledge of these things which are as yet but obscurely foretold See Isay 29. 18. Jer. 23 20. V. 5. Two namely Angels besides that which had hitherto spoken to the Prophet Of the river whereof see Dan. 10. 4. V. 6. Vnto the man of which see Dan. 10. 5. Vpon the See Dan. 8. 16. Wonders of these admirable predictions and strange accedents which shall befall the Church V. 7. That it shall be that this desolation of the Church by Antiochus should be accomplished in three yeares and a balfe Dan. 7. 25. When he shall when Antiochus had brought the people into extremity God should miraculously releeve them V. 8. I understood not namely the secret of those times distinguished in that manner V. 9. Goe thy way content thy selfe and forbeare inquiring any further concerning these things the knowledge whereof is reserved for its proper time and belong neither to thee nor to the age thou livest in V. 10. Purified by the aforesaid persecutions The wicked See Dan. 11. 32. 1 Mac. 1. 12. 45. 55. None of the the prophane and apostataes shall give no heed to these prophesies nor shall reape any benefit document or comfort thereby But the wise of which see Dan. 11. 33 35. V. 11. There shall be before Gods service be reestablished in his Temple and it be purged from idolatry 1 Mac. 4. 37. A thousand which are the three yeares and a halfe mentioned v. 7. with thirteen dayes over comprehended in the fore-said round number or added to shew some particular time of some accident not mentioned in Scripture V. 12. To the thousand in this Number there are five and forty dayes more then in the former Number And it is likely that they were from the re-establishment of Gods service untill Antiochus his plague 1 Mac. 6. 8 9. of which he dyed after he had languished many dayes 1 Mac. 6. 16. whereby the people were freed from his tyranny V. 13. Goe thou dispose thy selfe to end thy dayes quietly during which thou shalt be exempt from these calamities v. 9. and shalt keepe those great honours which thou enjoyest Daniel 6. 28. The Booke of the Prophet HOSEA ARGUMENT AFter the ten Tribes of Isaell were separated from the kingdome of Iudah and from the communion of the Church and from the pure service of God the Lord did for all that preserve some forme of Church amongst them by the preaching of his word ministred by his Prophets to keep his Elect in the prosession of Gods covenant and the enjoyment of his grace and to preserve Them from those evils which then reigned and to gather together and save the reliques of them And also to reprove and condemne the wicked call them to repentance and affright them with the denunciation of Gods judgements and finally to supply the defect of the ordinary ministery of Priests and Levites which was quite annihilated amongst them and to preserve Gods right amidst a Nation which through his patience did yet beare his name and badge Amongst these Prophets was Hosea raised up in the last declining of the kingdome The summary of whose prophesies is contained in this booke and is referred to two chiefe heads namely to the Law and the Gospell In the first he discovers reproves and sharpely condemnes the generall corruption which reigned in the ten Tribes Especially in regard of the idolatry of the Calves and Baali the well-spring of all other vices which are either in a publick government or in a private life without sparing sometimes Iudah it selfe though in a more moderate degree of reproofe by reason of his persevering in Gods covenant and service Then he denounces unto them Their approaching reprobation and finall destruction notwithstanding all their confidence in worldly assistance and meanes whereof he confuteth the vanity In the second he promises Gods grace to the remainder of true and repentant Beleevers and to the body of the people their latter conversion and re-establishment under the Gospell and to all the true spirituall Israel taken indifferently out of all nations their gathering together peace safety regeneration and eternall conjunction with God by Iesus Christ his Churches King and Bride-groome Now these two heads are diversly handled In the three first Chapters briefly and abscurely under two figures or visions In the rest of the booke in cleerer and plainer terms and larger discourses CHAP. I. Verse 1. IEroboam as Amos 1. 1. there were indeed other Kings of the ten Tribes untill the time of Ezekiah But it may be that Hosea prophesied under Jeroboam amongst the ten Tribes and that after his reigne he came into Judah Or that the other Kings are left out because that under them the state was turned upside downe by revolts and continuall troubles V. 2. By Hosea or in Hosea to signifie the inward propheticall revelation Num. 12. 6. 2 Sam. 23. 2. Goe take unto thee it is likely that all this was commanded and seemed to the Prophet to be performed in vision that it being related to the people they might perceave in the looking-glasse of this Allegory their duty towards God and their rebellion and disloyalty and the punishment which God would inflict upon them for it See Hosea 3. 1. A wife of whoredomes not that she was a whore already but that being first a married wife she afterwards went a stray The application of the figure to the subject requireth that it should be so understood whereby it appears that all this was done in vision Children of whoredomes which are really borne of an unlawfull copulation though they beare thy name For the land I will have thee in this manner represent unto the people their idolatries and spirituall strayings and reprove them for it See Psal. 73. 27. Ezek. 23. 35. V. 3. Gomer some hold it to be the name of some famous strumpet
the neerest friends A guide so are they called in Scripture who by reason of their degree duty or authority are as it were the heads and directors of others as the husband is of the wife the Schoolemaster of his scholers and the Councellor of the Prince Psal. 5â— 14. Keepe the discover not thy secret to thine owne wife for feare left she betray thee V. 7. Therefore I the Italian but I namely I Micah with all true beleevers seeing all manner of hope of being releeved by men to be past will turn to God by faith expectation prayer V. 8. Rejoyce not words of the Church encouraged by Gods grace against all the taunts of the whole multitude of her adversaries V. 9. I will beare with humility and patience He plead against mine enemies who taking no care for to execute Gods judgements for my sins have wreaked all their cruelty upon me Will bring me as it were out of the low pit of misery in which I am His righteousnesse his deliverance the effect of his loyalty and love towards me and of his severe justice against his and mine enemies V. 11. In the day An Euangelicall promise the meaning is when in the Messias his time I shall re-establish my Church which hath beene as an excluded and abandoned Possession Amos 9. 11. I will set her in perfect liberty freeing her from the commands of all others but mine owne V. 12. They shall come All Nations shall joyne themselves to the Christian Church See Isa. 19. 23. The fortified cities A Countrey which is most strong by nature being bounded by the sea and by wildernesses and entrenched with great channells of water The Prophet names it so by an allusion to the Hebrew name of Egypt See Dan. 11. 15 24. The river namely Euphrates V. 13. The land namely Judea before the comming of Christ in the flesh Because of Or together with c. For the â—ruits For the just recompence and punishment of their sinnes V. 14. Feed thy The Prophets words to our Saviour Jesus Christ that hee would be pleased to feed and guide his Church which is destitute of all humane help and is exposed to many dangers like sheep upon the mountains and in woods Carmel Basham Places yeelding fat pastures V. 15. Will I shew Christ his answer V. 16. They shall lay They shall hold their peaces for fear Shal be deaf With the sudden bursting forth of Gods wonderfull and terrible works V. 17. Thâ—y shall â—ick They shall be cast down with all their pride at Gods feet who shall raigne in his Church Psal. 72. 9. Isa. 49. 23. Because of thee O God! or of thee O Church when thou shalt be restored to thy glory and splendor by Christ who shall dwell and operate in thee The Booke of the Prophet NAHUM ARGUMENT AFter the Lord had suspended his judgements touching Nineveh which seemed to be moved to repentance by Jonahs preaching and that City together with the whole Assyrian Empire whereof it was the head were returned to their former sinnes encreasing them through the oppression and persecution of the Church Nahum was raised up to denounce to both of them the last and irrevocable decree of their ruine by the Chaldeans and Medes The summe of which is That the everlasting glorious and Almighty God being jealous of the wrong done to his Majesty and the oppression of his people by the Assyrians and to execute his judgements upon them for many other sinnes and violences would within a short time cause that so ancient mighty and flourishing Monarchie to perish The execution of which decree and sentence is set downe and lively represented by Nahum by all its circumstances to assure Gods people so much the more thereof and to comfort them for the evills which they had suffered by them CHAP. I. Vers. 1. THe burthen that is to say A Prophecie of threatnings and evils Isa. 13. 1. Jer. 23. 33. Nineveh The head of the Assyrian Empire which was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar the Great King of Chaldea who also destroyed Nineveh Isa. 10. 5 12. Ezek. 31. 3. Zeph. 2. 13. Elkoshite Of a city or castle called Elkosh which ancient histories have affirme to have been within the Tribe of Simeon but the Scripture makes no mention thereof V. 2. Is jealous Who cannot endure such injuries done in his glory and to his children as the Assyrians have done to them V. 3. The clouds He meaneth the cloudes of the ayre even as a great cloud of dust would be raised by a great multitude of horsemen riding apace V. 4. Bashan The strength and beauty of creatures is destroyed when they seele His wrath The floure namely The faire and excellent Cedars and other trees of Lebanon Or Lebanon which was so prosperous and flourishing V. 7. He knoweth them that is to say He approveth of favoureth and taketh an especiall care of them V. 8. With an overrunning floud Which shall breake downe all defences and banks and shall not be kept backe nor turned any other way as Isa. 28. 19. Thereof namely of Nineveh V. 9. What doe yee imagine What counsell or advice can you take to withstand the judgement which hangeth over you V. 10. Folden together Troubled and perplexed in their counsells and meanes of their defence and also made drunke with wine and pleasures and with pride of their greatnesse and power V. 11. One come He seemes to point at Senacharib who had plotted the totall ruine of Jerusalem under Hezekiah V. 12. Though they be The height which this Empire shall have attained to shall be like unto the ripenesse of corne or of the grasse of the fields which seemeth to call upon the Sickle and Sithe to cut and mowe it downe Though I have God turneth his speech to the Church V. 14. Concerning thee Thou King or Empire of Assyria Betweene namely That after thou art thus cast downe as v. 12. thou shalt no more come to thy former state contrary to those fields which after the coâ—ne is cut downe are sowne againe or he intimates the totall extinguishment of the royall race of Assyria Will I â—ut off This is added according to the custome of Prophets who in the description of the ruines of States doe adde thereunto the overthrow of the Idolls Make thy namely That house of thy Gods hee seemeth to have a relation to Senacharâ—bs being murthered in his own Idols temple 2 King 19. 37. after he had been shamefully forced 〈◊〉 goe out of Judea V. 15. Behold A description of the Churches joy at the newes of the Assyrians ruine by the meanes of which shee might in peace security and m 〈…〉 h attend upon God service and give him thankes Performe Or pay and yeeld them up CHAP. II. Vers. 1. HE that dasheth namely The King of the Chaldeans Keepe the Use what care thou canst for to defend thy selfe for all shall be in vaine See Jerem. 51. 11 12. V. 2. Turned away the Italian Restored that is
having a perfect internall and spirituall communication with God but this was done onely to induce you to beleeve in me V. 31. Now is shortly shall the Devill and all his party do all their endeavours against me and against my Church condemning me and delivering me over to death But therein shall consist my victory and his condemnation and ruine For by death I shall enter into possession of my kingdome to drive him out of his dominion which he holdeth here in the world in sin in death Rom. 8 3. 1 Cor. 15. 54 55 56. Heb. 2. 14. Of this world the Iewes called God the King of this world 1 Tim. 1. 17. and Christ to shew the devils usurpation in contempt and by opposition to Gods everlasting Kingdome cals him the King of this world as 2 Cor. 4. 4. he is called the God thereof For his power is bounded within the state of this world and cannot passe to eternall things and practiseth upon worldly men Ephes. 2. 2. by fleshly and wicked meanes opposite to spirituall and holy meanes Luke 4. 6. Rev. 13. 2â— V. 32. Lifted up he makes an allusion between his being lifted up upon the crosse and his going up into heaven The meaning is I will not onely 〈◊〉 the Devill by my death in mine owne perâ—â—â— but by the same meanes being lifted up into glory I will effectually draw up all mine one of their Captiviâ—â—â— into the liberty of the Spirit and finally into my celestâ—olâ— glory See Ephes. 4. 8. Col. 2. 13 Ver. 34. Out of the Law Namely out of holy Scripture Iohn 10. 34. Abideth ought to live and and raigne Must be lift up must depart out of the world and goe up into Heaven by way of death Who is this Namely this Sonne of man of whom we heare thee talke so often and some way seemes to have a relation to the Mâ—ssi◠〈◊〉 in indeed the Messias himselfe Ver. 35 Yet a little Christ makes no answer to their question which was not worthy of one but counteth himselfe with reproving their affected stopiditie and to threaten them that within a lâ—â—lâ— time his bodily presence should be taken away from them and withall all light of instruction and spirituall Atraction which hee hitherto had given them and therefore he exhorte them to make good use of that short time which he gave them to be converted and beleeve in him Ver. 36. That yâ—e may bee that yee may bee enlightned by the gift of regene nation 2 Cor. 3. 18. and 4. 6. and may also beare the tâ—le of true follow 〈◊〉 of that divine light Ver. 38. That the saying this happened according to that prophecie and so the prophecy was verifâ—ed V. 39. They could not they were by God given over to a reprobate â—ence because they have maliciously withstood his grace and had quenched all his light 〈◊〉 them V. 40. Hee hath in Isaiah it is blinde their eyes and harden c. but here the worke is attributed to God whereof the Prophet was to denounce the threatning the one inseparablie following the other Ver. 41. His glory Namely of the Son of God who in his owne person shewed himselfe to his Prophets See Acts 7. 35 38. 1 Cor. 10. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 11. and 3. 19. V. 42. They did not they did not make publike profession of believing in him V. 44. Not on mee only and severally from my Father who speaks and shewes himselfe in me Ioh. 8. 28 38. and 12 49. 1. Iohn 2. 23 24. and upon whom depends and to whom is referred all that I say and doe in quality of Mediatour V. 45. Beeth me that is to say knoweth mee by the lively light of the spirit V. 47. I judge him not I leave him to bee convinced and condemned by his own Conscience and doe not proceed against him as an adversary or as a condemning judge for in the course of my life I am rather to practice the office of Prophet and Prâ—â—st then the office of judge which is reserved for the last day V. 50. I know I am certaine of it and do firmly averre 〈◊〉 John 8. 14. That his thâ—e his word which I propound by his command being receaved by a lively faith is the onely most effectuall meanes to obtaine everlasting life CHAP. XIII VER 1. BEfo rt the day before the Iewes celeorated the Passeover having transferred it to the day following that which was appointed by the Law where as Christ did celebrate it the same day see upon Mat. 26. 1â— Luk 22. 7. V. 2. Supper Namely of the legall Passcover After which by an old observante not specified in the Law the Iewes having washed their feere againe as they had done at the beginning of the Pâ—sâ—hall Supper sate to the Table againe and did eate every one a bit of unleavened bread dipped in a sawce made of bitter hear beâ— which was distributed unto their by the Father of the family and dranke round of one and the selfe same cup called the cup of praise because they did sing certaine holy hymnes after which the assembly did breake up All this was observed by the Lord as it appeares by Luke 22. 17 20. and after that he instituted the holy Sacrament taking the ceremonies thereof from this second part of the Palchall Supper of the Iewes Having now this seemes to bee noted for a preparation to that which Christ said and did afterwards to Iudas ver 18. 21 26. V. 3. Knowing according to the authority which he had receaved of supreame head of the Church he ordained the Sacrament of the holy Supper with the promise of his power to serve for a lively remembrance and pledge of him absent and ascended into heaven Or he would plainely say that knowing his death and glorification drew neere hee would establish this Sacrament wherein he did communicate to his Church the fruit and vertue of both the one and the other Ver. 7. Thou shalt know by the explication that Christ gave afterwards of it ver 12. or by the internall illumination of his Spirit after his ascent into heaven V. 8. If I wash thee not namely by the spirituall washing of regeneration wherewith the Lord would revive the signe given in Baptisme before hee would admit his Disciples to his Table to shew the preparation required thereunto 1 Cor. 11. 27 28. and that without the Spirit of Sanctification no man hath part in Christ Rom. 8. 9. V. 9. Not my feet only if thou meanest the washing of the sould wash me all over V. 10. Hee that is that is to say your sins are already forgiven you and your persons are already sanctified by the spirit there remaine in you only certaine reliques of vice by which you participate of the filth of the earth which also must continually bee cleansed as the foulenesse of the feere belonging to a cleane body Sec 1 Cor. 5. 7. V. 12. Set downe againe Namely to institute the holy Supper which having
that is to say Doe also signifie those same Kings who either through conversion to Christ or for some offences received or for some other reasons shall turn against the whore and shall destroy her And shall eat a figurative terme taken from wilde beasts which are taken in hunting V. 17. And give that is to say as he had for a time suffered them to submit themselves to the beast so when the terme of the accomplishment of Gods counsels and of the prophecies shall be come he shall stir them up to war against it V. 18. That great namely the state and empire that hath its seat there because otherwise the city is the beast and the woman is the state vers 3. CHAP. XVIII Vers. 2. SAying see upon Rev. 14. 8. V. 9. The kings whether we must take them to be some other Kings beside the ten Revel 17. 16. or some of those same ten V. 12. Thine the Italian all kinde of cedar the Greek word signifieth a wilde kinde of cedar very sweet and which doth not rot and hath a grained and curled root of which anciently they made works of great value V. 13. Souls of men that is to say Persons which seem to be added besides slaves because that anciently they made merchandize of persons not onely for slavery but also for pleasures or abominable delights V. 14 The fruits that is to say the delights of the earths yeelding which thou didst seek after with so much care and delight V. 22. Of a milstone for in ancient times they commonly used hand-mils which did make a great noise in the cities V. 23. Of a candle a great number of which were lighted at night-feasts and merry meetings For thy merchants for thou hast made use of Kings and Princes to doe thy businesse and to seek thy profit and hast bewitched the nations with false perswasions and seducements V. 24. In her that is to say she hath been sound guilty of it because that all the counsels instructions and inducements to persecutions have proceeded from her Prophets that is to say faithfull Doctors of the Church That were slain namely for the pure profession of the faith and for witnessing the truth of the Gospel CHAP. XIX Vers. 1. ALleleuia an Hebrew word frequent in the Psalms which together with many more hath passed to be used in other Languages in the service of God and signifieth Praise the Lord see Psal. 104. 35. V. 8. Was granted to shew that the sanctification of the Church which is all its ornament Psal. 45. 13. and 93. 5. is a meer gift of Christ her bride-groom Ephes. 5. 26 27. Rev. 3. 18. V. 10. At his feet the Italian addeth before him at his feet namely before the Angel which uttered this voyce For the testimony that is to say To me who am but a created Angel and Minister of Christ doth not belong the honour of these Propheticke Revelations but to Christ alone who is true God who hath witnessed that is to say revealed these secrets and counsels of his Fathers and who by his Spirit inspireth the light and certain knowledge thereof into his servants see Psal. 2. 7. 1 Pet. 1. 11. Revel 1. 1. 2. 5. and 22. 6. V. 11. He that namely Christ. V. 12. A name thus is his Godhead signified incomprehensible to any creature Judges 13. 18. Matth. 11. 27. Or the dignity of head of the Church which no man knoweth that is to say Possesseth not besides himselfe and is incommunicable to any other Phil. 2. 9. V. 13. In blood for a signe as well of his victories over his enemies as of his perfect righteousnesse and redemption acquired by the merit and in vertue of his death and passion V. 14. The armies that is to say the Angels V. 15. Treadeth the Italian shall tread that is to say Shall execute Gods vengeances upon his enemies gathered together as it were in a wine-presse V. 17. Unto the supper of the great God the Italian unto Gods great banquet that is to say Unto the great slaughter which he will make CHAP. XX. Vers. 4. ANd they the Italian persons namely the glorified Saints Iudgement namely power to judge the world as Christs adsessors and assistants who is the supreme judge see upon 1 Cor. 6. 2 3. That were that ha◠in any manner suffered martyrdom In all this Prophecie it is better and more sure to expectand stay for the explication by the event then to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without any certain ground V. 9. The camp namely the Church militant in the world by a figure taken from the children of Israel which encamped in the wildernesse V. 11. Him that namely Jesus Christ everlasting King of his Church and supreame judge of the world From whose face that is to say at the appearing of whose new Kingdom all this forme and state of the world was changed in an instant and vanished away V. 12. The books termes taken from the publike judgements here amongst men wherein are produced all the writings of the processe informations depositions of witnesses c. to shew that all actions even the most secret ones shall then be rehearsed and made manifest 1 Cor. 4. 5. Another book which represents the everlasting election to life and glory in Christ. V. 13. And hell namely the places under ground where the bodies are laid after they are dead V. 14. Death that is to say There was no more neither death nor sepulchre for Gods Elect the command of death over them was quite annihilated and remained upon the damned in whom death and the grave were changed into everlasting imprisonment and torments of hell CHAP. XXI Vers. 1. WEre passed that is to say Were changed in forme and state see upon Rom. 8. 21. V. 2. Holy city that is to say The Church in glory V. 3. The tabernacle that is to say God shall be present with them for ever a terme taken from the Tabernacle where the Arke was and the other signes of Gods presence in the midst of the people of Israel V. 6. It is done that is to say the end of the world is come all Gods words are accomplished V. 8. Fearfull that is to say cowardly in their spirituall combats who through carnall fear shall not dare to make profession of my truth or shall deny it Sorcerers or poisoners V. 10. In the Spirit namely in extasie and vision not corporally V. 11. Her light that is to say her sunne which enlightneth her V. 12. Angels namely of grace and peace contrary to the Cherubin set at the entrance of earthly paradice with a Sword to drive Adam out of it Gen. 3. 24. V. 16. The length and a figure of the perfect and everlasting stability of the Church in Heaven the cube or solid square being the most stable and equal figure of all V. 17. An hundred and forty and foure namely in thicknesse That is of that is according to the proportion of the resemblance of the body in which
repressed and quelled the devils action Or that some motion of Gods Spirit was awakened in Saul for a time by the prophetick musick as 1 Sam. 19. 23. by vertue of some order or promise from God as 2 Kings 3. 15. Or that God of his free will did co-operate with Davids sound to beget him a degree in his vocation V. 18. And the Lord Gods Spirit guideth him and leadeth him to all manner of vertue and his grace blesseth him and causeth him to prosper in all his enterprizes V. 21. And stood was imployed in his ordinary and houshold service V. 23. Departed not out of the possession and power which he had over him but from the present accesse and disturbance CHAP. XVII VERS 2. OF Elah the Oake or grove of Oaks V. 4. Went out the Italian hath it in the midâ—est or to fight a duâ—ll man to man V. 5. Of brasse according to the ancients custome who knew how to give brâ—sse a very strong temper shekels the shekell being of half an ounce weight the whole weight came to one hundred thirty nine pounds at eighteen ounces in the pound V. 6 A target It was some armour or defence for his shoulders Some understand the Hebrew word for a kinde of pâ—ke carried crosse wayes upon their shoulders V. 8. Come downe let him come and fight with me in the field V. 12. Ephrathite of Ephratha which was the ancient name of Bethlehem Genesis 35. 19. Eight 〈◊〉 Chron. 2. 1â— there are onely seven but Peradventure one dyed about this time and left no issue For an old man or was attained to the age of the ancientest men V. 15. Went and returned Saul being contented to have him onely bound to his service for those times that he was disturbed making no great account of him otherwise whereby at that time he did not remember him v. 55. 58. V. 17. Parcâ—ed corne A food which was much in use in those dayes V. 18 Their pledge Something of theirs that I know whereby I may know they are well and that thou hast done as I commanded thee V. 20. To the trench Or to the carriage V. 22. His carriage Bags and such like things wherein he brought their supplies V. 25. Free From taxes imposts services for war and other publike duties V. 29 Is there not a cause The Italian hath it Are not these words Is there any cause to be angry for a word which I have spoken which offendeth no body V. 35. By his beard By his nether jaw V. 45 In the name Calling upon him to be my defence putting confidence in his power obeying his motion and inspiration and for his cause and service V. 47 Saveth not Is not tied to such meanes for to work his salvation but delights more in shewing his omnipotency when he useth no means than when he useth some Is the Lords hee ruleth the battell giving the victory to whom hee pleaseth V. 54 Brought it Not now but afterwards when he took Sion from the Jebusiâ—es 2 Sam. 5. 7. In his Tent The Italian hath it In his tabernacle It is thought that this must be understood of the tent which David pitched about the Arke 2 Samuel 6. 17. V. 55 Whose sonne This forgetfulnesse of Saul in not knowing David may be imputed either to his frequent troubles of the mind or to the reason touched upon v. 15. CHAP. XVIII VERS 1. THe soule There was a very strict bond of amity towards David bred in him See Genesis 44. 30. V. 2. Goe no more As he did the first time that he came See 1 Sam. 17. 15. V. 5. went out About divers warlike exployts V. 6. As they Saul and his Armie after the afore-said victory The women According to the custome Exod. 15. 20. Judg. 11. 34. Psal. 68. 11. Instruments of musick The Italian hath it Songs of Triumph Or with Violins V. 10 He prophecyed The Italian Did the acts of a mad-man The Hebrew acts of a Prophet for the Prophets in their raptures or trances had some uncomposed kind of motion and action and were beside themselves See 2 Kings 9. 11. Jerem. 29. 26. V. 13. Went out Led them out to warre and brought them home againe 2 Samuel chapt 5. verse 2. V 21 A snare An occasion to make him perish See verse 15. Sayd to David Yet David did not make any shew of consenting to it as it appeareth by the following circumstances One of the twain The Italian For both The one having been promised unto thee and now the other being given thee to wife V. 26. The dayes Some time appoynted by Saul for the performance of the Covenants or the time that was between the contract and the wedding see Gen. 19. 14. Deut. 20. 7. and 22. 23. Matth. 1. 18. V. 30. Went forth Into the field to wage warre out of their sorts and garrisons into which they had retreated after their overthrow Chap. 17. CHAP. XIX VERS 2. IN a secret It seemeth that he specified some certaine place in the field neare which Saul was wont to goe and take the ayre that David himself might heare Jonathans speech and Sauls answer and provide for himselfe accordingly V. 3. What I see If it be softly or secretly spoken that thou canst not heare it thy selfe V. 5. In his hand The Italian in danger The Hebr. In the palme of his hand as Judges ch 12. verse 3. V. 13 Took an image That if Sauls messengers came in looking upon the image they might thinke that David was in the bed and so stay and not goe after him thereby giving him time to get into some place of safety V. 14. Sent In the morning after they had watched for him all night V. 18. In Naioth It was the place where the Schoole or Colledge of Prophets was neare unto Ramah where Samuels residence was V. 20. Prophecying Being in a divine trance see Numb 11. 25. Appoynted over being the father and instructer of them moderating their actions 1 Sam. 10. 12. Prophecied were taken with the same inspiration and divine rapture which made chem forget each thought remembrance or will of executing their commission 1 Sam 10 6. 10. V. 24 Clothes His long outward garment wearing none but his inward ones Isa. 20. 2. Mâ—c 1. 8. Now Saul did all these strange acts being in a rapture of mind CHAP. XX. VERS 1. FLed That day and night that Saul was in an extasie 1 Sam. 19 24. V. 5 The new The first day of the moneth when there were offerings of thanksgiving and holy feasts which it should seeme lasted at the court three dayes To sit As his Officer and sonne in law it being the custome of Princes to honour their servants in that kind upon festivall dayes Hest 1. 3. Dan. 5. 1. V. 9. Farre be it From thee to say or think any such thing of me V. 14 While yet I live When thou commest to be King it being already divulged that it should come to passe 1 Sam.
them In conclusion they may be read and good instructions may be gathered out of them observing notwithstanding those necessary pre-cautions set downe in the particular advertisements upon every Booke and applying alwayes the rule of Gods authenticall Word thereunto and the light of His Spirit to discerne truth from falshood and good from evill and to retaine the one and reject the other According to the liberty which Beleevers have in all works and writings which are meerly hâ—mane The first Booke of the Apocripha called Esdra being called the third of Esdra THis Book is but onely a summary repetition of some holy and canonicall writings namely of the two last Chapters of the second Book of Chronicles and of the Book of the true Ezra and of Nehemia Which besides its being neither necessary nor profitable doth also containe diverse things and circumstances directly contrary to those foresaid bookes that are of authenticall truth As amongst the rest the narration inserted in the third and fourth Chapter of the three young men that were of Darius his guard contending for the reward of the best sentence propounded by every one of them though it be also related by Iosephus an ancient Hebrew Historian which besides that it hath no signe of divine majesty and holinesse is also plainly convicted of falsehood for this Booke taketh from thence the cause of the second returne of the Jewes from the Babylonian captivity and of the re-undertaking of the building of the Temple under Darius by Zorobabel pretended to be one of the said young men Whereas the true Ezra sets downe that Zorobabel was conductor of the first company of Jewes which returned under Cyrus many yeares before Darius And therefore by very good reason this book hath been by unanimous consent rejected amongst the baâ—est and falsest sort of Apocrypha The second Book of the Apocrypha called the fourth Book of Esdra THis Book which is extant bùt onely in Latine was written by one who was by nation a Jew and by profession a Christian a little while after the death of Domitian the Emperour Of whom as also of his predecessors hee speakes so plainely that there is no doubt to be made of it The end as it seemeth of it was to comfort his nation in the last desolation which was newly befallen them by the Romans whose power fearing to provoke as much as he feared to kindle the Jewes hatred against Christianity he keepes himselfe hidden under the name of the old Ezra And under diverse termes and narrations taken from what had befallen the Jewes in the taking of their City by the Babylonians and during their ancient captivity He endeavours to strengthen his nation in the expectation of deliverance and redemption thorow Christ so they turned to him and to the faith of his Gospell As for the rest either to insinuate with the Jewes by framing himselfe to their opinions or because he was indeed infected with their fables he mixes many of them amongst his rare grave and Evangelicall sentences doctrines and predictions whereof many are taken out of our Lord Jesus own speeches and out of his Apostles prophecies inserted by the Author in this Book wherein he hath affected some resemblance and imitation of the Revelation of Saint Iohn But the great number of fables vanities and Jewish bables of which it is full hath caused it all times to be held for Apocrypha of lowest esteeme and of no authority The Book of Tobia THis Book was never acknowledged for Prophetick and divine and peradventure was never seene by the ancient Jewish Church which had receaved from the last Prophets the whole body of the sacred Bookes of the Old Testament shut and sealed up The Christian Church also in the first ages though with too much facility it had admitted it to be read both privately and publickly for the use of some instruction of manners and teaching of vertue yet it alwayes held it as meere Apocrypha and of no authority to rule and binde the Churches Faith Wherein questionlesse the Holy Ghost did guide it to take notice of the quality of the writer who had no prophetick light nor infallible guide of Gods Spirit and besides to examine the substance of the matter of the Book every where full of strange narrations that have neither ground nor conformity with authenticall Scripture As those of the love of a Devill to a chaste and holy maiden of the death of her Spouses of the manner of her driving him away of the binding of him to a certaine place of the long conversing of a holy Angell with men things which do all savour of a Jewish fable composed for delight to give some instruction of vertue and morality according to the manner of that nation Which seemes to be confirmed by reason that neither in Josephus nor any other jewish Author there is any track of this History Besides though Saint Hierome affirmes he hath translated it out of a Chaldaick text into Latine yet reason plainly sheweth us that the Greek Text from which we have taken this translation is the true originall In which language notwithstanding there was not any sacred book of the Old Testament written the use of that language being brought up amongst the Jewes a long time after that the gift of prophecy was ceased The Booke of Iudith THere are two principall questions concerning this booke The first whether it doe containe a true history or rather an allegoricall and morall fiction The other whether the narration being not grounded upon historicall truths it may be held for Divine and Canonicall As for the first there are many pregnant reasons which seeme to prove that this cannot be a true history For first it seemes very strange and without example that so memorable an accident followed by such a miraculous deliverance of the Church and so long a rest after it should not so much as be any way mentioned in holy Scripture which hath so diligently gathered and set downe actions and occurrences without any comparison of lesser moment then this And that Josephus a Jewish historian and a most curious searcher out of Jewish antiquities nor any other Jew after him should leave the least incling of it in writing But the reason of the times the true eye of history and touch stone of truth comeâ— yeâ— neerer For these things happened either be fore the captivity of Babylon or after if before aâ— the most common opinion is it was in the time of King Manasses carried prisoner to Babylon 2 Cro. 33. 11. Now herein are found indissoluble difficulties for then there was no Nebuchadnezzar King of Assyria Nineveh had not yet been taken by the Babylonians and the Empire of Assyria subsisted and flourished still And therefore no Nebuchadnezzar which is the name of a Babylonian and not of an Asiyrian King could have his Imperiall seat in Nineveh Likewise there was not at that time any high Priest in Jerusalem called Ioachim as appeareth
by 1 Chro. 6. much lesse that did command in war and state businesses in the countrey belonging to the ten tribes where Bethulia stood within the territory of the tribe of Zabulon And though after the conquest of Assyria by the Babylonians the name of these two Empires are often set downe one for another yet that could not be done before the said conquest and yet in this booke Nebuchadnezzar a Babylonian is alwayes called by the title of King of Assyria And besides it is a thing notoriously false that that King did command in Egypt before the conquest of Judea by meanes of which Egypt the onely opposer of the Babylonian Empire was at last set upon and conquered That is also false which is said in the eighth Chapter verse 15. 16. namely that all manner of Idolatry was then banished from amongst the people if these things happened under Manasses whose raigne is shamefully defiled with Idolatry Contrary to truth is also that which is spoken in the third Chapter namely that Jerusalem did at that time command the rest of the land of Palestine where Bethulia was and there should be so much zeale of piety and so much conjunction of Religion with Jerusalem after the captivity of the ten tribes and the mixture of those heathen nations which were setled in the countrey And the multitude of names of places is not to be omitted as Ezdraelon Kellussa Kiâ—mon Scitopolis Bethulia and the like which were never heard of before the Babylonian captivity And the name of Holophernes himselfe being a Persian name seemes to be very unfitting for a generall of a Babylonian or Assyrian army and besides that it were a most absurd thing to thinke that the Babylonians or Assyrians should not know the people of Israel as is set downe Chapter 5. 3. Seeing they had newly overrun the countrey and spoyled it divers times and had led the people into captivity which lived dispersed in their Provinces and after they had spoiled Judah and besieged Jerusalem they had also taken Manasseh who was at that time in their hands To which times it is also impossible that should have relation which is spoken Chap. 4. 2. and 5. 16. namely that the people should be returned out of any captivity and that the Temple had been ruined and afterwards re-edified and likewise it cannot be proved by any history that Nebuchadnezzar did ever intend to make himselfe the onely God upon earth and root out all other religions as is said Chapter 2. 10. Finally if Iudith lived one hundred and five yeeres Chap. 16. 21. and that after that happened which is set downe in this booke and a long time after her death people were not assaulted nor troubled by any wee must conclude that this Rest lasted above one hundred yeeres seeing that when Iudith did this she was in the flowre of her age and beautie Now this cannot agree with the sacred history which will have the most tragick desolations of Judea to be after the death of Iosias three and thirty yeeres after the death of Manasseh Wherefore it is plaine that this history cannot take place before the captivity and after it much lesse For then there was no mention of Nebuchadnezzar nor of Nineveh nor of the Assyrian Empire The Persians held all these Empires by the conquest of Babylon whose Provinces they did not take one after another as it is said in the first and second Chapter of this book neither is it to be believed that the Jewes should be unknowne to the Persians who had so solemnly given them leave to depart out of Babylon at so many severall times and they holding Palestine which was governed by their officers who would have hindred the Jewes from commanding there in any matter of State or Religion as it is set downe in this booke Whereas contrariwise the stories affirme that neither in one nor the other the ten tribes had any communion with Jerusalem wherefore we may by good reason gather that this is nothing but a feigned narration according to the custome of the Jewes and other nations for a morall representation of the Church under the name of Bethulia that is to say Virgin of the Lord and of the assaults of the world against her and of the Prince thereof signified by Nebuchadnezzar and of the victory obtained against them not by the meanes of Kings Princes and worldly powers but by the faith and prayers of pious soules or of the true spirituall Jewes and Believers signified by Iudith Which being granted it is an easie matter to resolve upon the second question namely That it is not a booke endited nor enspired by the holy Ghost which never made use of any false histories for the Churches instruction which is sufficiently done by true ones For the short parables inserted amongst other discourses and made plaine by their expopositions adjoyned to them are altogether of a different quality besides Simeons act which he did to the the Sichemites Gen. 24. 25. condemned by Iacob Gen. 49. 5. is here commended Chap 9. 3. by an unavoydable contradiction It is yet very hard to affirme at what time or to what particular end this booke was made and set forth It is likely that it was made by some Christian Jew as some other Apocripha were in the honour of his Nation and peradventure against the Romans covertly meant by Nebuchadnezzar Now as being of base authority it was also carelesly kept even from the beginning and from thence commeth the great diversity of copies whereof Saint Hierome speaks who translated it out of the Chaldean tongue with a great deale of libertie But the Greek texts which wee have followed in this translation seemes to be every way more sound and entire The Booke of Wisdome THough this Book do commonly beare in the title the name of Solomon and the author himselfe do set himselfe downe to be so yet it hath in all ages beene knowne to be the work of a Greekish Jew that is to say one of those Jewes which lived for the most part after the Greeke manner and amongst the Grecians and especially in Egypt where they had their chiefe Synagogue in the City of Alexandria And indeed the stile it selfe being altogether rhetoricall and poeticall sheweth that it was made rather amongst the Greeks then amongst the Hebrews whose inditing especially in sacred Books is altogether stamed to simplicity sobriety and severity The common opinion as well of ancient as moderne agreeth in attributing of it to Philo a Jew a person of excellent learning wisdome and eloquence who lived in the Apostles time and it is likely that to hide himselfe from the Egyptians hatred and to gaine authority and respect from his own nation he took upon him the name of Solomon in this book wherein his end seemes to be to comfort and strengthen the Iewes which lived in Egypt and were grievously oppressed and persecuted by the Egyptians in his time as the Iewish History relateth