CHOICE OBSERVATIONS AND EXPLANATIONS Upon the Old Testament.  
Containing in them many remarkable matters, either not taken notice of, or mistaken by most, which are Additionals to the large ANNOTATIONS made by some of the Assembly of DIVINES.  
To which are added some further and larger OBSERVATIONS Of his upon the whole BOOK of GENESIS Perused and Attested by the Reverend BISHOP of ARMAGH, And Mr. GATAKER Pastor of REDERITH.  
By the Learned and Industrious JOHN RICHARDSON, Bishop of Ardagh in Ireland, one who had a considerable hand in the forenamed large ANNOTATIONS.  
LONDON, Printed by T. R. and E. M. for John Rothwell, at the Fountain and Bear in the Goldsmiths-Row in Cheapside. Anno Dom. 1655.   

Reader,  
THou art seriously to consider, that the Reverend Author did not cite Scriptures by number, but weight: He did not jumble Scriptures together fortuitously, (as too many do, as Democritus did his atoms) but judiciously selected out those which were most apposite. And surely, nothing is more helpful to the right understanding of Scripture, then comparing it with itself: do not therefore slightly pass over his Scriptures, as if they were of no moment, but diligently peruse them, and let it not be grievous to turn to the places cited, for the marrow of this Book consists in the Authors dexterous paralleling of Scriptures together, Farewell.   

To my REVEREND and LEARNED Brother, Doctor Richardson BP. OF ARDAGH IN IRELAND  
Right Reverend and Worthy Brother,  
YOu know that out of that intimacy which hath ever been betwixt us from our youths, I cannot be unacquainted with the course of your studies. And you being now entered upon the last Scene of your life, as well as I, thereupon I would willingly become a Persuader of you, not to let your Labours be lost, and die with you; but to publish some or most of them to the view of the World, for the benefit of the Church. The last thing I viewed of yours were your Annotations upon GENESIS, having before perused your other Explanations and Observations upon the Old Testament, though sleight and suddenly done, as you say, yet think them not unworthy of the Press. For I find therein divers things of moment, which I meet not withal in others. And to prevail with you herein, let this find some place, That it is the judgement and desire of  
Your endeared Friend and Brother, JAMES ARMAGH.   

The EPISTLE Dedicatory, to the REVEREND BISHOP of ARMAGH.  
Most Reverend, and my very good Lord,  
YOur word shall be my warrant, and your desire my duty, to publish my Annotations upon GENESIS, together also with my Explanations and Observations upon the Old Testament, yet I would be loath your Lordship should bear any share of the blame, or harsh censure that may hap to pass upon them, Coming abroad, I know not to whom I may rather dedicate them, then to him who is the cause that they see the light. And the inscribing of whose name, will bring lustre and credit to the Work itself, however otherways but too weak and unworthy. To speak much in this kind of yourself to yourself, suits not so well, with that humility and modesty which befitteth us both. And in so doing I should but light a candle before the Sun. Yet you will give me leave to enjoy, and make this expression of mine own comforts, which I have still derived from all those endearments, wherewith you have vouchsafed to oblige and honour me, even from our younger years, in our joint Educations and first Employments, until now that we both are ready to leave the stage of this life. My thankfulness for your favours may haply receive some piece of improvement hereby. And my Prayers shall still be continued, for the Prolongation of your days, to the further good and glory of the Church of God. This tribute you may duly and daily expect from  
Your obedient Servant, Suffragane, and Loving Brother, JOHN ARDAGH.   

Mr. GATAKER'S EPISTLE to the Bishop of Armagh, wherein is his Attestation upon the Reverend BISHOP RICHARDSONS' Observations and Explanations upon the OLD TESTAMENT.  
Right Reverend,  
I Acknowledge myself, besides many other forepassed real fruits 〈…〉 favour, much beholden to your Lordship, for your late kind 〈…〉 and the addition unto it, in imparting unto me those learned and 〈…〉 Observations of that Worthy Bishop, whose eminent parts I had formerly taken notice of, and upon occasion given testimony of to others, in his Annotations on a great part of the Prophets, whereunto he herein sometime referreth himself. Now albeit when your Lordship left them with me, you were pleased to afford me a longer space of time for the perusal of them, which I was willing to accept, not knowing what leisure I should have for them in regard of some present distractions; yet I could not forbear to lay hold on all opportunities, to enjoy the view of them; which I much thirsted after: which upon serious survey I found to be answerable to my preconceived expectation of them, and well-worthy their Author, containing in them many remarkable matters, either not commonly taken notice of, or mistaken by the most. In the Computation of times, your Lordship well knoweth, and much better than myself, that there are divers difficult points much disputed and debated among the grand Masters of that part of learning, in which being not so exactly versed in such Accounts, I dare not take upon me to determine aught. I have drawn up here a short note of some things of no great moment, which meeting with, I stick at, or have doubt of, that it may appear to your Lordship, that I have not slighted or laid it by me, but have advisedly run it over: which having dispatched, I was the rather willing to return it to your Lordship by the hands of my son Tailor, who was willing to take thereby occasion to wait upon your Lordship, to present you with a sorry fruit of my fruitless labours, which I shall entreat your Lordship to accept, and to look on with a favourable eye. This short list of my work and undigested thoughts, your Lordship may be pleased, if you shall think good, and deem them worthy of his consideration, to impart unto the Venerable Bishop, with recommendation of my due respects, and sincere affection to him, whom I should be right glad to be better acquainted withal, together with my humble request to him, that he will pardon my boldness, and bear with my weakness, which in these scribble I doubt I have too much discovered. So with sincere acknowledgement of your Lordship's manifold favours, and my deep engagements; in lieu whereof I have nothing of worth to return, but thanks to you, and prayers unto the Lord in whose work you labour, for his gracious and powerful support of you therein, I take leave, craving liberty to subscribe myself  
Your Lordship's weak and unworthy, but sincere wellwisher, much obliged in him, THO. GATAKER. Roderith, June 1652.   

TO THE Reader.  
THE first draught of these Observations was ready for the Press before the Great Annotations upon the Bible, printed in Anno 1651. did come forth. Afterwards perusing them, I found some differences between those Annotations, and these Observations; which did minister some occasion of enlarging my first draught; chief by noting and insisting upon these differences: yet rarely naming the said Annotations; but leaving rather the full animadverting, comparing and judging of them, to the judicious Reader. Thereafter I committed these to the Press. And after a good progress had been made by it, for some reasons, not so fit to trouble thee withal, I was again induced, and overruled, to enlarge myself yet much more; and to descend to very many Particulars, by way of Exposition and Explanation in some of the ensuing Books of Scripture, much beyond what was my first Proposal and Intendment. Which thing, I conceive, will dim the light and lustre of those choice places and Observations, which primarily were my only aim. Yet, I hope, to the Candid Reader, These larger additions will not seem altogether impertinent, or improfitable; as to the speedier understanding of God's Holy Word. Nevertheless I never undertook or intended to meddle with, or mention all the difficult places of Sacred Scripture. For them, in general, I refer thee to the said Great Annotations, as the best extant in that kind. Neither do I here touch upon the New Testament, save only when, and where, the Text or the Old Testament doth crave for the quotation of it. In this Collection of Observations and Explanations, I follow the Order of the Books and Chapters of the Bible. And I hearty wish, that the holy Text were always before their eyes, who shall vouchsafe to read them; without which the life of them, or of many of them will be lost. And the numerous quotations therein used will really appear, specially to Divines, to be of good concernment to them, and who shall have occasion to use them, and will take the pains to turn unto them. Be pleased not to think that I am too curious, or thyself can be too ambitious, of knowing any truth revealed in the Scriptures. Thou canst not search them too much, nor can the Word of God dwell too richly and plentifully in thee. Indeed the substantial and essential matters therein, must first be known and cared for. Yet these may help to bring divers remarkable Places and Passages of Scripture into more common knowledge, and familiar notion, than I suppose yet they are. Such as they are, yet now at the last, though the Press much retarded them, if they may any ways make for thy spiritual use and profit, that same is the earnest desire of  
Thy Servant in Christ J. A.   

A TABLE Of such things as are occasionally discoursed of in this Book; But for the main things, the whole Book is a TABLE to itself.  
For the larger ANNOTATIONS upon GENESIS, the INDEX refers you to the Chapter and Verse.  

A.  
THe Ark, its mansions. pag. 76, 77   

B  
Baal and Baalim. p. 62, 63  
Of Bethel. Gen. 28. 19  
Branch taken for the Messiah. 423   

C  
Covenant, how it is new under the Gospel. 424  
To be cut off, to what sins threatened, and what it is, Gen. ch. 17. 14. 21   

D  
Day, when it gins. p. 1. Gen. 1. 5.  
Christ's Descent into hell, in what sense it is to be taken. 181   

E  
Egypt. 5  
Ephod. 81  
Places of Esay cited in the New Testament. 352  
Evening, diversely taken. 12  
For ever, a phrase diversely taken. 40   

F  
Solomon's fool, who. 298  
The four hundred years of Israel's bondage, how accounted. 15, 13   

H  
God how he hardens, without being the Author of sin. 359  
High places. 90, 91  
Hyperboles much used in Scripture. 52   

I.  
Jacob marries Leah at or before the beginning of the fourteen years' service. 8  
Of Jerusalem. 50, 51  
Of imprecations. 195  
Isreal, how four hundred years strangers, and where 5  
Israel's number when they came into Egypt. 9   

K  
Kings of Israel and Judah, their names, reigns, etc. 100 to 104   

M  
Hebrew-measures. 6, 14  
Melchizedech, who he was. Gen. 14. 18. 254, 255  
Ministers among the Jews, what a liberal maintenance they had. 32   

N  
Of Names. 3   

O  
Of Oaths. 138  
Of the Oath with the Gibeonites. 50  
Oaths are to be kept. 435   

P  
Passeover, whether Christ kept it on the 〈◊〉 day with the Jews.  
Passeover, when kept by Christ, when by the Jews, and how the difference of their day's 〈◊〉 Gen. 1. 5.  
Of Prophets. 80, 81  
Psalms, their division. 172. the music mentioned in them. 173  
Psalms, cited in the New Testament, 175, 176   

R  
Red sea, why so called. 11  
Repentance, how a scribed to God. 422   

S  
Scribes. 129, 130  
Seven years Jacob served for Lea●, and seven for Rachel, when and how, Gen. 29. 20.  
Sh●kel. 16  
Shihor. 115  
Of Christ's sitting at his Father's right hand. 251  
The Sluggard, how described in the Book of the Proverbs. 274, 275  
Sun, how it returned ten degrees. 389  
Of swearing and forswearing. 434, 435  
Gen. 24. 3.  
Swearing, a duty. 434   

T  
Temple described. 92, to 96  
Tempting▪ how ascribed to God, how to men ch. 22. 1.  
Of tithes among the Jews. 31, 32   

V  
About various readings in Scripture. 106, 107  
Of vows, Gen. 28. 20.   

Y  
Year, when gins. 11, 12    

ANNOTATIONS ON Genesis.  

CHAP. I.  
Ver. 1. IN the beginning,] Of the Creation which God created, Mark 13. 19 and so in the beginning of the world than not eternal, nor the matter of it, but God only eternal. And this beginning most probably was at the Autumnal, Equinoctial, or Spring, and that for the Ecclesiastical account only▪ upon, and because of God's miraculous bringing them out of Egypt at that season of the year, from whence God's people constantly began their year, till the change made to the vernal Equinoctial.  
God] Elohim in the plural number, intimating a plurality, not of Gods, Exod. 12. 2. 23. 11, 16. 34. 22. Leu. 25. 9, 10. Deut. 16. 13, etc. but therefore of persons in the Deity. The word Creators, Eccles. 12. 1. hath a singular number, viz. El. Gen. 14. 8. and Eloah, Job. 12. 4. And it signifies Strong, Almighty's, powers. Sometimes it is used, but improperly, to signify false gods, Exod. 20. 3. Angels, and Magistrates among men, Ps. 8. 5. 82. 1, 6.  
created] Bara. This word is proper to God, and a word in the singular number: importing the singular unity of the Deity. And that God had no Assistants, Co-adjutors, or subordinate Agents and Instruments in the work of Creation. But the Angels themselves are his Creatures, Col. 1. 16. A God, and He the Creator of the World; are acknowledged in a manner by all Heathen Writers, if not by all men.  
the heaven] Or heavens, and the earth,] Heaven and Earth here may be taken as a summary proposition of the whole Creation; as, ch. 2. 1. and, Exod 20, 11. And the rather considering the Hebrew Articles here used, ETH, and HA', as pointing to these now in being. And yet as probably and more, of the common Chaos, and Mass, and Stock of both, as seeming to be included within the work of the first day: and so it will seem to have the best coherence, with the words next following, and the story ensuing of the Creation of the Heavens and Earth, the second and third day.  
light day] Strictly and usually so taken; otherwise called an Artificial day, consisting of about twelve hours, John 119 As the natural day consists of 24. hours. Both there are mentioned, ch. 7. 12, 17.  
V 5. And the evening, etc.] The Evening, which is the beginning of the Night; and the Morning, which is the beginning of the Day, are called the first day; largely taken, the Day natural of 24 hours. And here observe, that as Darkness was before Light, v 2, 3. so the Evening and Night is made, and reckoned the beginning, and first part of the natural day, or large day of 24. hours. And accordingly the large Day is called an Evening Morning, Dan. 8. 14, 26. And by Paul, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a Night-Day, 2 Cor. 11. 25. And as Moses doth here, so God commanded it, and the Jews observed it, to reckon the beginning of their large Day at the Evening, Leu. 23. 32. From evening to evening you shall celebrate your Sabbath. And so for eating unleavened bread at the Passeover. Exod. 12 18, In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread until the twenty one day of the month at even. And ye we find in the days of our Saviour, the reckoning altered, that they began their natural and large Day in the Morning, as appears in the Evangelists, recording the History of our Saviour's Resurrection, Mat. 28. 1. Mar. 16. 1, 2, 9 & ch. 15. 42. Luke 24. 1 Joh. 20. 1, 19 Which alteration might haply be occasioned by the account of the Romans, and compliance with them, who then had the sovereignty and dominion over them.  
Now these two things well observed, may haply serve to assoil a doubt, and clear a difficulty. The case is this; Our Saviour did eat the Passeover twenty four hours before the Jews did eat it. And this is clear out of the Gospels, Matth. 26. 17, 18, 19, 20, 47. Mark 15. 42. Luke 23. 54. Joh 18. 28. and 9 14, 31, 42. That our Saviour did not anticipate the day by reason of his future Passion; But kept the right day appointed in the Law, we are not to doubt of it; Considering the strictness of the Command for the day, Exod. 13. 10. And Christ's coming to fulfil all righteousness, to keep the Law both Moral and Levitical. And that he did so in this point and particular, appears also, Matth. 26. 17. Mark 14. 12. Neither do those words in Joh. 13. 1, 2. disagree from it; The words there mentioned, before the feast of the Passeover, appearing to be understood of two days before the Passeover, Mat 26. 2. And being spoken on the Mount of Olives, Mat. 24. 3. And the Supper there mentioned, being to be understood of the Supper in the night of the Passeover, which was kept in Jerusalem, Mat. 26. 17. And those loaus of bread in the Gospel, Matth. 16. 9, 10. could make and multiply the waters of the Deluge, to rise to such an height; and that as little by miracle, as the other way must needs imply.  
Now the right day was the fourteenth day of the first month, Abib, or Nisan, in the evening, or between the two evenings, Exod. 12. 6. i e. between the two extremities of the evening-tide, whereof the former belonged to the end of the declining day the ending, which was the thirteenth day, (not the fourteenth, as in the late learned and large Annotations on Matth. 26. 17) the latter belonged to the beginning of the night, when the day following is said to begin, Gen. 1. 5. which was the fourteenth day, at the beginning and evening whereof the Passeover was to be eaten, as appears, verse 18.  
Now how it came to pass, that the Jews kept the wrong day, and why so, is the question and difficulty remaining. Some speak of a Jewish Tradition; That after the return from the Babylenian captivity, They ordered and altered the time so, as the day of eating the Passeover might not fall on the Monday, Wednesday, or Friday; but then they put it off to the day following. The truth of this Tradition I am ignorant of: much more, of any reason why they should dare to have such a Tradition and Order. But finding in the Gospels, The Account for the Beginning of the natural & large day of twenty four hours altered from the Evening to the Morning, as was formerly observed; I rather conceive that both our Saviour, and the Jews may be said to eat the Passeover on the same day, viz. both on the Friday, and at the evening too; so it be understood according to their own several minds and meanings, reckon and accounting: Our Saviour rightly beginning and ending the day, from evening to evening, and the Jews erroneously, from morning to morning. The issue so, will be this; That on the thirteenth day, consisting of twelve hours, from morning to evening, called an artificial day, the Disciples prepared the Passeover for our Saviour; which is therefore called the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, Matth. 26. 17, 18, 19 And when the ●ven was come, which was the true Beginning of the fourteenth day, Jesus sat down with the twelve to eat the Passeover, Matth. 26. 20. according to the Law; The Morning after, and so on till the Evening, making an artificial day, which indeed was the true later part of the fourteenth natural day, our Saviour was examined, condemned, and at last suffered. And that time is called the Jews Preparation, Luke 23. 54. John 19 31, 42. the Preparation of their Passeover, John 19 14. the Preparation before the Sabbath, Mark 15. 42. And the Evening following, which was the later part of their fourteenth day in their account, they did eat their Passeover. And the day following, which was the Sabbath, is called the day after the Preparation, Matth. 27. 62. And whereas, to countenance that pretended Jewish Tradition, for putting off the eating of the Paschal Lamb from the Friday, to the Saturday, which was their Sabbath-day, those words of John are alleged, for that Sabbath was an high day, John 19 31. I answer, That it is called an high day, because it was the Sabbath that fell within the compass of that high and solemn Feast. But all this I propound and submit to the judgement of the learned.  
And again, This Observation of the true Beginning of the day at the Evening; Together with the Alteration of it from the Evening to the Morning in the days of our Saviour, may help to quiet that controversy which of late, hath troubled too many, about the Beginning and Ending of the Christian Sabbath, or Lords day rather. For, if we will begin it as the Jews began their Sabbath, by Gods own appointment; and as the Beginning of the natural day of twenty four hours was reckoned from the Creation, Then sure we must begin it at the Evening. But if we will begin it, according to that alleged Alteration we find in our Saviour's time, Then we must Begin it in the Morning, which later is favoured the more by our Saviour's Resurrection very early in the morning, Matth. 28. 1, 6. Mark 16. 2, 6. Luke 24. 1, 6. John 20. 1. To the memory and honour of whose Resurrection as the day of Rest was changed, so it accords well, and suitably seems to require the same change for the beginning of that day; agreeing therein with the aforesaid Alteration. However, the Point Material is, That it must comprehend twenty four hours.  
V 6. Firmament] By Firmament here generally by all is understood whatsoever is to be seen in that vast space above the earth, from the surface of it, to the uppermost visible Orbs: As conceiving, and that justly, That the Air, or lowest region of it, betwixt the Earth and the Clouds, were alone too small a thing for the whole work of the second day. In the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters: the waters which are under the firmament, from the waters which are above the firmament;] Divers ancient and learned Fathers have conceived hereupon, and upon the words of the Psalm 148. 4. That a great, or the greatest part of those waters that covered the face of the 〈◊〉, verse 2. were lifted up and spread as an Orb of waters above, and about the highest part of the starry heavens, and so there remain. And from those windows of heaven opened some would fetch the greatest part of those waters in the Deluge, that covered all the high hills that were under the whole heaven fifteen cubits upwards. Yet all this seems too weak a foundation whereon to build that Orb of supercelestial waters. For plain it is, that the lowest region of the air is called heaven, and the firmament of heaven, even that wherein the winds, clouds, and fowls do fly, verse 20. Jer. 51. 16. Dan. 7. 2, 13. And indeed as every part of the water is truly called water, so every part of the heaven, and firmament may be, and is called heaven, as well as the whole, or the highest parts of it the starry heaven, and the third heaven, chap 1. verse 14, 15, 16, 17. Gen. 22. 17. 2. Cor. 12. 2. And if such a division were meant, as they pretend to, where then would be the division between the waters of the seas, and the watery clouds; without which division, and the use of it, the earth could not bring forth sustenance for Man, or Beast? And as for the windows of heaven, they are understood of the region of the air, as Psal. 78. 23. Mal. 3. 10. And the same God who reigned down fire and brimstone on Sod●m, and made or multiplied the widow's oil, 2, Kings 4. 2.  
V 8. the firmament heaven] All above us so called. And the Angels this day most likely were created: considering the words of the Lord, Job 38. 4, 5, 6, 7. that all the sons of God shouted for joy, when he laid the foundations of the earth. Though Moses mentions not their creation, as puposely intending to relate only the creation of things corporal and visible; and that haply a having regard therein to the rudiments and weakness of that Infant-Church of the Jews, to whom immediately he wrote this History.  
second day] Without that approbation, And God saw that it was good, which yet is doubled, on the third day: (haply because the separation of the waters begun this day, was not perfected till the third day) And it is once repeated on each of the other four days with the addition of very good, in the end of all.  
V 20. and fowl] Out of the waters, and the ground also, chap. 2. 19  
V 26. Let us] Intimates a Plurality of Persons in the Unity of the Divine Essence. And so pluraly, chap. 3. 22. 11. 7. Esay 6. 8.  
V 27. created he them] Both this day, chap. 5. 2. though the manner of her creation, be more fully related, chap. 2. v. 18, to 23.  
V 29. to you it shall be for meat] Living things are not here mentioned for meat▪ till after the flood, anno mundi, 1657. and no more are corn, bread, drink, and other things named, which yet no doubt were in use before the flood, Cain being a tiler of the ground; And ●el being a keeper of sheep, was not likely to leave their flesh to be devoured of wild beasts, or to rot, either above, or under ground: And man's body being in a dying condition since the Fall, stood in more need of nourishing meats, then whiles he abode in Innocence. Neither were the herbs, trees, ground after the Curse, of that virtue and vigour for his nourishment and sustenance, as formely. It is nothing likely than that man should want so needful a nourishment as flesh or fish for so long a time, so many ages of the world; because they were not haply so necessary for him in the time of Innocency; or not expressed by name for food at the time of his Creation. But after the Fall, being killed for clothing; and offered in sacrifices to God, even by Abel himself; It is not to be imagined but that they did eat of the flesh of them, as in sacrifices was ever usual. And therefore also, for those ends and uses the distinction of them, into clean and unclean, was made, even before the flood; And seven of the Clean reserved, for sacrifice, and food, whereas two sufficed, as in the Unclean, for preservation of Seed, Gen. 7. 2. And the words of our Saviour noting the old world for their eating and drinking before the flood came on, Matth. 24. 38. implies rather an abuse in the excess, than an abstinence from the use of flesh and other delicacies.  
V 30. Every green herb for meat] But after the Fall of man, beasts, and birds of prey, and fishes eat and devour one another.   

CHAP. II.  
Ver. 3. BEcause that in it] This being alleged as the Reason of the Sabbath, Exod. 20. 11. 31. 17. shows it to be here instituted before the Fall And then no doubt but God's people had more need or the same Ordinance and Help in Religion ever since the Fall. And the Rulers Narrative to Moses speech or question Exod. 16. 22, 23. seems to me to imply the keeping of the Sabbath by the Jews before the giving of Manna in the Wilderness, Exod. 16. 5. not appearing to be made known to the people till after the Ruler's relation of sin; And God's direction to Moses▪ And apparently it was kept before the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.  
V 4. the Lord God] Here first the word Jehova is used. And after often in this Chapter, Gen. 15. 7. 22. 14. 26. 24. 27. 20. 28. 13. and in many places more. And therefore, Exod. 6. 3. But by my Name Jehova was I not known to them, is spoken comparatively; not known so fully, in making good my promises by answerable effects, as now I will be, in my bringing of them out of Egypt, notwithstanding all Pharaohs obstinacy.  
V 7. breathed] To show that man's spirit is not of the earth. as his body; but of nothing by the insufflation of God: and so differing from the spirit of beasts, Job 33. 4. Eccles 3. 21. It hath i●s immediate original from the Father of spirits, who did by creating infuse it, or by infusion create it.  
V 8. planted] On the third day, chap. 1 11, 12.  
Eastward] From Moses, in the wilderness, where he wrote this History.  
in Eden] A part of Mesopotamia.  
V 9 tree of life] Because naturally much; but sacramentaly more, it conduced thereunto.  
tree of knowledge] From the event, in respect of our first parents.  
V 10. went out of Eden] Flowing into it from above.  
V 11. Pison] A part of Tigris, Pa●itygris, or Pisotygris.  
Havilah] From Havilah the son of Cush, Gen 10. 7. 25. 18 1 Sam. 15. 7.  
V 13. Gihen] The lower part of Euphrates.  
Ethiopia] Cush, i. e. the Western Ethiopia, adjacent to the Desert Arabia.  
V 14. Hiddekel] The upper part of Tigris.  
Euphrates] Called the river, the great river, Deut. 1. 7. 11 24. Rev. 9 14.  
V 17. Thou shalt not eat of it] The thing in itself indifferent; but made unlawful to him by God's command; both she● the Lords absolute dominion over him; and his sin to be the greater and more notorious, if he disobeyed it.  
surely die] Be subject to mortality, misery; death, and to him which hath the power of death that is the Devil, Heb. 2. 14. A man sentenced to death we count him a dead man, dead in Law, though he and his execution be reprieved for a time. If he had not sinned, he had continued in a safe and blessed condition, free from death, and all manner of evil.  
V 19 and brought them unto Adam] Gen. 7. v. 8. 9  
V 20. And Adam gave names] Not that the names must needs be given according to their natures,  
V 21. ribs] With the flesh, v 23. The want of which rib, God could, and easily did sufficiently supply, by closing up the flesh instead thereof.  
V 22. made he a woman] 1 Cor. 11. 8.  
brought her to the man] As to her husband. Thus the married estate honourable in the state of Innocency, Matth 19 4, 5, 6.  
V 23. This is now bone etc.] He knew it partly of himself; but more by divine revelation.  
V 24. Therefore shall a man leave, etc.] These seem to be rather the words of God, Matth. 19 4. 5. then of Adam or of Moses. And are spoken both simply, Gen. 24. 58, 59 and comparatively; rather leave the duty of children to parents, then of husband to wife, when any such case of necessity shall fall out.  
And they] Explained by twain, Matth. 19 5, 6. by two, 1 Cor. 6. 16. Against Polygamy; and unlawful divorces; and carnal copulation out of marriage.  
V 25. both naked etc.] That shameful through sin since the Fall, Rom. 6. 21. which was not so before: not shall be after the Resurrection, 1 Cor. 15. 43.   

CHAP. III.  
●●rs. 1. SErpent] Divers sorts are of them Some specious, and beautiful to the eye.  
subtle] Prudent, Matth. 10. 16. crafty, 2. Cor. 11. 3. and so the fit instrument for Satan.  
he said] Many Angels fell, Mar. 5. 9, 12. 2 4. Pet. 2. Judas v. 6. having one for Principal, Matth. 25. 41. And they fell from the beginning, 1 John 3. 8. Now they are called Devils or Daemons, of their knowledge and cunning still remaining. One of them, if not the Principal, opened here the Serpent's mouth, and caused it to speak with man's voice, 2 Cor. 11. 3. as the Lord did with Bala●ms Ass. And the Devil did this speedily after man's creation: Whence he is called a Murderer from the beginning, Joh. 8. 44. and that old Serpent, which deceiveth the whole world, Rev. 12. 9  
yea, hath God] This would be an abrupt beginning. But it seems to presuppose a Precedent parley in a more cunning and winning way.  
V 2. And the woman said] She wonders not at the Serpents speaking: and speaking so, or it may be, she did at the first, for a while at least; though it be not here expressed: yet haply conceiving that her knowledge in some things was to increase by experience, as our blessed Saviour did, Luke 2. 52. He came to find fruit on the figtree, when the time of figs was not yet, Mar. 11. 13. And she being not apt, b● able to suspect any evil or sin, as not knowing the fall of the Angels; or any evil to be in the world, she might the rather entertain this conference.  
V 3. Neither shall ye touchit, lest ye die] These words may be uttered with a good intention, and receive a good interpretation, in answer to the Serpent's question: she hereby heightening Prohibition to the utmost, to put the greater ●ie upon her obedient; and averring, and ascertaining the danger and death, which otherwise would ensue; as, Matth. 15. 32. compared with, Mark 8. 3.  
V 4. ye shall not surely die] Thus the Devil is a liar, and the father of it, John 8. 44.  
V 5. as Gods] Satan might be pretend to mean it of the Angels. But the woman conceived it of the true God, in plurality of persons, as appears, v. 22.  
Knowing] Satan abuseth the name of the tree● to a wrong sense: pretending all good, but intending all woeful knowledge of sin and misery by it, experimentally.  
V 6. And when the woman saw, etc.] Here was the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, 1 John 2. 16. And thus through his eating, by one man sin and death entered into the world: In Adam all his posterity sinned, being then in his ●oines, Rom. 5. 12, 19 And in Adam all die, 1 Cor▪ 15. 22. Rom▪ 5. 15, 16, 17, 18.  
and he did eat] Yet it is said Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, was in the transgression, ● Tim. 2. 14. She first and deepest in the transgression; and she, not the Devil immediately, the means to induce her husband to sin, she giving the forbidden fruit to him; with words to persuade him, v. 17. though she did not purposely deceive him, as the Devil did purposely deceive he.  
V 7. And the eyes of them both] Small distance then between the time of both their eating.  
naked] In body before, without shame, while without sin, chap. 2. 25. But now experimentally they know that they were naked, both in body and soul; with shame; as, Exod. 32. 25. through guilt of sin, and sting of conscience.  
they sewed] A silly shift. And therefore notwithstanding this, they seek to hid themselves, v. 8. But for their souls, they did not, nor indeed could make any shift at all.  
aprons] To cover especially those parts, of all most uncomely now, which serve for generation; By which sin hath its derivation to all mankind.  
V 8. voice of the Lord God walking] Either in an humane shape, or otherwise without that, making this voice, and noise by his Almighty power.  
in the cool of the day] Cool wind, at evening tied; which brought the voice and noise to their hearing.  
hid themselves] With as much folly as faultiness: through the horror and amazedness wherewith they were stricken at God's approach.  
V 10. I heard] He toucheth not, but dissembleth the true and main cause.  
V 11. haste thou eat●n, & c?] q. ● I appeal to thy conscience, whether this be not the true cause of thy fear, and present shame at thy nakedness now.  
V 13. What is this, & c?] How heinous an offence? as, chap▪ 44. 15.  
V 14. unto the Serpent] Curseth him, as the Devil's instrument. Such is God's hatred of sin, punishing the bare instruments of it: as in Exod, 32. 20. Levit 20. 15, 16. as a father breaks the sword wherewith his child was shine. Yet this curse upon the Serpent is so expressed, as fitly in a Mystical sense, relates to, and includes the curse inflicted on the Devil, the chief agent and author.  
upon thy belly] This going on his belly, and feeding on dust, was not the natural gate and food of the Serpent before. For he is numbered among the beasts, chap. 3. 1. distinguished from creeping things, chap. 1. 25. And the green herbs was given him for meat, chap. 1. 30. But now he is adjudged to go on his belly and breast; and that with more pain and difficulty, than other creeping things: As to Adam's labours, and Eves conception, and sujection to her husband, pain and ●orrow were added for their sin. And for meat, he must lick the dust, Mi●●h 7. 17. Esay 65. 22. Whence they are called Serpents of the dust, Deut. 32. 24. The Sovereignty of God's power and authority over all his creatures doth clear the justness of his proceeding and doom here against all Serpents.  
V 15. enmity] A natural antipathy between Mankind and Serpents. A greater enmity between Mankind and the Devil; His enmity to Mankind is too apparent; And man's to him, so fare as he is rightly known and discerned to be the Devil: though by his cunning▪ conveyances, as here with Eve, he reigns since the fall, as a God over a great part of Mankind, 1 Cor. 4. 4.  
It] Or, He; the World for Seed, and the Verb for shall break, being both in the Hebrew of the masculine gender, pointing to Christ, the Seed of a woman, Gal. 4▪ 4. Luke 1. 42. 2. 7. the promised Seed, Gal. 3. 16. who destroyed the Devil, Heb. 2. 14. John 12. 31▪ and his works, 1 John 3. 8. triumphing over him on his Cross, Col. 2. 15. And in Christ our Head, we resist and overcome the Devil, 1 Pet. 5. 9 1 John 2. 13, 14. The God of Peace bruising Satan under our feet, Rom. 16. 20.  
V 16. thy desire] Shall be subject to thine husband, as, Gen. 4. 7. As Abel's to Cain, as the firstborn.  
and he shall rule over thee] By Creation she was to live in subordination to man, 1 Tim. 2. 13. 1 Cor. 11. 9 But now a further rule in the man, and desire of subjection in the woman is required here, as a punishment or chastisement on her than he had over her by Creation; and with more grief unto womankind, 1 Tim. 2. 12. 1 Pet. 3. 1, 5, 6. 1 Cor. 14. 34. Tit. 2. 5.  
V 17. Cursed is the ground] The earth which he gave to the children of men, Psal. 115. 16. and to their use, is now by Curse made more unprofitable to them and their use, verse 18, 19 chap. 5. 29. Yea, the Creature was made subject to vanity by man's sin; subject to a vanishing, flitting, and perishing estate; subject to the corruption and abuse of man; subject to serve for the object and instrument of sin, Esay 24. 5. And therefore the heavens and the earth, which are now, are reserved unto fire against the day of judgement, 2 Pet 3. 7, 10. And the whole Creation groaneth, and traveleth in pain together until now: The earnest expectation of the creature waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God; that it may be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God: that all the steps and traces of that malediction put upon it for man's sin, may be utterly razed out of the world; and new heavens, and a new earth created, as the Scripture phraseth it; every creature according to every one's degree and nature partaking of that glorious liberty of the children of God; being fully delivered from all vanity, slavery, abuse, and evil, Rom. 8. 19, 20, 21, 22.  
V 18. the herb of the field] Not the herbs and fruits of Paradise, v. 23, 24.  
V 20. Eve] Here first so called. God calls her Adam, chap. 5. 2.  
because she was] To be; thus Propheticaly he foretells it: else it is Moses that gives the reason of the name.  
V 21. coats of skins] In likelihood of the skins of beasts, which God taught him to kill for sacrifice: being that Abel did so soon sacrifice, chap. 4. 4.  
V 22. And now lest, etc.] Spoken by an irony. For it was not the eating of the fruit, that could recover him, or preserve him from the sentence of death, whereunto God for his sin had now doomed him? Both the Trees were Sacraments of the first Covenant of works to confirm the Promise, and threatening there unto appertaining; which Sacramental tree of Life he had now nothing to do withal, no right to it, having broken the Covenant, and incurred the Curse; no more than he ought to have meddled with the other Tree, in the state of innocence.  
V 24. drove out] The day not so certainly known; But in all probability, the same day of his creation. For Satan would omit no time. The woman, if she had been better practised, and not taken at the first, would not so soon have ●r●ed: or if she had known the Fall of the Angels, she would have suspected the more. Her speech, v. 2. We may eat seems to show, that no fruit had been eaten before. And doubtless she fell a Virgin. And accordingly Jews, Chaldeans, Arabians, Greeks, Latins, Barbarians, hold that they fell the day they were created.  
at the East] Where the entrance was into Paradise.  
Cheru●ims] Angels. Moses in the use of this word applying himself to the capacity of the people, to whom the Cherubims in the Tabernacle were well known, representing the Angels. In Ezekiel's Vision, we read of Cherubims as living creatures, with wings, chap. 1. 5. and 10. 1, 15. In Daniel, the Angel Gabriel flying.  
and a flaming sword] Haply to each, if there were more Angels than one, Cherubims being of the plural number. We read of an Angel with a drawn sword in David's time, 1 Chron. 21. 16.  
which turned every way] All for the more terror, thate man should not dare to attempt re-entrance.   

CHAP. IU.  
Verse 2. ABel] So the New Testament writes him, Matth. 23. 35. Luke 11. 5●. Heb 11. 4. and 12. 24. The Hebrew still is Hebel. Saith David, Psal. 39 5. Verily every man at his best estate is altogether Abel, i. e. vanity. And so indeed Abel was, being slain by his brother.  
V● 3. of the fruit of the ground an offering] An Oblation, or Meat-offering of fine flower, or first-fruits in the ear, in Levit. 2. and chap. 22. 14. Exod. 22. 29 23. 19 The Heathen Greeks and Romans, in their times did likewise: Likely by an imitation of the Jews.  
V 4. firstlings] This afterwards by a special Law, upon a special reason, prescribed to the Jews, Exod. 13. 2. Num. 3. 13.  
and of the fat thereof] In Moses time this expressly commanded, Exod. 20. 13, 22, 25. Levit. 3. 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17. The fat is the food of the offering made by fire, for a sweet favour unto the Lord. All the fat is the Lords: neither Offerer, nor Sacrificer; nor yet in Civil use was any Jew to eat of it; at leastwise of the fat of such clean beasts as were fit for sacrifice, Levit. 7. 23, 24, 25. The fat of the oil is mentioned, Num. 18. 12. meaning the best of it; And so of all things offered to the Lord, the best is required, which it seems also that Abel here performed. Not as those did, Mal. 1. 13.  
By Faith Abel offered this Sacrifice, Heb. 11. 4. And therefore it was no will-worship, but grounded on God's Word for his warrant; revealed to Adam, and by him likely to his sons.  
had respect] This was seen of Cain. It is likely therefore that God shown it by some visible sign, as by fire from heaven consuming the Sacrifice; as, Levit. 9 24. Judg. 6. 21. 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1. 1 Kings 18. 38. or it might be by some other ways.  
unto Abel, and to his offering] To the man first, to the Offering for the man's sake, as a fruit of his faith. He righteous, Matth. 23 35.  
V 5. not respect] Through his want of faith and sincerity in this service of God, 1 John 3 12.  
very wrath] At God, and Abel both.  
V 7. Sin lieth] Sin is anomy, or enormity; and the punishment of sin, which like a Sergeant, or they, is couching, and lieth watching, ready to seize upon thee, and tear thee.  
And unto thee shall be his desire] Subject to thee, as to the firstborn, as, chap. 3. 16. This is to allay his wrath and incensed spirit.  
V 8. talked] In a brotherly manner, dissembling his hatred, that he might get the better opportunity to kill him, when Abel should not think of it. See the Annotations on chap. 35. 22.  
V 11. Cursed from the earth] The earth shall plague thee, that received thy brother's blood; as is showed in the next words.  
V 12. when thou tillest] A punishment, the more proper, because he was a tiler of the ground; and proper to cain's portion, where ever he was; not a second general curse upon all the earth.  
a fugitive] Cast out from society with thy kindred and acquaintance; from God's presence, and the communion of his Church, and pursued still with a guilty conscience. So in ver. 14, 16.  
V 14. Of the earth] Of this earth where I now dwell with my Parents and Kindred. Else he speaks like a man distracted by a guilty conscience. He dilates his punishment that denied his sin.  
Every one that findeth me shall slay me] There might be many living by this time of Abel's murder, of whom he might stand in fear, yea, of them as yet unborn. And his guilty conscience now fears every one, as having made himself odious to every one. And such flee when none pursueth; yea, the sound of a shaken leaf doth chase them: And he might justly fear the beasts of the field. Amongst the ancient Romans, Greeks and others, such notorious offenders, whosoever would, might surely kill them. And what large power is given to the revenger of blood by God's Law, we may see in Numb. 35. 19, 21.  
V 15. Seven fold] God would have him preserved alive, (though a life likely worse than death,) as a monument of his justice against murder and tratricide, Psal. 59 11. Not for love to Cain, but to prevent future murder.  
Mark] a mark of protection, and of ignominy too; likely a kind of palsy and ghastly look; or some worse mark, that made him an horrible spectacle of God's vengeance against so heinous a crime.  
V 16. From the Presence of the Lord] not of his general Providence, but of his special Presence, by grace, in the place of his Worship and Service; of which place, and the Presence of the Lord there, with Adam and his godly seed, it might be said, as, Gen. 28. 17. This is no other but the House of God, and this is the gate of Heaven.  
Nod] so called by Anticipation, from his wand'ring there.  
V 17. builded a City] at last; builded, or rather was building, began to build, as the bvilders of Babel, Gen. 11. as in many hundred years after he and his posterity well might, and yet he be a vagabond in body and mind nevertheless.  
V 19 Two wives] The first bigamist, and corrupter of wedlock.  
V 23 I have slain, etc.] Beastingly he speaks of his valour and wrath, to asray and appease the brawls of his wives between themselves, and the vexing of him; that he was a man that would not suffer the least injury of them, or of any man, but he would avenge himself, and that fully: Or vaunting himself to his wives of his valour, to appease their fear of him, lest hurt should come to him from others, through his fierceness and boisterous violence; bragging what heavy vengeance he would take of him that should set upon lamech, many times more than God himself appointed to be taken for the avengement of Cain. Or, if he had slain a man, and was wounded himself, and thereupon his wives afraid of his life, he seeks to appease them, but in a fierce and insolent manner, as scorning their fear of his danger, and thinking it a disparagement to him and his valour, and upon this reason too; That he had a juster cause for what he had done, than Cain had, and therefore might be the more secure, that if cain's death should be avenged, much more his; or rather in an Atheistical scorn, vaunting, That if God did set such a guard upon Cain, surely Lamech they needed not to doubt, should scape well enough; cain's impunity might well serve for his security. Thus variously may these vaunting words of this wrathful, lustful man, be understood and taken; bearing himself haply the more proudly upon his sons inventions, v. 20, 21, 22.  
V 25. Seth] born, when Adam was 130. years old, ch. 5. 3. Therefore in all probability Cain slew Abel, not long before that time.  
For God] Eve rejoiceth, that her whole number of children in him was filled up again. For it is not imaginable, that she had no more than Cain and Abel in all that time And it might be she foresaw by the Spirit of God, that Seth should be like righteous faithful Abel, and the roo● of that holy progeny, wherein the Church was afterward established.  
V 26. Enos] Sorrowful, Psal. 9 20. that the Nations may know themselves to be but Enos, i. e. woeful men. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
Then began men to call] the Worship of God grew more public and solemn, and in a sort restored and revived again, in the persons and families of Seth and Enos, having been almost buried in the paucity and privacy of the godly before this time; a separation now being made by them from the profane society of the wicked; such as were generally the posterity of Cain.   

CHAP. V.  
Ver. 3. IN his own likeness after his image] such as he was now sinful; not as he was created Holy. Yet still God was the Father of spirits, the God (and Creator) of the spirits of all flesh, Heb. 12. 9 Numb. 16. 22.  
V 4. And he begat sons and daughters] after Seth; yet not excluding some to be begotten before Seth; as Cain and others. And the same is likely to be understood of the rest of the ten patriarchs in this chapter before the flood; That they begat sons and daughters, as well before as after the birth of those Patriarches, by whom the line of the Genealogy and Chronology is drawn. For it is scarce probable, that in this first Age of the world before the flood, wherein mankind had most need of multiiplication, the Patriarches should be so old, as the half of them above 100 yea, Jared 162, Lamecb, 182. Methusalah 187. Noah 500 before they had any children: though indeed Noah for his part, had no more than three, when the flood came, 1 Pet. 3. 20. But so old they were before that son was borne who was the Progenitor of our Saviour, and in whose race the main progress and succession of the true Church did consist.  
V 5. All the days] Adam was living in Lameches days.  
V 21. Enoch walked with God] the seventh of Adam followed not the wickedness of his age; But pleased God, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Sants, to execute judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, Judas ver. 14, 15. And Henoch was not; died not as others: but was translated by faith; God took him, body and soul, as after he did Elias, that he should not see death, and he was not found, Heb. 11. 5. after he had lived on earth so many years as there are days in our year; Thus was he a pledge and pawn of the Resurrection, and life eternal and celestial, and prophesied of the last and general judgement; Adam and Methusalah, and five Patriarches between them were living witnesses of his Translation.  
V 27. All the days of Methusalah] the longest liver, and died the last of the nine Patriarches, in the beginning of the year of the flood.  
V 29. Noah] Thus Lamech his father prophesied of him at his birth, presaging comfort and rest by him, in the midst of all miseries, in those evil and uncomfortable times.  
V 32. And Noah begat] i. e. began to beget. So, chap. 11. 26. and, chap. 7, 10. Japhet the eldest, Sem the second, Cha●● youngest.  
Of the LXX-Chronology in this Chapter. They extend the age of Methusalah beyond the flood, contrary to Scripture, and add almost 1600. years, to the true Chronology, in this and the eleventh chapters. Haply out of some considerations touching the Heathens, for whom that Greek Translation was made. But the LXX. now is no where extant, but patched infinitely.   

CHAP. VI  
Ver. 1. WHen men began to multiply] very greatly; and specially cain's wicked progeny, and wickedness with them.  
and daughters] the occasion both of the corruption and calamity set forth in the ensuing story.  
V 2. That the sons of God] Professors of the true Worship of God, Deut. 14. 1. 2 Cor. 6. 18. 1 John 3. 1. Which here grew remiss in Religion.  
Daughters of men] of the profane race of Cain, that had little of God or his image in them, in their minds or manners, but were mere men, 1 Cor. 3. 3. natural men, unregenerate, and out of the Church; and such these their daughters were.  
Fair] without respect to spiritual beauty, not minding at all what they were for Religion and manners. Thus beauty entangleth the fond and fleshly affection.  
Wife's] Loved, liked, and chosen only for Beauty's sake. God's Law after forbade such marriages with those out of the Church, Deut. 7. 3, 4. Exod. 34. 16. 2 Cor. 6. 14.  
V 3. My spirit] In the Patriarches, and specially in Noah, a Preacher of righteousness, 1 Pet. 3. 19, 20. 2 Pet. 2. 5. And by good motions and checks of conscience in the men of these times. As, Nehem. 9 30.  
For that he also is flesh] even my people also; all mankind, v. 12. are fleshly, not having the Spirit, Judas v. 19 Rom. 8 8, 9 Gal. 5. 16, 17.  
120 years'] granted for trial of their repentance, the long suffering of God waiting, whether in this space of time, while the Ark was a preparing they would repent, 1 Pet. 3. 20. by mortification of the flesh, and vivificati● of the Spirit, or, as St. Peter expresseth it, be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit, ch. 4. 6. agreeing with that of Paul, 1 Cor. 5. 5.  
This was twenty years before the birth of Japhet.  
V 4. Giant's] Men of huge stature and strength, beyond others in those days, such as Og was, of the race of giants, and the Anakim● in Moses time, Numb. 13. 33. Amorites, Amos 2 9 Deut. 3. 11. Goliath, Isbbi-benob, Sapho, Lahmi in David's time, 2 Sam. 21. 16, 18. 1 Chron. 20. 5, 6, 8 Men, who in the pride and confidence of their body's greatness, were apostates from God, oppressors of men, fierce and cruel.  
And also after that] After those unlawful mixtures and marriages, v. 2. many of their seed became such Giants: and after that destruction threatened, v. 3.  
V 5. Every imaginari●n] This heightens the sinfulness of this age, Mic. 7. 3. But Gen. 8. 21. More strongly proves the universal corruption of man's nature by the fall.  
V 15. 300 cubit's] The length is ten times the height, and six times the breadth; resembling for the fashion of it a man's coffin.  
V 16. In a cubit shalt finish it] The Ark, not the window.  
Door] Wide, to receive an Elephant, closed up, and pitched belike, when all were in, and that by God himself. ch. 7. 16.  
With lower, second and third stories] These stories, considered with the quantity and kind of the cubits, a common cubit then being longer than our cubits, now and the sacred cubit being double to the common cubit, as appears by comparing 1 Kings 7. 15. with 2 Chron. 3. 15. (not to speak of a Geometrical cubit, six times, as some allege, as great as a common cubit;) we may easily conceive the capacity of the Ark, to be fully sufficient to hold whatsoever was required to be contained in it; specially if we understand here, where no kind is nominated, the sacred cubit.  
V 18. My Covenant] For thy preservation, Typifying our spiritual preservation and salvation by Christ, from the deluge of God's wrath, 1 Pet 3. 21.  
Thou] Eight in number, 1 Pet. 3. 20.  
V 19 Two of every sort] Pairs of every sort. And here only the kinds are named, the number in chap. 7. v. 2, 3.  
V 20. Shall come unto thee] Of their own accord, by my instinct, not else so freely, as, ch. 2. 19  
V 22. Thus did Noah] By faith Noah being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an Ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith, Heb. 11. 7. So, Exod. 39 43. and, 40. 16.   

CHAP. VII.  
Verse 1. ANd all thy house] Thy children; specified, v. 13. No doubt, but he had more of his family; man-servants and maidservants. But they, and the Shipwrights all drowned.  
in this generation] Called by St. Peter, the world of the ungodly, 2 Pet 2. 5.  
V 2. Of every clean beast] Here is the distinction of clean and unclean beasts, and fowls in Noah's time and before, even soon in all likelihood after the fall of man. Long then before Moses time. In Moses time the distinction of beasts and fowls, clean and unclean for sacrifice was this, that of all beasts, only Beefs, Sheep and Goats were counted clean for sacrifice; and of Fowls only the turtle-Doves and Pigeons, Levit. 1. And the Sparrow was used in the cleansing of the Leper and Leprous house, Levit. ch. 14. 4, 5. But for meat to the Jews there was a further distinction of clean and unclean beasts, fishes, fowls and creeping things, Leu. 11. The distinction here at the flood is not particularised; and therefore we cannot be so certain, but guess only by Moses, which were clean, which unclean.  
by seven] Not two sevens. The use of the seventh is set down for sacrifice, ch. 8. 20. of other four, likely for meat; and of the other two, for preservation of seed, as is here commanded, concerning the unclean beasts and fowl. Or more than two of the seven, might be for the greater increase of those which were of most use and comfort to mankind, and the rest, for present food and for sacrifice.  
V 10. Were] Began to be.  
V 11. In the second month] Bull; about our October, 1 Kings 6. 38. which is the eighth month of the year, according to the Ecclesiastical account, first commanded by God to the Jews, at his miraculous bringing of the children of Israel out of Egypt, Exod. 12. 2. The civil account, and the civil year, even then and still after continuing with them, the same beginning, as it ever had from the beginning; in the month Tizri or Ethanim, about our September, 1 Kings 8. 2. I can see no just cause why we should not follow the civil Account of the year here in Noah's time. Though the other reckoning of the months be most followed in Scripture, after the time of the change aforesaid, 1 Kings 6. 1537, 38. Nehem. 2. 1. 6. 15. Esther 2. 16. 3. 7. 9 15. Zach. 1. 7. 7. 1.  
V 17. And the flood was forty days, etc.] It reigned so long, till the twenty seventh day of the third month Chisleu: which is the nineth month according to the Ecclesiastical Account, Zach. 7. 1. and falls in, with, or about the middle of our December; and it prevailed upon the earth 150 days, v. 24.  
V 20. Fifteen cubits upward] Above all the high hills that were under the whole Heaven; whatsoever we hear true or fabulous by Writers, or reports of the height of the hills of Olympus, Atlas, Athos, Caucasus, Pike in Tenerif, or any other.  
V 22. Died] But yet small charity to judge the Infants, and all of them to be damned. I'm in the Ark cursed: and many out of it in the time of the lingering deluge, might repent and be saved; though not from the temporal death, yet from that which is eternal.  
V 24. One hundred and fifty days] Reckoning from the first day of the rain falling, viz. seventeenth day of the second month, to the seventeenth day of the seventh month, whereon the Ark rested on the mountains of Ararat, ch. 8. 4. are one hundred and fifty days.  
Heathens in the deluge of Deucalion, show they had some inkling and hint of this sacred history.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Ver. 1. A Wind] To assuage; not enrage.  
V 4. Rested in the seventh month] Called Nisan by the Chaldees, and Abib by the Hebrews, answering to part of our March and April.  
On the seventeenth day] About the beginning of our April; where ended the one hundred and fifty days.  
mountains of Ararat] An hilly tract of land in Armenia the greater, not far from the Caspian sea, and near to Assyria and Mesopotamia, 2 Kings 19 37. Esay 37. 38. Jer. 51. 27. Some take these for the Gordean or Cordean mountains. Some for the hills of Taurus or Caucusus.  
V 5. In the tenth month, on the first day] Called Thamus, answering the middle of our June, beginning still the reckoning from September, the beginning of their civil year. Thus after seventy three days since the Ark first rested, and two hundred twenty three days since the flood first began, were the tops of the mountains seen. To determine the gradual abatements of the waters day by day, is vain curiosity, and foolish presumption, upon uncertain grounds.  
V 6. At the end of forty day's] After the mountaine-tops were first seen. This makes up the number of two hundred sixty three days since the flood began, and one hundred and thirteen days since the Ark first rested; and falls on the eleventh day of their eleventh month, called Ab, and towards the end of our July and not as the great Annotators have it on this place, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, called Sebat, Zach. 1. 7. the same which we call January. But to reckon thus were to reckon the year according to the Ecclesiastical Account, contrary to their own mind set down in their Annotations, upon the fourth verse of this same chapter.  
V 8. A Dove] seven day's after the Raven, v. 10. on the eighteenth day of their eleventh month, about the beginning of our August. The sending out of the Dove is mentioned in Dcucalions' history.  
V 9 Found no rest] Though the tops of the mountains were seen forty seven days before.  
V 10. And again he sent] On the twenty fifth of their eleventh month, called by some Abbess, about the tenth of our August.  
V 11. In the evening] Spending the day abroad.  
plucked off] Not floating on the waters; so now growing trees were discovered. The Dove found a place of rest to her feet; but not yet food fit for her.  
V 12. Yet other seven days] On the second day of the twelfth month, called Elul, Nehem. 6. 15. About the seventeenth of our August. She met with her mate after. Thus there are twenty one days from the opening of the window, for the sending out of the Raven, and the Dove.  
V 13. First month, first day of the month] Twenty nine days after the last sending forth of the Dove, to this time. This month is the month Tizri or Ethanim, 1 Kings 8. 2. though there called the seventh month, according to the Ecclesiastical Account. And the first day if it is about the sixteenth of our September: but we must not here make this the first month, according to the Ecclesiastical account; which would be the month Nisan or Abib; the first day of it answering to the middle of our March.  
covering of the Ark] v. 6. He opened the window of the Ark.  
was dry] Yet soft and muddy.  
V 14. Second month] Not Jiar or Zif, the second month according to the Ecclesiastical Account, 1 Kings 6. 1, 3, 7. answering to part of our April, and part of our May: but the month Bull, according to the Civil Account and year; according to the Annotations on the fourth verse of this chapter. And answering to part of our October, and of our November.  
Twenty seventh day] The second of our November. And thus there are fifty seven days from the first month, first day to this time. And here is the end of the flood, continuing from first to last, one year and ten days. The Account whereof must no wise be cast, as in the said Annotations on this fourteenth verse: But thus, beginning on the second month, seventeenth day, thence to the seventh month, seventeenth day, are one hundred and fifty days, reckoning in them the forty days of rain, as is confessed on ch. 7. ver. 24, and as according to the truth it must needs be. And the Ark then rested on the mountains of Ararat. Thence to the tenth month, first day, whereon the tops of the mountains were seen, are seventy three days. Thence forty days, at the end whereof Noah opened the window of the Ark. Thence twenty one days of the sending out of the Raven and the Dove. Thence twenty nine days reacheth to the first month, first day, when the ground was dry. Thence fifty seven days, to the second month, twenty seventh day, when Noah came out of the Ark. The total sum of this reckoning ariseth to three hundred and seventy. And the compass of the year, reckoning twelve months to the year, and thirty days to the month, ariseth to three hundred and sixty days. And the other ten days were those ten, wherein he continued in the Ark more than one year.  
V 20 And offered burnt-offerings on the Altar] In this verse is an Altar first nominated, and burnt-offerings, or whole burnt-offering, Leu. 6. 9 And this so long before Moses and the Levitical Law, an Altar likely of earth or turf.  
V 21. In his heart] After spoken to Noah, chapped 9 11.  
not again curse the ground] This is opened more in this and the next verse, not as formerly, with an universal deluge. Though particular inundations may be.  
for the imagination, etc.] This in part moved God to destroy the world, ch. 6. 5, 6. This here is brought in as a motive to mercy, as, Psal 103. 13, 14. A like plea David makes, Psal 25. 11. and God himself, Esay 48. 8, 9 Though sin abound, God's mercy superabounds, mercy rejoiceth against judgement.  
V 22. While the earth] God restores and repairs the natures of things corrupted by the flood. This hinders not Peter's fiery Prophecy of the end of the world, 2 Pet. 3. 7. Esay 54. 8, 9, 10.  
Seedtime, etc.] Generaly so, which hindereth not particular judgements upon particular places to the contrary, as, 1 Kings 17. 1. God will henceforth deal more particularly with men, and not overturn the general course of nature any more.   

CHAP. IX.  
Verse. 1. BE fruitful, etc.] Though we read not of any more children of Noah after this time: yet it is not likely but he had more; God's Word and his Work go together. In three hundred fifty two years; viz. from the flood to the birth of Abraham mankind was wonderfully multiplied, and yet man's life in that time mightily shortened.  
V 2. The fear of you] Though not your dominion over them, as it was before the fall; yet the fear and dread of you shall upon them: even to the taming, or over-awing at least, of the wildest, fiercest and strongest of them by force or cunning, Psal 8. 6, etc. 104 20, 21, 22, 23. Jam. 3. 7. Though God can arm even the least of them, to execute his judgements upon man.  
V 3. That liveth] Likely, not dying of itself, or torn by beasts, as, Levit. 17. 15. and 22. 8. Exod 12. 31. For many of the Mosaical Laws were in use long before.  
meat for you] See Annotations on ch 1. 29.  
meat] Such as were fit for meat: and even those that were not fit for meat and sustenance, yea, poisonous, yet might serve for Physic or otherwise, for the maintenance and preservation of the life of man  
V 4. But flesh with the life thereof, the blood] The blood of these creatures in called the life of them; and their life is said to be their blood, and in their blood, Leu. 17. 11. 14. because the spirits, which are the most lively parts of them, are produced of the purest part of the blood, and with it diffused in arteries throughout the whole body: without which vital spirits, though blood be in the body, yet the body may be dead, as in things strangled. Now with the blood, or in the blood, the flesh was not to be eaten; but first it must be killed and cleansed of the blood. A restraint, no doubt, to make them the more fearful of shedding man's blood, as the words following do declare. But yet thus the sense of the place seems not so full, as when the blood is forbidden, not only with the flesh in the veins, (for who desires so to eat it) but also poured out by itself alone. And thus the prohibition was given by Moses to the Jews, who declared at large the various manner of the use of blood, in their several kinds of sacrifices; but inhibits the eating of it, rather than, or at any other time. In their sacrices, sometimes some of it was sprinkled upon the side of the Altar, and the rest of the blood wrung out at the bottom of the Altar; as when turtle-Doves or Pigeons were sacrificed, Leu. 1. 15. and 5. 9 sometimes it was sprinkled round about upon the Altar; as in the burnt-offerings, and peace-offerings, Leu. 1. 5, 11. and, chap. 3. 2, 8, 13. sometimes with the finger dipped in it, some of it was put upon the horns of the Altar, and the rest poured out at the bottom of the Altar; as in the sin-offering for the Ruler, and for any one of the common people, Leu. 4. 25, 30, 34. sometimes with the finger dipped in it. some of it was to be sprinkled seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the Sanctuary. And then some of it to be put upon the horns of the Altar of sweet incense before the Lord, and the rest of the blood to be poured out at the bottom of the Altar of the burnt-offering; as in the sin-offering of the Holy Priest, Levit 4. v. 5, 6, 7. And of the whole Congregation, ch. 4. v. 16, 17, 18. Sometimes it was to be put upon the tip of the right ear, and upon the thumb of the right hand, and upon the great toe of the right foot; and some of the blood upon the Altar was to be sprinkled upon the garments, as Moses did at the consecration of Aaron and his sons, Levit. 8. 23, 24, 30. all which was typical and ceremonial. In sum, it was given upon the Altar, to make an atonement for souls; for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul, Leu. 17. 11. and almost all things are by the Law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission, Heb. 9 22. But with them blood was never at any time, or upon any occasion to be eaten, Leu. 7. 26, 27. 1 Sam. 14. 32, 33, 34. And the Apostles make a decree for the forbearance of eating things strangled, and blood, Acts 15. 20. yet now the ceremonial Law being expired; and the restraint in this text, not so clear and full, or, not reaching to all people in all ages; out of the case of scandal, which occasioned the Apostles necessary, 1 Cor. 8. 13. though temporary decree; I see no necessity enforcing the contrary, but that Christians may use their Christian liberty, knowing that to the pure all things are pure, that meat commends us not to God, that whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that we may eat, ask no question for conscience sake.  
V 5. And surely your blood of your lives] Your life-blood. The reason of the former prohibition.  
Of every beast] Exod. 21. 28.  
man's brother] All men are brethren, Act. 17. 26.  
V 6. Whoso sheddeth] Wittingly and wilfully, Numb. 35. 31. else Cities of Refuge wee appointed, as may be seen, Numb. 35. 11, 15, 22, 23. Deut. 29. 3, 6.  
by man] Magistrate. Revenger of blood, Numb. 35. 19, 21, 27.  
for in the image] This reason showeth death to be due for murder before the flood, and from the beginning, though God extraordinarily suffered Cain to live (a life likely worse than death) as a spectacle of his wrath all his age. To deny the legal and military use of the sword to Christians, is an Anabaptistical faucie.  
V 10. And with every living creature] For man's sake, for whom they were made, and in the flood for his sin destroyed.  
V 11. All flesh] No universal deluge, though particular countries may be drowned.  
by the waters of a flood] Yet in the end by fire, 2 Pet. 3. 7, 10.  
the earth] Asdruball, ch. 6. 11.  
V 13. My bow] Wittily say some, bended upwards; and without any arrow in it. This was in the clouds before, naturally; But now significatively instituted to this use, to be a token of this Covenant, for the assurance of the truth, and performance of it, and God's oath annexed to it, Esay 54. 9  
V 14. When I bring a cloud] At sometimes.  
V 18. And Ham is the father of Canaan] So again, v. 22. To imply the reason why Canaan is cursed, v. 25, 26, 27. And that the Israelites, who in Moses time and after, were commanded to root them out, might know, that they were of an accursed race and offspring.  
V 20. Began] In the new world a new beginner, yet some years after the flood.  
V 21. Uncovered] Likely wearing long and lose garments, without breeches. As likely David did, when Michal mocked him, 2 Sam. 6. 20. To prevent which, linen breeches were commanded to Priests, Exod. 28. 42. Ezech. 44. 19 and God's Altar was to be builded without steps, Exod. 20. 26.  
V 22. And told] He should have concealed it from his brethren, and covered it himself.  
V 24. And knew] Upon enquiry, or otherways, by relation or revelation.  
V 25. Said] Prophetically, both in his cursing and blessing, by warrant of God's Spirit.  
V 25. Cursed be Canaan] Not naming Cham. But showing thereby the curse to be entailed on him, and on Canaan his fourth son, ch. 10. 6. then borne, and haply a Partner in his father's sin, and on his posterity after him, Prov. 30. 17.  
a servant of servants] Thus foredoomed to a most servile slavish estate and condition. This most seen long after in the Gibeovites, Josh. 9 21. and in the Canaanites.  
As the blessing on Japhet was long after fulfilled, when the Gentiles became Christians.  
V 26. Blessed be the Lord God of Shem] Shem blessed; because God is called his God, Psal. 144. 15. He named before Japhet his elder brother, in covering his father's nakedness, v. 23.  
and Canaan shall be his servant] So to Chador●aome●● of Shems' progeny, being King of Elam; ch. 14. 1, 4, etc. and; ch. 10. 22. so in the times of Joshuah, Judges, and Kings of Judah and Israel.  
V 27. In the tents of Shem] In the Church, become Converts and Christians, Eph. 2. 13, 14, 19 3. 6. even when Shems' posterity, the natural branches, was much out off, Rom. 11. 11.  
and Canaan shall be his servant] Alexander the Great, and the Romans subdued them.  
V 29. And he died] living almost to the birth of Abram.   

CHAP. X.  
Verse 1. JAphet] He is renowned, in the ancient Greek Writers, called jupetoes.  
V 2. Madai] Of him the Medes.  
Javan] Of him the country jonia, the Grecians.  
V 5. Isle's] Properly; or improperly such countries', whereto the Jews from their land could not pass but by shipping: the Province of Europe here meant.  
every one after his tongue] As it fell out after that division of tongues, ch. 11. 9  
V 6▪ Cush] Cushians, or the Ethiopians near the Arabian sea.  
Mizraim] Egyptians. Mizraim in the Old Testament is always called Egypt in the New Testament.  
V 7. Seba] Whence came the West-African-Ethiopians, and likely the Queen of Shebah, 1 King. 10. 1. called the Queen of the South, coming from the uttermost parts of the earth, Matth. 12. 42. And the Eunuch of Candac●, Acts 8. 27.  
Havilah] In Arabiah.  
V 8. And Cush begat Nimrod] Reserved here to the last place, because Moses meant to speak most of him.  
a mighty one] Usurped by violence a more imperious Power and Government, then formerly was used, and enlarged his dominions.  
V 9 A mighty Hunter] Hunter of men, Tyrants and Oppressors are called Hunters, Jer. 16. 16.  
before the Lord] Openly, without fear of God.  
V 10. Babel] ch. 11. 9 Semiramis, than the wife of Ninus son to this Nimrod or Belus, as profane Authors have it, founded not this City, but repaired it. After Nimrods' time it seems, the seat of that Monarchy (being the first,) was translared to Nineveb in Assyria, Micah 5. 6. And after many ages Babylon rebuilt by Nabuchadnezzar, Dan. 4. 30.  
Shinar] Comprehending Mesopotamia, situate between the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates, and the countries' adjacent, ch. 11. 2.  
V 11. Out of the land went forth Ashur] He Shents son, v. 22. went out of Shinar by Nimrods' invasion, and built Nineveh, and gave the name to the Assyrian Monarchy. Or else Nimrod enlarging his Conquests and Dominions, went from Shinar to Ashur, and built Nineveh.  
V 12. The same is a great city] Not Calah, but Nineveh, Jonah 1. 2. 3. 2. 3. 4. 11. specially in the Prophet Jonahs' time, who lived in the days of Jeroboam the second, the son of Joash, 2 Kings 14. 25.  
14. Out of whom came Philistiim] The Philistines, not of the offspring of Canaan, but expelling some of them, made room for themselves in part of the land of Canaan, Amos 9 7. Jer. 47. 4.  
V 15. And Heth] Whence come the Hittites, ch. 23. 3, 5, 7, 10.  
Girgasite] Mat. 8. 28, 34. Gadarenes, Luke 8. 26.  
V 16. Jebusite, 2 Sam. 5. 6. 1 Chron. 11. 4.  
V 19 The border of the Canaanites] Set down particularly, because it was promised to Abraham, and his seed the Israelites.  
V 20. These are the sons of Ham] Many more of them are set down here, then either of Shem or of Japhet. But most likely it is, that all these children or grandchildren of Shem, Cham and Japhet, are not here set down, but only such as were famous, and by their several Plantations gave names to several Nations descending from their loins.  
V 21. Unto Shem also the father of all the children of Eber] Great Grandfather to Eber; yet Eber thus mentioned, because of him afterwards they were called Hebrews; so Abraham, ch. 14. 13. so, ch. 40. 15. Phil. 3. 5. and so frequently.  
of Japhet the elder] Because Shem was begotten in the five hundred and second year of Noah's life, he being one hundred year old, two years after the flood, ch. 11. 10. Therefore Japhet was two year older.  
V 22. Elam] Hence came the Elamites or Persians, Acts 2. 9  
Aram] From him came the Aramites, Syrians. There is Padan-Aram, ch. 25. 20. Aram-Naharaim ch. 24. 10. Aram-Dammesek, 2 Sam. 8. 5, 6. Ara●-Zobah, Psal. 60. tit. Aram Maachah, 1 Chron. 19 6. Aram-Beth-Rehob, 2 Sam. 10▪ 6. all these being several Provinces of Syria.  
V 23. Uz] Job 1. 1. There dwelled the Edomites or the Idumeans, Lam. 4. 21.  
V 25. For in his days was the earth divided] About the time of his birth was the division of tongues, at the building of Babel, which occasioned their dispersion into several parts of the earth for habitation. And the language before used of all, continuing in Eber the father of Peleg, might occasion his posterity to be distinguished from all others by the name of Hebrews.  
V 29. Ophir] From this man's land in India, it is likely Solomon's ships fetched fine gold, 2 Chron. 9 10. called also gold of Parvaim, 2 Chron. 3. 6. This is supposed to be in Havilah near Ophir. See the Tree in the beginning of Speeds Genealogies.   

CHAP. XI.  
Ver. 1. OF one language] Since the flood, no doubt. Whether the Hebrew language, which was adam's continued the same among all men, for the space of one thousand six hundred fifty six years before the flood, may be more questionable.  
And it came to pass] One hundred years after the flood, v. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. and ch. 10. 25.  
V 2. They journeyed] Nimrod and his company. Not Noah, Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Eber, and their godly posterities.  
from the East] Likely from about the mountains of Ararat; which parts are much Northeastward from Shinar, or Chaldea, or Mesopotamia. Or from other Eastern parts.  
Shinar] Contains Babylon, Mes●potamia, and the Country's adjacent, four Cities, afterwards built there by Nimrod, ch. 10. 10.  
V 3. Slime] A pitchy slime.  
V 4. Unto Heaven] An Hyperbole, for the chief, haply to escape another flood.  
lest we be scattered] Jest this company be the sooner dispersed. Or when by multiplication they should in aftertimes be scattered, yet this might remain as an honourable monument and memorial of their former co-habitation.  
V 6. And now nothing] Ironically, as, ch. 3. 22.  
V 7. Let us go down] See, ch. 1. 26. God speaks of himself after the manner of men, for man's better understanding. A while he suffered them to go on in building.  
and confound their language] The number of the several languages now made is uncertain.  
V 8. Scattered them] The thing they sought to prevent by their proud project, v. 4. God for it brings upon them presently.  
V 10. Generations of Shem] Those, ch. 10. 22, etc. were without any mention of the age of the Patriarches descended from him, when they begat their eldest sons, or those by whom the holy line is drawn, and of whom our Saviour descended. And if they had been passed over so, the Chronology of the world had beed lost. But now here they are resumed, and the chain of Chronology carefully continued. And as there were ten Patriarches before the flood, counting in Noah, so there are ten after the flood, from Shem to Abraham inclusively. The years of the world, in the former ten to the six hundredth year of Noah, when the flood came, amounted to the number of 1656. The years from the flood, which was in the ninety eighth year of Shems' age, to the birth of Abram the tenth Patriarch after the flood, came but to the number of three hundred fifty two years: For man's age was shortened about the half at the time of the flood. And again shortened about the half in Pelegs time, at the building of Babel. And yet the third time shortened somewhat near the half in the time of Nahor, as may be seen and observed in the ages of the Patriarches at their deaths in this chapter.  
Arphaxad] The third son of Shem, 1 Chron. 1. 17.  
V 12. Arphaxad begat Salah] Betwixt these is inserted Cainan, as the son of Arphaxad, and father of Salah; Luke 3. 35, 36. which would break the chain of Chronology, and leave unknown the age of the world. The LXX-Translation hath here in Genesis put in that Cainan. And that Translation was much more known, & much more in use in public Synagogues, in private Libraries and Houses in our Saviour's time, than the Authentical Hebrew Text was; yea, thereupon the Holy Writers of the New Testament, in their quotations out of the Old Testament, do follow much the said Translation, even with some variation from the Hebrew Text, though not in any material thing, as the learned well know. This may seem to occasion St. Luke in this of Cainan, to follow the LXX. Translation, though he knew that this Cainan was never in the world, condescending so to the times and weakness of men therein, lest otherwise he might have given occasion of offence, or rather they have taken it.  
V 22. Nahor] The first idolater of the line, ch 31. 53. Josh. 24. 2. And so after him were Terah and Abraham, till God called him out of that place, chap. 11. 31. 12. 1. Rom. 4. 2, 5.  
V 26. Begat Abram, etc.] Began to beget, as, Gen. 5. 32. For Abram was borne in the one hundred and thirtieth year of his father Terah; Terah dying at the age of two hundred and five in Haran, ch. 11. 31, 32. and Abram being then seventy five years old, as appears, ch. 12. 4. Acts 7. 4. Likely Haran was the eldest, Nahor the second, and Abram the youngest; as the eldest likewise is named last, ch. 5. 32.  
V 28. In Ur] Nehem. 9 7. Acts 7. 4. Ur signifieth fire, which likely was worshipped by the idolatrous Chaldeans; and some place or city received denomination from that idol. Heathen Writers call it Orchoe, it is the Eastern part of Mesopotamia, when Mesopotamia is taken in a large sense, comprehending ●haldea in it.  
of the chaldees] Given much to Astrology, whence such are called Chaldeans, Dan. 2. 2, 4, 5.  
Ur of the Chaldees] Called Mesopotamia, Acts 7. 2.  
V 29. Milcah the daughter of Haran] Not another Haran, but Abraham's eldest brother, as appears by the next words. He was elder than Abram sixty years.  
the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah] This Milcab was Grandmother to Rebecca Isaac's wife, Ge●. 22. 2●, 22, 23. great Grandmother to Rachel and Leah, Gen. 29. 10, 12, 13, 16. This Ischa is Sarai the daughter, i. e. the Grandchild of Abraham's father, but not the daughter, i. e. the Grandchild of his mother, Terah having Haran her father by another wife than he had Abraham, Gen. 20. 12. Nahor and Abraham marry their Nieces, their brother Harans daughters, and so Amran takes Jochebed his father Kohaths sister to wife, Exod. 6. 20. Such marriages are forbidden, Leu. 18. 12, 14. however here by divine dispensation tolerated, or not condemned.  
V 31. And Terah took Abram] Abram first motioned this remove; God having appeared to him in Ur of the Chaldees, Acts 7. 2. Gen. 15. 7. And here begin the four hundred and thirty years, at the end whereof the Israelite, came out of Egypt, Exod. 12. 41. Gal. 3. 17. Nahor came too, though not mentioned here. For he settled in Haran, whence it is called Nahors City, ch. 24. 10. 29. 4. 28. 2, 10.  
to Haran] A City of Mesopotamia, but not taking Mesopotamia in a strict sense, as it is taken, Act. 7. 2, 3. Gen. 24 10. 28. 2, 7, 10.  
and dwelled there] Likely, through Terahs' old age and sickness so long, till they got substance and souls there, ch. 12. 5. See, Judeth 5. 8, 9 even five years, as may be gathered out of the thirty years, between Abraham's calling out of Ur, and the birth of Isaac. See, Annot. on ch. 15. v. 13.   

CHAP. XII.  
Ver. 1. HAd said] For this seems not to be a second Call; But the Narration of the first Call out of Ur, and the cause of their going forth of Ur, ch, 11. 31.  
and thy kindred] If they had rather stay behind thee then remove with thee.  
will show thee] As he raised this righteous man from the East, so he called him to his foot to follow him and his direction, Esay 41. 2. Likely, God bade him go to Canaan, but told him not that that was the land intended for him, till he came thither, Heb. 11 8 Gen. 12. 7. And this was for the greater trial of his faith.  
V 2. A great Nation] Yet Sarah now at sixty five was barren. And under this is also a spiritual seed promised, Rom. 4. 11, 12. Gal. 3. 7.  
bless thee] Spiritually also, Gal. 3. 14.  
thou shalt be] Or be thou a blessing. God will command a blessing, as, Ps. 42. 8. 44. 4. and so, 133. 3.  
V 3. And I will bless] Like to this is that of Isaac to Jacob, Gen. 27. 29. and that of Bala●m to Israel, Numb. 24. 9  
in thee] In thy seed Christ, Gen. 18. 18. 22. 18. Acts 3. 25, 26. Gal. 3. 8, 14. Thus the Gospel was preached unto Abraham, Gal. 3. 8. From this Promise and Covenant made in Ur of the Chaldees, to the giving of the Law which could not disannul it, were four hundred and thirty years, Gal. 3. 17, 18.  
V 4. Departed] Went out by faith, not knowing whither he went, Heb. 11. 8.  
and Lot went with him] Terahs' family and Nahor stayed here. See Annotations on ch. 11. 3●. Here they left following God, and fell again to idolatry, ch. 31. 30, 53. Josh. 24, 2.  
Seventy five] He lived one hundred years after, ch. 25. 7. And Isaac his son, than seventy five years old, being borne in the one hundredth year of Abraham's age, ch. 21. 5. is left heir of Canaan.  
V 5. Souls] Likely divers were converted Proselytes, considering his care of his family, ch. 18. 19 and their ready obedience to him, ch. 14. 14. and to God's Ordinance of Circumcision, ch. 17. 23.  
Canaan] Deut. 8. 7, 8, 9 This was the type of an Heavenly, which Abraham looked for, Heb. 11. 9, 10.  
And in Salem a City of Canaan, Melchisedech dwelled, and reigned a Priest of the most High God.  
V 6. Sichem] Where after the City Sichem was, chap. 33. 18. about the midst of the country called Sichar in our Saviour's time, Joh. 4. 5  
unto the Plain] Set with a grove of oaks, Deut. 11. 30.  
the Canaanite] When God promiseth the cleansing of his Church, he saith, the Canaanite shall be there no more, Zach. 14. 21.  
V 7. Unto thy seed] Here he tells him this is the land intended for him, and now doth promise it; whereupon it is called the Land of Promise, Heb. 11. 9 the Lords Land, Host 9 3. the Holy Land, Zach. 2. 12. the Land of Immanuel, Esay 8. 8.  
thy seed] When as yet he had no child, Acts 7. 5. an Altar] Asdruball, Gen. 8. 20.  
V 8. Bethel] After so called, at this time Luz, ch. 28. 19 Moses calls many places by the names which were afterwards given to them, sitting his speech to the men of that age wherein himself lived.  
West] Sea is here put for the West, as Desert for the South, Ps. 75. 6.  
V 9 South] Next Egypt.  
V 10. Into Egypt, Ps. 105. 13.  
V 11. Fair] Very fair, v. 14. in herself, but more comparing her with the Egyptian women, though now she was sixty five years old.  
V 13. My sister] Niece; she being his brother's daughter, his father's Grandchild, persons so near of kin are usually called brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, Gen. 31. 28. Exod. 2. 18. which makes him say to Abimelech, ch. 20. 12. Indeed she is my sister. But Abram, praying her to conceal part of the truth, and purposely that the Egyptians might not conceive her to be his wife, bewrayeth weakness of faith and humane frailty, fearing perhaps, that if he should die without issue, Gods Promise should not have taken place, and therefore he exposeth her to danger to save himself, though withal he might have some hope that God would prevent that mischief.  
V 15. The Princes] Courtier.  
Pharaoh] The common name of the Egyptian Kings, as Abimelech of the Philistines, and Caesar of the Roman Emperors. They had other proper names, as Pharaoh Neco. 2. Kings 23. 29 Pharaoh Hophra, Jer. 44. 30. In the Grecian Monarchy they were called Ptolemies. Pharaohs house] Likely stayed there a while.  
V 17. Plagued.] Psal. 105. 14. 1 Chron. 16. 21, 22.  
V 20. And Pharaoh commanded] The King being angry, expects no answer.  
sent him away] Haply with Honour, as, Exod. 18. 27. and safe conduct.   

CHAP. XIII.  
Verse 1. SOuth] Canaan is South from Egypt.  
V 2. Very rich] Ch. 12. 2. 24. 35. Prov. 10. 22.  
V 5. And Tents] Which implies also many servants that dwelled in those tents.  
V 6. To bear them] But they wanted pasture and water for so many flocks and herds, whence the strife risen, v. 7.  
V 7. And the Canaanite] Haddit taken up the better part of pasturage; neither were they to have a scandal given them by any dissensions and discords between Abram and Lot.  
V 8. And Abram said to Lot] The Uncle and Superior condescends herein, and chooseth rather to take wrong then to contend, 1 Cor. 6. 7.  
V 9 If thou wilt take] By consent of the Canaanites. Abram had no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on, Act. 7 5 Nor did he, or could he give to Lot any title to the land, but such an use of it, as upon fair and reasonable terms he might obtain and enjoy. Abram after bought a burial place, ch 23, 11, 12, 13.  
V 10. Zoar] Afterwards so called, but then called Belah, ch 14. 2, 8. 19 22. The meaning is, all the Plain of Jordan, even to Zoar was such.  
V 13. Sinners] ch. 19 5. Ezech. 16. 49, 50. Lot thinking to get Paradise found hell.  
V 15. Which thou seest] Part whereof each way thou seest. So Moses viewed the land, but possessed it not, Deut. 34. 1. 4.  
and to thy seed] For thy sake. The heavenly Canaan to thy spiritual seed, Christ's mystical body for Christ's sake, Gal. 3. 16. Rom. 9 6, 7, 8. Gal. 4. 22, 23.  
for ever] if they obey and keep my Covenant, Esay 65. 9 Psal. 69. 35, 36. degenerate not, John 8. 39 But else not. Deut. 4. 25, 26. Leu. 26. 33. 18. 28. Ezech. 33, 24, 25, 26.  
But I will give the heavenly Canaan, typified by this, Heb. 11. 10, 16. to thy spiritual seed to all eternity, Gal. 3▪ ●6, 26, 28, 29.  
V 16. as the dust] Ch. 28. 14. 32. 12. so Balaam said▪ Numb. 23. 10.  
V 18. Plain of Mamre] Ch. 14. 13, 24. The Plain of Morch differs from this, and joins to Shechem, chap. 12. 6.  
which is in Hebron] It had this name afterward, before it was called Kiriath-Arba, ch. 23. 2. 35 27. Josh; 14. 15. 15. 13. It was after a famous burial place, ch. 49. 31. sometime possessed by Gaints, Numb 13. 22. and driven out by Caleb, Josh, 15. 13, 14 and given to him, Josh. 14. 14. a City of Refuge in the Tribe of Judah, Josh. 15. 54. 20. 7. David first reigned in it. And thither most likely went the blessed Virgin to visit her Cousin Elizabeth, Luke 1. 39  
an Altar] To sacrifice thankfully to God, and to sanctify his viewed heritage.   

CHAP. XIV.  
Verse 1. IN the days] This falling out a little before Abram took Hagar, as the sequence of the story showeth, and he taking Hagar in the tenth year after he left Haran, and came into Canaan, ch. 16. 3. He being then seventy five years old, ch. 12. 4. must be now eighty four at the time of this battle.  
Shiaar] Chaldea. ch. 10. 10.  
Chedorlaomer] The chief in this expedition, though two other Kings named before him, v. 4, 5.  
Elam] Or Persia, ch. 10. 22. And so Chedorlaomer of Shems' Progeny, had Cham's and Canaan's posterity for subjects and servants, ch. 9 26. who these Kings were, and what their Kingdoms cannot certainly be determined.  
V 2. With Bera King of Sodom] These following were but petty Kings, Kings of Cities: which were burnt, ch. 19 Deut. 29. 23. except Zoar, fifteen years after, when Sarah was with child of Isaac, as appears, chap. 18. 10, 20, etc.  
V 3. The salt sea] Josh. 3, 16. called so afterwards, the dead sea, or ●ake Asphaltites, of which many strange things are reported by Authors.  
V 5. Rephaims] Ch. 15. 20.  
in Ashteroth] A City in Bashan, where Og after reigned.  
Emims] Where the Moabites after dwelled, Deut. 2. 9, 10, 11.  
V 6. Horites] In Mount Seir, till the Edomite● drove them out, Deut. 2. 22.  
Elparan] Gen. 21. 21.  
V 7. Kadesh] So called in Moses time, it was in the desert of Zin, Numb. 20. 1, 14, 16. 13. 26. 33. 36. Deut. 1. 2, 46.  
Amalekites] The people of that country, where afterwards the Amalekites did dwell. For Amalek the Grandchild of Esau was yet unborn, Gen. 36. 12.  
Hazezon-Tamar] Which is Engedi, 2 Chron. 20. 2. which fell afterwards to the tribe of Judah, Josh. 15. 62.  
V 10. Fell there] Their army's, rather than their persons. For the King of Sodom escaped, meeting Abram, v. 17.  
V 13. Confederate] So Abimelech and Phicol with Abraham, ch. 21. v. 22, 23. and after with Isaac. ch. 26. 26, etc. Such confederacies with Infidels, not simply in themselves unlawful, Though specially forbidden with the Canaanite, Exod. 34. 15. Deut 7. 2. And Jehoshaphat justly reproved for his needless familiarity and association with wicked Ahab, 2 Chron. 19 2.  
V 14. Brother] Being his brother's son, v. 12.  
trained servants] In militaty and religious discipline.  
three hundred and eighteen] A mighty Prince, chap. 23. 6.  
pursued] Justly for Lot's sake, though haply Chadorlaomers' cause and quarrel might be just, v. 4.  
unto Dan] One of the two springs of Jordan, at the foot of Lebanon, in the North of Canaan, where was a town of that name, called Leshem or Laish, Josh. 19 47. Judg. 14. 29.  
V 15. Unto Hoba] Thus God gave the Nations before him, and made him rule over Kings: He gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow, he pursued them and passed safely, even by the way which he had not gone with his feet, Esay 41. 2, 3.  
V 17. The King's Dale] So called in aftertimes, where likely Absalon set up his pillar▪ 2 Sam. 18. 18.  
V 18. Melchisedech] That this Melchisedech had father and mother, descent or pedigree, beginning of days, and end of life is not to be doubted. But the Scripture presents him to us as such, no where telling us of his Parents, descent, birth or death: and so in this, and in his name Melchisedech, and in his title of Office, King of Salem; and in his Offices themselves, being both King and Priest, the Priest of the most High God, and that without being successor to any, or having any successor to him, and so as one that typically abideth for ever; and as one that is far superior to Abraham, who blessed Abraham, and to whom Abraham the Patriarch gave tithes; therefore in regard of all these, the Apostle makes him a notable type and figure of Christ, of his Person and Offices, of his Kingdom and Priesthood especially, as we see at large, Heb. 7. and David did so before him, Psal. 110. 4. Now who this Melchisedech should be, whether Shem, who being borne before the flood, lived seventy five years after Abraham's coming into Canaan, and about sixty five after the time of▪ history of his meeting Abram, who though his Parents, Birth and Death be known to us, yet not as here brought in under the name of Melchisedech; or whether it were some neighbouring King of Canaan, of another Kindred from that of Abraham, Heb. 7. 6. extraordinarily raised up and sanctified by God to this purpose, though haply it may be probably, yet it cannot certainly be defined.  
Melchisedech King of Salem] Heb. 7. 2. Thus righteousness and peace do kiss each other, Psal. 85. 10. Esay 32. 17.  
Salem] Not Salim, mentioned, John 3. 23. But Salem, Ps. 76. 2. Jerusalem.  
brought forth] Not for sacrifice, but to refresh Abram and his army, as, 2 Sam. 17. 27, 28, 29, The neglect whereof was punished in the Moabites and Ammonites, Deut. 23. 3, 4.  
and he was the Priest] King and Priest; both offices concurring in one Person. It was an ancient manner among Heathen Nations, Rex Anius Rex idem hominum, Phoebíque sacerdos. And how much short was it with the Patriarches, and firstborn in Israel, before the Levites supplied their place?  
V 19 And he blessed him] A part of the Priest's office, Numb. 6, 23, 27. 1 Chron. 23 13. Heb. 7. 6, 7. The less is blessed of the greater.  
V 20. Blessed be God] Thanked and praised.  
and he gave him tithes of all] Abram gave Melchizedech, Heb. 7. 2, 4. 9, 10, 11. And Levi in Abr●ms loins. Tithes are due as an homage to God: as tribute is to Kings. They are called holy, an heave-offering to the Lord, Leu. 27. 30 Numb. 18. 24. As here Abram, so Jacob also paid them to the Lord, before the Levitical Law, Gen. 28. 22. In the Law of Moses they are strictly enjoined, Numb. 18. 20, 21. yea, if redeemed, a fifth part must be added to it; if changed, both it and the change thereof shall be holy, Leu. 27. 31, 33. yea, Heathen paid tithes both Greek and Latin. And here, being paid to Melchizedech, a type of Christ, they are not abolished by the Gospel.  
of all] Of all the spoils, of Sodoms too, and of all the vanquished. So of the Midianites, Numb. 31. 28, 29, 30. 37, 38, 39, 40, 41.  
V 22. I have lifted up my hand] He had sworn or vowed, when he went forth to this war, and implored God's aid, Deut 32. 40. Dan 12. 7. Rev. 10. 5, 6.  
V 23. Lest thou shouldest say] Thou or any man should say, that covetousness of the prey drew me to this war, or that this victory, or any thing else enriched me, but God's extraordinary blessing, Esther 9 15, 16.   

CHAP. XV.  
Ver. 1. AFter these things] Spoken by Abram to the King of Sodom.  
in a vision] Of the night, v. 5. Numb. 22. 19 20, There are nightly visions by dreams in sleep, ch. 31. 11. 46. 2. 1 Kings 3. 5. And so God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, Gen. 20. 3. and secret revelations came to Eliphaz, Joh 4. 12, 13. whereupon the false Prophets counterfeited false dreams and visions in them, Deut. 13. 1. Jer. 23. 25, 28, 32. And there are also visions to men waking, as, Ezech. 1. 1. Dan. 8. 2. 10. 4, 7. 2 Cor. 12. 2. Acts 2. 17. Both ways God made himself known to his Prophets, Numb. 12. 6. whence Prophets were called Seers, and Prophecy is named a vision, Esay 1. 1. Here is meant an open apparition, which Abram a Prophet, ch 20. 7. beheld waking with the eyes of his body. For v. 9, 10. shows, he was waking, and a deep sleep is said to fall upon him after this vision, v. 12. In what manner, and how glorious this vision was is not set down particularly.  
fear not] The Prophets were sometimes terrified with visions, at the visible appearance of the Majesty of God So, Dan. 10. 7, etc.  
fear not] For the presence of my glory, for thine enemies, for any discomfort whatsoever.  
I am thy shield] Against thine enemies, those vanquished Kings, and all else.  
reward] Beyond all merit and measure.  
I go] Am going on, going away, mine age going on towards mine end.  
V 2. Childless] Yet he rejects not the Promises of God concerning his seed, but as perplexed between fear and hope he bemoanes his sad state and condition, intimates and commends his desire to God, that he would at length remember his Promise made to him concerning his seed.  
and the steward] He most likely mentioned, ch. 24. 2. He now is the guide and stay of my family. Here Abram complains not of his steward, but commends him rather.  
of Damascus] By his Ancestors, though he borne in Abraham's house, v. 3.  
V 3. Is mine heir] Likeliest for the present, in my thoughts, if I go on and die childless, my Nephew Lot having no sons but daughters: and Eleezer having all under his charge.  
V 5. And tell the stars] This rherefore was in the night.  
if thou be able to number them] Now at this view: though haply it were possible for Astronomers by much Art, to attain to the number of the visible stars. God speaks, as often, according to common account. Jer. 3●. 22.  
so shall thy seed be] Innumerable, Deut. 1. 10. specially counting his spiritual seed, children by faith, according to the Promise, Rom. 4. 11, 12, 13. Rom. 9 8 Gal. 3. 7, 29. innumerable as the dust of the earth, ch. 18. 16. as the sand on the seashore, ch. 22. 17.  
V 6. And he believed in the Lord] For the innumerableness of his seed, and principally for the promised seed, wherein all the Nations of the earth should be blessed.  
Believed] Here is belief or faith first named in the Old Testament, whence Abram is called the Father of all Believers, Rom. 4. 11, 16, 17. And this before either Circumcision was ordained, or the Law given, Rom. 4. 9, 10 Gal. 3. 17. Now the word belief or faith signifies a lively motion of the heart and spirit, firmly resting in the things spoken. For which this belief or faith in Abram is much commended, Rom. 4. 18, to 22.  
Counted] Imputed, thought, esteemed.  
for righteousness] Ps. 106. 31. Rom. 4. 3, 9 Now of this the Apostle inferreth justification by faith without works, both to Abram, Rom. 4. 4, 5. as having been an idolater, Josh. 24. 2. and still without glory of works before God, Rom. 4. 2. and also to all believers, Rom. 4. 23, 24.  
V 8. Whereby shall I know?] This he asked to be strengthened against humane infirmity, and to know somewhat more particularly of the manner of performance: and likely it was by a special motion of God's Spirit, as that also of Gideon, Judg. 6. 17, 37. and of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20. 8. And others like by divine instinct, Gen. 24. 13, 14. 1 Sam. 14. 9, 10. without which such qaestions are not so lawful, Luke 1. 18.  
V 9 Take me an heifer] Not for sacrifice, though all sorts here commanded to be used were fit for sacrifice; But for confirmation of this Promise and Covenant, as, Jer. 34. 18.  
V 12. And when the Sun was going down] By comparing this with the fifth verse, it seems the day was spent by Abram in preparing and doing according to that command, v. 9  
a deep sleep] Asdruball, ch. 2. 21. ecstasy or trance.  
an horror] See, Dan. 10. 8, 9 Here shadowing out the great distresses Abraham's children should have through vexation of their enemies.  
V 13. In a land that is not theirs] In Canaan and Egypt.  
and they shall afflict them] Not all that time, nor the greater part, but upward of the last hundred years.  
Four hundred years] Acts 7. 6. From the birth of Isaac to their going out of Egypt: Thus, From the birth of Isaac to the birth of Jacob sixty years, Gen. 25. v. 26. Thence to the birth of Joseph ninety years: Jacob being so old at joseph's birth, which is collected thus; Jacob was one hundred and thirty when. Joseph was forty, viz. thirty when Pharaoh advanced him, ch. 41. 46. after which passed seven years of plenty, and three of famine, when Jacob came down, ch. 47. 9 Now Jacob was fourteen years with Laban before Joseph was borne, ch. 30. 25. deducting then those fourteen years before Joseph was born, and forty years of his age out of jacob's one hundred and thirty, and so will remain seventy five or seventy six, for the age of Jacob when he came to Laban, and so ninety years old he was when he had Joseph. Now Joseph lived in Egypt after his father came thither seventy years, Gen. 50. 26. Between the death of Joseph and birth of Moses were sixty years, as the undoubted beginning, and undoubted end of the four hundred years, do clearly and necessarily evince and enforce. Thence to the Israelites going out of Egypt, in the eightieth year of Moses age, eighty years, Acts. 7. 23, 24, 30 Now these several sums cast up come to four hundred 

60  
90  
110  
60  
80  
400.   In Exod. 12. 40, 41. and Gal. 3. 17. are four hundred and thirty years reckoned. But that is from the first giving the Promise and Covenant to Abram, which was in Ur of the Chaldees, to the foresaid time of their coming out of Egypt, which thirty years are thus made up; viz, five years in Haran, at the end whereof Abram was seventy five, ch. 12. 4. Thence ten years to the taking of Hagar, ch. 16. 3. Thence fifteen to the birth of Isaac when Abram was one hundred years old, ch. 21. 5. And thus from the first Promise to their coming into Egypt were two hundred and twenty years. And their time in Egypt two hundred and ten years. And this I take to be the true and clear Account of these times. The particulars wherein I differ from the great Annotations and others, in this Account I do willingly submit to the judgement of the learned.  
V 14. Will I judge] Exod. 7. 8, 9, 10, 12, 14. chapters, and Psal. 78. 43, to 52. and 105. 27, to 37.  
with great substance] Exod. 3. 21, 22. 12. 35, 36. 38.  
V 16. In the fourth generation] Caleh the son of Hezron was the fourth generation from Judah, 1 Chron. 2. and Aaron and Moses were the fourth from Levi, Exod 6. 16, 18, 20.  
V 17. A smoking furnace, and a burning lamp] By which God did pass between those pieces, Jer. 34. 18, 19 haply shadowing hereby their afflictions in the furnace of Egypt, Deut. 4. 20. and the burning bush, Exod. 3. 2.  
V 18. Have I given] By Promise already, or this shows the certainty of the Promise.  
from the river of Egypt] Sichor, Josh. 13. 3. Jer. 2. 18.  
Euphrates] The Lands so far became Tributary in david's and Solomon's days, 2 Sam. 8. 3, etc. 1 Kings 4. 21. 2 Chron. 9 26. If they possessed not all that was promised, the cause was in their breach of Covenant with God, not in Gods with them.  
V 19 The Kenites, etc.] Here are ten Nations reckoned. After usually reduced to seven, Deut. 7. 1. Acts 13. 19   

CHAP. XVI.  
Verse 1. NOw Sarai] Being seventy five years old, and Abram being eighty five when he took Hagar, ch. 12. 4. ch. 16. 3, 16. Fifteen years after, Sarai beiug then ninety, and Abraham one hundred they had Isaac, ch. 17. 17.  
an handmaid] Or bondmaid, ch. 21. 10, 12. Opposed to a freewoman, Gal. 4. 22.  
an Egyptian] Of Cham's posterity.  
Hagar] The Apostle allegorically makes her a figure of the Covenant of the Law on Mount Sinai, and of the earthly Jerusalem, gendering to bondage; and Sarah of the Covenant of the Gospel, and of Jerusalem which is above, gendering to freedom, Gal. 4. 22, to the end of the chapter. Gal. 3. 12, 14, 18, 22, 29.  
V 2. Restrained me] Ch. 20. 18. God had promised a seed to Abram, but not as yet unto Sarai; therefore doubting whether she should be the mother, she sets on foot this course; not lawful in itself, Mal. 2. 15. The impediment she allegeth, why she was out of hope of bearing child, ch. 18. 11. was fifteen years after.  
it may be] No certainty. But after Sarah had a Son by Promise. ch. 18. 10. Gal. 4. 23. Rom. 9 9  
I may obtain] Thus Rachel and Leah did, and said, ch. 30. 3, 6, 9 by the Law, Exod. 21. 4. Bond-servants-childrens were their Masters.  
V 3. Ten years] Since he left Haran.  
to be his wife] A secondary wife, a Concubine, ch. 25. 6. so Keturah, Gen. 25. 1. 1 Chro. 1. 32. so Bilha and Zil pa, Gen. 35▪ 22. yet called wives, ch. 37. 2. inferior to a lawful wife. This a fault and infirmity of faith in Abraham too.  
V 4. Conceived] Quickly, v. 16.  
despised] Prov. 30. 21, 23. it seems by Sarays words, v. 5. in an high degree.  
V 5. My wrong] Likely Abram bear too much with Hagars' insolency, and was the more tender of her because she was with child by him. So the Israelites too passionate against Moses and Aaron, Exod. 5. 21. and Zipporah against Moses, Exod. 4. 26. either right thou my wrong, or bear the punishment thereof from God, yet otherwise she made a pattern of wively obedience, 1 Pet. 3. 6.  
V 6. Thy maid] So he calls her still, and so Hagar calls her Mistress, v. 8.  
in thine hand] To correct her for her fault.  
V 7. And the Angel] Christ the Angel of the Covenant, Mal. 3. 1. called here Jehovah, v. 〈◊〉 speaking as God, v. 10. called an Angel, Exod. 14. 19 13. 21. 23. 20, 21, 22, 23. Esay. 63. 9  
Shur] Towards Egypt her country, Exod. 15. 22. In this wilderness her posterity after dwelled, chap. 25. 17. 18.  
V 8. Whence] Asdruball, ch. 3. 9  
V 11. Thy affliction] Though herself the cause of it.  
V 12. A wild man] He after dwelled in the wilderness as a Savage, and was a warlike man, fierce and unruly, rough and rude, of such courage, as to match all his opposers, ch. 21. 20.  
his hand] A quarrelsome man: he for booty by prey and pillage, they most to defend themselves.  
and he shall dwell] His seed be a several Nation from his brethren, border upon them, and they not able to overbear him, ch. 25. 9, 18. 37. 23.  
V 13. Have I also, etc.] Magnifying Gods mercy, for his careful eye and providence over her, for vouchsafing her so clear a sight of him, and that even here in the desert, which was more marvel then if it had been in her holy Master's family, and that after her so ill carriage of herself, and letting her yet live after it; many after the sight of God were afraid, yea, some that they should die, Gen. 3. 10. 32. 30. Exod. 3. 9 24. 12. 33. 20. Deut. 4. 33. and, 5. 24. Judge 6. 22. 13. 22, Esay 6. 2. 5. Luke 5. 8.  
V 14. Beerlehai-roi] i. e. The Well of him that liveth and seethe me.  
Kadesh] Kadesh-barneah, Numb. 32. 8. 13. 26. Deut. 1. 19 9 23. Josh. 14, 6, 7.  
V 15. Abram called his name] Therefore Hagar returned as the Angel commanded.  
Ishmael] Likely upon Hagars' relation.  
V 16. Eighty six] See Annot. on v. 1. For the space of thirteen years after this God keepeth silence, and speaketh not to Abram, ch. 17. 1.   

CHAP. XVII.  
Verse 1. APpeared] In a visible form, v. 22.  
before me] As always in my presence, Gen. 5. 22. 48. 15. 1 King. 2. 4. 3. 6. 2 Kings 26. 3.  
V 2. Make] Renew or establish, it being made, as, v. 7. multiply] ch. 12▪ 2,  
V 3. Fell on his face] v. 17. In way of fear and reverence of gratulation and rejoicing.  
and God talked with him] After he had lifted him up, as may appear out of the seventeenth verse, where he is said to fall upon his face again.  
V 4. My Covenant is with thee] Ch. 12. 2.  
a father of many Nations] Rom. 4. 16, 17. even all believing Christians, Gal. 3. 28, 29. following Abraham's doctrine and example.  
V 5. Abraham] i. e. a high father of a multitude, Nehem. 9 7. so jacob's name changed to Israel, ch. 32. 28. Esay 6●. 2. Rev. 2. 17.  
a father] Rom. 4. 17. Gen. 17. 6.  
have I] Ch. 15. 8.  
V 6. King's] As Saul, David, Solomon, etc. of the Ishmaelites, Midianites, and Idumeans. Also the faithful Kings of the Gentiles, Rev 21. 24.  
V 7. And thy seed] Specially Isaac, v. 19 ch. 21. 12, 22. 7. 18. Rom. 9 8.  
everlasting] In respect of the long continuance of the outward ceremony of Circumcision; but for the spiritual part literally everlasting in Christ, Heb. 13. 20. 9 15. Luke. 1. 71, 73. 1 Pet, 1. 4.  
a God unto thee] Herein consisteth the sum and substance of all; God himself wholly being applied to man for blessing and salvation. Ps. 144. 15. exercising his perfections for man's happiness.  
V 8. Wherein thou art a stranger] Acts 7. 5. Hebr. 11. 9  
everlasting] So, Esay 60. 21. which for the earthly Canaan is to be understood conditionally, if his seed keep the Covenant, which they broke, and so kept it but for a time; Though the outward sign is changeable, yet the Covenant itself remaineth one in substance for ever, Esay 63. 18. Leu. 18. 28. 20. 22.  
V 10. My Covenant] Token of it, v. 11. so Covenant of Circumcision, Acts 7. 8. so the Lamb is the Lords Passeover, Exod. 12. 11▪ the bread the Lords body. It is called the seal of the righteousness of faith, Rom 4. 11. sealing on God's part, that he would give them that promised seed the Messiah, and in him accept them, pardon and cleanse them; and on their part, that they would believe in the Messiah, and as God's peculiar people, mortify their ●usts, and be new creatures.  
Everyman-childe] The man is the head of the woman, from him the generation proceedeth, 1 Cor. 11. 3, 8. women are baptised, Act. 8. 12.  
Circumcised] With shedding of blood, with shame and much pain, Exod. 4. 25, 26. Gen. 34. 25. It figured mortification, Deut. 10. 16. 30. 6. Rom. 2. 25, 29. 4. 11. Phil. 3. 3. Col. 2. 11, 13. See, Leu. 26. 4I. Esay 6. 10. Jer. 4. 4. 6. 10. Leu. 19 23. Heb. 9 22.  
Circumcised] By whom it is not specified. Abraham did it, v. 23. And likely the Parents, Masters or Magistrates did in case of neglect Zipporah did it, Exod 4. 25.  
V 12. Eight days old] Though it fell on the Sabbath-day, Josh. 7. 22. Creatures till eight days old were unclean, not fit for sacrifice, Leu. 22. 27. And so in mankind, Leu. 12. 2. The same number of days in many other Levitical rites, Lev 8. 33, 35. 9 1. 14. 8, 9, 10. 15. 13, 14. Numb. 6. 9, 10. Ezech. 43. 26, 27. And yet we read, Josh 5. 2. etc. the day and Sacrament itself neglected; and the Lord commanding Joshuah, to circumcise all the males borne in the wilderness, in that space of forty years wand'ring, at Gilgal. And haply sickness might put off circumcision till time of health, Host 6. 6.  
V 13. Bought with thy money] Heathen Proselytes and their Infants, were hereby made capable and partakers of God's Covenant.  
in your flesh] Genital part. To teach regeneration of nature, Psal. 517. to make an holy seed, Ezra 9 2. 1 Cor. 7. 14. Thus honouring that uncomely part, to bear the mark of the heavenly Covenant. Thus the foolishness of God is wiser than men, 1 Cor 12. 23. 1 Cor. 1. 23, 24.  
V 14. Cut off from his people] The Infant here can be in no fault, as not capable either of the command or contempt; He cannot be said to break the Covenant, in the end of this verse) that can do nothing that belongeth to the keeping of it. Neither was Moses child in danger of it, but the father, Exod. 4. 24. neither was the want of Circumcision so perilous, except in case of contempt or wilful neglect, Josh. 5. 7. As likewise it was with the Passeover, enjoined upon the same danger and penalty, Exod. 12. 14, 15. And yet omitted in the wilderness, and put off upon occasions to the second month, Numb. 9 v 10, 11. 2 Chron. 30. 2, 3. The penalty here then is laid upon that man, who not being circumcised in his Infancy, should afterwards also wilfully and contemptuously neglect it; and upon those by whose default Circumcision of the Infant is omitted, as Ezech. 18. 20 Now the penalty of cutting off from his people here; is elsewhere in Scripture expressed in other cases, with this variety; shall be cut off, Leu. 17. 4. utterly cut off, Numb 15. 31. cut off from Israel, Exod. 12. 15. cut off from my presence, Leu. 22. 3. from the Congregation of Israel, Exod. 12. 19 from among the Congregation, Numb. 19 v. 20. from the midst of my people, Ezech. 14. 8. in the sight of their people, Leu. 20. 18 as in the case of Moses before mentioned, cut off from the earth. And it is used as a threatening and penalty against divers sorts of sins and sinners, against such as eat leavened bread in the feast of the Passeover, Exod. 12. 15, 19 or forbear to keep that feast, Numb. 9 13. or that eat fat, Leu. 7. 25. or blood, Lev 7. 27. 17. 10, 14. or that eat of the flesh of the peace-offering on the third day, Leu. 19 8. or that eat of the flesh of sacrifice, having their uncleanness on them, or being unclean, do not purify themselves, Numb. 19 13, 20. or having touched any unclean thing, Lev 7. 20, 21. 22. 3. or that bring not their sacrifice to the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation to be killed there, and not elsewhere, Lev 17. 4, 9 or that shall not afflict his soul on the fastday, the tenth day of the seventh month, Leu. 23. 29. or doth any work in that same day, or that defileth the Sabbath to do any work therein, Exod. 31. 14. or that lieth with a woman in her sickness, Leu. 20. 18. or with a sister, Leu. 20. 17. or an idolater, Ezech. 4. 8. or that gives of his seed to Molech, Leu. 20. 2, 3, 4 or that turneth after wizards and such as have familiar spirits, ●ev. 20. 6. or that doth aught presumptuously, Numb. 15. 30, 31. All these are expressly threatened with, and sentenced to this punishment. And the meaning of the phrase is most usually taken to signify a cutting off by death, and it is so expressed, Exod. 31. 14. Lev 17. 4 20. 2, 3, 4. 5. And must needs be so understood when it is used against grievous sins and crimes, as against idolatry, witchcraft, incest, and sins done presumptuously, despising the Word of the Lord, and reproaching him. This penalty is to be inflicted by the Magistrate's power no doubt: And in case of his fail, God himself threatens and undertakes to do it, Leu. 17. 10, 20. 2, 3, 4. 5, 6. 23. 30. And for the lesser offences mentioned, they being wittingly and wilfully done in God's Worship and service, and against his plain and peremptory command; I see not how they come short of sins of presumption, Numb. 15. 30. which are doomed to death in the judgement of the learned upon that place. I conceive therefore that they fall short, that by this penalty here, will understand no more, but that such an offender is to be cast off, and held for no Jew, but as an Heathen man. And they also that would apply this phrase here, and in other places of the Old Testament, for the maintenance of Ecclesiastical Excommunication among the Jews. The doubtfulness of the meaning of the phrase hath made me the more inquisitive into it, I confess, if not too tedious in it. However I leave all to better judgements. And for my part like not in things dubious to be too definitive.  
V 15. Sarah] Yet in the New Testament it is written Sara, without the [h] the Greek tongue having no [h] at the end of words.  
V 16. Nations] 1 Pet. 3. 6. Jerusalem, which is above her answerable type, is the mother of us all, Gal. 4. 26.  
V 17. Laughed] For joy and wonder, Rom. 4. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. as overjoyed and amazed at the promise which he believed, Heb. 11. 12. rejoicing even at the promised seed, Joh. 8. 56.  
an hundred years old] Rom. 4. 19, 20. he did hope against hope. If Abraham married Keturah thirty seven years after this time, and had six children by her, then surely God shown his power in renewing Abraham's vigour and strength of body as the Eagles, Psal. 103. 5. or it may rather seem that Abraham took Keturah in Sarabs life-time, within those thirty seven years between the birth of Isaac and her death, seeing Keturah is called his Concubine, 1 Chron. 1. 32.  
V 18. Oh that Ishmael] Ch. 16. 10.  
V 19 Isaac] Laughter, Chap. 21. 6.  
V 21. My Covenant] Thirteen times named in this chapter, Luke 1. 72, 73, 74.  
with Isaac] Ch. 21. 12. Rom. 9 7, 8. Gal. 3. 29.  
at this set time] Changed, 18. 10. This was just a year before Isaac's birth.  
V 22. Went up] Ascending, vanished out of his sight; so from Jacob, ch. 35. 13. so from Manoah and his wife, Judg. 13. 20.  
V 23. In the selfsame day] Of the command, not eight days after.  
V 24. When he was circumcised] By whom Abraham was circumcised is not set down. But he is said to circumcise the rest, v. 23. some say that now the Jews use Surgeons in this service.   

CHAP. XVIII.  
Verse 1. Plains] O. Oak-grove.  
of Mamre,] Ch. 13. 18. 14. 13. 23. 19  
V 2. Three men] So▪ in his thought, and in appearance. But thus he entertained Angels at unawares, Heb. 13. 2. But one of them is called Jehova, 13, 14, 17, 20, 22. And after Abraham so acknowledgeth him, v. 25, 27. The other two were created Angels, Changed 19 1.  
V 3. Lord] Speaks too one of them, in show, the chief.  
V 6. Three measures] Jews writ that their measure, which they call Seah, the Greeks Saton, contains as much as one hundred forty four Hens eggs, about two gallons and 1/2 of our measure, three of these measures make an Ephah, containing about seven gallons, and 1/2  
V 8. And they did eat] Ch. 19 3. They had true bodies for the time, and did truly eat. Though a Spirit hath not flesh and bones. Luke 24. 39 yet Spirits may, and by God's dispensation sometimes do assume humane bodies.  
V 9 Where is Sarah thy wife] Thus they begin to manifest themselves to be more than men.  
V 10. He said] Jehova, v. 13.  
return] Not by apparition again, but by performance of promise, ch. 21. 1.  
according to the time of life] From this time, according as the time of life is between conception and birth; so many months as a woman goes with child, Rom. 9 9 This Promise argued more than men.  
V 11. After the manner of women] Rom 4. 19 Heb. 11. 11.  
V 12. Laughed] Not as Abraham, ch. 17. 17. but through weakness of saith, and therefore it is reproved, v. 13. yet commended, Heb. 11. 11. after sure she did better recollect herself, Luk. 1 45. after she laughed for joy, ch. 21. 6.  
within herself] Not outwardly and openly, which haply made her the more readily deny it.  
V 13. And the Lord said] Jehova said, Christ, so, v. 17. He knew her thoughts themselves.  
f●ying, shall I, &c] She used, if not the very same words, yet to the same sense.  
V 15. Denied, for she was afraid] Weaknesses and failings in Saints.  
V 16. Toward Sodom] As going thither, the two Angels did so, ch. 19 1.  
V 17. Shall I hid] Amos 3. 7. Joh. 15. 15. Abraham a Prophet, ch. 20 7. and a friend, 2 Chron. 20. 7.  
V 19 He will command] Duty of Parents, and Masters of families, and example to them, Gen. 28. 1. Deut 6. 7. 11. 10. 32. 46. Job 1. 5. Prov. 6. 20.  
V 20. Sodom and Gomorrah] Admah and Zeboim, Deut. 29. 23. Host 11. 8.  
V 21. I will go down and see] God speaks after the manner of men, as, ch. 11. 5, 7.  
V 22. And the men] Two of the three, ch. 19 1.  
stood yet before the Lord] Jehovah. This Abraham now knew.  
V 23. Drew near] A sign and fruit of saith in prayer, Heb. 7. 19 10. 22.  
V 24. Within the City] Implying the like for the other three Cities.  
V 25. That be far from thee] That the righteous should be as the wicked, taken away in justice, wrath and vengeance, as the wicked Sodomites here were; though in public calamities they are sometimes taken away, as the wheat is thrashed with the chaff, yet it is in mercy to them.  
V 32. Ten] Jer. 5. 1. God offers mercy if there were but one, Esay 65. 8. sometimes again he forbids his Prophets to pray for such, Jer 15. 1. Ezech. 14. 14.   

CHAP. XIX.  
Verse 1. TWo Angels] Two of the three, chap. 18. 2, 22.  
in the gate] As Abraham in the tent door, ch. 18. 1. Both entertain Angels at unawares, Heb. 13. 2.  
V 2. Behold now] Now that the night is come on.  
Nay] To try his affection, and haply they would have done so otherwise, to see the behaviour of the people, and their carriage, ch. 18. 21.  
V 3. They turned in] Upon his pressing of them. A sleight invitation may be seriously refused; and yet that which is pressing be accepted afterwards; so, Luke 24. 28, 29. and this without Popish equivocation, or mental reservation.  
unleavened] For haste. And so unleavened is to be understood, ch. 18. 6. See, Exod. 12. 39  
V 4. But before they lay down] Likely the rare beauty of the two men (Angels) being soon noted and spread abroad occasioned this.  
all the people] So vile were they all.  
V 5. called unto Lot, Esay 3. 9 proclaim their sin, impudence.  
know them] Hence that sin is called Sodomy or Sodometry, as from Simon is the name Simony, Acts 8. 18. Judas v. 7. Rom. 1. 23, to 27.  
V 7. Brethren] In nature, Act. 17. 26. Esay 58, 7 Gen. 29. 4. 1 Sam. 30. 22, 23. And in neighbourhood.  
V 8. Two daughters] Virgin's; yet betrothed, v. 14. This sinful in Lot, Rom. 3. 8. Neither had he such power over his daughters, nor ought they to have yielded to him herein. Haply he might think and hope by this strange offer, to take off their minds, qualify their present heat by some delays, and alter them from their whole purpose by degrees. As Reuben sought by his strange offer, Gen. 42. 37. to alter his father's mind, and so indeed brought him at last to let Benjamin go with them, chap. 43. 9, 10.  
V 9 Stand further] Spoken in disdain, as, Esay 65. 5.  
needs be a Judge] Now and heretofore, 2 Pet. 7. 8.  
pressed sore] To impudence they join violence, as, Judg. 19 22. 20. 5. Their other sins are mentioned elsewhere, as, Ezech. 16. 49.  
V 11. With blindness] Such, as they could not see the door, though likely the house, and the way to their own houses; so dazzled, such a blindness likely as that of those Aramites, 2 Kings 6. 18. which could see to follow the Prophet, though they could not distinctly discern who he was, nor the way they went, nor the City whereto they came, v. 20. Mar. 8. 24. Luke 24. 16.  
wearied themselves] Infinite impudence in sin.  
V 14. Which married] Shortly should, being about to marry them, and already betrothed, Deut. 22. v. 23, 24. Mat. 1. 18, 20, 23, 24, 25.  
V 15. Which are here] Possibly he had other daughters which were married, and were dead, or else refused and perished with their husbands. But this not so likely.  
V 16. Laid hold] John 6. 44.  
V 17. That he said] Jehovah; most likely, by the passages in the ensuing verses. He had now left Abraham, met them, and made himself known to Lot.  
Look not] Thou, or any in thy company, v. 26. Luke 17. 22. See, Luke 9 62. Mat. 24. 16, 17, 18. Phil. 3. 13, 14.  
V 19 I cannot escape to the mountain] In so hasty a flight make so long a journey, lest ere I get thither the judgement poured out should overtake me. His infirmity of faith and fearfulness, out of which he left Zoar also, v. 30.  
V 22. I cannot] Mar. 6. 5. Exod. 32. 10. Deut. 9 14. Gen. 32. 26.  
Zoar] Little, before Bela, ch. 14. 2.  
V 23. The Sun was risen] Hasty flight from break of day, v. 15. to Sunrising and speedy execution of justice.  
V 24. Then the Lord] Jehovah from Jehovah. Suits well with a plurality of persons in the unity of the Deity.  
brimstone and fire] Luke 17. 28, 29, 30. Fit judgement for their stinking burning lusts, and fire unnaturally descending, to punish their unnatural lusts. And this but a forerunner of their everlasting punishment, in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone for ever, Rev. 21. 8. Judas v 7.  
V 25. Overthrew these Cities] Deut. 29. 23 Esay 13 19 Jer. 50. 40. Amos 4. 11.  
V 26. From behind him] Either Lot going before, and she following behind him, looked back; or Lot coming hindmost to haste them forward, she looked back, behind and beyond him.  
a pillar of salt] A statue of salt; not such salt as will melt with rain, and turn into water, but a kind of rocky mineral salt, which will endure all weathers, and serve for a lasting monument, Numb. 18. 19 2 Chron 13. 5. This place of this Plain is called the salt sea, ch. 14. 3. Salt to season us with better wisdom, Luke 17. 32. 9 62.  
V 27. Stood] Ch. 18. 22.  
V 28. The smoke] Before it was as the Garden of the Lord, ch. 13. 10. but now fearfully destroyed, Psal. 107. 34.  
V 29. Remembered Abraham] Ch. 12. 1. 14. 14. 16. 18. 23, etc. yet this excludes not a regard had to the righteousness of Lot, 2 Pet. 2. 7, 8.  
V 30. In the mountain] Whare the Lord appointed him first, v. 17. so now he finds it had been best to have followed Gods Will at the first.  
feared to dwell in Zoar, and he dwelled in a cave] Weakness of faith and other causes might occasion this fear.  
two daughters] Maidens, v. 8.  
V 31. In the earth] She knew there were people in Zoar: and saw the judgement to be particular, not universal over the earth or Canaan: and that Abraham and his family were not far off. But she complains, as for the present mured up in a cave, and in this solitary life, without society of any but themselves, like to be deprived of all hope of marriage; and this fear and passion blinding her, drives her to this desperate damnable course.  
V 32. Wine] Which they had brought from Zoar, conceiving, that unless drunk he would never sin so foully.  
perceived not] Drunkenness drowns all understanding, sense and conscience. He did prostitute their chastity, v. 8. They overthrew his. This just, as from God, though evil in them. He righteous in Sodom, and almost Sodomitical here.  
seed of our father] They seem to be greedy of having children of their own kin, and not of the faithless and cursed Nations. And by giving the names of Moah and Ben-ammi, v. 37, 38. even to boast of it.  
V 37. Moah] The Moabites idolaters, neighbours and enemies to the Israelites, yet Ruth a Moabitesse and our Saviour came of her.  
V 38. Ben ammi] Son of my people. Ammonites like the Moabites to the Israelites. Many foul faults and infirmities in Lot, and yet pardoned upon repentance, and he commended, 2 Pet. 2. 7.   

CHAP. XX.  
Verse 1. THence] From the Plains of Mamre, ch. 18. 1. There it is likely he had now lived about fourteen years, ch. 13. 18. 14. 13.  
between Kadesh and Shur] Ch. 16. 14, 7.  
Gerar] Ch. 10. 19 Hither Isaac came to sojourn, ch. 26. 1, 6. and after went from Gerar to the valley of Gerar, v. 17.  
V 2. She is my sister] Abraham falls into the same sin the second time, ch. 12. 13. And so Jehoshaphat in joining with Ahab, and after with Ahaziah, reproved both times, 2 Chron ●9. 2. 20. 37.  
Abimelech] The common or usual name of the Kings of the Philistines, ch. 26. 1. Psal. 34. title. See, Anno●. on ch. 12. 15.  
V 3. God came] Psal. 105. 14.  
in a dream by night] Dreams natural are not much to be heeded, as being full of vanities and deceits, Eccles. 5. 3, 7. Esay 29. 7, 8. Job 20 8. Dreams are sometimes by the illusions of Satan, as to the false Prophets, Deut. 13. 1, 3, 5. Jer. 23. 25, 27. 27. 9 29. 8. Zach. 10. 2. Judas v. 8. Dreams are sometimes supernatural, sent of God, and bring their evidence and assurance with them: God thereby signifying what he would, or what men should do. And thus God sends dreams sometimes upon extraordinary occasions to wicked men, as here to Abimelech; and so to Laban, Phara●h, and his butler, and baker, to the Midianite, Judg. 7. 13. to Nabuchadnezzar, to pilate's wife, Mat. 27. 19 And all these, for the good of his own servants and people. And chief God sends them to his choice servants themselves, as to Jacob, to Solomon, to Daniel, to Joseph the son of Jacob, to Joseph the husband of the blessed Virgin. And this was one of the ordinary means whereby God revealed his Will unto his Prophets. Numb. 12. 6. Joel 2. 28 Acts 2. 17. Under which colour Saul complains of the want of them, 1 Sam. 28. 15.  
a dead man] A condition and exception is implied, v. 7. So, Jonah 3. v. 4. John 3. 18. The Lord had now struck him and his, v. 17, 18. And here tells him the cause.  
V 4 Near her] Nor touch her, v. 6. being hindered by God's plague and sickness, v. 17, 18.  
a righteous Nation] Seeing it on his family, v. 17, 18. and fearing it on all his people and subjects. As they sometimes smart for the Prince's sin; so ch. 34. 24. 2 Sam. 24. 17. so threatened here, 27.  
V 5. Even she herself said] It was even Sarahs' sin also.  
integrity] Yet he had a wife, v. 17 but haply he thought Polygamy no sin.  
V 6. Withheld thee] Gods restraining grace in the wicked, giving means to stay from evil, Gen. 31. 7. 1 Sam. 25. 26. Gen. 35. 5 Exod. 34. 24. And again sending delusions when it pleaseth him, for the punishment of sin, 2 Thes. 2. 7.  
against me] Though wronging in it both Abraham and Sarah, Psal. 51. 4.  
V 7. A Prophet] Psal. 105. 15. To whom God familiarly revealed himself and his Will, and who foresaw Christ's day, ch. 18. 17, 18, 19 John 8. 56. Some Prophets foretell this to come; some only interpret Scripture, as, 1 Cor. 14. 3, 29. 31, 32. Rom. 12. 6. Aaron is called Moses Prophet, i. e. Interpreter, Exod. 7. 1.  
and he shall pray for thee] Prayer for others is the work of a Prophet, Jer 14. 11. 15. 1. 27. 18.  
V 12. Indeed she is my sister] See, Annotat. on chap. 11. 19  
V 13. When God caused me] In the Hebrew it is, when they, even God, or the gods caused errare facerent Deus, So, 2 Sam ●. 23. Here Elohim is coupled with a word plural, expounded singularly, Josh. 24. 19  
V 16. Thy brother] As thou callest him. This sum is 62. li. 16. sh.  
a thousand pieces of silver] i. e. shekels usually where silver is set down, and not the kind, shekels are understood, as, Numb. 7. 13. where in the end shekels are named. And where shekels are set down, and the metal not expresed, there silver is understood; so, Exod. 30. 13, 15. compared with Exod. 38. 25, 26. The common shekel is 1. sh. 3. d. The shekel of the Sanctuary 2. sh. 6. d. i e. ½ ounce. In gold 15. sh. ½ shekel is a Bekah, Exod. 38. 26. ¼ is mentioned, 1 Sam 98. which is the Roman penny, and Grecian drachma, our 7. d. ob. (still counting upon the sacred shekel) A common shekel is ten Gerahs', our 1. sh. 3. d. The King's shekel 1. sh. 10. d. ob. The sacred shekel is 2. sh. 6. d. Shekel comes of Shakal, weigheth; whence haply come our skole, or skase to weigh; they used of old to weigh money. A sacred shekel is twenty Gerahs', Exod. 30. 13. A Gerah weighed sixteen barley corns, and is our 1. d. ob. Of shekel or the Chaldee Selang, our shilling seems to come. The Greeks translate shekels didrachmaes, or double drams  
a covering of the eyes] Covering of the eyes and face with a veil, is a sign of the wife's subjection, and of the husband's power, Gen. 24. 65. 1 Cor. 11. 3, 6▪ 7, 10. He is the Guardian of thy chastity to cover thee from the eyes and lusts of all others.  
Thus she was reproved] These are rather Moses words, than Abimelech; here a Heathen King schools her, to her greater shame.  
V 17. Healed Abimelech] Therefore there was some further punishment, than the closing up of the women's wombs by barrenness, which was a thing that could not in so short a time, either be perceived as a judgement, or discerned as a cure upon Abraham's prayer.   

CHAP. XXI.  
Ver. 1. VIsited] This word signifieth God's remembrance, care, providence, performance of what he hath spoken, be it good or evil, in justice, as, Exod. 20. 5. or in mercy, for blessings temporal or spiritual. Here, for performance of his promise of a child to Sarah, ch. 17. 19, 21. 18 10, 14.  
V 2. Conceived] Hereupon her faith commended, Heb. 11. 11.  
at the set time] Ch. 18. 10, 14. Hereupon Isaac is said to be borne by promise, Gal. 4. 23, 28. Isaac borne at Gerar.  
V 3. Isaac] So appointed by God, ch. 17. 19  
V 4. Being eight days old] On the eighth day, chap. 17. 12.  
V 5. An hundred years old] Ch. 17. 1.  
V 6. Laugh] For joy now, Esay 54. 1. 66. 10. Gal. 4. 27. not out of diffidence, as, ch. 18. 12, 13, 15. Laughing is taken for mocking, or laughing to scorn, v. 9  
V 7. Who would have said] So, Esay 49. 21. Rom. 4. 18.  
children] As daughters for daughter, and sons for son, ch 46. 7, 23.  
V 8. Weaned] So Samuel 1 Sam. 22. 23, 24. It is not said at what year of his age.  
feast] Fitter at that time then at the time of birth or Circumcision.  
V 9 Mocking] Laughing to scorn, mocking him as their young Master, and he that must forsooth be heir of all. And likely his mother Hagar had some hand in it, as being not free from an envious eye, and repining at the jollity of this feast; and therefore she is cast out too. So, ch 19 14. Ezech. 23. 32. Nehem. 2. 19 4. 1. This mocking here was in some malignant bitter way, which so highly incensed Sarahs' wrath. St. Paul calls it a persecution, Gal. 4. 29. So I'm his mother's Progenitor derided his own father, ch. 9 22.  
V 10. She said] By the Spirit of God, and God confirms it, v. 12. And Paul saith not that Sarah, but the Scripture speaks it, Gal. 4. 30. Her saying was not only passionate, but prophetical.  
this bondwoman and her son] Gal. 4. 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31.  
not be heir] Under this inheritance Heaven was figured, Gal. 3. 18, 29.  
V 12. And God said] By night, v. 14. God approves Sarahs' mind and Will, it was not then only her passion that ruled her.  
the lad] Ishmael was now about seventeen or eighteen years old, chap. 17. 24. 25. 21. 5.  
in Isaac shall thy seed be called] And not from Ishmael. The promised seed and spiritual prerogatives shall be entailed upon him, Rom. 9 7, 8.  
V 14. Bottle of water] Scant in those dry deserts.  
and the child] See Annot. on v. 12  
wandered] Lost her way in those deserts towards Egypt.  
of Beersheba] So first called, v. 31.  
V 15. Cast the child] Being sick and fainting for thirst.  
V 16 The death] Such extremity they were come unto in the wilderness.  
V 17. And God heard] In accomplishment of his Promises, ch. 16. 10, 12. 17. 20.  
where he is] Though he be cast out of his father's house, and here in such misery.  
V 18. And ●old him in thy hand] Not lay him on thy back.  
V 19 Opened her eyes] Withheld before from seeing it, by grief or some other reason; or as it was with the two disciples going to Emmaus, Luke 34. 16, 31. and Elishaes' servant and the Aramites, 2 Kings 6. 17, 18, 20.  
V 20. Dwelled in the wilderness] Ch. 16. 12.  
archer] And so a Warrior, shooting with the bow being used in war, ch. 48. 22. 49. 23, 24. Psal 44. 6. Josh. 24. 12. 2 Sam. 1. 22. 1 Kings 22. 34.  
V 21. Paran] Nigh to Sinai, through which the Israelites went, Numb. 10. 12. A part of th●t wilderness is called Kedar, from one of Ishmaels' sons of that name, ch. 25. 13. Ps. 83. 6.  
his mother] The mothers right in marrying her child; she chose an Egyptian as herself was one.  
V 22. At that time] While Abraham dwelled at Gerar, ch. 20. 1. and after Isaac's weaning.  
that Abimelech.] Ch. 20. 2.  
V 23. If thou shalt lie unto me] Gen. 14. 23. An imperfect speech, implying an imprecation if he should deal deceitfully with him. For an oath calls God both as a witness of the truth, and an avenger of the untruth. This imprecation is sometimes expressed, as, Ruth 1. 17. 2 Cor. 1. 23.  
V 24. I will swear] He●. 6. 16. Abraham's right to the land of Canaan, was but for the future, after four generations, ch. 15. 13, 16.  
V 25. A Well of water] Of great use in that dry Southern part of Canaan. And therefore such strife about them, v. 30. ch 26. 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2●, 32.  
V 27. And Abraham took sheep] Likely gifts were in use at the making of Covenants Or he did it in requital of Abimeleches gifts, ch. 20. 14.  
V 30. That they may be a witness] To prevent future controversy about this Well, v. 25. so an heap of stones is made a witness, ch. 31. 46▪ 48.  
V 31. Beersheba] The Well of the oath, or of seven, with relation to the seven lambs. It was afterward in the Southern part of the lot of the tribe of Judah, toward the coast of Edom, Josh. 15. 21, 28. 1 Xings 19 3. Nehem. 11. 25, 27. yet seems to be allowed to the tribe of Simeon, which was within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, Josh. 19 1. 2. 1. ch. 4. 24, 28. It is oft opposed to Dan, as to the Northern part of Canaan. There is a Well, Wilderness and City of this name, all joining together. As Abraham dwelled here, and made this Covenant, and digged this Well: so after Isaac dwells there, makes a Covenant, and digs again the Well, and renews the name, chap. 26. 23, 33. And Jacob dwelling there with his father, went thence to Laban in Haran: and going into Egypt, with all his family comes thither, there sacrificeth and hath a vision. And yet at last in the days of King Uzziah or sooner, it became a seat of some solemn idolatry, Amos 8. 14. 5. 5.  
V 32. a Covenant] Such Covenants lawful with Heathens and Idolaters; so, ch. 31. 44.  
V 33. Grove] Of Oakes, as intending long to dwell here. Abraham dwelled under the shadow of trees in the Plain of Mamre, ch. 18. 4, 8. Here it seems he intends it for a religious use, for the place of prayer and exercise of God's Worship, as not being a thing yet forbidden. But after in Moses time, when God had chosen a place of Worship, God strictly forbids this, not to plan● a grove of any trees near the Altar of the Lord, and commands such groves to be cut down, and threatens grievously such offenders; yet hardly were God's people kept from this sin and idolatry, but they planted groves, placed their idols, served them, even as the Canaanites and other Heathens did, Deut. 12. 2. Thus it was in the times of the Judges, ch. 3. 7. In the times of the Kings of Israel throughout, 2 Kings 17. 16. specially in the reigns of Joroboam, 1 Kings 14. 15, and of Ahab, whose Queen Jezabel had four hundred Prophets of the groves, that did ear meat at her table; yea, and in the reigns of some Kings of Judah, specially of Ahaz and Manass●h. But the godly Kings of Judah cut them down, plucked them up, or burned them, as Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. And Asa put down his Grandmother Maachah from being Queen, because she had made an idol in a grove.  
V 34. Many days] Till Isaac was offered, ch. 22. 19 And how long after we know not.   

CHAP. XXII.  
Verse 1. AFter these things] How long a time it is not certain. But that Isaac was then able to bear the wood of the burnt-offering, v 6. I know not why any can fix it upon the thirty third year of Isaac's age.  
God did tempt Abraham,] Not by seeking to seduce him to evil, so God tempts no man, Jam. 1. 13. But so our own lusts and Satan do, Jam. 1. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 5. who is therefore called the Tempter, Mat. 4. 3. 1 Thes. 3. 5. God doth it to try by experiment what is in man, what faith in God's Promises, what obedience to his Will; as men sometimes use to make experiments of the faithfulness of their friends. Not yet that God is ignorant of what is in man, but to make it the better known to himself and others. So, Exod. 15. 25. 16. 4. Deut. 8. 2, 16. 13. 3. Indeed God and Satan may both have an hand in one and the same tentation, as in David's numbering the people, 2 Sam. 24. 1●. 1 Chron. 21. 1. But to far different ends; both Satan and wicked men tempted our Saviour often in the Gospels, with an evil mind, to an evil end. And the sinful Israelites are said often to tempt God, by making doubt and trial of his presence, Providence, Wisdom, Power, and so by unbelief and murmur, tempting and provoking him to wrath. And so Ananias and Sapphira tempted the Spirit of the Lord. And Paul gives the caveat that we tempt not Christ, 1 Cor. 10. 9 And again tentations are taken for troubles, afflictions, persecutions, which try the truth and strength of God's graces in his children. And so if God lead into temptation, Matth. 26 13. he will with it give you the issue and outgate, 1 Cor. 10. 13. Here God doth so wi●h Abraham, in a marvellous trial of his faith and obedience.  
V 2. And he said] In such a manner, as he could not doubt but it was God, and no Satanical illusion.  
thy only (son) Isaac] Only in thy family, Ishmael was gone, and we never read he returned, but to the burial of his father, ch. 25. 9 And it seems at this time Abraham had not taken Keturah, or had no children by her. Thy only Isaac that child of Promise, Heb. 11. 18. Thy only begotton son▪ Heb. 11. 17. namely of Sarah, thy lawful wise, the freewoman.  
w●om thou lovest] Above all; and that for many good reasons.  
land of Moriah] Here afterwards Solomon built the Temple, 2 Chron. 3. 1. Moriah had this name afterwards, upon the occasion in the fourteenth verse.  
a burnt-offering] Not that God intended he should do it. But this was for trial of his rare faith and obedience, and that in a most extraordinary way and manner. For indeed here all that was in Abraham as a Man, Father, Husband, Believer, Professor of Religion, were put to trial, Heb. 11. 19  
one of the mountains] It was a mountainous country, Psal. 125 2. The mountain or hill Zion was close by it.  
V 3. Risen up early] It seems the command was given in the night▪ Here in this strange trial is his strange and ready quick obedience.  
and went] From Beer-sheba, in the land of the Philistines, ch 21. 31. 33, 34. and v. 19 of this chapter.  
God had told him] More particularly then at first, v. 2. 4, 9  
V 4. The third day] Either he went leisurely, or some occasions might let and hinder him in his travel.  
V 5. Abide you here] Jest they should hinder him.  
lad] The same word used of Joshuah when he was thirty years old, ch. 41. 12. and of Joseph when he was fifty three years old, as appears in that he lived forty years in the wilderness, and seventeen years after Moses death, and his whole life was one hundred and ten, Josh. 24. 29. and so of Benjamin, Gen. 43. 8. when at that time he had nine or ten sons, ch. 46. 21. And so of Absalon at the time of his death, 2 Sam. 18. 29.  
and come again to you] He speaks this as a man astonished and amazed, or in humane frailty, or as Prophet, (as Caiaphas did, John 11. 49. 50, 51. not knowing or meaning what his words would bear, Heb. 11. 19 and so, v. 8.  
V 6. And laid it upon Isaac] Isaac a type of Christ in many things. Christ the only Son of his Father, Wellbeloved Son in whom he is well-pleased, the promised seed, bore his Cross, was bound, sacrificed, meekly submitted, being obedient unto death, risen again, as Isaac from the Altar.  
V 9 And bound Isaac] Telling him, no doubt, at this time God's whole command: and he having only his father's word for it, yet readily submits and obeys.  
V 10. To slay his son] Heb. 11. 17, 18. James 2. 21, 22, 23.  
V 11. And the Angel] Christ the Angel of the Covenant, who speaks of himself as God, v. 12. sweareth by himself, and promiseth as God, and is called Jehovah, v. 16, 17, 18.  
Out of Heaven] So to Hagar, ch. 21. 17.  
V 12. Lay not thine hand] Heb. 11. 19 God accepts the Will for the deed, 2 Cor. 8. 12. Against idolaters sacrificing their children, both Jews and Gentiles haply upon this pretended example.  
V 13. Behind him] Likely that way the Angel's voice sounded.  
aram] This is for the Lamb mentioned, v. 7, 8. This he to●k as sent from God, 1 Pet. 1. 19  
V 14. Jehovah Jirch] The Lord will see, or will be seen, answerable to that, v. 8. Mori-Jah is of the same signification, so Jehovah-Nissi, Exod. 17. 15. Jehovah Shammah, Ezech. 48. 35.  
in the Mount of the Lord it shall be seen] The meaning of the proverb is, that in due time and place God will help and provide for his children, and they shall see it.  
V 16. By myself have I sworn] Heb. 6. 13, 14, 17, 18. Sometimes God doth swear by his Soul, Jer. 51. 14. by his Holiness, Amos 4. 2. by his Name, Jer. 44. 26. And all this is to swear by himself.  
saith the Lord] Thus saith Christ of himself. In like manner, Ps. 2. 7.  
for because] Not for the merit of this prompt obedience. The Promise was freely made afore. ch. 12. 2. 13. 16. 15. 5. 17. 2, 4, 5, 6, 16. But as an occasion of repeating and confirming the Promise, finding him rightly qualified, and to encourage him and others to the execution of faith and obedience.  
V 17. In blessing] Surely under the name blessing is meant the Promise of eternal salvatation.  
thy seed] Isaac's posterity, ch. 21. 12.  
possess the gate] Ch. 24. 60. where all public places were for consultation, for judgement, Job 31. 21. Deut. 22. 15. 21. 19 Amos 5 12, 15. and which were the strongest fortifications. The meaning is, thy seed shall subject them, and bring their strength and government under command; their holds and cities, Mat 16. 18.  
V 18. In thy seed] Christ. So the Apostle applies it, Gal. 3. 16, 18. Jer. 4. 2. Ps. 72, 17.  
Beer-sheba] Ch. 21. 31, 33, 34.  
V 20 Milcah] Ch. 1. 29. Abraham sends thither for a wife for Isaac, ch. 24. 15, 47.  
V 21. Uz] In this land Job dwelled, Job 1. 1. There is another Uz, ch. 10. 23. and another, ch. 36. 28.  
Buzz] Job 32. 2. dwelled by his elder brother Uz in Arabia, Jer. 25. 20, 23, 24.  
Kemuel the father of Aram] Aram throughout the Bible, is turned in Greek Syria and Syrians, as Mizraim is Egypt, and Cush Ethiopia.  
V 22. Bethuel] Ch. 24. 15.  
V 23. Rebekah] Isaac's wife, ch. 24. 15, 67▪ For this cause chief is this Genealogy here set down.  
V 24. And his Concubine] An half wife, sometimes called by the name of a wife, yet not solemnly betrothed, nor taken with dowry, nor Partner in the Government of the family, but subject to the lawful wife, and whose children did not inherit, ch. 16. 6, 9 25. 5, 6. 21. 10. 1 Kings 11. 3. yet Bilhahs' and Zilpahs did extraordinarily, becoming Heads of Tribes.   

CHAP. XXIII.  
Verse 1. THese were the years of the life of Sarah] How long any other woman lived is not recorded in Scripture. She lived sixty years in Ur, five in Haran, twenty five in Canaan, (almost all) before she had Isaac, and thirty seven after in Canaan, most at Geraa and Beer-sheba, until her death in Kiriath-arba or Hibron.  
V 2. Kiriath-arba, the same is Hebron] V. 19 Judges 1. 10. This city was first called Mamre, ch. 13, 18. Here Abraham and Isaac sojourned; and hither Jacob came to his father Isaac, after his return from Laban, ch. 35. 27. This afterwards fell by lot in the tribe, and mountain or hill-countrey of Judah, Josh. 15. 54. And was given to the Priests for a City of Refuge, Josh. 20. 7. But the fields of the City (excepting the subuths,) and the villages thereof were given to Cale●, Josh. 21. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.  
and Abrahem came] Out of his own Tent into Sarahs' Tent, for they had several Tents, separated from each other, ch. 24. 67. So, ch. 31 33. It is possible that Abraham had not removed his dwelling from Beer-sheba to Hebron, but that Sarah upon some occasion travelling thither, there from home fell sick and died. And that from Beer-sheba Abraham should come and mourn for her, and take order for her burial. But it is not likely she should so travel in her extreme old age, nor so likely he would have in that manner buried her there, if they both had not removed and dwelled there, it being their ancient place of habitation. And wherever Abraham had been, as at Beer-sheba, as at Hebron, he must have bought an inheritance, if any he would have for any use, he being but a stranger and sojourne● in the land, Acts 7. 5.  
to mourn and to weep] So our Saviour wept for Lazarus, John 11. 35. but it must be with moderation, as in hope and belief of the Resurrection, 1 Thess. 4 13. A little letter is here in the Original to note his moderation in weeping without excess.  
V 3. Stood up from before his dead] Where likely he had sitten awhile on the earth, Job. 2. 12, 13. Esay 47. 1.  
the sons of Heth] The Governors and Elders of the Hittites, the inhabitants of Hebron, of the progeny of Cham, ch. 10. 15.  
V 4. Sojourner] He●. 11. 13, 14, 16.  
a possession] Leave to purchase it.  
burying place] Abraham having lived sixty two years in this land, yet never purchased foot of inheritance, till now a burying place. This was a kind of taking possession of this promised land, Esay 22. 16. or a kind of pledge or prophetical sign that his posterity should come and inherit the land, as Jeremy's buying his Uncle's field was a sign of the Jews return into the possession of this land, Jer. 32. This made Jacob give charge to be buried here. And Joseph to have his bones carried into this land, not a foot; by God's gift, Acts 7. 5.  
bury my dead] Sow it as seed in the ground, till the Resurrection, where they rest, as in their beds, till their change come.  
out of my sight] Death makes lovely Sarah, the desire of his eyes, now ●athsome to his sight.  
V 6. A mighty Prince.] ch. 2 1. v. 22.  
V 9 For a possession] Though they offered him the free use of the choice of their sepulchers, v. 6. yet he had rather pay for a propriety, then hold such a community with the heathen.  
V 9 Machpelah] Before Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, or Mamre, v. 17, ●9.  
V 10. And Ephron dwelled] Or sate, being present in that assembly, though likely not known by face to Abraham. v. 8.  
at the gates of the City] There Assemblies used to be and places of Judicature, v. 18. ch. 34. 20. Deut. 17. 5. 21. 19 22. 15, 24. 25. 7. Ruth 4. 1, 11. and in many other places, Prov. 31. 23.  
V 13. If thou Wilt give it; or be that Ephron.  
I will give● v. 9 The like striving in kindness is between David and Araunah, 2 Sam ●4. 21, 22, 23, 24.  
V 15. Shekels of silver] See, ch. 20. 16. The common shekel little more than our shilling, viz. three pence, four hundred common shekels come to twenty five pounds; some make the common shekel to be one shilling eight pence; and the Royal or King's shekel to be one shilling three pence, 2 Sam. 14. 26.  
V 16 Weighed] Money paid by weight, not by tale, so, ch. 43. 21. Esay 55. 2. Jer. 22. 9 Zech. 11. 12.  
V 17 And the field of Ephron] This is not that mentioned, Acts 7 ●6.  
were made 〈◊〉] By payment and Witnesses, without Deeds and Writings; after Writings were used, Jer. 32 Now hardly will skilful Writings serve the turn.  
V 18. For a possession] And monument to posterity, without distrust of God's Promises, or a renunciation of his own right, he buyeth a parcel of the land for his present necessity. The time of possession, according to the grant and promise being not yet come.  
V 19 Buried Sarah] And so after himself was buried there: and Isaac and Rebecca. Jacob and Leah, ch. 25. 9, 49. 31. 50. 13. They testifying hereby their faith in God's promises, for the inheritance of this land, and of the heavenly Canaan figured by it, Mat. 27. 7.  
V 20. A burying place] A seemly care is to be had of burial places.   

CHAP. XXIV.  
Verse 1. WAs old] One hundred and forty years old, as may be gathered out of chap. 25. 20.  
V 2. His eldest servant] Most likely his Steward Eleezer, ch. 15. 2. And this not without Isaac's consent, he being now forty years old.  
thy hand under my thigh] So Jacob required of Joseph, ch. 47. 29. It is a sign of subjection, 1 Chron 29. 24. yet in Scripture the most frequent ceremony used at swearing, is the lifting up the hand, as ch. 1● 22. Exod. 6. 8. Numb. 14. 30. Deut. 32. 40. Ezech. ●0. 15. Dan. 12. 7. Rev. 10. 5, 6. The custom of several countries and religions hath been, and is very various for rites and gestures in this case. That Abraham by this gesture here should have any relation to the promised seed, to proceed out of his loins, is a reach, I fear, too far fetched.  
V 3. Swear] A thing lawful; forbidden in vain▪ and light causes, and such was Herod's oath to the dancing dam●sel, Mar. 6. 23. forbidden in ordinary communication, Mat. 5. 34, 37. James 5. 12. But in weighty causes we may swear, and being thereunto lawfully called and warranted; so here. And so for ratification of Covenants and Promises of importance, so did Abraham and Abimelech swore, ch. 21. 31. so Isaac and Abimelech, ch 26. 31. so Jacob and Laban, ch. 31. 53. so David and Jonathan. 1 Sam. 20. 17. And ●o God commands it, for removal of suspicions of jealousy, N●mh. 52●. of theft, Exod. 22. 11. 1 Kings 8. 31. 2 Chron. 6. 22. And so many men in Scripture, upon weighty causes did lawfully require an oath; so did Abraham of his servant, Jacob of Esau, Gen. 25. 33. and of his son Joseph Gen. 47. 31. Rahab of the spies, Josh. 2. 12. Samson of the men of Jud●h, Judg. 15. 12. Saul and the Egyptian of David, 1 Sam. 24. 21. and 30. 15. Nabuchadnezzar of Zedekiah, 2 Chron 36. 13. And many in like cases freely and voluntarily gave their oaths; so Moses to Cal●b. Josh. 14. 9 David to Bathsheba, 1 Kings 1. 13. Gedaliah to the remnant of ●udah, 2 Kings 25. 24. King Zedekiah to Jeremy, Jer. 38. ●6. The reason and end of all is, to assure men the more of faith and truth in words and promises; for in an oath men call God to be both a witness of the truth, and an avenger of the lie, and breach of promise. And so an oath binds the soul with a bond, Numb. ●0. 2. And hereupon the godly, to bind themselves the more to God, and his service, and good duties, have sworn to ●he Lord, so David to find out an house and place for God's habitation, Psal. 132. 2. so the Priests, Levites and all Israel, to reform the strange marriages, Ezra 10. 5. so King Asa and all the people entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord, and they swore unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with corne●s▪ 2 Chron. 15. 12, 13, 14. yea, God himself is mercifully pleased so far to condescend, as to swear unto men for their better assurance, and the confirmation of their faith in the truth of his promises, Heb. 6. 12,— 18. so he swore to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Gen. 24. 7. 26. 3. Exod. 6. 8. Luke 1. 73. so to David, Psal. 89. 49. And sometimes in wrath, to ratify his threaten against sinners, so, Psal. 95. 11. Heb. 3. 11. In sacred account than is the bond of an oath, Heb. 6. 16. it must be carefully taken, in truth, in righteousness, and in judgement, Jer. 4. 2. Not vainly or falsely, God's wrath is great against such oaths and oath-breakers, Exod. 20. 7. Levit. 19 12. Host 4. 2. 10. 4. Jer. 23. 10. Ezek. 17. 15,— 21. Zech. 5. 3, 4. Mal. 3. 5. It was Peter's sin for which he wept so bitterly, Matth. 26. 74. 75. we must fear an oath, Eccles. 9 2. though it be taken to men, yet it is called the oath of God, Eccl. 8. 2. Ezek. 17. 10. and therefore the godly man, though he sweareth to his own hurt, yet changeth not▪ Psal. 15. 4. Though the Gibeonites beguiled Joshuah, and the Princes of Israel, yet say they, we must let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we swore unto them, Josh. 9 15, 19, 20.  
by the Lord] It is a part of our duty, and God's Worship, to swear by God's Name, Deut. 6. 13. 10. 20. Esay 45. 23. 65. 16. Jer. 12. 16. Psa●. 63. 11. so Jacob swore to Laban by the fear of his father Isaac, Gen. 31. 53, 42. we must not swear by false gods, Josh. 23. 7. Jer. 12. 16. not by Baal, by the sin and idol of Samaria, the manner of Beer-sheba, by Malcham. Against such Swearers God threareneth his judgements, Jer. 5. 7. Amos. 8. 14. Zeph. 1. 5. nor must we swear by the creatures as if they were God, or we had power over them as our own, to pawn them on the truth of what we say, Mat 5. 34, 35, 36. and ch. 23. 16, 18, 20, 21, 22. James 5. 12.  
of the daughters of the Canaanites] ch. 9 25. 10. 15. 15. 16, 21. such was the sin of the old world, ch. 6. 2. This was Rebekahs' grief at Esau, and fear, lest Jacob should do the like, ch. 27. 46. 28. 1, 2. Lest by marrying with idolaters his son or seed should be drawn from God, Deut. 7. 3, 4. And specially he would not have his seed and blood mixed with that cursed Nation, whose blood his posterity was to shed without pity, and to succeed in their place according to Gods Promise. Therefore Moses forbids any Covenant wi●h them; neither would Abraham bu●y with them, ch. 23. 6, 20.  
V 4. Unto my Country] the City of Nahor in Mesopotamia, v. 10. Haran or Charran (not Ur) ch. 29. 4. Here was the truest Worship of the true God, next to that in Abraham's family, though indeed v●ry much corrupted. Laban being an idolater, ch. 31. 30, 53. and after jacob's marriage there also, some of that race in his family were not altogether free, ch. 31. v. 19, 32. 35. 2, 3, 4.  
V 5. Must I needs bring] In case the woman will not yield to marry Isaac, to leave her country and come dwell in Canaan, but that he must yield to go and dwell there, in that case he des●res direction, and to know what his oath binds him unto.  
bring] Isaac having undertaken to his father to be guided by him, and this servant in the business of his marriage bring him by persuasion.  
again] Not that Isaac had been there before, but Abraham, as, ch. 15. v. 16.  
V 6 Beware] Yield not to any such condition. They there are too corrupt in Religion; and my son must not by going to dwell elsewhere, in a kind, renounce so the land of Promise. He must live here rather as a stranger and sojourner by faith as himself had done, Hebrews 11. 9  
V 7. His Angel] A ministering Spirit, Heb. 1. 14. for thy direction and protection.  
V 8. Clear] So, Josh. 2. 17.  
V 10. Master] Or Lord. These two terms in Scripture are used indifferently, Mat. 17. 4. compared with Mar. 9 5.  
all the goods] V. 2. 53. ch. 39 4.  
●●n camels] Numerous in those countries', 1 Chron. 5. 11. ten here, and servants to attend them, v. 59 and lading no doubt for them. This argues Abraham's wealth, and the servants trust. And it was fit for so long a journey, and to carry presents and gifts, v. 53. and that the kindred might see his Masters great estate.  
Mesopotamia] Between Tigris and Euphrates, called Padan. Aram, ch. 25. 20. Aram in the New Testament is usually called Syria, Mat. 4. 24.  
City of Nahor] See Annotations in ch. 11. 31. as Christ's City, i e. wherein he dwelled, Mat. 9 1.  
V 11. Kneel down] As the custom of those Camels was, to rest them, and to load and unload.  
V 12. And ●e said] In his heart, v. 45.  
Good speed] V. 42. prosper my way. Luke 10. 31. the word chance is used.  
and show kindness] This kindness, in the words following.  
V 14. Let it come to pass] No doubt this came into his mind by the special instinct of God's Spirit, v. 7. as that of Gideon, Judg. 6. 17, 37. and that of Jonathan, 1 Sam. 14. 9 without like warrant we may not attempt the like.  
V 15. Before he had done speaking] So, Esay 65. 24. Dan. 9 23.  
her Pitcher] Thus women employed in mean services, v. 11. 13. yea, great and good women, as here, and, ch. 18. 6. and, 29 9 Exod. 2. 16.  
V 17. Ran to meet her] v. 13. but had removed a little aloof off to give way ●o Rebekah, and to mark her.  
V 22. Took a golden ear-ring] To give her, as taking or receiving, Psal. 68 19 is expounded giving. Eph. 4. 8. He puts the ear-ring upon her face, v. 47. after he had asked whose daughter she was.  
Shekel] See Annotat. on ch. 20. 16. and on ch. 23. 15. Half a shekel is called Bekah, Ex. 38. 26.  
V 26. Worshipped] v. 52. ch. 22. 5. Exod. 4. 31. This is more than kneeling, or bowing of the head. This is a prostrating of the whole body, a falling down upon the face to the ground, Psal. 95. 6. Luke. 5. 12. compared with Mat. 8. 2.  
V 27. Brethren] Kinsfolk, v. 48. ch. 13. 8.  
V 28. Mother's house] It seems the custom of those times and places, was for the women to dwell in tents and houses apar by themselves, v. 67. ch. 31. 33.  
V 32. And he ungirded] i. e. Laban.  
and water to wash] Ch. 18. 4. 1 Tim. 5. 10. In those hot countries' men used to go barefoot, or with sandals, open above.  
V 33. I will not eat] Eph. 6. 5, 6, 7, 8.  
V 47. Upon her face] Some were worn in the ear, some on the forehead which hanged down to the nose, Ezech. 16. 12. Esay 3. 21.  
V 48. Daughter] Grandchild.  
V 49. Kindly and truly] Mercy and truth joined, ch. 47. 29. Josh. 2. 14. Prov. 3. 3. Psal. 85. 10.  
V 50. Then Laban and Bethuel] The son set before the father, as having the chief managing of all, by reason of his father's age, v. 55.  
bad or good] Nothing at all against it, chap. 31. 24, 29.  
V 51. At the Lord hath spoken] As we plainly see by the whole carriage of this business, v. 15. 2 Sam. 16. 10.  
V 57 At her mouth] About this motion for her sudden departure.  
V 59 Her nurse] Deborah, ch. 35. 8. Great is the tenderness of the affections of nursing fathers, and nursing mothers, Numb. 11. 12, 13. 1 Thes. 2. 7. Esay 49, 22. 2 Sam. 4. 4.  
V 61. And followed the man] Psal. 45. 10.  
V 62. Lahairoi] Changed 16. 14. 12. 9 25. 11. in the wilderness of Beersheba, ch. 21. 14, 33, 34.  
●e dwelled] Not apart from his father, but with him. That Well was not far from Beersheba where Abraham dwelled, ch. 21. 14, 33, 34.  
V 63. To meditate] Or pray, or both, so the word signifieth, Psal. 77 3, 6. 12. 119. 15.  
V 65. A Veile] A sign of modesty and subjection, 1 Cor. 11. 5, 6, 10. The custom was to bring the spouse veiled to her husband. The face was covered sometimes for grief and mourning, as in David's mourning for Absalon. Sometimes by others in token of wrath and judgement, as when Hamans' face was covered. Sometimes in way of fear and reverence, as Elias covered his face, 1 Kings 19 13.  
V 67. Sarahs' Tent] Women, it seems had their tents apart, ch. 31. 33. And Sarahs' Tent and furniture, it seems, was reserved for Isaac's wife.  
and took Rebekah] By solemnity of marriage, in the fourtieth year of his life, ch. 25. 20.  
loved her] Eph. 5. 25, 28.  
after his mother's death] Three years before, ch. 17. 17. 23. 1. Dear and durable was his affection toward his mother.   

CHAP. XXV.  
Ver. 1. THen again] Whether in Sarahs' life-time cannot certainly be determined. The sacred story mentions nothing of Keturab or her children, till now after Sarahs' death. And the words here seem to give it to be after her death. And Sarah in her life-time not enduring Hagar and Ishmael▪ would hardly have endured another. And Isaac when offered is called his only son. And yet on the other side, Keturab is called a Concubine, implicitly, v. 6. and expressly, 1 Chron. 1. 32 And though a Coucubine be called a wife, yet I find not that a legitimate wife, as she should be after Sarahs' death, or a second wife, is called a Concubine. And the words of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac, ch. 24. 36. compared with v. 5, 6. of this chapter, seem to reflect on Keturahs' sons in Sarahs' life-time. And which is most of all, if Abraham did not take her to wife till after Sarahs' death, than he must be one hundred thirty eight, and likely one hundred and forty years old when he married her, and after that begat six sons of her, whereas the Apostle saith, that forty years before that time, his body was dead for begetting of children, Rom. 4. 19 Gen. 17. 17. 18. 12. If then it were after Sarahs' death, it must be said, that God did renew unto him that masculine strength, and vigour of body, after forty years, by an extraordinary blessing, in a marvellous, if not miraculous manner, and that to make good his Promise of multiplying Abraham's seed, ch. 17. 5. in others also, though principally in Isaac.  
V 2. Medan] Ch. 37. 36.  
Midian] Numb. 25. 6, 17.  
Shuah] Job 2. 11.  
V 3. Sheba] Job 1. 15.  
V 4. Midian] Numb. 31. 18. Judge 7. 25. 8. 5. children of Keturah] And Grandchilds.  
V 5. To Isaac] As being his only heir and child of Promise, ch. 21. 12. a figure of Christ and Christians, ch. 24. 36.  
V 6. Concubine's] Hagar and Keturah.  
and sent them away from Isaac] Because he was to be the heir of Canaa●.  
Eastward] Arabia Syria, Job 1. 3. Job likely came of Keturah, Judg. 6. 3. 7. 12.  
V 7. One hundred seventy five years] Ch. 15. 15. Heber (of whom he was called an Hebrew, ch. 14. 13.) out-living him. And Jacob and Esau were then fifteen years old, v. 26. ch. 21. 5.  
V 8. Gathered unto his people] V. 17. which implies the immortality of the soul, and so the phrase of gathering to their fathers, Judg. 2. 10. Heb. 12. 23.  
V 9 Isaac and Ishmael] Ishmael, though never received again into Abraham's family, yet dwelled not so far off, but might hear of his father's death, and come to his burial.  
V 11. Blessed Isaac] Entailed the blessing and Promises made to Abraham on him, ch. 17. 19  
Lahairoi] See, ch. 24. 62.  
V 12. Generations of Ishmael] ch 16. 10, 12. 17. 20. much exceeded isaac's, 1 Cor. 15. 46.  
Nebaioth] He and his brethren seated in Arabia, Esay 21. 13. 60 7. Ezech 27. 21. Jer. 49. 28.  
V 15. Tema] Job 2. 11.  
V 16. Twelve Princes] Ch. 17. 20. Like the twelve sons of Jacob.  
V 18. Havilah] Ch. 2. 8. an ample region in Arabia, not that Havilah in India.  
Shur] Ch. 16. 7 Ex. 15. 22.  
died in the presence] His brethren surviving him, ch. 16. 12.  
V 20. The Syrian] So, Luke 4. 27. Aramite is translated Syrian by our Saviour.  
Padan-Aram] Called Aram-Naharaim, ch. 24. 10. sometime Padam only, ch. 48. 7. This is Mesopotamia of Syria, distinguished from Aram-Zobah, Ps. 60 tit.  
V 21. Intrcated] Often, no doubr.  
barren] Twenty years, v. 20, 26. many good women in Scripture barren a long time.  
V 22. Struggled] A misery to her, and a mystery in her, v. 23.  
if it be so, why am I thus?] A speech of passion; why prayed I? why conceived I? or why is this strange struggling in my womb, more than in other women?  
to inquire of the Lord] By her prayer, or by some Prophet, as her father in-law Abraham, ch. 20. 7. or Heber, yet living.  
V 23. Two Nations] Esau and Jacob, the virtual roots and Original of two Nations, Edomites and Israelites.  
two manner of people] Differing and disagreeing one from and with another, differing in Religion, Laws, Manners, Affections, jarring, at variance.  
shall be stronger] So Esau stronger than Jacob, ch. 27. 43. 32. 4, 6, 13. and, ch. 33. 3. And a long time the Edomites were more potent than the Israelites, Numb. 20. 18, 20.  
and the elder shall serve] So the Israelites subdued the Edomites, 2 Sam. 8. 14. 1 Kings 22. 47. Obad. v. 17, 18. And spiritually Jacob got the birthright, v. 33. and Esau despised it, v. 34. and he got also the blessing, ch. 27, 29, 36. The Lord in Malachi proceeds further, saying, Though Esau was jacob's brother, yet I loved Jacob and hated Esau, Mal. 1. v. 2, 3. whence the Apostle gathereth the doctrine of God's free grace, in the election of some, and reprobation of others, before the doing of good or evil, Rom. 9 v. 10, 11 12, 13. Likely Isaac did not rightly understand this Prediction; but Rebekah did, which made the one seek so much to favour Esau, and the other Jacob.  
V 25. Red] A sign of the choleric and cruel disposition, found in him and his posterity, ch. 27. 40. 41. Obad. 1. 10. Ezech. 25. 12. His meat red, ch. 25. 30. his land red, ch. 32. 3.  
all over] With red hair all over his body, ch. 27. 11.  
his name Esau] That is, made, perfected, as if he were borne a man rather than a child.  
V 26. Took hold on Esau's heel] As if he would have pulled him back, that he might be borne before him, or as if he would overthrow and supplant him. A divine presaging what would afterward come to pass, v. 23. This striving for the grace and pre-eminence of the birthright, the Prophet mentioneth, Host 12. 3, 4.  
Jacob] An holder by the heel or supplanter, chap. 27. 36.  
V 27. A cunning hunter] Somewhat like Ishmael or Nimrod, valorous, fierce.  
a plain man] A good plain man, living a plain shepherd's life, keeping home and looking to houshold-affaires, ch. 4. 20. and a sincere plaindealing man, without guile, though at his mother's instance and urging, he used too much deceit in getting the blessing, ch. 27. Shepherds kept in Tents. And such was jacob's trade and his children's, ch. 46. 34.  
V 28. Because he did eat of his venison] By seeing his officiousness to please his father's palate, his father might take it as a sign, that he did greatly reverence, respect and love him, and that he would prove the most able and active, the fittest for great employments, and the best and stoutest stay and support of their family; yet all this was but carnal, and not so suiting to the divine oracle, on the behalf of Jacob, v. 23.  
V 29. Sod pottage] This though a small matter, conduceth yet, and is subservient to that divine Promise, ch. 27. 29. 2 Sam. 8. 14.  
V 30. Red] Red is doubled in the Hebrew, and pottage omitted; to note Esau's haste, and his eagerness of appetite, in his extremity of fainting, after that mear which his eye first pitched upon, (there being other meat, no doubt, in his father's house) and haply fancied too by him for the colour sake, if there were not also some cordial in it, as saffron or other like thing, which gave it that extreme red colour.  
called Edom] Or Aedom; Adam signifieth red, redborne, v. 25. and now so greedily desiring red broth, and selling for it his birthright, got him this nickname, and brand for it.  
V 31. Sell me this day thy birthright] The honour of the firstborn was great. God in honour calls Israel his son, his firstborn, Exod. 4. 22. and so Ephraim, Jer. 31. 9 as first chosen by him of all people to be his peculiar people, Ex. 19 4, 5. Deut. 32. 11, 12. Ps. 89. 27. yea, Christ is called the firstborn among many brethren, Rom. 8. 29. This birthright advanced them to be highest in their Parents affections, Zech. 12. 10. to be first in honour next their Parents, ch. 49. 3. to be Governors of the family under them, ch. 4. 7. 2 Chro. 21. 3. to the Peiesthood, after the father's death, at least till Moses time, Numb. 8. 14, 15. 10. 18 to a double portion, Deut. 21. 17. to omit, that it might be an outward sign or pledge of being one of those firstborn, which are written in Heaven, Hebr. 12. 23. They being peculiarly consecrated to God in aftertimes, Exod. 22. 29. These rights and privileges, or the most of them, together with the Oracle, v. 23. might move Jacob to catch at any advantage to gain the birthright: and did move him too to seek it, in a way not altogether so lawful, as to deny his brother necessary relief in his extremity, except upon such hard terms: upon such a pinch to drive him for such a price to so unjust a bargain.  
V 32. At the point to die] With this present hunger, with dangers in hunting wild beasts.  
V 33. Swear] See Annot. on ch. 24. 3.  
V 34. Bread and pottage] One morsel of meat, Hebr. 12. 16.  
of lentiles] A mean kind of grain, a kind of pulse, 2 Sam. 17. 31. Ezech. 4. 9  
eat and drink] Never troubled at all for what he had done, 1 Cor. 15. 32.  
despised] Irreligiously and profanely, Hebr. 12. 16. Though possibly selling so precious a thing, for so poor a price, he might have a purpose to recover that by force, which was got from him by fraud. And therefore he pleads his birthright after this to his father, ch. 27. 32.   

CHAP. XXVI.  
Verse 1. BEsides the first famine] Changed 12. 10.  
Unto Gerar] From the Well Lahairoi, ch. 25. 11. near Beersheba, ch 21▪ 14. 33. 34.  
V 2. Into Egypt] As thy father did, and by his example thou mindest to do.  
V 3. I will give] To thee as a sojourner, to thy posterity as owners, by way of propriety, possession and hereditary right.  
all these countries] Possessed by so many Nations, ch 15. 18, 19, 20, 21.  
to Abraham thy father] Thyself being present, ch. 22. 17, 18.  
V 4. Stars] See Annot. on ch 15.  
Seed] Meaning Christ, Gal. 3. 6, 18.  
V 5. Because that Abraham obeyed] On. man's part there are conditions required, and by the assistance of God's grace performed and graciously accepted, and mentioned as if there were some causality in them, for God's acceptance and performance of his part ch. 22. 16. See the Annotat.  
V 6. And Isaac dwelled in Gerar] Where he was borne, ch. 20. 1. 21. 2.  
V 7. She is my sister] As his father did through frailty, ch. 12. 13, 19 20. 2, 5, 12, 13. This true in a sense, as, Jer. 3. 7, 9 Ezech. 16. 46. Mat. 12. 50. Rom. 16 1. 1 Cor. 7. 15. Jam. 2 15. But untrue in their intent.  
V 8. Looked out] As David saw Bathsheba, 2 Sam. 11. 2.  
sporting] Deut. 24. 5. Prov 5. 18, 19  
V 9 Of a surety she is thy wife] So holy and unblameable was Isaac's life, that worse than this Abimelech never suspected.  
V 10. What is this] By this passionate expostulation he showeth, how greatly adultery, if not, dissimulation too, were condemned by heathen morality, ch. 20. 9  
guiltiness] Both sin and punishment, Leu. 5. 5, 6.  
V 11. Toucheth] So, v. 29. ch. 20. 6. Josh 9 19 Ruth 2. 9 Ps. 105. 15. Prov. 6. 29. Zech. 2. 8.  
V 12. An hundred fold] Mat. 3 8, 23.  
V 14. Envied him] Eccl. 4 4. Ps●● 2 10 Job 5. 2.  
V 15. The Philistines had stopped] Contrary to Covenant and Oath, ch. 21. 30, 31.  
V 17. Valley of Gerar] V. 6.  
V 18. After the names by which his father] Renewing the ancient good names, and altering idolatrous names, Numb 32. 38. The names of idols are not to be heard out of our mouths, Ex. 23. 13. Ps. 16. 4. Deut. 12. 3. Host 2. 17.  
V 21. Sitnah] Hatred or spite. Hence Satan hath his name.  
V 23. To Beersheba] The famine being ended, he returned to the place whence the famine had driven him, the place of his father's dwelling. See, Annot. on v. 1. and on ch. 21. 31.  
V 24. And the Lord appeared.] As it seems to comfort him against the envious deal of the Philistines. So, ch. 15. 1.  
the God of Abraham] Therefore Abraham lives in soul, Mat. 22. 32.  
V 25. An Altar] Ch. 12. 7, 8. 13. 4, 18.  
V 26, Then Abimelech] Asdruball, ch. 21. v. 22. etc. These may be those same men. This history is to be compared with that.  
Ahuzzath] More then in ch. 21. v. 22.  
V 27. Seeing ye hate me] Prov. 16 7.  
V 28. And they said] See Annotat. on chap. 21. 22, 23.  
an oath] And execration▪ as, ch. 24. 41.  
V 29. That thou wilt] With a curse if thou shalt, so, ch. 21. 23. in the margin.  
the blessed] Ch. 24. 31. This is spoken to further the Peace▪ and Covenant desired.  
V 30 Feast] Used at Covenants, ch. 31 54.  
V 32. Concerning the Well] V. 25.  
V 33, S●ebah] Oath.  
Beersheba] Ch. 21. 31 Here the name of the City. This Well was formerly so called by Abraham, ch. 21. 31. But having been stopped by the Philistines, and now opened again by Isaac's servants, the old name is again imposed upon the same occasion.  
V 34. Forty years old] He married thirty six years before Jacob. At forty years old also Isaac married, chap. 25. 20.  
Judith] Esau's wives and their fathers had several names, Gen. 36. 2. Both Hittites the worst sort of Canaanites, Ezech. 16. 3. contrary to the cares and commands of his father, mother and grandfather, ch. 24. 3. and v. 35. of this chapter, and ch 27 46. and ch. 28. 1, 6, 8.   

CHAP. XXVII.  
Verse 1. ISaac was old] One hundred thirty six, or one hundred thirty seven years old; As is rightly gathered and proved in the great late Annotat. upon this place. For Isaac was sixty years old when Jacob was borne, ch. 25. v. 26. And Jacob was at this time seventy five or seventy six years old, when he got the blessing and fled to Laban. See the Annotat. on ch. 29. 21.  
and his eyes were dim] So jacob's, ch. 48. 10. so Elies, 1 Sam. 3. 2, 4, 15. Isaac lived blind forty four years at least, ch. 35▪ 28.  
V 4 That my soul] He would by that feasting cheer up his spirit against dulness, or any distemper, that he might be the more fit instrument of the Spirit of God; so Elisha calls for a minstrel, to allay his passion against Jehoram, prepare his mind, compose his spirit, and fit it for a divine motion of God's Spirit by Prophecy, 2 Kings 3. 15.  
may bless thee] In faith before the Lord, by the Spirit of the Lord, Hebr. 1●. 20. some bless men, by praying to God to bless them: So, Luke 6. 28. Some by pronouncing a blessing upon them, by virtue of their calling, and warrant of God's Word. So the Priests blessed the people, Numb 6. 23, to the end. Some by the Spirit of Prophecy foretelling the blessings should come upon them; so Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, ch. 48. 9, 15, 16, 20. and the twelve tribes, ch. 49. 28. and so did Moses likewise, Deut. 33. 1. And so Isaac intends to bless Esau here. And doth bless Jacob and Esau, v. 27, 28, 29 39, 40. and Jacob again, ch. 28. 3, 4.  
Thee] Esau. Isaac being left in this point to his own spirit, out of his carnal judgement and affection, he intends the blessing to Esau, to transmit the inheritance of the blessings and promises made to his father unto Esau, as his firstborn; either not mindful of the divine Oracle, ch. 25. 23. Or understanding it, not of their persons, but of their posterity. But God's Providence, serving itself upon the better faith and illumination of Rebekah, and by her means doth disappoint Isaac's purpose, and he by his free grace and singular favour, transfers the blessing upon Jacob.  
V 6. And Rebekah spoke] Being sound grounded that the blessing belonged to Jacob; and seeing now her husband going about to give it to Esau, she labours to disappoint his error, though by ways not so warrantable, unless she were moved by some secret instinct of God's Spirit.  
V 7. Before the Lord, before my death] In his presence, and by his power and authority, who will ratify this my last Will and Testament, Heb 11. 20  
V 12. I shall bring a curse] For my deceiving, Deut. 27. 18. Jer. 48. 10. Mal. 14.  
V 13. Upon me be thy curse] She was over-confident, using such ill means, though in a good cause, and trusting to the Oracle.  
V 15. Goodly raiment] Perfumed or kept sweet, v. 27. not likely to be holy robes received from their Ancestors, and kept for the firstborn to minister in.  
Which were with her] Not with Esau's wives.  
V 16. Skins upon his hands] His face by a beard and hair, might be much like Esau's.  
V 19 I am Esau] It is in vain to labour to excuse Jacob here and hereafter from divers lies, deceits and dissemble.  
V 20. Brought it to me] Ch. 24. 12. one lie draws on another.  
V 27. The smell of his raiment] Aromatic odours, and spices for perfume, abounded in those countries'.  
V 27. As the smell of a field] With flowers, fruits and vines, Cant. 2. 13. 4. 14. 7. 13.  
V 28. God give thee] A Prayer and Prophecy. And these promises of earthly blessings were types of spiritual blessings, extending to all that was included in the Promises and Covenant made to and with Abraham, Deut. 33. 28. 8. 8.  
V 29. Let people serve thee] From Jacob came Judah; 1 Chron. 5. 2. Gen. 49. 10. David subdued many Nations.  
be Lord over thy brethren] Hereby he confirms to him the right of the firstborn.  
thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons]  
Cursed] Ch. 12. 3. Numb. 24, 9 The efficacy of the blessing here, did not depend upon the intention of Isaac, And no more doth the truth and efficacy of the Sacrament depend upon the intention of the Minister.  
V 33. Trembled] As one perplexed, astonished, between wonder and fear lest he had done amiss.  
Yea, and he shall be blessed] By that trembling as by a bit and bridle. God restrains him from revoking the blessing. And recollecting himself he doth now by faith re-establish it, Heb. 11. 20. And after more advisedly, chap. 28. 3, 4.  
V 34. Exceeding bitter cry] Yet found no place of repentance, no way to change his father's mind, to recall what he had done, though he sought it carefully with tears, Hebr. 12. 17. Prov. 1. 24, 28.  
V 35. Thy blessing] Which I intended thee, and by birthright pertained to thee.  
V 36. And he said] These words show no true repentance in Esau.  
he took away] Nay, Esau sold it and despised it, ch. 25. 33, 34.  
my blessing] Not his then, when the birthright was none of his.  
V 37. Thy Lord] V. 29.  
and what shall I do?] As if he should say, comparatively, all other blessings are nothing.  
V 39 The fatness of the earth] Not unlike that, v. 28. Mount Seir was such a place, Josh. 24. 4. By faith Isaac blessed Esau concerning things to come, Hebr. 11. 20. yet Canaan far surpassed Idumea. Besides that Canaan was a type of the heavenly Canaan.  
V 40. And by this sword shalt thou live] With wars and troubles defend thy state and country, Mat. 10. 34. And not enjoy peace as Jacob, Deut. 33. 27, 28. Esay. 2. 4.  
and shalt serve thy brother] In thy posterity, Deut. 33. 29. Gen. 25. 23. 2 Sam. 8. 14. 1 Kings 22. 47. Obad. v. 18, 19, 21.  
when thou shalt have the dominion] Because of Israel's sins, as in the days of Jehoram, 2 Kings 8. 20. 22. 2.  
break his yoke] Of thy servitude, 2 Chron. 21. 8. under which thou wast from David's days till then, above one hundred years, Esay 9 4. 10. 27. Jer. 27. 8, 11. Herod was an Idumean.  
V 41. Hated] Spitefully. This shows no true repentance in him, 1 John 3. 12, 15. This hatred continued in his posterity, Obad v. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21.  
said in his heart] Afterwards uttered it in words, v. 42.  
are at hand] In his wish and opinion, Isaac being now blind, and yet he lived forty four years after.  
V 42. Comfort himself] To receive his birthright by killing of thee. Revenge is sweet to the enraged wicked man; yea, the very purpose of it. And thus they harden their heart in evil against Gods known Will; so did Saul against David, 1 Sam. 18. 28. God useth a like speech of himself in an holy sense, Ezech. 5. 13.  
V 44. A few day's] It proved to be above twenty years, ch. 31. 38. Doubtful whether ever Rebekah saw him again: She sent not for Jacob, because she saw Esau's rage and malice continue, ch. 32. 6.  
V 45. Both in one day] By fight they might kill each other, or if Esau lived, they should and would then count him as dead, and no better. And the Law was such, chap. 9 6.  
V 46. Of the daughters of Heth] Esau's wives, ch. 26. 35, 34. A wise, godly and crafty counsel she conceals from Isaac, the hatred of Esau, and dangerous discord between his sons.   

CHAP. XXVIII.  
Ver. 1. ANd blessed him] Isaac was constant to his first blessing, notwithstanding jacob's craft in getting it Jacob had need of this second blessing to confirm his faith against his future troubles and trials; Isaac therefore by his fatherly authority, now wittingly and willingly settles it on him again.  
V 2. Arise, go] Isaac was not; but his father's servant, ch. 24. 3, 4. 5, 6. And he with ten camels, etc. Jacob here with his staff in his hand, ch. 32. 10. and to serve for a wife, Host 12. 12.  
thy mothers' brother] Cousin-germen marry.  
V 3. A multitude of people] Chapter 35. 11. 48. 4.  
V 4. The blessing of Abraham] His Grandfather, who had the Original grant of the blessings, both temporal and spiritual, earthly and heavenly, made over to him and his seed, and the blessing chief of the promised seed.  
art a stranger] Ch. 17. 8. This is to prevent the weakening of his faith, by being but a stranger in it still, as also his father and Grandfather were.  
unto Abraham] By Promise, ch. 12. 7. and often repeated.  
V 5. Of B● thuel the Aramite] Syrian. So Luke translateth the word, Luke 4. 27.  
V 9 To Ishmael] The Ishmaelites, for he was dead, ch. 25. 17.  
Mahalath] Called also Basemath, ch. 36. 3.  
sister] By the same mother at least, if not father.  
Nebaioth] ishmael's eldest son, ch. 25. 13. From him Esau had his sister to wife, Ishmael being now dead. Esau and she were Cousin-germen; two brothers children. This Esau did to please his father, and strengthen himself by the Ishmaelites against Jacob. And now he hath three wives, assoon likely as Jacob had any.  
V 10. From Beersheba] Ch. 26. 23.  
toward Haran] Charran, Acts 7. 2. a long journey; seven days journey in Laban's pursuit to Mount Gilead, ch. 31. 22, 23. which Mount stretched through the two tribes, and 1/2 beyond Jordan Eastward. And now was Jacob seventy five or seventy six years old. See Annot. on ch. 29. 21.  
V 11. And he lighted] By God's Providence, chap. 32. 10.  
because the Sun was set] And so, or for weariness, he did not reach Luz, after called Bethel. Though it were hard by, v. 19 It is conceived to be near fifty English miles distant from Beer-sheba; and from Jerusalem eight miles Northward.  
for his pillows] Heard distress. He went so meanly from his parents, or haply stole away in a sort, lest Esau should lie in wait for him by the way; as he did at his return, ch. 32. 6. Abraham's servant went with great state, so that Rebekah calls him Lord, ch. 24. 18. But Jacob with his staff in his hand, ch. 32. 10.  
V 12. Dreamt] A divine dream; See Annot. on ch. 15. 1. and on ch. 20. 3.  
Ladder] Signifying Christ, John 1. 51. In his two natures personally united; Heaven and earth are as it were joined together. And by him the only Mediator is man reconciled to God. Colos. 1. 20. by him the Angels for our service, and the Holy Ghost and his gifts descend down to us, and we and our prayers have access and ascend unto God. And secondarily, hereby is signified the Providence of God in governing the world, Psal. 113. 5, 6. and particularly, his provident care over Jacob, in his journey going and returning, v. 13, 15. and 32. 1, 2. And both these, specially by the Ministry of Angels, Psal. 91. 11, 12. Heb. 1. 13, 14.  
earth] Denoting Christ's humanity, and his conversing with men, Joh. 16. 28.  
Heaven] Denoting his Deity and Mediation, or negotiation for men with God, Heb. 8. 1. 9 24. John 14. 6.  
ascending] Coming and going, looking with desire into the mysteries of Christ, 1 Pet. 1. 12. ministering unto him, Mar. 1. 13. at his Tentation, Mat. 4. 11. in his Passion, Luke 22. 43. at his Resurrection, John 20. 12. and Ascension, Acts 1. 11. And ministering through him unto his people.  
V 13. The Lord stood] Jehovah; His Providence over us in Christ: I am the Lord God of Abraham, ch. 17. 7. Heb. 11. 16. And this teacheth the Resurrection of the dead, Luke 20. 37, 38.  
to thee and to thy seed] To thee in thy seed, when yet he had no wife or child  
V. 14. And thy seed] Renews the Promise to him, and states it in him, which was formerly made to Abraham, and to Isaac, Act. 3. 25.  
all the families] So the Promise pertains to us; we may say with the Prophet, God found him in Bethel, and there he spoke with us, Host 12. 4.  
V 15. I am with thee] The like Promise made at his return, ch. 31▪ 3.  
in all] God giving his son, doth with him give all things also, Rom. 8. 32. 1 Tim 4. 8.  
not leave thee] Josh. 1. 5. Heb. 13. 5.  
until] Not excluding the time following. As, Mat. 28. 20.  
V 16. And I knew it not] Being awaked, he perceived that God had appeared to him there: admires at it, and his goodness in it: that not only in his Father's house, but even there God vouchsafed such Apparitions, Job 9 11.  
V 17. Afraid] Such glorious, though gracious Apparitions, affects man's frailty with fear because of his sin, Mat. 17. 6. Luke. 2. 9 8. 35. Rev. 1. 17. See Annot. on ch. 16. 13.  
the house of God] He thinks this therefore a fit place for the building of an House to God, v. 22. 1 Tim. 3. 15.  
V 18. The stone] Or heap of stones, v. 11. or else some one of them.  
pillar] Some extemporary pile of stones raised by him afore on the sudden, without tools, as a thankful memorial of God's gracious Apparition in that place. This likely being after demolished, he erects about thirty years after a new pillar of stone upon another Apparition in the same place, ch. 35. 14, 15. This here was a religious sign and monument as Altars also were, Esay 19 19 There were also pillars for civil monuments, as Rachel's pillar on her grave, ch. 35. 20. and Absaloms' pillar, 2 Sam. 18. 18. the pillar Galecd, Gen. 31. 45, 47, 52. But when the Law was given by Moses, pillars for religious use were forbidden, Leu. 26. 1▪ Deut. 16. 22. in the margin, Host 10. 1. And the pillars of idolaters commanded to be broken down, Deut. 12 3. 7. 5.  
and poured oil] Which he had for food, or to anoint his body in travel. Jacob poured it on the top or the pillar to consecrate it for holy use. Thus oil of consecration in use before the Law of Moses. So again, ch. 35. 14. As after in the Law there was an anointing oil, to sanctify the things used in God's service, Exod. 25. 6. 30. 22, 25, 29, to 34. 40. 9, to 16. Or rather here Jacob poured it as to an offering of thanksgiving to God; having no other sacrifice at hand. As David poured out the water of the Well of Bethlehem, 2 Sam. 23. 16. See, ch. 35. 14. but these rites and manner of Worship, with all the Levitical ceremonies, and Consecrations of places, persons, and things to divine service, are taken away by the Gospel, John 4. 20. 1 Tim. 2. 8. Yet the rules of religious order and decency in the times, places, and particulars of Christian Worship are to be observed.  
V 19 Bethel] The City Luz hard by this place; and after hereupon called Bethel. Bethel was on an high hill; And therefore we read of Mount Bethel, Josh. 16. 1. It was nigh to Hui or Ai, and West of it, Gen. 12. 8. Josh. 7. 2. ch 8● 9 12 ch. 12. 9 And therefore the men of Bethel and Ai are joined together, Ezra 2. 28. Nehem. 7 32. Bethlehem and Shilo were not far from it, Gen. 35. 16, 19 Judg. 21, 19 Abraham pitched his Tent close by it i● not there, Gen. 12. 8. 13. 3. As Jacob had this dream and vision here, whereupon he calls the name of the place Bethel, so God himself bidding him return from Laban, is pleased to call himself the God of Bethel, ch 31. 13. And upon his return God bids him go and dwell there. which command he obeys and here makes an Altar. And upon a second vision and Promise made he the second time, erects a pillar, and renews the name of Bethel, ch. 35. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 9▪ 13, 14 15. Hos 12. 4. In Joshuths' time it had a King, Josh. 12. 16. Joshuah, and after the house of Joseph conquered it, Josh. 12. 16. Judg. 1. 22, 23, 24, 25. It fell then by lot to the tribe of Benjamin, Josh. 18. 22. There being another of the name it seems that fell to Ephraim, 1 Chron. 7. 28. It is one of the three places whither Samuel read circuit yearly, and judged Israel, 1 Sam 7. 16. Saul in his time met three men going up to God to Bethel, ● Sam 10. 3. & had two thousand men of his army with him there, and in Micmash, 1 Sam. 13. 2. David sent of the spoils of the Amalckites to them of Bethel, if under that name in that place, Kiriah-jearim, the House of God, where the Ark then was and abode be not understood. Jeroboam in his time set up here one of his golden Calves, made an Altar, and settled Priests, 1 Kings 12. 28. 29, 32, 33. And hence Bethel the House of God, seems to be called Bethaven, the house of vanity, Host 4. 15. 5. 8. 10. 5. And yet there was another place properly called Bethaven, and nigh to B●thel, Josh. 7. 2. 18. 12. 1 Sam. 13. 5. 14. 23. Thither came a man of God while Jeroboam stood by the Altar to burn incense, and prophesied against it; and healed the King's hand that was dried up, for stretching it out against him; which Prophet was after slain by a Lion, for suffering himself to be seduced by an old Prophet that dwelled in Bethel, and came out of Samaria, 1 Kings 13. 2 Kings 23. 18. Abijah the son of Rchoboam took from Jeroboam Bethel, with the towns thereof, 2 Chron. 13 9▪ whereupon, and upon the captivity of the ten tribes Jeremy useth these words, That the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence, Jer. ●8. 13. And before that captivity Hosea threatens that Bethel should do so unto them, as Shalman had spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battle, Hos, 10. 14, 15. In Ahaziah's time, or rather Jehoram's Kings of Israel, Elias comes thither with Elizcus, immediately before his taking up into heaven. And upon Elizcus his return thither, the little children out of the city came and mocked him, calling him Bald-head, and forty two of them were torn by bears, 2 Kings 2. In the days of Jeroboam the second, Amos the Prophet in scorn, bids the ten tribes come to Bethel and transgress, Amos 4. 4. And seriously forbids them to seek to Bethel, for Bethel shall come to nought: but chargeth them to seek the Lord. lest he break out like fire, and there be none to quench it in Bethel, ch. 5. 5, 6, 7. Upon his preaching Amaziah the Priest of Bethel sends to Jeroboam against him, and forbids him to prophesy any more at Bethel, for it is the King's Chapel, and it is the King's Court, ch. 7 10, 13. Josiah in his days performed all that was sore told by the man of God, 1 Kings 13. He broke down the Altar, and burned the bones of men upon it. And the idolatrous pollutions of the Temple of Jerusalem he burned, and carried the ashes of them to Bethel, so far off, on purpose to defile that place, which the ten idolatrous tribes had held so sacred, 2 Kings 23. 15. 19 4. Thus large have I been on this place, once for all; purposing to make a reference hither, whenever I shall meet with the name elsewhere.  
●uz at the first] This name in use▪ ch. 35. 6. 48. 3. and in Joshuahs' time, Josh. 18. 13. See▪ Judg. 1. 23, 26. It signifieth Nut-tree, whence the City might have its name, as Jericho is called the City of Palmtrees, 2 Chron. 28. 15. Deut. 34. 3.  
V 20. Vowed a V●w] There is an Oath, a Vow, and a devoting of a thing to God: of an Oath, see, Annot. on ch. 24. 3. of the devoting any thing, See, Leu. 27. 28, 29. A Vow is a binding of the soul with a bond, by a sacred, and solemn, a free and voluntary Promise made to God, for the doing or more careful doing of things, which otherwise by our duty and God's Law we are bound to do, or for the doing of certain things lawful in themselves, but otherwise left indifferent to be done, or not to be done; or for the abstaining from the use of some things, otherwise lawful to be used. And all this in way of thankfulness to God for some extraordinary blessings received; or for the obtaining of some special benefits, which we greatly desire and stand in need of. And therefore Vows are ever joined with Prayers, or Praises and Thanksgiving, or both. And these Vows once made must carefully be kept and performed. Thus Jocob here vowed by way of thankfulness to God for this glorious Apparition, and the gracious Promises vouchsafed to him, and for further and future blessings to be received from God, that God should be his God, this should be a new engagement and obligation upon him, that he would for ever serve and worship him; and that that stone or pillar now erected by him, should be God's house, a place consecrated to his worship and service, and that he would give the tenth of all he should have to God, and for his special use in Sacrifices, Altars, sacred buildings, and maintenance of his service. Thus Hannah vowed, that if God would deliver her from the reproach of barrenness, and give her a manchild, she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor should come upon his head, 1 Sam 1. 11. Thus Bathsheba it seems made a Vow for the obtaining of Solomon, whence she calleth him the son of her Vows, Prov. 31. 2. Thus Jephthah made a Vow to obtain victory against the children of Ammon, Judge 11. 30, 39 And all Israel, to obtain victory against King Arad the Canaanite and his people, Numb. 21. 1, 2. Thus David vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob, forthwith to find out a place for the habitation of the Lord, Psal. 132. 2, 3. Thus Paul was under a Vow, Acts 18. 18. And again he and four other men, Act. 21, 23, 24. Yea, the Heathen Mariners, by the light of nature made vows to the Lord, vows of thankfulness for their deliverance from shipwreck, Jonah 1. 16. In Moses time, the vow of a Nazarite and Laws for them are set down at large, Numb. 6. as also the things to be vowed to the Lord, as persons, beasts, clean and unclean, houses, fields of inheritance, and of purchase, whether vowed before the year of Jubilee, or after, and the several Laws for the Redemption of them, Leu. 27. And in that Mosaical and Ceremonial Law, God carefully provides that no unworthy thing shall be vowed to him, no beast deformed, or that hath any member superfluous, or lacking, or any way faulty, Leu. 22. 18, 21, 22, 23. Mal. 1. 14. Much less the hire of a whore, or price of a dog, Deut. 23. 18. any sinful thing as those wicked men of Judah did, in their idolatrous ways, both they and their wives which fled into the land of Egypt, contrary to the Word of the Lord by Jeremy say, We will surely perform our vows which we have vowed, to burn incense to the Queen of heaven, and to pour out drink-offerings unto her, Jer. 44. 25. And least of all would he have any sinful vow made unto him. Now to forbear to vow is no sin, Deut. 23. 22. at least, no such sin as if they vow and pay not, as, John 9 41. If ye were blind, ye should have no sin, no such sin as now remaineth on you, for refusing the light. And the like, John 15. 22, 24. For howsoever in the general, a vow is a kind of a free-will-offering, a service of God, Esay 19 21. but an arbitrary and voluntary service. Before men vow it is in their own power and pleasure, as it is spoken in Ananias his case, Acts 5. 4. yet in some extraordinary cases of petition and thanksgiving, vows are requisite and necessary. And however; yet being once made lawfully, after vows to make enquiry, undoubtedly it is sin. But after vows to make enquiry is a snare and sin, Prov. 20. 25. For who vows, binds his soul with a bond, Numb. 30. 3. And therefore when a lawful vow is lawfully made, than God strictly requires the same to be punctually performed, Deut. 23. 21, 23. Eccl. 5. 4, 5, 6. And for that cause he gives Laws, who have power to vow, and who may not vow, namely, children and wives, who are not free of themselves, but under the power and command of others, Numb. 30. David therefore is mindful of his performance, Thy vows are upon me, O God, Psal 56. 12. and 66. 13, 14. And he minds others of it, Vow and pay unto the Lord your God, Psal. 76. 11. And again, To thee shall the vow be paid, Ps. 65. 1, 2. And he saith unto God, Thou, O God, hast heard my vows. And so will I sing praise unto thy Name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows, Ps 61. 5, 8.  
If God will be with me] Prayer-wise, respecting the Promile, v. 15.  
and will keep me] Respects the Promise likewise, v. 15. and binds upon it; for if here hath the signification of when, as in 1 Sam. 15. 17. And is here a word of doubting or of condition, but of faith and inference of his duty of thankfulness,  
bread to eat] 1 Tim. 6. 8.  
V 21. So that I come again] jacob's vow in all points grounded upon the Word and Promise, v. 15.  
then shall] Not as if otherwise not. He was sure of the truth of the Promise, and thereupon vows this in way of thankfulness.  
V 12. This stone] See on v. 18. and ch. 31. 45.  
God's House] So performed, ch. 35. 7, 14.  
the tenth unto thee] A sign of homage and subjection to God: And therefore given to the Priests. Thus by Abraham, and by Jacob, tithes paid before the Law of Moses.   

CHAP. XXIX.  
Verse 1. THeu Jacob] Being seventy five or seventy six years old. See, Annotat. on ver. 21.  
East] Whence Abraham came, Esay 41. 2. where Job lived afterwards, Job 1. 3. but the particular place in the East here meant is Haran, v. 4.  
V 2. A Well] So, chap. 24. 11, 15. and, Exod. 2. 15, 16, 21.  
a great stone] To keep the store.  
V 5. The son of Nahor] That is, the Grandchild. V 6. Is he well?] So, ch. 43. 17, 28. 1 Sam. 25. 5, 6. 2 Sam 20. 9  
V 8. We cannot] By right, as, ch. 34. 14. 43. 32. or with our might and strength, for it was a great stone, v. 2.  
V 10. Rolled the stone] By his own strength, or with the help of the shepherds.  
V 11. Kissed Rachel] Having first shown her who he was, ch. 31. 55.  
V 12. Her father's brother] That is Kinsman, his sister's son, v. 13.  
V 13. Kissed him] One man kisseth another; so, ch. 45. 15. Exod. 4. 27. 18. 7. Luke 7 45. Rom 16. 16. 2 Cor. 13. 12. Traitorous were the kisses of Joab and Judas.  
all these things] Touching his father, the birthright, blessing, Esau, his sending away, and the cause and end of it, and vision by the way, else Laban might have wondered at his poor and solitary manner of coming, Deut. 26. 5. considering he saw the servants rich manner o● coming, ch. 24. 10, ●2, 53. We read not here of any letter or token sent by him.  
V 14. Surely thou art] I doubt not of thy person; and welcome thou art whatever the occasion of thy journey be.  
V 15. Shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought?] Seeing him in his months abode not idle, but active and able, casts about to procure his stay.  
beautiful] So, Esther, chap. 2. 7. So, Joseph, chap. 39 6.  
V 18. I will serve thee] In some countries', and in some age's men buy wives; so, David, 1 Sam. 18. 25. 2 Sam. 3. 14. Host 3. 2. Gen. 34. 12.  
V 19 It is better] Laban out of his churlishness and covetousness, makes use of jacob's loving proffer. And yet by his general words and ambiguous speech may be suspected, not to intent fair and ingenuous dealing with Jacob, as soon after appeared, v. 23.  
V 20. Served seven years for Rachel] There are two several opinions, and there can be no more, which must guide and rule the Exposition of these words, and some others also which are in the ensuing passages of this history. One is, that Jacob married first at the end of his first seven years' service. And then having Leah fraudulently put upon him in stead of Rachel. That he newly contracts the second time to have Rachel for other seven years' service; but marries her a week after he had taken Leah; and performs that seven year's service, for Rachel after he had married her. And most Expositors are of this opinion. But I conceive there are two strong arguments against it. One is, that they are thereby forced to hold, that jacob's twelve children were all borne within those seven years, viz. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Ashur, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, Joseph, v. 25. ch. 31. 38, 41. You may say, this may well enough, be by four women, I confess it; but considering the plain and pregnant passages of the sacred history, in the times and manner of their births, I hold it impossible. For it is plain, that none of them at any time had twins. Again, Leah had Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, at several births, which will take up three or four of the seven years, before Rachel complains of barrenness. Or put case she complained sooner than the history mentions, yet Bilhah must have Dan and Naphtali at several births, before Zilpah had Gad and Ashur at several births; and these last four sons will take up three or four years; and after all this, Leah having formerly left bearing when Judah was borne, v. 35. ch 30. 9 And when Reuben her eldest son was of age to find mandrakes in the field; then after her time of barrenness, and after her maid Zilpahs' births, she then again conceiving bears Issachar, and Zebulun, and Dinah at several births. And last of all Rachel bears Joseth, all which must be done within the compass of one seven years according to that opinion. Which, how it may stand with truth, and without offering violence to the course of the history, and to many words of the text, I confess I cannot comprehend. And a second argument against that opinion, is taken from the consideration of Judah's age, and the birth of Hezron and Hamul his Grandchilds, when they with Jacob and all his posterity went down into Egypt ch. ●. 1●.] To, open this we must first knew, that Jacob was seventy five years old when he came down to Laban, which appears thus; he was one hundred and thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, ch 47. 9 and then Joseph was forty years old, viz. thirty when he was taken out of prison and advanced by Pharaoh, ch. 41. 46. After which passed seven years of plenty, and three of famine when Jacob came down, Joseph then being forty years old; it appears also that he was borne in the fourteenth year after jacob's coming to Laban, ch 30. 25. 31. 38, 41. Take then those fourteen years before Joseph was borne, and the forty years of joseph's age, when his father stood before Pharaoh, out of his father's age at that time, he being then one hundred and thirty; and it will so be clear, that Jacob was seventy five or seventy six years old, when he first came to Laban. Now this being so, Judah the fourth son of Jacob by Leah, must needs be by their opinion but three or four years elder than Joseph, Jacob not 〈◊〉 Leah, as they say, till after his first seven years of service were ended. And so Judah must be but forty three or forty four years old at most, when he and his Grandchilds Hezron and Hamul came with Jacob into Egypt. To compass this, they must cast their reckon thus, that Judah married at twelve years old, and had Er at thirteen; that Ere married at twelve years old, and Onan his younger brother, ch. 38. 4. married at twelve years old, that Tamar remained a widow, and waited till Sh●lah was grown; and the days being multiplied, Judah's wife died, and Tamar bears to Judah Pharez; and all this within the compass of three years. That Pharez married at twelve years old and begat Hezron and Hamul; and supposing them to be twirs, that at a year old they were carried into Egypt. For thus the reckoning will rise to the forty third or forty fourth year of Judah's age. But these supposed reckon seem so harsh in that age of the world, to the most learned favourers of this opinion, that they choose to ease or avoid this, to say rather, that Hezron and Hamul were not carried down into Egypt, but were borne afterwards in Egypt, so the learned late Annot. on ch. 46. 12. But this were to offer such plain violence to that text; and to the drift of that whole chapter, and giving way for others borne after in Egypt to be reckoned in as well as they, for why not others as well as they? and so the whole number to be altered, and the intent of the Holy Ghost disappointed; that I think upon due consideration had, not many will comply with that conceit. And the same Annotators disclaim it themselves, in their Annotations on ch. 38. 1. The other opinion whereunto my resolution bends, is this; that Jacob being seventy five years old, married both sisters at the beginning of the fourteen year's service, fulfilling a week in keeping the feast at the marriage of the one, and so again presently after at the marriage of the other. And the enjoying not the want and hopeful expectation of Rachel, made his seven years' service for her seem unto him to be bu● a few days. This addition of seven years to the former opinion gives fair way to the birth of all the twelve children, in that order and sequence of time, as the letter of the words, and context of the story do require, and gives further scope, (which yet is little enough) for the time of the birth of Hezron and Hamul, in the fiftieth year of Judah's age, (as this opinion makes it) when he and they went down with Jacob into Egypt. The only difficulty here occurring is, the exposition of some words and sentences, seeming to favour the first opinion, which yet may better receive a commodious interpretation, then involve and entangle us in greater perplexities, and draw upon us the forementioned incongruities, if not impossibilities. The text then here saith, That Jacob served seven years for Rahel] that is, after he had married her. And so all Expositors agree, that indeed he did so, though most of them infer it upon their construction of the 27. and 28. verses.  
but a few day's] If he had not enjoyed her by marriage all those seven years of his service, they would have seemed a longsome and tedious time. For hope deferred maketh the heart sick, Prov. 13. 12. And love makes men think everyday a year till they enjoy the Party loved.  
V 21. And Jacob said] That is, had said.  
for my days are fulfilled] That is, I am full of days, and ripe for marriage: being now seventy five years old, and my brother Esau of my age, being married thirty five years ago, ch. 26. 34.  
that I may go in unto her] Not go away with her, but use her as my wise, whiles I perform my covenanted service of seven years for her.  
V 22. And Laban gathered] Had gathered. The Hebrews want a preterpluperfect tense.  
V 23. He took Leah] Being veiled as the manner was, in bringing Brides into the Bride-chamber, Joel 2. 16. and unto their husbands in the dark, for modesty sake, ch. 24. 65. ch. 38. 15, 16.  
V 25. What is this] For he hated Leah, v. 31.  
did not I serve with thee for Rachel?] Covenant to serve with thee.  
beguiled me?] In the dark; and by her silence or soft whispering, likely upon her father's direction, which Jacob also might impute to her modesty.  
V 26. Not be so done in our country] Custom here only pretended to cover his accustomed fraud. Else he should have said so before, and told it.  
V 27. Fulfil her w●●k] The week-feast for Leah, and keep her with thee, reject her not. The marriage-feast continued a week, Judg. 14. 10, 12, 15, 17. Thus Laban provides that Jacob by voluntary consent to this marriage with Leah, should not be able afterwards to put her away.  
give thee this also for the service] All Expositors here agree, that Jacob did not first serve these seven years, and after marry Rachel. But married her first, and served after.  
V 28. And fulfilled her week] Leahs week for her marriage-feast. Or it may be understood of Rachel's week for her marriage-feast, presently succeeding the other.  
V 30. And he went in also unto Rachel] At the first Creation in Adam's time. And again in Noah's time, when there was most need of multiplication of mankind, yet God allotted but one woman for one man. And therefore though the Law against plurality of wives, was not yet so expressly and literally declared, nor against the marriage of two sisters, as afterwards it was, Leu. 18. 18. yet this here in Jacob cannot be allowed, unless besides a disposition of the divine Providence in it, there were a dispensation by divine authority for it. Neither may it without like warrant be drawn into example. As neither the example of Abraham taking Hagar, nor jacob's taking here of Zilpah and Bilhah.  
V 31. Hated] Not simply, but in comparison of Rachel, v. 30. so, in Deut. 21. 15. Mat. 6. 24. Luke 14. 26. John 12. 25.  
V 35. Now will I praise] Openly in solemn manner. This here applied to the Lord, is after applied to Judah himself, ch. 49. 8. of Judah the Nation were afterwards called Jews.  
and left bearing] If but two years; yet she could not have three children more, viz. Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah, at several births, within the compass of one seven years; yea, the favourers of that opinion confess, that it must needs be that it was not above a half year that she stayed ere she conceived again. Mr. Jackson on ch. 30. 9   

CHAP. XXX.  
Verse 1. Rakehell envied her sister] Rachel's fault, ch. 37. 11. Num. 11. 29. Psal. 106. 16. Prov. 27. 4.  
give me children] Laying the fault on her husband, who yet had children by Leah, she speaks this in a womanish passion, never considering to whom she spoke, or by what means he should be able to satisfy her desire.  
or else I die] For grief, Prov. 14. 30. It will be my death, and I shall have no desire to live, Job 5. 2. Barrenness counted a reproach, v. 23.  
V 2. Am I in God's stead] ch. 50. 19 God only can give children. ch. 16. 2. 20. 18. Psal. 113 9 127. 3. Therefore Isaac, and Hannah; and others go to God by prayer for children, Gen. 25. 21. 1 Sam. 1. 10.  
V 3. Bilhah] By the example of Sarah, ch. 16. 2.  
hear upon my knees] Brought forth and nursed on my knees, ch. 50. 23.  
that I may] So she calls them hers, and she gives them names, v. 6, 8. claiming a kind of motherhood in her Handmaids issue; the Handmaids children by nature were the Dames by adoption, or in right of her husband by the Law given afterwards, in Exod. 21. 4. And so Rachel made account that some part of her barrenness was put away, and some of her husband's good will swayed from her sister (whose envious rival she was,) to her side.  
V 4. Handmaid to wife] Called a Concubine, ch. 35. 22. so a secondary wife is called, such was Hagar, ch. 16. 3. Keturah, 1 Chron. 1. 32. and Zilpah, v. 9 ye● she and Zilpah are called his two women-servants, ch. 32. 22. The sons of Bilhah and Zilpah became Heads of tribes, and did inherit in Canaan, as well as the sons of Leah and Rachel.  
V 5. And bare Jacob a son] An improbable cunjecture it is, that this should be the same year, wherein Leah did bear Levi.  
V 6. God hath judged me] On my side against Leah, who upbraided me with barrenness, as Peninnah did Hannah, 1 Sam. 1, 6. so judging is used, 1 Sam. 24. 15. 2 Sam, 18. 19 Gen 49. 16.  
V 8. Have I wrestled] By prayer, and by all means.  
V 9 Left bearing] An improbable conjecture it is, that it was not above half a year that she stayed ere she conceived again. And yet to these straits they are driven that hold the opinion, that Jacob did not marry till the beginning of the last seven year's service.  
V 13. Call me blessed] Luke 1. 48. Cant. 6. 9  
V 14. Reuben] Must now need● be more than five years old, rather eight or nine, having seven brethren at this time borne after him; three of his own mother, and four by the two Handmaids whiles his mother left off bearing. And yet if he were now but five or six years old, as the late Annotat. affirm on this verse, there would remain but one or two years for her three last children, Issachar, Zebulun and Dinah▪ which helps still to make against the foresaid opinion formerly rejected.  
mandrake's] Pleasant to the eye, and of a sweet smell, Cant. 7. 13. Lovely flowers, whether those we call mandrakes, i●is uncertain. But it seems they were of some esteem amongst them, such ado is here kept about them.  
V 15. Hast taken my husband] His affection from me, and so his conjugal duty belonging to me, that he doth estrange himself from my bed through thee. Haply these contentions were not merely carnal; but aimed and reached further.  
shall lie with thee] Rachel makes ill use of her husband's great affection to her, takes upon her the disposal of his person, and hires him out ●or a trifle to her sister.  
V 16. Leah went out to meet him] To make sure, he should not go in to Rachel. It seems they had several tents.  
V 17. And God harkened unto Leah] v. 22. Therefore she prayed to him, for a child. God's Providence reacheth to the numbering of our hairs, Mat. 10. 30.  
and she conceived] Not the same year that Zilpah her Handmaid had her first son; much less the fifth year of the last seven year's service.  
V 21. Divah] Ch. 34.  
V 23. My reproach] Of Barrenness, 1 Sam. 1. 6. Esay 4. 1. Luke 1. 25.  
V 24. The Lord shall add] Prayer-wise. See the accomplishment, ch. 35. 7.  
V 25. When Rachel had borne] Jacob than was ninety years old.  
send me away] He being now out of Laban's debt, chap. 31. 41.  
mine own place] Ch. 28. 13. The respect he had to the Promise made him earnest to return thither.  
V 26. Give me my wiv●s] cb 21. 21. He would not have stolen them away against his will, and have married them after. He had served for them, and yet here craves his good leave to departed. Though afterwards upon good occasion he steals away, ch. 31. 20.  
V 27. Favour in ahine eyes] Ch. 18. 3.  
for thy sake] Changed 39 3.  
V 30. Since my coming] And at my labour.  
and now when] I being now ninety years old, 1 Tim. 5. 8. He altars his former real intention to return presently, upon good considerations. And God did not command his return, till ch. 31. 3, 13.  
V 31. Not give me any thing] No fit wages; nothing out of thy precedent or present estate, but out of that which shall accrue to thee afterwards.  
V 32. I will pass through] Jacob will depend upon God's bounty, rather than upon Laban's churlish covetousness.  
and of such shall be my hire] Of the speckled only, when no speckled ones were left in the flock. But only white ones.  
V 34. I would it might be] For this was likely to be a good bargain for Laban, for naturally cattle bring forth young ones like themselves; yet seeing the issue of this, Laban changes this course ch. 31. 7.  
V 37. Rods] This he did at the ramming-time; and it seems by God's command, ch. 31. 9, 10. 11, 12. in recompense of his sore labours, ch. 31. 38, 40. As the Israelites dealt with the Egyptians, at God's command. And otherwise Laban would have sent him away empty, ch. 31. 42. Ezech. 39 10.  
V 38. Conceive] The colour of the rods, haply made also the shadows of the rams that leapt upon them, to appear particoloured in the water. And the strength of fancy or imagination is much at such a time of conception, and specially with God's blessing upon it, as here.  
V 40. The Lambs] That were particoloured.  
and set the faces] That so they might conceive the like, as they did before, by seeing the peeled rods in the troughs.  
his own flocks by themselves] Not amongst Laban's cattle, lest his own seeing Laban's cattle of one colour, shouln engender the like to Laban's, and so be Laban's, not his. A third device.  
V 43. Increased exceedingly] Thus even in temporal things God abundantly blessed him, ch. 31. 9   

CHAP. XXXI.  
Ver. 1. Got all this glory] i. e. riches. Riches procure men honour and glory in the eyes of the world. And worldly men esteem them as their chiefest glory, Psal. 49. 16, 17. Riches and glory, or honour are joined together, Prov. 3. 16. 8. 18. Eccl. 6. 2.  
V 2. Countenance] Betrays the heart; its looking glass.  
V 3. Return] Thus God removes all jacob's fears and doubts. And Jacob makes use of it, ch. 32. 9  
V 5. Hath been with me] To bid me return, v. 3, 13.  
V 7. Ten times] That is, many times. So, Numb. 14. 22. Job 19 3. Leu. 26. 26. Zech. 8. 23. yet ten times may well be in six years, if sheep in Mesopotamia bring forth young twice a year, as some say now they do in Italy.  
suffered him not] Gods restraining grace in the wicked, ch. 20. 6.  
V 8. Ring streaked] With a round strake like a ring, of a contrary colour about their leg. Thus Laban ties and restrains him to that one mark.  
all the cattles For the greatest part.  
V 9 God hath] No fraud in Jacob.  
V 10. In a dream] Sent of God, six years afore this time, and this apparition, v. 13.  
V 11. Angel] The God of Bethel, v. 13. which appeared to him in Bethel, ch. 28. 13. ch. 48. 16. the Angel of the Covenant, Mal. 3. 3. Exod. 23, 20, 21.  
V 13. I am the God] This Apparition was six year after the former.  
of Bethel] Putting him in mind of his promise and vow there made by him, and accepted by God, thus approving the name itself, and his service there vowed, ch. 28. 18, 19, 22.  
now arise] Without delay.  
V 14. Rachel and Leah] The younger first named, as the best beloved, and who should have been the elder wise. So, Ruth 4. 11.  
V 15. Stranger's] Dealt with us as strangers rather than children.  
hath sold us] To thee for fourteen year's service.  
our money] What we might have had in money or money worth, for thy fourteen years' service being our husband; whereas in good conscience he should have given us that as our portion, he hath converted it to his own use. And should he do so with the wages God hath given thee, for us and our children, for thy last six year's service also?  
V 16. Whatsoever God hath said] This is a binding reasun, which answers all doubts, and secures against all after-claps.  
V 18. To go to Isaac] By the way he stayed about six years at Succoth, and at Shalem a City of Shechem, till Dinah was marriageable, who came from Laban at six or seven years of age, ch. 30. 21. 33. 18. 34. 1. After he stayed at Bethel, but not long, notwithstanding Gods command for his dwelling there, ch. 35. 1. as appears by the birth of Benjamin by the way, when he left Bethel, ch. 35 16, 17, 18. and the number of Benjamins' children, when they all went down into Egypt, ch. 46. 21. Joseph being then forty years old, and Benjamin but twenty seven, though he were borne within a year after Dinahs ravishing, nor doth it appear that Jacob stayed long about the tower of Edar, before he came to Isaac to Mamre. ch. 35. 21, 22, 23, 27.  
V 19 Rachel had stolen the images] Teraphim. Laban calls them his gods, his houshould-gods, ●deos penates, v. 30. Images likely in the shape of men, 1 Sam. 19 13, 16. where the word plural Teraphim signifies one image, used in divine worship by idolaters, Judg. 17 5. 18. 14, 17, 20 Host 3. 4. consulted withal as Oracles, Ezech. 21. 21. Zech. 10. 2. as Ahaziah did with Beelzebub, 2 King. 1. 2. put down by Josiah and other godly Kings, 2 Kings 23. 24.  
V 21. The river] Euphrates, Josh. 24. 2, 3.  
Gilead] Agnostus eat mountain, or tract of mountains Eastward of Jordan, running through the Kingdoms of Sihon and Og, the tribes, two 1/2 Deut. 3. 12. and having in several parts several names, as Gilead, Seir, Hermon and Libanus, the country under it very fertile, called the land of Gilead, Jer. 22. 6. 8. 22. 46. 11. Gen. 37. 25. Numb. 32. 1. Here called Gilead by Anticipation; See v. 47.  
V 22. The third day] Ch. 30. 36. 31. 19 Laban's fact proved jacob's advantage, Job 5. 12, 13.  
V 23. Seven day's journey] From the time he set forward in his pursuit, three days of jacob's journey were spent ere Laban knew of it. Likely three days more in his return from his sheep-shearing to his home, and in preparing. Then these seven days in pursuit were twice swifter, and gained more way than Jacob could in his slow pace, chap. 33. 14. This then is the thirteenth day of jacob's journey.  
V 24. And God came] So, ch. 20. 3, 7. Numb. 22. 9  
take heed] A commination and rebuke, v. ●9, 42.  
either good or bad] V. 29. Not simply; but to this end to bring him back again, or hinder him in his journey, or any way to hurt him, as is the present intent of thy pursuit, 2 Sam. 13. 22.  
V 26. As captives] They went willingly, ver. 14, 15, 16.  
V 27. Sent thee away with mirth] He had no such mind then, nor willingly now, but as God overpowered him.  
V 28. To kiss] A Ceremony used both at meering and parting, ch. 29. 11. 27. 26. Exod. 4. 27. Gen. 31. 55. 33. 4. Ruth 1. 14. 2 Sam. 14. 33.  
foolishly] Jacob did it wisely, and that Laban himself knew.  
V 29. It is in the power] A vain brag, like pilate's, John 19 10, 11.  
V 30. Stolen my gods?] Vanity of idolatry and idolaters, that their gods can be stolen: gods plurally is spoken of one image, Ex. 32, 8. And so Teraphim plurally signifies sometimes one image, 1 Sam. 19 13. 16. Though Jacob was twenty years with Laban, yet Laban continued an idolater. Not thinking yet those Teraphims to be gods, but that he worshipped God in them, by them and with them.  
V 32. Let him not live] A severe judgement, proceeding from confidence of innocency: uttered in detestation of theft, but much more of idolatry, yet done more rashly then wisely, when he extended it beyond the innocency of his own person.  
V 33. Tent] Each sort had several tents. See, Annot. on ch. 23. 2.  
V 35. The custom of women] Leu. 15. 19  
V 36. Wroth and chode] Be angry, but sin not, Eph. 4. 26. upon just cause, whence innocency is slandered.  
V 37. May judge] Lay the blame where it is due.  
V 39 I bear the loss of it] Though against the rule of right, Exod. 22 10, 13.  
V 40. Thus I was] Laban's iniquity drives Jacob to praise and justify himself. So, 1 Cor. 15. 10. 2 Cor. 11. 1. Host 12. 12. Deut. 26. 5.  
V 41. Ten times] V 7, 8.  
V 42. The fear of Isaac] V. 53. ch. 27. 33. 32, 9● Psal. 76. 11. Esay 8. 13. As elsewhere called the Hope of Israel.  
yesternight] V. 24.  
V 43. And all that thou seest is mine] 1 Kings 20 3. A brag, as if Jacob had nothing by desert from Laban, or gift from God.  
and what can I do] As if he should say, I cannot hurt them but I must hurt myself. But why did he then so pursue? surely not to make this ensuing Covenant; it was not his mind then. Jacob may thank God for all, who had thus bridled, if not altered Laban.  
V 44. A Covenant] Ch. 21. 32.  
V 45. A stone] Heap of stones, v. 46, 48, 51. as, chap. 28. 19  
a pillar] A Monument of the Covenant.  
V 46. Brethren, gather stones] Jacob speaks to his own family and Laban's too, v. 51.  
did eat there upon the heap] After the Covenant made, v. 54.  
V 47. Jegar-Sahadutha] In Laban's Syrian languaged ●.  
Galced] The same in jacob's Hebrew language. Hence likely the mountain and country took the name of Gilead.  
V 48. This heap is a witness] A sign, memo rial, which may be alleged in aftertimes as a witness.  
Galeed] Therefore by anticipation so called, v. 21.  
V 49. Mizpah] Near Mount Hermon and Lebanon, Josh. 11. 3. watchtower. There were afterwards divers places of that name; one in Judah's lot, Josh. 15. 38. another in Benjamins, Josh. 18. 26. another in Moab, 1 Sam. 22. 3.  
V 50. If thou shalt] Implying the words of a curse, as is usual in this case, ch. 14. 23 forbearing the expression of the words of the curse, either out of fear or unwillingness to mention it in particular, or as yielding to any curse in general, if they break Promise and Covenant; so, ch. 24. 3.  
V 52. To thee] For harm.  
V 53. The God of Nahor, the God of their father] Terah: both idolaters, Josh. 24. 2. The idolater swears by his gods, his idols.  
V 54. Offered sacrifice] Killed beasts, for a feast, not sacrifice. Feasts used at the making of Covenants, ch. 26. 30. Numb, 22. 40. 1 Kings 1. 9 19 21. 1 Sam. 28. 44.  
V 55. Blessed them] Thus God overrules the wicked; so, ch. 33. 4. so he turned Balaams' curse into a blessing, Numb. 23. 11. Deut. 23. 5. so the minds of the Barbarians towards Paul, Acts 28. 4, 5, 6.   

CHAP. XXXII.  
Verse 1. ANgelis of God] To comfort and confirm him against the future fear and danger by Esau, Psal 91. 11.  
met him] In a visible Apparition when he was awake.  
V 2. God's Host] Camp, Army, Heavenly soldiers, Luke 2. 13. Horses and charets of fire, 2 Kings 6. 17. fight for God's people against their enemies, Dan. 10. 13, 20. 2 Kings 19 35. Psal. 34. 7. Host] For their Numbers, Order, Power, Employment; Angel the Guardian of Jacob; but two Hosts, Heb. 1. 14. No Angel is restrained from a particular ministration to any of the Elect, nor any of the Elect so allotted to the custody of any Angel, that he may not expect the protection of many.  
Mahanaim] Two armies, the word is of the Dual number, Cant. 6. 13. on either hand of him, or before and behind, Ps. 34. 7. 91. 11. Here is not one peculiar Angel. It seems not so likely, that by the two Armies should be meant, the one of the Angels, the other of jacob's family. Hence likely is the name of that City, Josh. 21. 38. in the tribe of Gal, assigned to the Levites the children of Merari.  
V 3. Land of Seir] Ch. 14. 6. Deut. 2. 22. The Horims dwelled there afore; called Seir, not from Esau, but from Seir a Chorite or Horite, ch. 36. 20, 21. ch. 14 6. Thither was Esau gone, ch. 36. 6, 7, 8. And that lay in jacob's way, which he must pass.  
V 4. My Lord Esau. Thy servant Jacob] V. 18. 33. 8. Not here by prejudicing or renouncing the birthright or blessing, ch. 27. 29. Though yielding for a time, as David, after he was anointed, did to Saul, so Jacob here to pacify Esau's old malice, and present rage, v. 5. Prov. 15. 1. waiting by faith for the Promise, which was to be accomplished in future times.  
I have sojourned with Laban] As an exile, as it were so long, and rendering to him an account of his time spent.  
V 5. And I have oxen] And so will not be burdensome to him, or to his father's house, not gape after his father's riches, nor be a reproach to their family by his poverty, nor seek Esau's favour for his own profit sake.  
to tell my lord] q. d. I would not pass by thee without acquainting thee with it.  
V 6. Four hundred men] Most likely, with a bloody intent, how grievous soever it might be to his aged father, v. 8. These were too many for ostentation sake.  
V 7. Greatly afraid] The infirmity of the flesh appears, the Angels being gone.  
he divided] V. 8. Another division, ch. 33. 1, 2. Good and godly policy, so, v. 16, 17, 18. and, ch. 14. 15. 30. 38.  
V 9 O God] He falls to prayer as his only safeguard. And prayers not to the Angels that appeared for their mediation. But labours to strengthen himself, and his faith in God, and his Promises and Word throughout his Prayer.  
of my father] To whom thou hast made such promises. He prays not to Abraham.  
which saidst unto me, Return] Ch. 31. 13. Be now as good as thyword, to me obeying it.  
V 10. I am not worthy of the least] Nor of this I now beg; so, ch. 18. 27. 2 Sam. 9 7, 8. Luke 17. 10. Though he justly pleaded his merit to Laban, ch. 31. 38.  
the truth] In performing thy gracious Promises and Predictions.  
this Jordan] Now in sight, being in Mount Gilead or nearer.  
two bands] V. 7.  
V 11. And the mother with the children] Or upon them, as, Host 10. 14. Deut 22. 6.  
V 12. And thou saidst] Ch. 28. 14, 15. 31. 3.  
V 13. Which came to his hand] The night, and his haste to prevent his brother, would not suffer him to stand upon choice, 1 Sam 25. 8.  
a Present] Richardo, of five hundred and eighty head of cattle, a stock for breed. As Jacob prayeth and trusteth in God and his Promises, so yet he useth means, Prov. 17. 8. 18. 16.  
V 16. A space betwixt] V. 20. To mitigate his displeasure by degrees, ch. 33. 8, 9 and that if he fell in hostile manner upon the first, the other might seek the better to escape.  
V 20. Jacob is behind us] Jest Esau might surmise that he sent these only, that he in the mean season might escape some other way.  
V 21. That night] Not that, v. 13. but the night following, having spent the day before in sending away the droves and Presents by his servants.  
V 22. Two women-servants] So are Bilhah and Zilpah called here.  
eleven son's] Dinah his daughter not mentioned. And Benjamin not yet borne.  
Jabb●ak] Deut. 2. 37. 3. 16. Numb. 21. 24. Josh. 12. 2. Judg. 11. 13. the border of the children of Ammon. If Jacob now had not been well settled in the confidence of God's Protection, he would not likely have passed over this river, as having better means to escape on the other side, Or rather, he being last, stayed yet on the other side of the river.  
V 23 Sent them ever] He remaining behind, left alone on the other side, v. 24. And there, without knowledge of any, wrestled with the Angel that night, v. 24. 26, 31.  
V 24. Wrestled] Jacob wrestling both spiritually and corporally. He deigns this, who afterwards deigned to be borne in a stable, to die on a Cross for us, Esay 55. 8. 1 Cor. 1. 27, 28.  
a man] God in the shape of a man, even Christ, v. 26, 28, 30. Called God, and an Angel, Host 12. 3, 4. that Angel, Gen. 48. 16 Mal. 3. 1. that Archangel Michael, Judas v. 9 After he had stayed behind alone, purposely to pray, as he did, Host 12. 4. with weeping, at the last the Lord appeared and set on him with wrestling.  
until the breaking of the day] A private wrestling without Spectators, v. 26. nor then did Jacob fully know with whom he wrestled.  
V 25. And when he saw] This is spoken after the manner of men. God knows all, with one pure and perfect act.  
that he prevailed not] With that measure of strength, which God in that assumed body was then pleased to take and use, Gen. 19 22. Mar. 6. 5. Mat. 15. 22. 24. 27, 28. Exod. 32, 10. Luke 24. 29. To confirm him hereby, that he should prevail with Esau.  
out of joint] The hucklebone, where the Sciatica is, to humble him that he should not be exalted out of measure: but know by whose indulgence he did prevail; and this halting to remain as a monument of it, and of this Apparition.  
V 26. Let me go] Speaks after the manner of men, whose shape he had taken, and to put Jacob in mind of haste to his affairs, Esay 64. 7. Cant. 3. 4.  
except thou bless me] Now than he knew him to be an Angel, the Archangel. Here is his wrestling by prayers and tears, knowing him now to be God, Host 12. 4. The power of prayer, Deut. 9 14.  
V 27. What is thy name] God knew well enough, as what was become of Abel; and Adam, ch. 3. and 4. He asketh his name, to take occasion for what himself meant to say of the change of his name.  
V 28. No more Jacob] Only, so, 1 Sam. 8. 7. Jer. 7. 22. or principally. The Jews are never called Jacobites but Israelites; as, Exod. 16. 8. See, Annotations on chap. 46. 2.  
but Israel] The change of names for honour sake; so in Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, Daniel and others. Esay 62. 2, see, ch. 35. 10.  
with men] Laban already, Esau shortly.  
V 29. Tell me, I pray thee, thy Name] As God asked before his name v. 27. so Jacob here returns a like demand, hoping he would give himself some peculiar name, whereby he might have the surer and clearer knowledge of him, and the better remember and honour him, Judg. 13. 17. God appeared to Jacobat lest thrice before, yet not having the like occasion, he doth not, as now, ask his name.  
wherefore is it] A refusal to satisfy his curiosity; as likewise, Judg. 13. 17, 18. It would be curiosity in us to ask the reason of this resusal, 1 Sam. 6. 19 some Angels had names, as Gabriel, Luke 1. 19, 26. Christ the Angel of the Covenant is named Michael, Dan. 10. 21. Judas v. 9 Apoc. 12. 7. Rom. 12. 3.  
blessed him] So granting his request, v. 26.  
V 30. Peniel] And Penuel, v. 31. Exod. 33. 11. so before in ch. 28. 19 In this place afterward a City and Tower was builded, and spoiled by Gideon, Judg. 8. 8, 17. and built again by Jeroboam, 1 Kings 12. 25.  
God face to face] Jacob now knew him to be God, Exod. 33. 11, 20, 23. Deut. 34. 10.  
and my life is preserved] Which the godly feared when they saw visions of God. See, Annotat. on chap. 16. 13.  
V 31. He halted] Infirmities we have in tentations and wrestlings with God, whether cured of it afterwards, or it still continued, we read not.  
V 32. Eat not] In any creatures. To perpetuate the memory of this honour done to Jacob.  
unto this day] Till Moses time; without fault or folly in abstaining.   

CHAP. XXXIII.  
Verse 1. HE divided] Ch. 32. 16.  
V 2. He put] The dearest he reserves to the safest place.  
V 3. Before them] This shows his fatherly affection, and his faith in the Promises. It seems he followed the five droves of cattle, and went before his children and their mothers, that were in three companies.  
bowed] See Annot. on ch. 32. 4. Humility goeth before honour.  
Seven times] Sometimes taken for many times, 1 Sam. 2. 5. Prov. 26. 25.  
V 4. Kissed him] Esau's heart really changed, Luk. 15. 20. Prov. 26. 7.  
V 8. What meanest thou] The servants had told him; but he thus takes occasion courteously to refuse them.  
V 9 I have enough] Many will never say so, Eccl. 4 8. Prov. 30. 15.  
V 10. Face of God] Honourable and comfortable. The Scripture useth to entitle to God the things that excel; so the Mountains of God, the City of God, Prince of God, wrestlings of God, Cedars of God, and seeing the light of God's countenance shine evidently in the cheerful countenance of his brother, Psal. 41. 11.  
V 11. My blessing] Gift of good will to thee, which God hath blessed me with, 1 Sam. 25. 27. blessing thee, and God for thee, 1 Sam. 30. 26. 2 Kings 5. 15. 2 Cor. 9 5, 6.  
he took it] It is a more blessed thing to give then to receive, Acts 20. 35. Gen. 14. 23.  
V 14. Be able to endure] Esay 40. 11. Mar. 4. 33. 1 Cor. 3. 2. 9 22. Rom. 15. 1.  
until I come unto my Lord] We read not that he performed this Promise. After, upon some reasons he might change his mind, (Mat. 2. 12.) Or go to him with a few, making no stay. For it is not like that he would so soon, by so manifest a contempt or neglect, provoke afresh his new reconciled brother.  
V 15. Let me find grace] Changed 34 11. 47. 25. 1 Sam. 25 8. 2 Sam 16. 4. Ru●h 2. 13.  
V 17. To Succoth] Here first so named, Judg. 8. 15, 16. Exod. 12. 37. Leu. 23. 34.  
and built him an house] Not yet that he stayed here long.  
V 18. To Shalem] Or Salem, Thought to be Sychar, Joh. 4. 5. Not that Salem where Melchizedech reigned. This Salem was about forty miles distant from it, John 3. 23. There is Salim near A non, haply that mentioned, 1 Sam. 9 ●.  
a C tie of Shechem] Sychem, Acts 7. 16. Sychai, John 4. 5, 6.  
pitched his tent] Dwelled at Succoth, and here most about six years, till Dinah was ravishable, and jacob's sons able men to slay the Shechemites.  
V 19 And he bought] Asdruball Abraham did, ch. 23. 17, 18. See Annot. there.  
a parcel of a field] After it became the portion of Joseph and his children. (And perhaps that legacy of Jacob on his deathbed, ch. 48. 22) Josh. 24. 32 Here Christ had conference with the woman of Samaria, Joh. 4. 5.  
of Hamor] Acts 7. 16. Emor.  
a hundred pieces] Or lambs. Ancient custom to buy and sell by exchanging one thing for another. Or money having the pictures of Lambs stamped on them, whence pecunia hath its name à pecude, Josh. 24. 32. Job 42. 11. the same word Kesitah is used, where it must be understood of a piece of money, likely of gold, for a Lamb were too small a gift. Kesitah is 1 d. ob.  
V 20. An Altar] Asdruball, ch 12. 8. 13. 3, 4, 18. 26. 25. He repaired that Altar Abraham had built there, ch. 12. 6, 7.  
El-eohe-Israel] Exod. 17. 15. Figuratively calling the sign by the name of the thing signified. This the name of the Altar, not the Inscription upon the Altar.  
Judah's departure from his brethren, and marrying a Canaanitish woman, ch. 38. 1. fell not out at this time; but before. See Annot. on that place.   

CHAP. XXXIV.  
Verse 1. ANd Dinah] Ch. 30. 21, 22. This must needs be about six years after jacob's coming from Laban, and Dinah at this time but thirteen years old at most; because of Benjamins' birth a while after this, ch. 35. 16, 17, 18. who, if borne the next year, yet can be but twenty six years old, when he went with his father into Egypt, and had then ten sons, ch. 46. 21.  
went out to see] Likely upon some festival day, and also herself alone, Tit. 2. 5.  
V 2. Hamor] Acts 7. 16. Emor or Emmor.  
V 3. And s●ake kindly] To comfort her, being afflicted for the injury done her, as Tamar in like case was, 2 Sam. 13. 13, 19  
V 5. Jacob held his peace] Though sorrowful enough. So Aaron, Lev 10. 3. and David, Psal. 39 9 Thus Jacob ruling his own spirit, did better than his sons that took the City, Prov. 16. 32.  
until] As fittest to comfort and counsel him.  
V 7. And the sons of Jacob] Reuben being born the first year of jacob's coming to Laban, was now about twenty five years old, Simeon twenty four, Levi twenty three.  
wroth] In hatred of the sin, and for the disgrace and reproach of the Church.  
folly] So the rape, Judg. 20. 6. and achan's sacrilege, Josh. 7. 15. are called folly, Rom. 1. 22. Folly in offending God, losing the soul, forfeiting heaven, gaining hell.  
in Israel] This name given him first, ch. 32. 28. Therefore these words likely are the words, not of jacob's sons, but of Moses, who writeth this story, according to the phrase of speech used in his time, and suitable to the words of the Law, delivered by him afterwards, Deut. 23. 17. See, Deut. 21. 21. Josh. 7. 15. Judg. 20. 6.  
V 8. With them] Likely apart from their father.  
Your daughter] They treating in their father's name as well as in their own. So, v. 17.  
V 11. I will give] See, Annot on ch. 29. 18. Amnon did far worse with Tamar, 2 Sam. 13. Exod. 22. 16, 17. and, Deut. 22. 28, 29, is in satisfaction for wrong done; not upon a free and equal motion and proceeding in marriage.  
V 13. And the sons of Jacob] Without their father's consent.  
deceitfully] Without their father's knowledge. He was a plain man and sincere, ch. 25. 27.  
V 14. Uncircumcised] Superfluous. Though Isaac and Jacob were married to women of Bethael and Laban's family, where circumcision of the males in all likelihood was not in use.  
V 15. But in this will we] Jacob would not have the holy Sacrament profaned, and obtruded upon unbelievers, nor his holy seed to be mingled with the cursed Canaanites, (Deut. 7. 3, 4) Neither did jacob's sons here deal otherwise then deceitfully, v. 25.  
be circumcised] Thus they abuse and prostitute the holy Sacrament to their bloody purpose, and under colour of Religion cover their deceit; so did Jozebel, 1 Kings 21, 9, 10. and Absalon, 2 Sam. 15. 7, 8.  
V 16. Our daughters] Which we have or shall have.  
V 17. Our daughter] Asdruball, v. 8. using the name of their father.  
V 19 More honourable] His great esteem was one ground of his present prevailing so much with all the men, in so strange a request.  
V 20. The gate of their City] Where were the public Assemblies and Courts of justice. See, Annotat. on chap. 23. 10.  
V 23. And every beast of theirs be ours?] Not as a spoil from them, but by commerce, marriages and the like.  
V 25. On the third day] The Critical day, by Physicians, for wounds.  
Simeon and Levi, Dinahs' brethren] By father and mother, Reuben was of a more mild nature, ch. 37. 29. They only the chief Authors and Actors, others also both brethren and servants like to be Assistants, v 13, 27.  
boldly] Because the wounded men could not resist them; and the City was secure.  
slew all the males] A male had done the wrong. Their wives and little ones they took captives, v. 29. God might justly suffer this for the Shechemites own sins, and take occasion for it from the sin of their Prince, 1 Chron. 32. 25. 2 Sam 24. 1, 15, 17.  
V 27. The sons of Jacob] The rest likely.  
and spoiled the City] V. 28, 29. of murderers become robbers.  
they had defiled their sister] One of them had, and the other repressed it not, nor judged him for it; So, Josh. 7. 1, 11, 12. 22. 20.  
V 29. Captive] What they did after with them we read not.  
in the house] In every house, chief Shechems' house wherein Dinah was, v. 2●.  
V 30. Unto Simeon and Levi] As the chief offenders.  
ye have troubled me] He then was neither privy to, nor approver of this massacre. And therefore, ch. 49. 5, 6, 7. he doth by the spirit of prophecy curse them for it, Josh. 6. 18. 7. 25. 1 Kings 18. 18. For this fact likely he deprives them of their birthright, as Reuben for his sin, and confers it on Judah, chap. 49. Prov. 11 29.  
to make me] Though he were in no fault.  
to stink] Cruelty and treachery are odious crimes, Ex. 5. 22. 1 Chron. 19 6.  
V 31. As with an harlot] A stubborn answer. In the Hebrew Zonah, the first letter is extraordinarily great. In ch. 23. 2. There is a little letter to note Abraham's moderation without excess in weeping.   

CHAP. XXXV.  
Verse 1. ANd God said] Jacob being now perplexed with fear, for that done to the Shechemites, and likely thinking thereupon of removing, God here bespeaks him, as followeth.  
said] Whether by vision, or dream, or in what manner is not set down.  
to Bethel] Southward from Shechem about thirty English miles.  
and dwelled there] Yet he dwelled a small while there, as appears by the birth of Benjamin, after he went from Bethel, v. 16, 18. And from Dinahs' ravishing at Shechem, to Benjamins' going down with his father into Egypt, there can be no more than twenty seven years; reckoning Joseph to be thirteen years old when Dinah was ravished, both being borne in one year, ch. 30 21, 22. and Joseph being forty years old in the third year of famine, when Benjamin with his father came down into Egypt. And Benjamin then had ten sons, ch. 46. 21.  
an Altar unto God] Altars built by Noah. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob himself, chap. 33. 20. To sacrifice thereon.  
unto God] Speaks of himself in the third person. So, Ex. 20. 7, 10, 11.  
that appeared unto thee] Thereby minding him of God's gracious Promises, and of his own vow there made, ch. 28. 22.  
when thou fleddest] And wast in as much danger then, as thou art in now.  
V 2. Unto his household] jacob's religious care of his household.  
and to all that were with him] This may relate to the captived Sichemites, and to all of his retinue and followers.  
Put away] So, Josh. 24. 23. Judg. 10. 16. 1 Sam. 7. 3, 4. no mixture permitted, no toleration allowed in a false worship, Deut. 29. 9 10, 11. 1 Sam, 5. 1. 2 Cor. 6. 16.  
Strange gods] Of strange Nations, and other people, differing from the true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whether Laban's gods stolen by Ruchel, and it may be yet unknown to Jacob; or any other brought by any other of his retinue, when they came from Laban and Mesopotamia; or any gods of the Shechemies, their captives among them, worshipped by them, or taken as spoil, and secretly kept for the tichnesse of them.  
and change your garments] Putting on others or washing these, Zech. 3. 3, 4, 5. Exod. 19 10, 14. Ceremonies afterwards enjoined by the Law in divers cases, Leu. 15. 13. Numb. 31, 23. importing change of mind and manners, cleansing from sin to holiness, Judas v. 23. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Ezech. 16. 8, 10 Apoc. 3. 4, 18. 7. 14.  
V 3. And go up to Bethel] Eccl. 5. 1. The House of God, that dreadful, the gate of Heaven, chap. 28. 17. Therefore in a special manner they should prepare and sanctify themselves.  
I will make] And perform my vow.  
an Altar] V. 1, 7. after a pillar, v. 14.  
of my distress] About twenty seven years ago.  
V 4. And all their earrings] Idolatrous monuments, Host 2. 13. Judge 8. 24, 25, 26. 27. Deut. 7. 25, 26. Exod. 32 2, 3, 4.  
under an oak] From the knowledge of his family and people, Esay 30. 22. Under an oak by Shechem, Joshuah set up a great stone for a witness of the people's Covenant with God, Josh. 24. 26, 27. And there the Shechemites made Abimelech King, Judg. 9 6. Oaks and groves of trees forbidden in worship, and used by idolaters, Esay 1. 29.  
by Shechem] Shiloh and the Tabernacle of God were after there, or by Shechem, Josh. 24. 1, 25, 26.  
V 5. Terror of God] Ch. 34. ●0. In all humane reason they easily might have destroyed him and his, Exod. 23. 27. Josh. 2. 9, 11. God's restraining hand upon the wicked. See, Annot. on ch. 20. 6.  
V 7. An Altar] According to part of his vow, ch. 28. 22.  
El-Bethel] Here he adds to the former name, chap. 28. 19  
V 8. Rebekahs' nurse] Sent with Rebekah, ch. 24. 59 And Jacob being now returned into Canaan, and being there now about seven years, and not very far from his father's house, she thence might come to him of her own accord, or he send for her, or fetch her, if she did not return into Mesopotamia, and thence come along with Jacob.  
V 9 Again] This is the seventh time God revealed himself to Jacob in special, manner, ch. 28. 13. 31. 3, 11. 32. 1, 2, 24. v. 35. 1.  
V 10. But Israel shall be thy name] Confirms this name to him the second time. See Annotat. on chap. 32. 28.  
V 11. I am God Almighty] Confirms and amplifies the Promises made, ch. 28. and ch. 32.  
King's] Thus God gives him the blessing of Abraham, ch. 28. 4. 17. 6.  
V 12. To thee] Not to Esau.  
V 13. And God went up] Chap. 17. 22. Judges 13. 20.  
V 14. Set up a pillar] Repaired the old, set up near thirty years ago, ch. 28. 18. or rather a new one in the very place here named.  
a drink-offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon] These in use before the Ceremonial Law by Moses, chap. 28. 18.  
V 16. A little way] About a mile short of Bethlehem, ch. 48. 7. 2 King. 5. 19  
Ephrath] Which is Bethlehem, v. 19 The Prophet joins them, And thou Bethlehem Ephrata, Micah 5. 2. called also Bethlehem-Judah, to distinguish it from another in Galilee, in the tribe of Zebulun. Here our Saviour was borne.  
V 17. This son also] Changed 30. 24.  
V 18. As her soul was in departing] To God that gave it, Eccl. 12. 7. being itself immortal, as appeareth here; and as is confessed by Heathens themselves, as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and others; and so again life is restored, when the soul comes again into the body, 1 Kings 17. 21, 22.  
for she died] Who formerly would die for want of children, ch. 30. 1.  
Ben-oni] The like case is, 1 Sam. 4. 20, 21.  
Benjamin] Psal. 80. 17. Now was Joseph about twelve or thirteen years old, six years old when he came from Laban, and six or seven years more since he came into Canaan, till the birth of Benjamin after Dinah's ravishing And B●njamin was twenty seven or tweney eight when he went into Egypt with his ten sons, Joseph then being forty, and Benjamin younger than he twelve or thirteen years.  
V 19 Buried in the way] About this place many infants were murdered by Herod, Mat 2. 16, 18 Jer. 31. 15.  
V 20. A pillar] Monuments and memorial for the dead are lawful and useful too.  
unto this day] Till Moses time, and after that to saul's time, 1 Sam. 10. 2.  
V 21. Tower of Edar] i e Of the flock, Micah. 4. 8. It may be hereabouts the Angels appeared to the shepherds, Luke 2. 8.  
V 22. His father's Concubine] See Annot. on ch. 22. 24. and on ch. 25. 1. By this he justly lost his birthright, ch. 49. 4. 1 Chron. 5. 1. So Absalon sinned with his father's Concubines, 2 Sam. 16. 22. And as David abstained from them afterwards, 2 Sam. 20. 3. so likely Jacob did from Bilhah.  
and Israel heard it] Here is an empty space left in the line, with a mark to move consideration. As likewise in Gen. 4. 8. And also a pause or breaking off as to a new matter, even in the midst of the verse. So in Deuteron. 2. 8.  
twelve] He had no more after. Dinah was a daughter, and Joseph was one of the twelve; yet after when the twelve tribes were accounted and settled, Ephraim and Manasse were put in, and Joseph and Levi (in a sort) left out, Levi for any land by lot in Canaan. They are called the twelve Patriarches, Acts 7. 8. and twelve tribes, Acts 26. 7. Their names engraved on twelve precious stones, on the High Priests plate, Exod. 28. 21, 29. and on the twelve gates of the new Jerusalem, Ezech. 48. 31. Apoc. 21. 12. The Apostles of Christ were twelve, and their names written on the twelve foundations of the wall or the City of the new Jerusalem, Apoc. 21. 14.  
V 23. The sons of Leah] The sons of the wives by themselves, and of the Concubines by themselves.  
V 26. In Padan Aram] Except Benjamin, which is so plain in the former part of this chapter, as no Reader could mistake it. And so no need of an exception of him to be named.  
V 27. And Jacob came unto Isaac] His sons, though borne out of the land of Canaan, come with him into the land, whereas Esau and his sons, though borne in the land, do go out and give place. Jacob and his wives, children and family came to him, and removed their habitations thither. Though in all likelihood, living divers years in Canaan before, and that not far from Isaac, he did before this time come to visit his blind and aged father.  
unto Mamre] See Annot. on ch. 13. 18. and on 23. 2.  
V 29. And died] Long after jacob's rerurn to him, for he lived till the year before joseph's advancement in Egypt, or till the time of his advancement. He being sixty when Jacob was borne, and Jacob being one hundred and twenty when Joseph was advanced in Egypt, and one hundred and thirty when he stood before Pharaoh, which sixty and one hundred and twenty make up the full life of Isaac.  
Esau and Jacob buried him] So Isaac and Ishmael buried Abraham, ch. 25. 9   

CHAP. XXXVI.  
Verse 1. NOw these are the generations of Esau] 1. Chron. 1. 35. All this shows the accomplishment of that Oracle given to Rebekah, ch. 25. 23. As also of that temporal blessing wherewith his father blessed him, ch. 27. 39, 40. And likewise of the Promise to Abraham, ch. 22. 17.  
V 2. Esau took his wives] Ch. 26. 34. 28. 9 Many here have two names.  
Adah] Called Bashemath, ch 26. 34.  
Aholibamah] Called Judith, ch. 26. 34.  
the daughter of Anah] Called Beeri, ch. 26. 34.  
the daughter of Zibeon] His Grandchild. And this doth distinguish this Anah from another of the name, v. 20. who was the brother of Zibeon, and so the Uncle of this Anah.  
the Hivite] A Hittite, ch. 26. 34. The Hivites comprehended the Hittites under them.  
V 3. And Bashemath] Called Mahalath, ch. 28. 9  
V 6. And Esau took] Had taken before jacob's coming, ch. 32. 3. 33. 14.  
and went into the country] Another country, Mount Seir, v. 8.  
from the face] Before jacob's coming, ch. 32. 3.  
V 7. For their riches] His and his fathers, or else all this removing, though begun as before, yet might receive a full and final accomplishment after jacob's coming, and perhaps after Isaac's death. When the riches of the two brethren were more, then that they might dwell together in a land wherein they were but only sojourners; and haply too that Esau by this time had already hope to get the possession of the land of Seir.  
V 8. Seir] So named from a man of that name, v. 20. God gave it to Esau, Deut. 2. 5, 12. Josh. 24. 4.  
V 11. Eliphaz were Teman] Eliphaz the Temanite, Job 2. 11.  
V 12. And Timna] Sister to Lotan, the son of Seir, v. 20, 22. was married to Eliphaz Esau's son. Thus by marriages and the sword Esau got into the rule and possession of Mount Seir, ch. 27. 40. 1 Chron. 1. 36.  
Amalek] 1 Chron. 1. 36. A Duke, v. 10. Whence came the Amalekites, which were so great enemies to Israel, Exod. 17. 8, 14.  
V 13. Revel] 1 Chron. 1. 37.  
V 15. Duke's] Leaders or chief Governors, fourteen in number. After they had Kings, v. 31. and after that Dukes again, v 40, 41, 42, 43.  
V 16. Duke Korah] Omitted among the sons of Eliphaz, v. 11. and 1 Chron. 1. 36. nor yet that Duke Korah, v. 18. he being of another mother.  
V 20. Seir the Horite] Ch. 14. 6. Horites seem to be of the Hivites. v. 2. for Zibeon the Hivite, v. 2. cometh of this race. Their race is mentioned because of the affinities the Edomites made with them, and the Edomites being their successors in the land and Government.  
V 24. This was that Anah] Mule.] The vulgar Latin translates it Buhes. Mules engender not, but are engendered by an He-Asse upon a mare; against the Law, Leu. 19 19 This Anah was father-in law to Esau, v. 2. 25.  
V 26. Children of Dishon] Many following are of two names, 1 Chron. 1. 41, etc.  
Hemdam] Or Amram, 1 Chron. 1. 41.  
V 27. Akan] Or Jakan, 1 Chron. 1. 42.  
V 28. Dishan] And Dishon, distinct persons, v. 21, 28. 1 Chron 1. 38, 42.  
V 30. Among their Dukes] That is, Dukedoms. For these seven sons of Seir had their Dukedoms at one time in several places, being all brethren, the sons of Seir, ver. 20, 21.  
V 31. And these are the Kings] The accomplishment of the Promise to Abraham, ch. 17. 16. For Kings to proceed from Sarah. Thus Esau after his Dukes, v. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 had of his posterity eight Kings, which b●re successively a golden sceptre, whiles jacob's posterity was in servitude, under a rod of iron in Egypt.  
Before] Before Moses time; for he was King in Jeshurun, Deut. 33.  
V 32.] These Kings being borne in several places, of several kindreds, and reigning most in several Cities, must therefore reign, not by succession, but by election or tyranny.  
V 37. Of Rehoboth] A City builded by Nimrod, Gen. 10. 11.  
by the river] Euphrates.  
V 40. And these are the names of the Dukes] From Kings they come down to Dukes again, eleven here named; which haply might be Dukes in several places, all at one time. The Dukes of Edom are mentioned, Exod. 15. 15. at the Israelites coming out of Egypt And the King of Edom, mentioned a little before the end of their forty years being in the wilderness. Numb. 20. 14. and that may be haply the last King Hadar, v. 39 of this chapter. If these eleven Dukes were to be counted in succession one after another, then must Moses here by the spirit of Prophecy foretell their names and dignities, which did succeed when he was dead.  
V 41. Aholibamah] And Timnah likewise, v. 40. before the names of women, v. 12, 14. are here the names of men.  
the father of the Edomites] Of Edom, from the red pottage, and his red hair too, ch. 25, 25, 30.   

CHAP. XXXVII.  
Verse. 2. THe generations of Jacob] The story of things that did befall him, chap. 6. 9 25. 19  
Joseph being seventeen years old] And Jacob then one hundred and seven, Joseph vourished him seventeen years in Egypt before he died.  
was feeding the flock] Not idle, but a shepherd himself.  
with the sons of Bilhab] The sons of the Handmaids sorted together, and Joseph with them rather than with Leah's sons, for safety against envy and emulation. And specially in safety with Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid.  
their evil report] Of their injurious usage of him, or of their evil conversation.  
V 3. More than all] More than any of them all.  
son of his old age] He was upon ninety at the birth of Joseph, and now one hundred and seven; Bonjamin was now but about three or four years old, and not come yet to any proof to gain so much of his father's affection.  
of many colours] So Tamar had, and Kings daughters used them that were Virgins, 2 Sam. 13. 18. A sign of jacob's love, an object of his brethren's envy.  
V 4. More than all his brethren] There appeared in him presages of virtuous acts and great employments.  
V 5. Dreamt] See Annot. on ch. 20. 3.  
told it] God special Providence was in it, causing him thus to reveal his dreams.  
V 7. And made obeisance to my sheaf] For corn it was that they went down into Egypt, and there did obeisance to Joseph, ch. 42.  
V 8. Reign over us] They apply it to themselves, as the Midianites did, Judg. 7. 13, 14.  
made obeisance to me] Twice, as Pharaohs dreams, chap. 41. 25, 32. see it accomplished, ch. 46.  
V 10. And his father rebuked him] Partly through ignorance, and partly in policy to abate the hatred of his brethren, v. 11.  
and thy mother] Stepmother, Leah; Rachel being dead at this time undoubtedly.  
V 11. Observed the saying] Seeing the dream was doubled, and that excellent gifts and graces of mind and body, appeared in Joseph, Luke 2. 19, 51.  
V 12. In Shechem] Which was from Hebron, where his father and Grandfather were, v. 14. about sixty miles, ch. 35. 27. This the place, where not four years ago they committed that massacre. And ever since likely the less inhabited, and so more fit for pasturage, and freer from danger, the terrout of God being still upon the neighbouring places. Haply in that place bought, ch. 33. 19  
V 14. Well with thy brethren] Minding haply the massacre they had made there, and their possibility of danger by it.  
V 16. I seek my brethren] His father's care in sending, and his in seeking, do aggravate his brethren's sin and cruelty against him.  
V 17. And found them in Dothan] joseph's obedience stretched further than his father's words, to his father's mind. About eight miles distant from Shechem. Here afterwards was a City where Elizaus was, 2 Kings 6. 13.  
V 18. They conspired] They quickly conclude out of their fore-conceived malices, so, Luke 20. 14.  
V 19 This dreamer] A nickname in scorn. And so best men are used.  
V 20. Slay him, and we will say] One sin draweth on another.  
some evil beast] Asdruball, 1 Kings 13. 24. 2 Kings 2. 24. They will do a beastly act, but not own it.  
V 21. Reuben] The eldest, ch. 42. 22. He the eldest might most hate joseph's Sovereignty; he did it with an intent to deliver him to his father again, v. 22. it may be to make some amends to him for his incest with Bilhah. Sinful all the sons of Jacob, sinful the Church.  
V 23. Stripped Joseph] He besought them in the anguish of his soul, ch. 42. 21. Mat. 27. 28.  
V 24. No water] Jer. 38. 6. Zech. 9 11.  
V 25. To eat bread] Exod. 18. 12. without remorse for it, they make much of themselves, and little regard the afflictions of Joseph, Amos 6. 6. Their consciences were asleep.  
Ishmaelites came from Gilead] From Arabia; or East from Jordan, by Dothan towards Egypt.  
Gilead] A place of merchandise, Jer. 8. 22. 22. 6. 46. 11.  
V 26. What profit] A good query to pose ourselves when we are about to sin. Profit would arise by selling him, Mat. 16. 26. Rom. 6. 21.  
V 27. Sell him] Ancient and usual to sell men, Exod. 21. 21, 16.  
Ishmaelites] Ch. 39 Called also Midianites, v. 28. and Medanites, v. 36. Medan and Midian brethren, 25. 1, 2. a mixed company of Merchants, both Ishmaelites by Hagars' son, and Midianites of Keturahs' son, ch. 25. 2. both dwelling in Arabia; so, in Judg. 8. 22, 24, 26.  
V 28. Drew up] in Reubens absence.  
for twenty pieces of silver] Twenty shekels, i. e. shillings, and 3 d. a piece more, ● 1 li. 5. should See Annot. on ch. 23. 16. Joseph here may many ways be a type of Jesus; sold for thirty pieces.  
V 29. And he rend his clothes] He was absent when Judah's counsel was followed, v. 26, 27. And likely he absented himself of purpose, that he might, as now he did, go some secret way to the pit to deliver him, v. 22. missing him, he rend his clothes, as custom than was in like cases of great and grievous sorrow, to show the brokenness of their heart, what little care or comfort they took of any thing in that passion. Examples are many of the like, v. 34. ch. 44. 13. David commands it to Joab and the people in their mourning before Abuer, 2 Sam. 3. 31.  
V 30. The child is not] Not in the pit, nor alive, ch. 42. 13, 36. Jer. 31. 15. Yet after he knew all, he consents to conceal the sale of him from his father.  
and I, whither shall I go?] Of me the eldest my father will require him. And I have so greatly offended him already, ch. 35. 22. So, 2 Sam. 13. 13.  
V 32. sent] Bianca messengers. and they brought it] The messengers.  
V 34. Jacob rend his clothes] Isaac was alive, and no doubt mourned too.  
put on sackcloth] Here first mentioned. A ceremony of sorrow much practised afterwards by God's people, and by the Ninevites themselves, Jonah 3— 5. Hereunto were sometimes added earth and ashes on the head.  
and mourned] Washed the bloody coat of his son with his tears.  
V 35. And all his sons] That plotted this sorrow, pretended sorrow themselves; and would never lessen his sorrow by confessing the sale.  
and all his daughters] Dinah and his sons wives.  
but he refused to he comforted] Infirmity in Jacob. This aggravates his son's sin.  
into the grave] The word signifieth the state of the dead, without any reference to pain or anguish. Jacob here meant not a grave properly, because he thought Joseph to be some of wild beasts, much less dreamt he of a Limbus Patrum, and least of Hell or Purgatory, Joseph being so good a son. Usually the word signifies a grave. As death is appointed for all men, so is this Sheol, Psal. 89. 48. Eccls 9 10. Job desired to be hid in Sheol, Job 14. 13. Gen. 42. 38. 44. 29, 31. Psal. 16. 10.  
V 36. An Officer] Eunuch. Such came to be great Officers in Courts of Kings, Chamberlains, etc. and so the word came to be a word of Court-honour, ch. 40. 2. and so given to some that were not gelded; as to Potiphar here, who had a wife, ch. 39 7, 9 The Law is against such, Deut. 23. 1.  
Captain of the guard] A Provost-Marshal, 2 Kings 25, 8. Gen. 40. 3.   

CHAP. XXXVIII.  
Verse 1. AT that time] Or in that time not of joseph's selling into Egypt. For between that time and Judah's going into Egypt with his father Jacob, were but twenty two or twenty three years. Joseph being sold at seventeen years old; and all coming down when he was forty years old. And within the compass of those twenty two or twenty three years, Judabs' marriage with the daughter of Shuah, and the begetting of Pharez upon Tamar his daughter-in-law, and Pharez his begetting of Hezron and Hamul could not possibly be done. Judah's marriage than must needs precede the story of joseph's sale; and Ere his eldest son must needs be about ten years old at that time. Therest, and so the most of the story in this chapter, fell out after the selling of Joseph into Egypt.  
went dom● from his brethren] Not before he left Laban, though some reject not that opinion; but before Dinahs' ravishing, yea, speedily upon his first coming into Canaan. They that make Judah to be born in the beginning of the 14th year of the latter seven of jacob's service, & so but three or four years older than joseph, and but forty three or forty four when he came with his father into Egypt, they find him by that account to be but ten years old when he first came into Canaan, and thereupon defer his marriage till two or three years after, and so straiten the times for the births of his offspring before they all went into Egypt, which howsoever the great Annotations miscast it upon this place, must needs run thus, viz. that Judah at twelve or thirteen married the daughter of Shuah, two or three years after his coming into Canaan; and in three years after had Er, Onan and Shelah. That Ere at twelve married Tamar, that four years were spent in the matters of Onan and Shelah, and Judah's begetting Pharez, and Zerah of Tamar, to the time of the birth of Pharez: that Pharez at twelve married, and in two years had Ezrom and Hamul. All which do make up but thirty three or thirty four years, which is the full time between the first coming of them all into Canaan, and their going down into Egypt, as clearly appears by the several periods of joseph's age; he being six or seven years old when they all left Laban, and forty when they all came down unto him into Egypt. But the other opinion which makes Judah to be borne in the fourth year of the first seven of jacob's service, and so to be ten years older than Joseph, and fifty years old when he with his father came into Egypt, doth give fairer way to the course and times of the story thus, viz. Judah at sixteen years old, comes into Canaan, and speedily marries the daughter of Shuah. In the next year hath Er. Er marries Tamar at fourteen. After which four years are spent in the matters of Onan, of Shelah, and till the birth of Pharez, begotten by Judah after the death of his wife, upon the body of Tamar, and Pharez at thirteen years old marries, and in two years hath Hezron and Hamul, and then all go down into Egypt. And all this within the fifty years of Judah's age.  
Adullamite] Adullam, a city that fell afterwards to the tribe of Judah, Josh. 12. 15. 15. 33, 35. had a King was seated in a valley, David fled to a cave here, 1 Sam. 22. 1. 2 Sam. 23. 13.  
V 2. Canaanite] Contrary to the wills of his Grandfather and great Grandfather, ch. 24. 3. 27. 46. 28. 1.  
Shuah] The name not of Judah's wife, but of her father, v. 12. 1 Chron. 2. 3.  
V 3. He called] The man names the child.  
V 4. She called] The woman names. And so, v. 5.  
Chezib] Likely Achzib, Josh. 19 29. 15. 44. signifies lying, and thereto the Prophet alludes, Micah. 1. 14.  
V 7. Was wicked in] What wickedness is not set down, but heinous sure in kind and degree.  
slew him] Shortly after his marriage, how or by what means is not set down, ch. 46. 12. Numb. 26. 19 1 Chron. 2. 3. In some extraordinary remarkable manner by sudden vengeance.  
V 8. And marry her and raise up seed] This before Moses time. After a Law made for it, Deut. 25. 5, 7, 9 And in want of a brother, the next Kinsman was to do it, Ruth 3. 9 4. 6, 7. But forbidden in case the brother left any issue before he died, Leu. 18. 16. 20. 21.  
V 11. Remain a widow at thy father's house] Leu. 22. 13. Lest she should entice Shelah.  
till Shelah] Yet he minded it not, v. 14, 26.  
lest he die] Conceiving something amiss of Tamar, upon an evil surmise, as if some unluckiness followed her.  
V 12. In process of time] The days were multiplied, yet long it could not be: but surely after the deat●s of Er and Onan, because after his fit of mourning for her death, he soon lies with Tamar.  
sheep-shearers] Then they used to have feasts, 1 Sam. 25. 8, 11. So he went to make merry after his mourning.  
Timnath] A City in the Philistines country, which after fell to the lot of Judah, Josh. 15. 20, 57 There Samson took a wife, Judg. 14. 1.  
V 14. Widow's garment] Some mournful guise and habit, to notify her estate. An ancient and lawful practice.  
in an open place.] So whore's used, Prov. 7. 12. 9 14. Jer. 3. 2. Ezech. 16. 25.  
grown, and she was not given] Some suitable time must be allowed to this: which will hardly stand with that opinion of Judah's not marrying till he had been three years in the land of Canaan.  
V 15. Because she had covered her face] A veil did serve for Modesty, ch. 24. 65. But here it was that Judah might not know her. And likely to the same purpose she used whispering, or changed her voice and tone. See, Annot. on ch. 29. 25  
V 16. What wilt thou give me] Ezech. 16. 33. Deut. 23. 18. Micah 1. 7.  
V 17] Pledge] Hebrew Eraben, whence the Greek Arrhaebon, and the Latin Arrhabon. This she did for her future security. v. 24, 25.  
V 18. Thy signet] Luke 15. 22. Jer. 22. 24.  
came in unto her] In some secret place by, and near.  
conceived by him] Being now about thirty four years of age. The great Annotators reckon him now to be about thirty years of age; and yet by the grounds of their own reckoning, he must needs be twenty nine at the marriage of Er; marrying himself at fourteen, and his eldest son Ere likewise marrying at fourteen; which how they will agree together let the Reader judge. See their Annot. on ch. 38. 1. yet of Judah by this conception come the Jews, who brag they were not borne of fornication, John 8. 41. yea, our blessed Saviour sprung from this race, Mat. 1. 3. He will not reject great sinners.  
V 23. Lest we be shamed] Shameful was the sin of fornication among the Heathen.  
V 24. Let her be burnt] For adultery, as being betrothed and belonging to Shelah. Thus the Heathens condemned adultery, Jer. 29. 22, 23. And so Moses Law after, Deut. 22. 23, 24. condemned there to be stoned. And a Priest's daughter for fornication to be burnt, Leu. 21. 9 Judah here takes upon him, as if he had power of life and death over those that belonged to his family, as Tamar did though now in her father's house; or at least, he shows the eagerness of his desire against her, if his meaning were, but to have her carried before the Magistrate, and be so punished by burning, according to the Law of the country. However, he was desirous to be rid of her, for his son Shelahs' sake: and betrays his own partiality in his own sin, and inhuman cruelty in thus judging her to fire, and the fruit in her womb yet unborn, and that before he heard what she could say for herself, never minding how unjustly he had dealt with her, in not giving her to Shelah to wise. Thus, 2 Sam. 12. 5, 7. Rom. 2. 1.  
V 25. When she was brought forth] To execution, or rather to prison or trial.  
she sent] To stay his proceed, and haply to smother it before it came to a public hearing.  
the signet, and bracelet, and staff] Thus she convicts him by his own seal, and beats him with his own staff.  
V 26. And Judah acknowledged] His repentance, else he might have pleaded against those tokens many ways, by many excuses, to have freed himself.  
more righteous than I] Aggravates his own fault. In many things both faulty, and in some things each of them more faulty than the other. He was the cause or occasion of her sin.  
and he knew her again no more] It had been incest. His repentance. To sin no more is true repentance, Job 34. 31, 32. Though Judah were young now, yet we read not of any more of his children after, so that it seems he married not again, or had no children by his second wife, ch. 46. 12. Numb. 26. 19, 20, 21, 22. 1 Chron. 2. 3, 4. Shelah was after married, and likely to Tamar, Numbers 26. 20.  
V ●8. Put out his hand] Dangerous labour for her sin, ch. 25. 26.  
a scarlet thread] Discerning there were twins, as a skilful midwife might do, and intending to mark the firstborn.  
V 29. This breach be upon thee] Thou hast made it, and thou shalt bear the name of it. As these twins, so Jacob and Esau may be said to strive for the birthright in the womb.  
Pharez] Ruth 4. 12. Mat. 1. 3.  
V 30. Zarah] Signifies risen or sprung up, as the Sun is said to rise. In the birth of these two brethren, the state of the two Churches of Jews and Gentiles may be considered, as in a figure, the Jew drawing back his hand by unbelief, Rom. 10. 3. and after the fullness of the Gentiles is broken forth and come in, than he coming forth last of all, Rom. 11. 11, 12, 24, 25, 26.   

CHAP. XXXIX.  
Verse. 1. TO Egypt] For their preservation, chap. 45. 5, 7.  
V 2. And the Lord was with Joseph] V. 3, 21. Acts 7. 9, 10 Psal. 91. 15.  
in the house of his Master] God's blessing went along with him. His Master employed him at home in the house, and not in more servile businesses abroad. No doubt he soon got skill in the Egyptian language, to enable him to it.  
V 3. His Master saw] By the effects. Thus the Heathen acknowledge a divine Providence, ch. 30. 27.  
V 4. Found grace in his sight] V. 21. though none in his brethren, Nehem. 2. 4, 5.  
Overseer] Steward, Prov. 27. 18. 14. 35. 17. 2.  
all that he had] So fully trusted him, his worth and fidelity.  
V 5. For joseph's sake] The benefit of a religious servant, Psal. 1. 3.  
V 6. Save the bread which he did eat] A proverbial speech, noting his ease and security, and his trust reposed in ●oseph, v. 23. ch. 43. 32. the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews, as being shepherds.  
a goodly person] Here beauty and grace do meet. So in David, 1 Sam. 16. 12.  
V 7. Cast her eyes] Beauty a dangerous object to a wanton eye, eyes full of adultery, 2 Pet. 2. 14. lustful looks condemned, Mat. 5. 28. Job makes a Covenant with his eyes, Job 31. 1.  
lie with me] Impudence, though haply she spoke not so broad at first, Prov. 7. 13, 18. 6. 26.  
V 9 How then can I] The godly cannot consent to sin, 1 John 3. 9 the wicked cannot cease from sin, 2 Pet. 2. 14.  
great wickedness] Adultery a great wickedness. The suspicion of it raiseth jealousy and rage, Prov 6. 34, 35. It is a kind of sacrilege in a godly person, 1 Cor. 6. 19  
against God] It had been great ungratefulnes to his kind Master. Yet the fear of God was the chiefest reason to withhold him.  
V 10. Day by day] Importunity joined with impudence.  
he harkened not] Perseverance in the resistance of sin.  
or to he with her] Appearances and occasions of sin are to be shunned, 1 Thes. 5. 22. 1 Tim. 5. 14. Prov. 1. 15. 5. 8.  
V 12. Caught him by the garment] So un●uly a thing is lawless lust: makes such a woman impudently offer to commit a rape upon a man.  
he left his garment] Stays not to parley with her. got him out] v. 15 Eccl 7. ●6.  
V 14. The men of her house] V. 11. Those few that were about the house.  
See] Showing the garment.  
an Hebrew] She so names him in contempt, chap. 43. 32.  
to mock us] To cause us to be mocked; by his dishonest attempt to cause us to be disgraced. Or she will seem to speak modestly in a pretended attempt of ravishment. And thus raging lust turns to raging hatred, yea, though satisfied, as in Amnon, 2 Sam. 13. 15.  
to lie with me] A loud lie. Thus sin is seconded with sin, and the guilty charge the innocent. Thus the blasphemous Jew's charge Christ with blasphemy. Papists call us Heretics, 1 Kings 18. 17.  
V 16. Her Lord] The sovereignty of husbands, and subjection of wives.  
V 17. Which thou hast brought] She layeth the fault upon him, that to quit himself to her, he may lay more rigour upon Joseph.  
V 20. Into prison] Dungeon, ch. 40. 15. 41. 14. Psal. 105. 18, 19 without examining the matter, or hearing Joseph, or at least not believing him, and his true pleading for himself, and not willing to have the blame and shame lie upon his wife, and so upon him.  
V 21. And gave him favour] After a time, Psal. 105. 18, 19  
of the Keeper of the prison] Chief Goaler, perhaps under Potiphar, ch. 40. 4. Captain of the Guard. Likely Joseph might declare the matter, and clear his innocency to him, which he might not be suffered to do to his Master. And Potiphar by his officers relation, might begin to be better persuaded of Joseph, and to show him favour.  
V 22. He was the doer of it] Not as a drudge to do every one's work, but as a Ruler, that all things there were done by him, or his direction. Thus, though many Archers had shot at Joseph, yet his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made firm, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob, ch. 49. 23, 24.   

CHAP. XL.  
Verse 1. BUtler] V. 13. Nehem. 1. 11.  
V 2. Officers] Hebr. Eunuches. See, Annot. on ch. 37. 36.  
V 3. Put them in ward] The fickle state of Favourites and Courtiers.  
in the house of the Captain of the guard] Likely the same Potiphar, ch. 37. 36. 39 1, 20.  
into the prison] Tower or round prison, dungeon, v. 15. ch. 39 20. 41. 14.  
V 4. Charged Joseph with them] Potiphar, if he be this Captain now thinks better of Joseph, and entrusts him, likely upon that relation of his chief officer, chap. 39 21, 22, 23.  
V 5. And they dreamt] See Annotations on chap. 20. 3.  
according to the interpretation] No vain dreams, as the interpretation shown, v. 12, 18, 21, 22. 41. 11, 12.  
V 6. Sad] So dreams sent of God use much to affect men, ch. 41. 4. Dan. v. 1, 3. Mat. 27. 19  
V 8. We have dreamt a dream] Each his own dream, not both one.  
no Interpreter] Being prisoners we cannot go to the soothsayers, ch. 41. 8. Dan. 4. 7.  
be●ong to God▪] Not to your wizards, ch. 41. 16. Dan. 2. 27, 28, 18, 19, 23, 47.  
tell me] He finds by the instinct of God's Spirit that he should be able to interpret their dreams, through an extraordinary gift given him. Though Joseph was bound, yet God's Word and gift to him was not bound, 2 Tim. 2. 9 Before he was a dreamer, ch. 37. 5, 9, 19 Now an Interpreter.  
V 12. They are] They signify, ch. 41. 26. So, Mat. 26. 26, 28.  
V 13. Within three days] V. 20. The three branches might as well have signified three weeks, months or years, but for God's revelation to Joseph.  
lift up thine head] Sum up and reckon thee, as, Exod. 30. 12. Numb. 1. 2. 26. 2. and promote thee to thy former place of office and honour, as, Jer. 52. 31. This shall Pharaah do when he shall take surveyed of his family and officers.  
V 14. Think on me] Therefore Joseph knew not the time, means and manner of his own deliverance. God in his wisdom did not reveal that unto him. So, 1 Kings 13. the man of God knew not his own mishap, by means of the old false prophet, Gen 46. 27.  
make mention of me] Joseph is careful to use the means for his delivery.  
V 15. Stolen away] To conceal his brethren's fault, And yet stolen from his father and sold, Ex. 21. 16.  
Land of the Hebrews] Canaan, wherein the posterity of Abraham the Hebrew dwelled, ch. 14. 13. And to whom by Gods Promises it belonged, called the Holy Land, Zech. 2. 12. Thus Joseph shows his faith.  
have I done nothing] Innocency protects not against mischief, yet may be pleaded, as here, John 10. 32. Acts 24. 12, 13, 20. 25. 10, 11. Job 31. Psal. 7. 3 26. 1. Dan. 6. 22.  
V 16. White baskets] Of which holes, that is made of white twigs, with holes as network.  
uppermost] Of the three baskets, nothing mentioned in the two lower baskets.  
V 19 Lift up thine head] Reckon thee; as, ver. 13, 20.  
from off thee] Likely cut off thy head, and after hang thy body on a tree.  
and the birds shall eat] The Jews were to bury him the same day, Deut. 21. 22, 23. The Egyptians and many Gentiles suffered them to hang many days. Joseph deals truly and plainly with the Baker. So should Physicians do, and such as attend the sick.  
V 20. Birthday] So Herod kept his with a feast, Mar. 6. 21. Lawful in itself so it be kept without vanity, excess, superstition and profaneness. And so for Ecclesiastical Festivities, if there be no error committed in the manner and end of their celebrations.  
V 22. Hanged] On his birthday, having occasion thereby to take notice of his chief officers.  
V 23. But forgot him] Forgot his misery, and unthankful for his interpretation, Eccl. 9 15, 16. Amos 6. 6. Thus Joseph tried still two years longer, ch. 41. 1. until the time his Word came, Psal. 105. 19   

CHAP. XLI.  
Verse 1. TWo full years] After that, ch. 40. 19 There is no certainty how long Joseph was in prison, in what year first put in. He waited patiently upon God in long afflictions for his deliverance.  
by the river] Nilus, or some river drawn from it, Deut. 11. 10, 11. This waters Egypt, and makes it fruitful without rain, Zech. 14. 18.  
V 2. Out of the river] Out of Nilus comes plenty and dearth, according to the heights of the rising of it. Plin. nat. hist. l. 5. c. 9  
Kine] Kine and corn are the two chief sustenances of man.  
V 5. Seven cares of corn upon one stalk] Sign of great plenty.  
V 6. Blasted with the east-wind] Strong and drying to blast the fruits, Ezech. 17. 10. 19 12.  
V 7. A dream] That stuck by him: dreams the occasion of his fall; and dreams the occasion of his rising.  
V 8. His spirit was troubled,] Ch. 40. 6. Dan. 2. 1, 3. God's Power to scare men, even Kings, with dreams, Job 7. 17.  
Magician's] Exod. 7. 11. Dan. 2. 2. 5. 7. strong illusions of Satan, that wrought men to such deceits, and strong conceits of the power of Magicians, Dan. 2. 2, 4, 5. If Atheists confess a devil and devilish divinations, there must needs be a God and divine revelations.  
wise men] Mat. 23. 34. Philosophers among the Greeks, Acts 17. 18.  
none that could interpret] So, Dan, 2. 10. 5. 8. Thus God maketh the wisdom of their wise men perish, Esay 29. 14. 44. 25. 19 11, 12, 13.  
V 9 I do remember my faults this day] Courtier-like compliments to prevent suspicion in the King, lest he should think he grudged as unjustly punished in his imprisonment. This was rather to please Pharaoh, then to pleasure Joseph. God's Providence in it, that he mentions not Joseph, till the Magicians had been tried.  
V 13. Me he restored] He, that is, the regal Majesty restored me.  
V 14. Brought him hastily] Psal. 105. 20. Dan. 2. 25. The wicked seek to the Prophets and People of God in their necessity.  
dungeon] There haply he was then, as overseeing the rest in that place.  
shaved himself] Polled himself in a seemly sort. He had let his hair grow, it seems, in sign of sorrow, as, 2 Sam. 19 24. Mephibosheth did. Now he trims himself; being to go before the King. To shave all hair away were unseemly, Jer. 41. 5. 2 Sam. 10. 4, 5. The middle way is commanded the Priests, Ezech. 44. 20.  
raiment] His prison-weeds, Esther 4. 2.  
V 16. Not in me] Dan. 2. 28.  
an answer of peace] So Joseph wished, hoped, and haply foresaw. It is an apprecation of such an answer, as might quiet his troubled mind concerning his dream.  
V 21. Still ill-favoured] Such are wicked men, Esay 9 20. The godly otherwise, Psal. 37. 19 neither ear-ring nor harvest, ch. 45. 6.  
V 26. Are] Signify, Joseph before a Dreamer, now an Interpreter.  
V 32. Doubled] Hear God teacheth the reason, why things are sundry times repeated in the Scriptures.  
V 33. Let Pharaoh look out] Means must be used. Joseph gives this counsel not rashly, but by the guidance of God's Spirit, by this means and occasion to fulfil that, ch 37. 7, 9  
V 34. Officers] Overseers, Bishops, so the Bishops of the Army, Numb. 31. 14. 2 Kings 11. 16. Bishops of the works, 2 Chron. 34. 12, 17. So among the Priests and Levites, Numb. 4. 16. Nehem. 11. 9, 14. So, 1 Tim. 3. 1, 2.  
the fifth part] Likely other great men would be buyers and storers, by joseph's example. Thus counsels he to provide against the time of want, as in the example of the Pismire, Prov. 6. 6, 7, 8. Luke 16 9 This fifth part was for the King, ch. 47. 14. Taken up most likely by way of tribute partly, and partly by purchase; and upon his charge put into his granaries. The other four parts were abundantly sufficient in those years of plenty.  
V 37. Was good] Acts 7. 10. Prov 20. 12. Psal. 105. 22.  
V 38 The Spirit of God is] Dan. 4. 6. 5. 11. This Pharaoh grounds upon his Prophetical interpretation. He speaks as an Heathen, naming gods plurally. So, chap. 31. 53.  
V 40. Over my house] Psal. 105. 21 So, Dan. 2. 46, 47. 5. 29. So, 1 Kings 8. 3. 2 Kings 18. 18. Luke 12. 42. Men fitly and fully qualified and gifted should be made Officers, Numb. 11. 17. Acts 6. 3.  
according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled] Hebr. is, At thy mouth shall all my people kiss. That is, at thy Commandment. (So, Job 39 30. Numb. 9 20. Luke 19 22. Gen. 24 57) they shall kiss or apply the hand to the mouth. (as, Job 31. 27.) in sign of honour and obedience, as, Psal. 2. 12. so Samuel kissed Saul, 1 Sam. 10. 1. 1 Kings 10. 18. Host 13. 2. Prov. 24. 26. Thus Joseph was honoured and ou●horized, Psal. 105. 22. Acts 7. 10. they kissed the commands that came from his lips, which imports a submission, and that rather of affection and delight then of compulsion and fear.  
V 41. See I have set thee] See, respecting the ornaments and ceremonious signals, whereby this honour was conferred unto him. Thus God bringeth low, and lifteth up. &c 1 Sam. 2. 7, 8. Psal. 113. 7, 8.  
V 42. Took off his ring] An Ensign of honour and authority, Esther 3. 10. and 8 2. Luke 15. 22. Hereby to publish under the Kings seal such Orders and Commands as Joseph would.  
of fine linen] Egypt was famous for fine linen, Prov. 7. 16. Ezech. 27. 7. it signifies also bysse or silk, Ex. 25. 4. Apoc. 19 8, 14. The wear of great personages, Prov. 31. 22. Ezech. 16. 10. Luke 16. 19  
a gold chain] Prov. 1. 9 Ezech. 16. 11. Thus, Dan. 5. 7, 16, 29.  
V 43. Second chariot] 2 Chron. 35. 24. As Mordecai riding on the King's horse, Esther 6. 8. Thus Joseph the second man in the Kingdom, Daniel made the third, Dan, 5. 29.  
Bow the knee] Abrech. kneel down, as to the father of the King, ch. 45. 8.  
V 44. I am Pharaoh] I am King, and will be; and assure as I am Pharaoh, so sure without thee, thy advice, and authority, not the least thing shall be done in matter of Government; no man shall do anything, or go any whither.  
V 45. Zaphnath-Paaneah] A Revealer of secrets, Dan. 1. 7. Gen. 17. 5.  
of Potipherah Priest of Ou] To distinguish him from that Potiphar, ch. 37. 36. 39 1. who dwelled in Memphis the royal City.  
Priest] Or Prince, Exod. 2. 16. 18. 1. Both offices concurred in one person, as was the manner of those times and places. See Annotat. on chap. 14. 18. This name given to the sons of David, 2 Sam. 8. 18. and expounded, 1 Chron, 18. 17.  
of Ou] Called also Aven, Ezech. 30 17. in Greek Heliopolis, the City of the Sun, perhaps now Damiata. joseph's marriage here cannot be an example or rule to us, except where all reasons, and circumstances, and warrants are alike, by reason of the prohibitions and perils set down in Scripture. The Israelites forbidden to marry with the Canaanites, Exod. ●4. 16. Deut. 7. 3, 4. 1 Rings 11. 1. Nehem. 13. 26. Forbidden to Christians, 2 Cor. 6. 14, etc. But for Joseph there was no other in the land, and he might not desert his charge and dignity, whereto God had called him for the preservation of his Church, to go seek a wife elsewhere: neither know we what instinct or dispensation he might have from God. As the like might be in esther's marrying with Ahashuerus.  
V 46. Thirty years old] At this age Jesus Christ entered into his public Ministry; so John Baptist; so the Levites, Numb 4. 3. And David began his reign, but not Ezekiel his Prophecy. This notation of joseph's age, here gives much light to many passages in this history of Jacob and his sons; there are thirteen years since he was sold ch 37. 2.  
V 51. And all my father's house] My injuries and molestations there; not his filial affection, whereby he might haply privily inquire in the thirteen years afore, and afterwards also of his father's welfare, ere his brethren came down, and yet wait for the most fit opportunity of fulfilling the dream.  
V 54. In all lands] Round about, as Canaan, Arabia, etc. So, Luke 2. 1.  
V 55. Cried to Pharaoh] As the woman, 2 Kings 6 26. Joseph would do but as Pharaoh directed.  
V 56. Sold] Prov. 11 26.  
V 57 And all countries] Neighbouring. to Joseph] Ch. 45. 5. 50. 20. Psal 105. 16, 17.   

CHAP. XLII.  
Verse 1. See] Heard, v. 2. so the people saw the voices, Exod. 20. 18. Jacob was as much assured of it as if he had seen it. And one eyewitness is of more credit than many eare-witnesses. And likely he saw it too by many Canaanites that bought and brought co●ne out of Egypt, Acts 7. 12.  
corac] The word for corn signifies also breaking.  
why] So negligent, or as men amazed helpless, Acts 7. 11. gaze, as men destitute of counsel. Famine is a terrible thing, 2 Kings 6. 25. Deut. 28. 57 Lam. 4. 10. Esay 9 20. A famine in Canaan in the days of Abram, ch. 12. 10. of Isaac, ch. 26. 1. and now in jacob's time, and, Acts 11. 28. God's servants subject to common calamities, yet God provides for them, Psal. 37. 19  
V 2. Get you down] Egypt lay lower than Canaan, ch. 45. 13, 9  
V 4. But Benjamin] ●h. 37. 3. 35. 18. 42. 38.  
V 6. Governor] Ps. 105. 22. Of the Hebrew word Shallet and Shil●on, is made in Arabic Sultan, a title whereby the chief Governors of Egypt and Babylon are still called.  
and he it was that sold] Likely his Officers to the Natives. But himself to Foreigners, that by sifting them he might inform himself of any danger to the land, to prevent it of any means of good to the land, to advance it.  
bowed down] So fulfilling his Prophetic dream, ch. 37. 7, 8, 9 So, ch. 43. 26, 28. 44. 14. 50. 18.  
V 7. He knew them, but] For many good reasons, he yet dissembles that he knew them, and yet discovers not himself unto them, to prevent sundry inconveniences, and to further good intents and purposes towards them.  
spoke roughly] They deserved no better of him. Though Joseph did it in a good intent, to a good purpose.  
V 9 Remembered the dreams So he did before. But now more usefully, he saw the time for the fulfilling of them.  
spies, to see the nakedness] Exod. 32. 25. Not by way of lying he speaks thus, but by way of questioning and examining, to bolt out other matters to other good purposes; so▪ v. 12. as a severe Inquisiter.  
V 11. All one man's sons] And therefore not likely to be spies. The spies were sent one of a tribe, Numb. 13. 2. And they dispersed themselves in all likelihood and reason.  
V 13. One is not] Is dead, ch. 44. 20. 37. 30. Not in this world, ch. 5. 24. Heb 11. 5.  
V 14. This is it that I spoke] This discovers it; pretending another brother, or why should he alone be left behind? This not likely; and being false in this, ye are but spies sure.  
V 15. By the life of Pharaoh] Pharaoh liveth: a kind of oath or swearing as the like phrase importeth, Jer. 5. 2: But more properly a kind of vehement Asseveration, as, Ezech 33. 11. 1. Sam, 1. 26. 17. 55. 20. 3. 25. 26. and 2 Sam▪ 15. 21. 2 Kings 2. 2, 4. Or it may be a wish, Let, or, so let Pharaoh live, as, etc. No sufficient ground to charge upon Joseph, a sinful oath by the life of Pharaoh, yea, a grievous sin, Deut. 6. 13. compared with Mat. 4. 10. Jer. 5. 7.  
Ye] Ye all, v. 16.  
ye shall not] If ye go. The words are suspensive, implying a curse; so, ch. 14. 23.  
V 17. Into ward] God calls them by tribulation to repentance for their sin, Heb 12. 10.  
V 18. I fear God] Chap. 20. 11. Nehem. 5. 15. Prov. 16. 6.  
V 20. Your youngest brother unto me] Cares most for him, and hopes his father will conceive no hurt towards him, by his bountiful dealing with them.  
V 21. And they said one to another] In the absence, or out of the hearing of the Interpreter.  
guilty] Affliction as a rack forceth confession, and a guilty conscience, though likely sleeping afore, yet now upon twenty years after, galleth afresh, Host 5. 15. Job 36. 8, 9, 10.  
therefore is this distress] Divers ways Joseph dealt now with them, as they had done with him, Judg. 1. 7, Mat. 7. 2. Jam. 2. 13.  
V 24. And wept] Ch. 43, 30, moved with their self-accusations, and his own natural affection, which was to o strong to be kept in by artificial disguises, but that in secret it must have vent.  
Simeon, and bound him] That eldest of them that were most against him. Reuben most, and Judah next, were for him. And Simeon was chief in that bloody massacre of the Sichemites.  
before their eyes] Though haply when they were gone, he might give him some more liberty, ch. 43. 23.  
V 25. Every man's money] Jest his father should be in want.  
Thus did he unto them] Josoph did so, or his steward at his command. Thus Joseph rewards evil with good, Rom. 12. 17, 19 Mat. 5. 44.  
V 27. And as one of them] V. 35. What Judah saith, ch. 43. 21. as if they had all opened their sacks, and found their moneys in the Inn, ●is but a summing and cutting off particulars for brevity sake, to joseph's steward, as not a thing material to their present purpose, with him, and they speaking in haste.  
V 28. Failed them] Suspecting some plot laid for their ruin, or at least some danger to Simeon by it, Leu. 26. 36.  
God hath done] They rightly acknowledge God's hand and his Providence in it.  
V 35. Were afraid] Jest also they should be accused of theft, chap. 44. 5. Guilty consciences timorous, Leu. 26. 36.  
V 36. Against me] Heavy to me, though ye make light of them.  
V 37. My two sons] That is, slay two of my sons. For he had four, ch. 46. 9 or my two sons here present, or most dear to me. A passionate speech, yet such as might make Jacob conceive he had some reason for his so confident undertaking for Benjamins' return.  
V 38. For his brother is dead] Only brother by the mother, ch. 44. 20, 27, 28.  
to the grave] See Annot. on ch. 37. 35. Here Jacob betrays too much passion, and too little faith and patience.   

CHAP. XLIII.  
Verse 1. SOre] The longer, the sorer.  
V 2. Eaten up] Near-hand.  
a little food] For present need, not knowing there were five years of famine yet to come, and he had a great family.  
V 3. Solemnly protest] Ch. 42. 15, 20.  
not see my face] With favour and safety.  
V 4. Thee food] At thy command, for thee and us all, thy family.  
V 5. We will not go] Because it were vain and dangerous, ch. 44. 26.  
V 7. Asked us strictly] Many things passed between Joseph and his brethren, which are not so expressly related in the story, ch. 44. 22, 19 They could not upon joseph's questions honestly avoid the telliug of their brother Benjamin.  
V 8. And Judah said] He now fittest to move, and this the fittest season.  
the lad] Benjamin was now about twenty seven years, being twelve or thirteen years younger than Joseph, and borne after Dinahs ravishing, and in the departing from Bethel. See Annot. on ch. 35. 18. And now Benjamin had nine or ten sons, ch. 46. 21. See Annot. on ch. 22. 5. Lad, comparatively, being the youngest.  
V 11. Must be so] No wisdom to strive against necessity. Better to adventure one to uncertain danger, then to cast the whole family upon certain famine.  
a Present] Prov. 18. 16. 21. 14. 17. 8. So Jacob had tried, ch. 32. 20. He useth prudent means as subservient to God's Providence.  
nuts] Of Terebinth, or the Turpentine-tree.  
V 12. Double money] Because the price of corn increased by the continuance of the famine.  
and the money] This besides. jacob's just dealing.  
V 14. God Almighty] Our chief trust must be in him, Prov. 21. 1.  
If I be boreaved] Esther 4. 16. Contentation in God's Will, referring all to him with patience.  
V 18. S●ek occasion] Guilty person's are suspicious.  
V 19 At the door of the house] Before they went in.  
V 21. Every man's money] See Annot. on ch. 42. 27, 35. For haste they join together what was done in the Inn, and what was discovered at home.  
V 23. Your God] It seems Joseph taught his steward and family to fear God.  
V 24. Washed their feet] Ch. 18. 4. 24. 32.  
V 26. They brought him the Present] Each a part of it, as they had divided it amongst themselves.  
bowed] Ch. 37. 9  
V 28. Thy servant our father] Changed 37. 9  
V 30. Did yearn] 1 Kings 3. 26.  
V 32. By himself] Asdruball became the Viceroy. Here were three Tables.  
Abomination unto the Egyptians] For the Hebrews were known to be Keepers of sheep, and so to kill, eat and sacrifice such cattle as the Egyptians worshipped, ch. 46. 34 Exod. 8. 26. The Egyptians had flocks of sheep, ch. 47. 6. Oxen, Exod. 9 3, 19 But not to kill the sheep or kine, or to eat the head of any beast. But for delight and profit by their milk and wool, and for commerce. And haply those that kept them were strangers rather than Egyptians.  
V 33. Youngest] Hebt. Lest in age.  
marvelled] Seeing themselves so seasted, and that Joseph appointed them their places, according to each man's age.  
V 34. Messes] The custom of those times, to have the meat set before the Lord, and he to distribute to the Guests, 1 Sam. 1. 4, 5. 9, 23, 24. 2 Sam. 6. 19  
five times] To show his affection to him, and to make trial whether his brethren would envy him for it. 1 Sam. 1. 4, 5.  
drank, and were merry] yet with sobriety, Hag. 1. 6. John 2. 10. Cant. 5 1.   

CHAP. XLIV.  
Verse 2. PUt my Cup] To try their affection to his father and to Benjamin: and for the more full verification of the dreams. joseph's case, and place, and person may carry out these practices, which otherwise are not so warrantable, 2 Cor. 1. 12. 11. 3.  
V 5. Is not this it] Speaking according to the opinion the Egyptians had of him, who by reason of his prophetical skill in interpreting dreams, thought he used divination as their Magicians did.  
whereby] Or in which, or by which, or of which cup. Their fault so made the greater, a kind of sacrilege in stealing such a Cup.  
he divineth] Searching searcheth, maketh trial by experience, as, ch. 30. 27. searcheth thoroughly, 1 Kings 20. 33. or searcheth by divination, and so sinfully using the cup, (as some do a basin and other things) in such an unlawful Art. Thus the steward by joseph's appointment may speak as an Egyptian, as they conceived of Joseph, and as their Magicians used to do. Not yet that Joseph was guilty of such a crime.  
V 7. My Lord] Thus they call joseph's steward.  
God forbidden] Farneze be it, ch. 18. 25.  
V 8. We brought again] Therefore would no● steal.  
V 9 Let him die] So, ch. 31. v. 32. Innocency is confident, yet this is too rash and rigorous. They might have though of their money in their sack's mouth before.  
V 10. My servant] The steward speaks in his Lord joseph's name.  
V 12. And be searched] He knew well how not to meddle with that end of the sacks, where he had put their money.  
V 13. Rend their clothes] See Annot. on ch. 37. 39, 34▪  
V. 14. He was yet there] Expecting their return.  
V 15. What deed] Asdruball, ch. 3. 13. 4 10.  
can certainly divine] See Annot. on v 5  
V 16. What shall we say] Their consciences clear, and yet their conviction seems as clear. They knew not what Apology to make.  
God hath found out] So, ch. 42. 28. If we see not evident cause of our affliction, let us look to the secret counsel of God, who punisheth us justly for our sins. A good use of afflictions and crosses, Esay 27. 9 Gen. 42, 21, 22. Judah thought this his best argument and way, having no legal excuse or defence to make for the clearing of themselves: though he was sure enough of Benjamins' innocency, and could not upon this occasion, but remember the putting of their money in their sacks, yet he durst not accuse any of joseph's family, nor stand out against him, but yields and submits, as an hopeful way to procure favour with a man of a generous spirit.  
iniquity] Our other sins, though free of this.  
both we] V. 9  
and he also] Not die, a●, v. 9 but be servant, as, v. 10. is found] He forbears to say that he stole it.  
V 17. He shall be my servants] Joseph confirms his steward's dealing, v. 10. In Moses Law, for theft restitution should be made, in some cases double, in some fourfold; if the party not able thereto, then to be sold, or become a slave to him from whom he had stolen, Exod. 22. 31. Here joseph's power and their own yielding binds them.  
V 18. Then Judah came near] Judah before, v. 16. And now Judah more addresseth himself to plead, because he had undertaken for Benjamin, ch. 43. 8. 9  
in my Lords ears] But an Interpreter yet still for aught we read.  
as Pharaoh] And so thine anger would be dreadful and deadly, Prov. 19 12.  
have ye a father] See Annot. on ch. 43. 7.  
V 20. A little one] Ex enuating his age by an officious lie, to excuse his taking so long a journey. See Annot. on ch. 43. 8.  
V 26. We cannot go down] Ch. 43. 5. We will not go down.  
V 27. My wife bore me] Rachel his wife, by way of eminency, first in his choice, and dearest in his love. Leah but by fraud.  
V 28. Torn in pieces] Thus Joseph might perceive how they coloured to their father their dealing with him.  
V 30. Bound up in the Lads life] 1 Sam 18. 1. If he die, or be thought so, the father cannot live.  
V 33. In stead of the Lad] A filial affection to his old father. And yet love useth more to descend then ascend.  
V 34. How shall I go] He would rather remain here a servant or prisoner.   

CHAP. XLV.  
Verse 1. REfrain himself before] Upon this supplication of Judah, though hitherto he had refrained, ch. 43. 31.  
to go out] He would not have his brethren's fault divulged, nor his own passion, being a man of his place, so openly discovered, as to weep aloud before others.  
V 2. Wept aloud] No thought of revenge for their cruel usage of him.  
heard it] V. 16.  
V 3. Can not answer him] Through astonishment at the wonder; and the prick of their guilty conscience.  
V 4. Come near] They had kept, no doubt at a reverend distance from him so great a Lord.  
ye sold] Tells this, not to upbraid them, but to assure them it is he.  
V 5. not grieved] Ch. 31. 35.  
nor angry with yourselves] He comforts them, 2 Cor, ●. 7. Look up to God's Providence, who turns your sin to good.  
for God did send] V. 8. Ps. 105. 16, 17.  
V 6. Neither ear-ring nor harvest] None, till Joseph supplied them with corn for it the last year, ch. 47. 23. or as good as none; few had corn to sow, few would attempt to sow, as being to expect little or no increase by joseph's prediction.  
V 8. But God] Ch. 50. 20. Josph clears not his bre●thren, but he cheers them up in contemplation of God's merciful Providence, who turns their sin to much good. God can and doth bring good out of evil, out Judas sin and others in the death of Christ the salvation of mankind, Acts 4. 27, 28.  
a father to Pharaoh] Judges 17. 10, 11. Gen. 41. 40, 44. As a son follows the direction of a father, so did Pharaoh joseph's.  
V 10. Goshen] A Province between Nilus and the red-sea, very fruitful, ch. 46. 28, 29. 47. 1. 6, 27. Another Goshen in Canaan, Josh. 11. 16. 10. 41. 15. 51. This he saith, presuming of Pharaohs assent, ch. 47. 4, 6.  
near unto me] On the City whence he married, and where he most resided was near to Goshen.  
V 12. My mouth] And not an Interpreters, as, chap. 42. 23.  
V 15. He kissed] See Annot. on ch. 20. 13.  
talked with him] Having overcome their astonishment and fear, talked of any thing he or they desired to know.  
V 16. And his servants] The Courtiers envied not, but honoured Joseph.  
V 19 Thou art commanded] Thou needest no more authority or instructions from me.  
V 20. Regard not your stuff] That is not portable. Here you shall be supplied.  
V 22. Changes of raiment] Such as were used to be given for honour or reward, 2 Kings 5. 22. Zech. 3. 4. Judg. 14. 12. Apoc. 6. 11. 7. 9, 14.  
Three hundred] Shekels▪ See Annotat. on ch. 20. 16. and on ch. 23. 16.  
V 24. Fall not out by the way] About the selling of me. Reubens former words, ch. 42. 22. occasioned haply this charge.  
V 26. Heart fainted] Between hope and doubt, between joy and fear. Unbelief and doubting weakeneth the heart, Rom. 4 19, 20. Mat. 14. 31.  
Believed them not] So he fell into that fainting, swooning fit, Luke 24. 41. They believed not for joy, Jacob might the less believe them, because of their former lie they had told him of Joseph.  
V 27. Revived] Rose out of that swoone, as it were. His failing of spirit did not altogether take away the use of his sight and senses, but that he saw the wagons.  
V 28. It is enough] Here is proof enough. And it is enough to me that he is alive, and enough for me, if I may be so happy as to see him once before die. chap. 46. 30.   

CHAP. XLVI.  
Verse 1. TO Beer sheba] This was in the way from Hebron to Egypt, the most Southern part of Canaan. Here Abraham and Isaac had much been. See Annot. on ch. 21. 31.  
sacrifices] Of thanks, for the tidings of Joseph. and to consult with God about his going into Egypt, and thereby to worship God.  
V 2. In the visions of the night] See Annot. on ch. 15. 1. what this vision was, and in what manner is not set down.  
Jacob, Jacob] To rouse him up to attention, and for more certainty, as, ch. 22. 11. 1 Sam. 3. 10. Gen. 41. 32. See Annot. on ch. 32. 28. Here Jacob twice for Israel once. And so v. 5. The name Jacob forbidden but comparatively.  
V 3. Fear not] It seems he feared it, knowing his father in a famine was forbid it, ch. 26. 1, 2, 3. And knowing the Oracle, that his seed was to be afflicted in Egypt, ch. 15. 13, 14. And, now he and his father and grandfather had been Pilgrims, two hundred and twenty years in Canaan, from the first Promise of Canaan, and he saw now less hope to have it, by his leaving the land with seventy souls, which might seem a kind of forsaking of it; yet by faith as he sojourned in the land, Heb. 11. 9 so now he goes to sojourn in Egypt upon this warrant.  
there] Egypt. This not promised before. This wondrously fulfilled, in that of seventy souls going down, in the space of two hundred and ten years, there came up six hundred thousand men, Exod. 12. 37. Deut. 10. 22.  
a great nation] This promised. ch. 28, 14. 35. 11. 15, 13  
V 4. Thee up again] Thee dead, ch. 50. 5, 13. Thy posterity after, Ex. 12. 37. Josh. 3. A like Promise, ch. 28. 15. his hands upon thine eyes] Closing them on thy deathbed. An ancient and honourable custom.  
V 6. And came into Egypt] This journey is often mentioned, Josh. 24. 4. and Esay 52. 4. Acts 7. 15. Numb. 20. 25. Deut. 10. 22. Thus that was fulfilled, chap. 15. 13.  
V 7. His daughters, and his sons daughters] As many as he had. A general kind of speaking, though he had but one daughter Dinah, and one granddaughter Sarah, v. 15, 17. The like speech, v. 23. and ch. 21. 7. Numb. 26. 8. 1 Chron. 2. 8, 31. His servants, no doubt, went also.  
V 8. These are the names] To know hereby their wonderful increase, ch. 35. 23. see the order of the tribes on Aaron's breastplate, Exod. 28. 10, 21.  
V 9 These four were heads of their father's house, Exod. 6. 14. Numb. 26. 5, 6. 1 Chron. 5. 3. So of the rest that follow.  
V 10. Jemuel] Nemuel, Numb. 26. 12. 1 Chron. 4. 24.  
Obad] Omitted, Numb. 26. 12. 1 Chron. 4. 24.  
Jachin] ●areb, 1 Chron 4. 24.  
Zohar] Zerah, Numb. 26. 13. 1 Chron. 4. 24.  
of a Canaanitish woman] Likely Zerah, Numb. 26. 13. Gen. 28. 1.  
V 11. Kohath] Grandfather to Moses. Of his family came the Priests. They are reckoned before the Gershonites, Numb. 4. 34.  
V 12. Hezron and Hamul] Too great violence to the text, to say these were borne after in Egypt. See Annot. on ch. 29. 20. Compare the great Annotations upon this verse, and upon ch. 38. 1.  
V 13. Thola] He had a rare blessing in multitude of children, 1 Chron. 7. 2. A Judge of this name and tribes, Judg. 10. 1.  
Job] Jashub, Numb. 26. 24. 1 Chron. 7. 1.  
V 15. In Padan Aram] With his Nephews or Grandchilds, bor●e after ●e went out of Padan-Aram.  
Thirty three] Reckoning himself in. It seems Leah was dead.  
V 16. Ezbon] Ozni, Numb. 26. 16.  
V 17. Jisvah] His name and family wanting, Numb. 26. 44.  
V 19 jacob's wife] As if Rachel were the sole legitimate wife.  
V 20. Ephraim] Hear the LXX. add a son and a Grandchild of Manasse, and two sons and a Grandchild of Ephraim, taken out of 1 Chron. 7. 14, 20. By reason of that speech, Gen. 50. 23. but this makes too bold with the Hebrew text which wants it.  
V 21. The sons of Benjamin,] These ten might well be borne to him now. He being now twenty seven years old at least, and twelve or thirteen year younger than Joseph. See Annot. on ch. 35. 18.  
Belah] The eldest son, 1 Chron. 8. 1.  
Becher] Seems to be the fourth son, called Nohah, 1 Chron. 8. 2. Neither is his name or family reckoned, Numb. 26. 38. but his children are named, 1 Chron. 7. 8.  
Ashbel] The second son, Numb. 26. 38. 1 Chron. 8. 1. called also Jediael, 1 Chron. 7. 6.  
Gera] By the LXX. made the son of Balah, and so the Grandchild of Benjamin from a seeming ground of 1 Chron. 8. 3. But Benjamin was too young now to be a Grandfather, Numb. 26. 38. There is no mention of Gera, neither was he Benjamins third son, but Aharah.  
Naaman] Another of his name, son of Belah, 1 Chron. 8. 4. Numb. 26. 40.  
Ehi] Aharah, 1 Chron. 8. 1. third son, Numb. 26. 38.  
Rosh] Likely Rapha the fifth son▪ father to Palti one of the spies, Numb. 13. 10. none of his family reckoned, Numb. 26.  
Muppim] Called also Shuppim, 1 Chron. 7. 12.  
Ard] Seemeth to be the son of Belah, and Grandchild of Benjamin. And such a one thing there was, Numb. 26. 40. But this Ard was brother to Belah.  
V 22. Fourteen] The Septuagint say elghteen, adding joseph's Grandchilds, as is noted on v. 28.  
V 23. Son's] One son, change of numbers is oft in the Hebrew, v. 7. 1 Sam. 9 21. Gen. 21. 7. Numb. 26. 42. 2 Chron. 24. 25. Thiefs for one of them, Mat. 27. 44. Ass for an Asses, Zech. 9 9 Mat. 21. 5. sat upon them, Mat. 21. 7. for which in Mark 11. 7. it is, he sat upon him.  
Sixty six] So the LXX. here. Jacob is not reckoned in here: nor Joseph and his two sons which were now in Egypt.  
V 27. Seventy] So Exod. 1. 5. and Deut. 10. 22. counting in Jacob, Joseph and his two sons, Acts 7. 14. the number is seventy five, which will arise if we reckon in all that are here named, viz. the four wives of Jacob, and Er, and Onan that were dead, and take out Jacob, as distinguished from them. The LXX. have here seventy five, raising the number of five out of the posterity of Ephraim and Manasseh, (see the notes on v. 20.) And St. Stephen in that, Act. 7. 14. seems to follow the LXX. as St. Luke doth, likewise in the matter of Cainan. See Annot on Gen. 11. v. 12. And see the late learned and large Annotat. upon this text, where this doubt is fully discussed and determined.  
V 28. To direct his face unto Goshen] That Joseph might meet him there, and by his authority settle him there, without grievance to the native inhabitants.  
V 29. Presented himself] With lowly reverence to his father.  
fell on his neck] While Joseph bowed before him.  
and wept] With tears of joy, ch. 45. 1.  
V 30. Let me die] I am willing to die, as, Luke 2. 29, 30. ch. 45. 28. here that desire is accomplished.  
V 31. Unto him, my brethren] Joseph in his greatness not ashamed of them, yea, though shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians, v. 34. chap. 47. 7. Hebr. 2. 11.  
V 32. Shepherd's] Not ashamed of their base trade in the account of the Egyptians.  
V 34. That ye may dwell in the land of Goshen] The nearest part to Canaan a fruitful pasturage for cattle. That thus living by themselves they might be least corrupted with the Egyptians idolatry and superstition, and less offensive to them by their trade of shepherdy. Joseph though in that favour, and of that power, ch. 45. 19 yet would not do it without the King's express consent.  
Goshen] See Annot. on ch. 45. 10.  
for every shepherd] See Annot. on ch. 43. 32.   

CHAP. XLVII.  
Verse 1. GOshen] See Annotat. on chap. 45. 10. 46. 28.  
V 2. Five men] Not set down which five, and therefore guesses here are but idle and curious.  
V 3. Occupation] Ch. 46. 33. Jonah 1. 8. 2 Thes. 3. 10. Good Magistrates inquisitive against idleness, as the bane of a Commonwealth.  
shepherd's] Every one a shepherd, v 6. ch. 46. 34.  
V 4. To sojourn] For a time, during the famine. This likely their intent at first, and not to leave Canaan. Though afterwards for joseph's sake, and his great accommodations afforded them, they continued their abode there. And afterwards the following Kings against the Laws of Hospitality, kept them as bond slaves.  
no pasture] It failed sooner in Canaan, then in Egypt and Goshen, Canaan being an higher land.  
let thy servants dwell] Pharaoh made a frank offer, ch. 45. 18, 20. Joseph intended this place for them, ch. 45. 10. His brethren here requested it, and no doubt by joseph's direction, ch. 46 34. Thus by this means, Joseph in his modesty, would gain Pharaohs ●onsent to this particular place.  
V 6. Of Activity] Men of fit and able parts are to be chosen to places and offices.  
Jacob blessed Pharaoh] Saluted him with prayer for his welfare; and thanks, and praise for his bounty to Joseph, to him and his children, 2 Kings 4. 29. Numb. 6. 23, 24. Mat. 26. 26. with Luke 22. 19 so again, when Jacob left Pharaoh, v. 10.  
V 9 Of my pilgrimage] Pilgrim's here, seeking after a better country, an heavely, Heb. 11. 9, 13. 13. 14. 1 Chron. 29. 15. Psal. 39 12. 119. 19 jacob's flittings from Labai roi to Gerar, to the valley of Gerar, to Rehoboth, to Beersheba to Bethel, to Haran in Mesopotamia, to Gilead, to Mahanaim, to Succoth, to Shalem in Sechem, to Bethel, to Ephrath, to Mamre, to Beersheba, to Egypt, to Pharaohs Court.  
one hundred and thirty year's] Therefore Jacob was ninety when Joseph was borne, and seventy six when he came to Laban, v 28.  
and have not attained] Abraham lived to one hundred seventy five. Isaac to one hundred and eighty.  
V 11. Ramases] Exod. 12. 37. The City built after by the Israelites, Exod. 1. 11. After the Israelites multiplied and spread further, and had Egyptian families among them, and about them, whence their doors were distinguished by the blood, Exod. 12 7, 23. and, v. 35, 37. they soon borrowed jewels of them.  
V 12. According] As a child is nourished by the nurse, ch. 45. 11. 49. 24. 50. 21. lovingly, tenderly, carefully.  
V 13. Fainted] Yet now among stranger's God satisfies his Church with fullness.  
V 14. All the money into Pharaohs house] His treasury. joseph's fidelity.  
V 15. Money failed] Generally, for the most part, ●almost totally.  
give us bread] Yet ask it in an humble manner, v. 17. 18, 19, 25.  
V 18. The second year] Namely after their cattle was sold, which seems to have been the sixth year of the famine, the second of their extremity.  
V 19 And our land] Die, become desolate. As trees while they bear fruit are said to live; when not, to die, so may the ground.  
and give us seed] This is the seventh year of the famine,  
V 21. He removed them] So to gain the right of propriety and possession, from the people to Pharaoh. The people mutiny not in all these extremities, nor break open the granaries of Pharaoh: but by joseph's prudence, and God's overruling Providence keep their loyalty and obedience. Thus Cham's posterity was brought into bondage, ch. 9 25.  
V 22. Only the land of the Priests] Or Princes, Pharaohs chief Officers and Lords, as, ch 41. 45. See Annos. on that place, ch. 14. 18. if it be here understood of Priests, as the Chaldee and LXX. translate it. This shows Pharaohs care, (not joseph's, for he favoured not idolatrous Priests) to preserve their rights and revenues, to save their lands from alienation, to maintain them; so Jezabel, 1 King. 18. 19 These shall rise up in judgement against many Christian Kings and people, who neglect the maintenance of the Ministers of the Gospel.  
V 24. The fifth part] He might have required the half, or have allowed them but the fifth part. Here than he deals not with them injuriously, or uncharitably, making his best advantage of their necessity: But mercifully, as themselves confess, v. 25. and yet faithfully, as became the steward of Pharaoh, whose corn he sold. This fifth part was no more than was laid up in the years of plenty, ch. 41. 44.  
V 25. Pharaohs servants] His Farmer's and Tenants.  
V 27. Multiplied exceedingly] So God fulfilled his Promise, ch. 46. 3.  
V 28. Seventeen year's] So long Joseph nourished his father in Egypt, as his father had nourished him at home.  
V 29. Thy hand under my thigh] See Annot: on ch. 24 2. Jacob requires this oath, not so much doubting joseph's obedience herein, but that he might allege it to Pharaoh, ch. 50. 5. and so decline the envy of the Egyptians, and their surmising of his scorning their land, and that it might be a testimony of his faith in Gods Promises for possessing the land of Canaan, & that as a type of Heaven, Heb. 11. 9, 10, 14, 15, 16. and for a strengthening of the faith of his seed, that they should return thither. And for this also Joseph lays his bones, as it were at stake, ch. 50. 25. Heb. 11. 22. Thus being dead they teach and preach faith to them.  
V 30. But I will lie] Lie down and sleep. Such is death, lie in burial.  
with my fathers] Abraham and Isaac. See, v. 29.  
V 31. Bowed himself] Unto God with thankfulness, Heb. 11. 21. His religious thoughts, now near his end, took up his mind with matter of praying to God, and praising of God. And though weak and bedrid, yet he would not do it without some outward expression of devout reverence. This bowing then was not to Joseph, (ch. 48. 12.) nor yet towards the East or Canaan, but to God, so David, 1 Kings 14.  
upon the bed's head] The LXX. read it leaning upon the top of his staff. The Hebrew word without pricks or vowels serves both. Mittch is a bed, Matteh is a staff. The LXX. sure had a copy without pricks. The Apostle follows the LXX. in Heb. 11. 21. See Annot. on ch. 46. 27. and on ch. 11. 12. Jacob turning his face to the bed, and so rearing himself upon the bolster at his bed's head, he then bowed himself and worshipped the Lord, ch. 48. 2. 1 Kings 1. 47, 48. And it well may be, that to help himself herein in his great weakness, he might lean upon the top of his staff which he had in his hand, being an old man; and the Apostle knowing this also to be true, did not therefore stick to allege the place, according to the Translation of the LXX.   

CHAP. XLVIII.  
Verse 1. WIth him his two sons] To receive the blessing of their venerable Grandfather, at his farewell from the world.  
V 2. And sat upon the bed] Ch. 47. 31.  
V 3. At Luz] Or Bethel, and that twice, ch. 28. 13, 19 and, ch. 35. 6.  
V 4. A multitude] Thirteen populous tribes.  
for an everlasting possession] Literally, if his seed keep Covenant with God, spiritually to his spiritual seed, he will give the heavenly Canaan for an everlasting possession.  
V 5. Ep●raim and Manasseh] Jacob still prefers Ephraim, v. 19  
are mine] My sons by adoption, and shall have the privilege of my sons; have either a twelfth share and be heads of tribes, as Reuben and Simeon. Thus Joseph had the double portion, that right of the firstborn, 1 Chron. 5. 1. A Law for this to the firstborn after, Deut. 21. 17. So the Sabbath, Circumcision, raising up seed to the brother, and many such more before Moses Law.  
V 6. begettest after them] Therefore he had no more at this time.  
the name of their brethren] Therefore he had more children after; which were sorted and counted to the stock and tribe of Ephraim or Manasse, as if they were their sons not their brethren: as all jacob's other grandchildren likewise were.  
V 7. Rachel died] Thy mother, and my dear and only true wife, if I had been fairly dealt withal, and so thou hadst been my right firstborn: and therefore in thy sons I give thee a double portion, yet she was soon taken from me.  
in the way of Ephrata] Even there, rather than to bury her among idolaters in Bethlehem, ch. 23. 9  
V 8. Who are these] Named them before, yet knew not that they were present, or did not well discern them for the dimness of his sight, v. 10.  
V 9 I will bless them] Not by a mere apprecation of prosperity, for so the less may bless the greater; but in the Name and Authority of God, guided with an especial energy or operation of God's Spirit, and so ratified by God, as ordinary blessings were not; so, ch. 27. 33. See Annot. on ch. 27. 4. Gen. 49. 26.  
V 10. Dim] Ch. 27. 1.  
V 11. I had not thought] God blessings are beyond our expectations and imaginations.  
V 12. From between] jacob's knees rather then joseph's, for Jacob embraced and kissed them, v 10.  
he bowed] In reverence and thankfulness for the former Adoption.  
V 13. Ephraim in his right hand] In a fit posture, as he thought, to receive the Patriarchal blessing, which it seems was usually done with Imposition of hands. And in this punctual order, as fearing haply Jacob might mistake their age and persons, naming Ephraim first, v. 5.  
towards Israel's right hand] The right hand hath the pre-eminence of the left, 1 Kings 2. 19 Mat. 25. 33. Ps. 20. 6. 110. 1. 118. 16. Esay 62. 8. Eph 1. 20. in strength and honour. To which the Scripture hath reference, in speech also of God.  
V 14. And laid it upon Ephraim's head] Here is the first express mention of Imposition of hands, used after in benediction, Mat. 19 13. Mar. 10. 16. at secrifices, Leu. 1. 4. as witnessing, Leu. 24. 14. in extraordinary giving of graces, Acts 8. 17. in miraculous cures, Mar. 6. 5. in ordination of Ministers, Numb. 8. 10. Acts 6. 6. 1 Tim 4. 14. so now Moses laid his hands upon Joshuah, Deut. 34. 9 in prayer, Acts 13. 3.  
Ephraim's head] Of him came Joshuah, and the Kings of the ten tribes. And the tribe of Ephraim is called the tribe of Joseph, Numb. 1. 32, 34. Apoc. 7. 6. 7. 8. The name of Ephraim is taken for the whole Kingdom of Israel, Esay 7. 2. They both had a double lot, Josh. 17. 14.  
wittingly] And therefore crossed his arms to that purpose, as a sign, not of Christ's Cross, but of that which afterwards he foretold, by the special revelation of the Spirit of God, he being so dim of sight, that he could not thereby so well distinguish between them.  
V 16. the Angel which] Christ. See Annot. on ch. 31. 11. Exod. 14. 19 13. 21.  
my name be named on them] As, v. 5. no invocation of Saints departed; they shall be in the same state and degree as my other sons, my adopted children; so God's Name is said to be called on us, Deut. 28. 10. 2 Chron. 7. 24. Jer. 14. 9 that is, we are called the sons of God, and the husband's name is called upon the wife, Esay 4. 1. And the Lords Name upon the City Jerusalem, Dan. 9 19 and upon the Temple, 1 Kings. 8. 43. Jer. 7. 10, 11.  
grow into a multitude] Spawn like fishes. There were eighty five thousand two hundred men of war of these two in Moses time, Numb. 26. 28, 34, 37. Thus Moses blesseth them, Deut 33. 17. Josh. 17. 17.  
V 17. it displeased him] Thinking his father was mistaken, he seeks to mend the error, and likely before that blessing, v. 15, 16. was uttered.  
greater than he] In number of issue and power, though the birthright remain with Manasseh, Josh. 17. 1. So, Numb. 1. eight thousand three hundred men more of Ephraim then of Manasseh, and, Deut. 33. 17. See Annot. on v. 14. Num. 2. 18, 20. yet sometimes Ephraim was at a loss, 1 Chron. 7. 20, 21, 22. less in number then Manasseh, Numb. 26. 28.  
V 20. In thee] Joseph using thy name and for thy sake, or taking thee for an example, as, Ruth 4. 11. and so for cursing, Jer. 29. 22.  
Israel] My posterity.  
I have given] Thus Prophetically bequeathing, as by Will and Testament to the posterity.  
one portion] That bought, ch. 33. 19 nigh unto Sechem after called Sychar, John 4. 5. Not all the City Sechem, and all its territories, as some would have it out of Josh. 17. 7. This portion, though little, was all he had by purchase, and so he designs him as it were his heir; Sechem was the inheritance of the Ephraimites, Josh. 16. 1. 20. 7. John 4. 5. And thither were joseph's bones carried and buried, Josh. 24. 1, 25, 32.  
have taken] Shall take. So, Esay 9 6. Thus Jacob in faith disposeth of it as already taken, Heb. 11. 21. or rather have taken it out of the hands of those neighbouring people, that seized upon it among the rest, after the slaughter of the Sichemites, and would not restore it till Jacob by force of arms took and recovered it. Though this be not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture.  
my sword] Of my children, Josh. 17. 14, to 18.   

CHAP. XLIX.  
Verse 1. GAther yourselves] Repeated, v. 2. Some present were to call and gather the absent. By this joint injunction he intimates the union that should be amongst them, Psal. 133. 2, 3. 33. 3.  
that I may tell you] By the Spirit of prophecy. Men on their deathbeds should give their last and best counsels to their children, and family, and friends.  
you] Altogether, what I have to say to every one particularly, that so every one may reap benefit also of what shall be said concerning his brethren.  
in the last days] In long time to come, 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Tim. 3. 1. Acts 2. 17. with Joel 2. 28. Your last state in this land, your state in Canaan, & till Christ's coming, v. 10. The time of the Gospel may be called the last time, because after that there will be no change of the Church from Christianity, no change of doctrine or Sacraments to the world's end, Heb. 1. 1. This foretelling things to come so long after, shows that Jacob now was inspired and assisted with a divine Spirit.  
V 3. Reuben, thou art my firstborn] And so many honourable privileges belonged to him: headship of the family, a double portion to maintain the honour of the Headship. This practised among the Patriarches, as many like other things were put into a Law afterwards, Deut. 21. 17. See, Gen, 35. 2. 48. 5.  
my might] Deut. 21. 17. Psal. 105. 36. 78. 51. 127. 4, 5. They are the principal stay and pillar of the family also. Thus and thus thou shouldest have been but for thy sin.  
V 4. Unstable as water] That is, easily moved with the winds, still ebbing or flowing, never standing still, nor easily contained in its own bounds & place, unconstant, light, treacherous, Zeph. 3. 4. Such were the divisions and grudge of Reuben amongst themselves, Judg. 5. 15, 16. Such was he in his sin, such shall he be in his downfall from the dignity of his birthright, as waters roll down from high places; or Reubens posterity shall be weak as water, (Ps. 22. 14. Josh. 7. 5.)  
thou shalt not excel] We read not that this tribe ever came to any excellency among the other tribes, excelled not in number, Deut. 33. 6. valour, or any excellent archievement.  
because thou wentest up] For a pang of lawless lust he lost all, So doth sensuality besot and befool men, Prov. 7. 7, 22. This fact, above forty years ago done, soon after the birth of Benjamin, ch. 35. 22. is here doomed and punished in Reuben and his posterity. Forbearance is no acquittance.  
he went up] As out of an indignation of the fact, he turns his speech from Reuben to his brethren, and shows how just cause there was to pronounce this sentence against him. Such changes are often in Scripture, Deut. 5. 10. love me, and keep his Commandments, Dan. 9 4. that love him, for that love thee, Mar. 11. 32. If we shall say of men they feared the people, for we fear. Jacob would have this censure of him, to be a caution to his brethren. And now dying, without malice sure to Reuben, is yet thus zealous against sin. So David, 1 Kings 2. 9  
V 5. Simeon and Levi are brethren] In birth, in evil, Prov. 18. 9 It may haply be also in conspiracy against Joseph. Thus impartially Moses sets by his relation, & a brand of infamy upon Levi, his great grandfather.  
instruments of cruelty] Cruel weapon's, Ch. 34. 25.  
in their habitations] Or in their agreements and conventions with the Sichemites, ch. 34. 13, 15.  
V 6. my sou●e] By this pathetical Apostrophe, he shows his zealous detestation of their outrageous fact, and clears himself of suspicions and aspersions of his favouring it, which otherwise after his death might have been cast upon him for it.  
come not thou into their secret] He protests against his least knowledge of, much less consent unto their secret (to him) and cursed plot, contrivance and execution of it. q. d. God forbidden that ever my soul should join in such a villainy.  
secret] Psal. 64. 2, 4. Jer 15. 17.  
my glory] My soul, which is man's glory. Or, my tongue, Ps. 16. 9 my glory is rendered by the Apostle, my tongue, Acts 2. 26. Jacob would not suffer in his honour and reputation for their sakes.  
they slew a man] The singular is often put for the plural, 1 Chron 10. 1. They slew Hamor, Sichem, Citizens and subjects.  
self-will] Not in sudden wrath, but upon a wilful settled resolution and deliberation, plotting and acting.  
they digged down a wall] We read not of this, ch. 34. yet haply they might do so to the house of Hamor or Shechem, where their sister was. The words may well, yea, best be rendered thus, they houghed an ox; so relating to the prey of cattle they took, and houghing such as would not drive.  
V 7. Cursed be their anger] It was likely to be to the ruin and extirpation of him and his, ch. 34. 31. he curseth not their persons, but their sin; so David not against Ahitophels' person, 2 Sam. 15. 31. Psal. 109. 17, 18, 19, 20. is a prediction rather than an imprecation, or imprecation conditional, not absolute. Or if absolute, then by the immediate guidance of God's Spirit, and so not lawful to those that want it. The rule for all is, Prov. 20. 22.  
I will divide them] Jacob speaks as in the person of God: as Prophets usually do. Or he would do it by his prediction and prophecy, as it were passing his word, they should be divided. As Ezekiel is said to come to destroy the City, Ezech. 43. 3. Levi was thus divided and scattered, yet God, after their zealous execution, Exod. 32. 26, 29. turned it to a blessing to his people and to them, Deut. 33. 9, 10. The Levites are first mentioned to be taken in, Numb. 1. 47. and 3. 12, 45. and ch. 4. and ch. 7. 5, 6, 7, 8. and ch. 8. for the first borne, which were by their birth the Priests before Moses time, and again due to the Lord, upon his slaying the firstborn when he brought Israel out of Egypt, Exod. 13. 2. Simeon likewise was not planted apart by himself, as the other tribes were, but had their inheritance intermingled with that of Judah, out of whose lot in several places here and there Simeonites had certain cities and villages, Josh. 19 9 And that not so much for Simeons' sake, as because Judah had too much. So Simeon was but an Inmate to Judah, and under him. Till afterwards upon their multiplying they were forced to seek further for new habitations in Mount Seir, and Mount Gedor, driving out the Amalekites, 1 Chron. 4. 39, 41, 43. And so they were scattered in their habitations. And all this wrath of Jacob, and detestation of Simeon and Levies massacre of the Shechemites proves the book of Judith to be Apocryphal, which so highly commends this fact of Simeon, ch. 9 2, 3, 4. Moses omits the blessing of Simeon, Deut. 33. And thus their union in evil was punished with this division and scattering among the tribes.  
V 8. Judah thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise] Judah signifieth praises, ch. 29. 35. as if Jacob should say, thou art so by name, and shalt be so indeed; praised for Regal Government, praised for that Christ shall come of thee, Heb. 7. 14. See, Host 11. 12. of Judah all the children of Israel were called Jews; not Reubenites of Reuben, not Simeonites, nor of any other son. Judah's sin with Tamar is omitted; Judah therein only intended single fornication.  
in the neck] This was fulfilled, Numb. 10. 14. 7. 11, 12. Judg. 1. 1, 2. 20. 18. 3. 9 in Othniel, David, Solomon, and perfectly in Christ, 2 Sam. 22. 41. Psal. 78. 68 89. 20.  
thy father's children] By all his wives, chap. 27. 29. thy mother's sons, because Isaac had but one wife.  
shall bow down before thee] Thy Regal power. Every knee to Christ. Phil. 2. 10. the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Apoc. 5. 5.  
V 9 Lion's whelp] True in Judah's Kings, most true in Christ. Lions are kingly beasts, stout, bold, strong, terrible. Lions in Kings arms. Lions were stays for the steps of King Solomon's throne.  
he couched] Varies the person as the Prophetic Spirit moved him. After victories he shall lie down and rest securely. So in Solomon's days after David's victories, 1 King. 4. 25. Numb. 23. 24.  
V 10. The Sceptre] Or tribe, so the word signifieth, v. 16, 28. after once the regal dignity should be settled in this tribe, 1 Chron. 5. 2. (as in David) the Government should never be taken from him, at least so far, but that there should be a Lawgiver from between his feet; nor his Kingdom and Commonwealth be utterly ruined, and the distinction of his tribe taken away and confounded, till the coming of Shiloh. There were no more Kings of that tribe after Jechoniah and Zedekiah, Jer. 22. 30. Ezech. 21. 27. After their return from that captivity, the principality was in Zerubbabel, and likely in others of the tribe of Judah, And when some while after, the Maccabees of the tribe of Levi got the rule; yet than the Sanhedrin, or great counsel of LXX. Elders, consisted of the tribe of Judah And the Maccabees had th●ir supreme power by the choice and appointment of the people of Judah, and continued therein till a little before the birth of Christ, when Herod a mere stranger was King, and rooted them quite out, in the thirtieth year of his reign. And if that Sanhedrin were not all chosen out of the tribe of Judah though most of them doubtless were: yet the Maccabees themselves of the tribe of Levi, were of the Kingdom of Judah, as distinct from the Kingdom of Israel, or of the ten tribes, the tribes of Benjamin and Levi, were amongst the tribe of Judah, and adhered to them; yet were but as incorporated into the tribe and Kingdom of Judah, which is therefore said, 1 Kings 11. 1●, 32, 36. three times to consist but of one tribe, viz Judah only; so also, 1 Kings 12. 20. And when they returned out of captivity, the greatest part by far that returned were of that tribe, yea, and after their return out of captivity, they were all chief planted in the lot and territory that appertained to the tribe of Judah, and the People, Kingdom and Commonwealth were still called by the name of Judah; and therefore still the Government may be said to be in Judah. where as those of the ten tribes once carried into Assyria, never returned to become a Kingdom or Commonwealth, as before, and had also their tribes, confused and confounded.  
Shebet] Signifies a rod, a rod of iron, a rod of authority, a Mace or Sceptre of Kings, a Kingdom, Esay 14. 5 a tribe, Judges 18. 19  
shall not departed] When once come to it. It was long ere it came to it. Moses was of the tribe of Levi; Joshuah of the tribe of Ephraim; of the fifteen Judges only two, Othniel and Ibzan were of the tribe of Judah; Saul was of Benjamin, David the first King of this tribe Therefore Jacob saith not when Judah should begin to sway the Sceptre, but having begun, how long it should hold on.  
from Judah] Not his person, v 1. in the last days, but the tribe of Judah, or the Nation of the Jews with relation to that tribe.  
nor a Lawgiver] Ps 60. 7. or Scribe, writing Laws for Rules.  
from between his feet] Deut. 28. 57  
until] And then it should. The authority of the Synedrion in their Synagogues in our Saviour Christ● time, was but preca●io under the Romans, and restrained in capital crimes, Mat 23 34. Acts 5. 17. 9 1, 2. 23. 5. John 18. 3●. 19 7. Acts 7 59 Ananias was deposed from the High Priesthood, for stoning James the brother of Jesus, Joseph. antiq l. 20. c. 8. The Jewish Sceptre was much weakened by Pompey, much shaken by Herod's intrusion; finally broken and abolished at the destruction of Jerusalem. After which they had no form nor face of a Commonwealth. Therefore it is evident against the Jews, that the Messiah is come.  
until Shiloh come] The Prosperer, Safemaker, or his Son, viz, of a Virgin, i. e. Christ, Heb. 7. 14. secundae ejus, the tunicle or skin wherein the child is wrapped in its mother's belly, and so taken for the child itself, the continent for the thing contained in it. Then it shall departed. God appoints the periods of Kingdoms and States, and so the p●uses and stops by rebellions and insurrections; wherein God's Providence is not asleep, but his Justice awake.  
shall the gathering] Jew's and Gentiles shallobey him, Is. 11. 10. 42. 4. Mat. 12. 21. Rom. 15. 12. He is the desire of all Nations, Hag. 2. 7. Esay 2. 1, 2.  
V 11. Binding his foal unto the vine] Wondrous fruitful, for wine especially should Judah's lot in Canaan fall out to be, full of vines, and abounding in pastures▪ lying all in the South-part of Canaan.  
V 12. Red with wine] Prov. 23. 29, 30. No allowance to drunkenness, no more then to theft in that saying, Apoc 3. 3.  
white with milk] Through plenty of pasturage and kine.  
V 13 Zebulun] Before Issachar, so his lot before him in the division of the land, Josh. 19 10, 17. though Issachar the elder. So, Deut. 33. 18.  
at the Haven of the sea] The Ocean westward, near Mount Carmel, and the sea of Gal lee Eastward, Josh. 19 10. Esay 9 1. Thus the lot for Zebulun fell out, not by chance, but by God's Providence according to jacob's prediction so many ages before. Nazareth was in this tribe, and Mount Tabor, and here Christ began to preach, Mat. 4. 15.  
unto Zidon] Josh. 19 10. to the 16. the coa●●s of it were over against Zidon, and fit for easy commerce with Zidon.  
V 14. Issachar is a strong Ass] Of strong force, but small courage, Deut. 33. 18. Judges 5. 16.  
between two burdens] Or bounds, borders. In a fertile and fat soil, loving husbandry and a quiet life: and not trafficking abroad as Zebulun.  
V 15. And bowed his shoulder] Rather servilely subject themselves to toil and tribute, then forego their quiet peaceable kind of life. Yet some of Issachar were of more noble and heroic spirits, Judg. 5. 15. 1 Chron. 12. 13, 32.  
16. Dan shall judge] Ch. 30. 6. Alludes to his name of judging; as, v. 8. and ch. 9 27. He shall enjoy the privilege of a tribe, as well as his freeborn sons. And as other tribes had their Heads and Elders to judge and decide causes amongst them, so should they, Numb. 1. 4, 16. And Samson of Dan was an extraordinary Judge. And the like is implied concerning the rest of the sons of the handmaids.  
V 17. Dan shall be a serpent] More by cunning, then by force shall they prevail, so did the Danites with Laish, Judges 18. 27. And Samson used craft as well as strength, Judges 15. and 16. Moses compares him to a Lion's whelp, Deut. 33. 22. haply for the suddenness of his leap, when he seethe the advantage of his prey. Dan is omitted in the sealing of the tribes, Apoc. 7. And so is Simeon omitted in Moses his benediction, Deut. 33. Likely Simeon for his cruelty against the Sichemites. And Dan for his notorious idolatry, Judg. 18. 20. 1 Kings 12. 29. Not because Antichrist should come of the tribe of Dan.  
V 18. I have waited] Psal, 130. 5. Esay 26. 8. Motions of the Spirit, and ejaculations of a dying man, are not tied to rules of method, and yet may have good coherence with silent and smothered thoughts, whence their expressions burst out.  
for thy salvation] Foreseeing the troubles of his posterity, and of the tribe of Dan in special, Judg. 1. 34. he breaks out into this passionate expression, of longing after their deliverance and salvation by Shiloh specially, Luke 2. 30.  
V 19 Gad, a troop] Ch. 30. 11 An Allusion, as, v. 16. See the Annotations upon it. Gad was situate beyond Jordan Eastward, and so the more subject to incursions of the bordering enemies, Judg. 10. 7, 8. Jer, 49. 1. He comforts him against his dangers by sudden inroads of troops, that at last he shall overcome them, Deut. 33. 20. Fulfilled, 1 Chron. 5. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22. Judg. ch. 10. and 11.  
V 20. Asher his bread shall be fat] Rich soil for corn and wheat specially, and for oil, Deut. 33. 24, 25. and royal dainties, and minerals, Josh. 19 24, etc. Fat signifies the best of any thing, chapter 4. 4. 27. 28.  
V 21. Naphtali is an Hind let lose] Deut. 33. 23. with scope and liberty in choice of pastures, in plenty and peace. And also of cunning and active nimbleness in dealing with their enemies, and light-footed to pursue them, and to escape danger, Psal. 18. 34. Judg. 4. 10, 15, 16. Josh. 19 32, to 39 Judah a Lion, Issachar an Ass. Dan a Serpent, Naphtali an Hind. All these were absurd in a literal sense. And so the words in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in a literal sense.  
he giveth goodly words] Fair and courteous, prevailing by that means, and words also of praises and blessings, Judg. 5.  
V 22. Joseph is a fruitful bough] In his two branches Ephraim and Manasseh, which multiplied exceedingly, and became two tribes.  
by a well] Moisture is a means of fruitfulness, Psal. 1. 3. Ezech. 19 10.  
whose branches] Hebr. Whose daughters. As bough was called by the name of son, and whatsoever cometh of or from another, is called in Hebrew a son, as the young of birds, beasts, etc. arrows are called the sons of the bow, ch. 18. 7. Job 41. 28.  
run over the wall] Abundantly increase, Josh. 17. 17.  
V 23. The archers] His brethren that sold him, his Mystris that accused him, his Master that imprisoned him, and haply the Magistrates of Egypt, and the Courtiers of Pharaoh.  
V 24. But his bow] His innocency, patience, faith, chastity, Psal. 18. 34.  
by the hands of the mighty] Joseph ascribes his strength to God, Psal. 44. 6, 7, 8.  
from thence] From the mighty God of Jacob, from his Power and Providence it was that Joseph became the shepherd, the stone of Israel, to feed them in famine, and to be a rock of refuge, stay and strength unto them. And herein Joseph may be as a type of Christ, the true shepherd and cornerstone, Act. 4. 11. Esay 28. 16.  
V 25. With blessings of Heaven] Influences of the starts, rain and dew, Deut. 33. 14. Ezechiel 34. 26.  
blessings of the deep] Springs and rivers, if not minerals too, ch. 7. 11. Deut. 33. 13.  
of the beasts] Ten thousands of Ephraim, and thousands of Manasseh, Deut. 33. 17. A contrary curse is that, Host 9 14.  
V 26. The blessings of thy father] Wherewith I do bless thee and thy brethren.  
have prevailed] Or do prevail, are stronger, of greater efficacy and excellency.  
above the blessings of my Progenitors] Abraham and Isaac, I have blessed thee in thy two sons, more than my father or grandfather blessed their two sons. Abraham gave way that Ishmael should be cast out. And Isaac gave the blessing to me from my brother Esau. But I bless thy two sons, and make them two tribes, and keep them within the Church. Or I have more expressly, and with more tenderness of affection blessed thee, than my Progenitors blessed their children. I do strive to out-blesse my forefathers, in multiplication of blessings upon thy head. Or referring the words to all jacob's children, he prefers his blessing above that of his Progenitors, as being more particularly explained and applied; and should be more suddenly, clearly, fully and effectually accomplished in them; by their multiplication in Egypt, etc. And by including them all in the Covenant of grace, making them all heirs of the Promise, not one of them being excluded.  
unto the utmost bounds of the everlasting hills] Deut. 33. 13, 15. This sets forth the riches of that portion of land in Canaan, which should by lot fall to Ephraim and Manasseh. Or, the blessings on Joseph shall be eminent and excellent in extent, and in quality and quantity; and perpetual in duration, as the everlasting hills, intimating so spiritual blessings, Psal. 54. 10.  
on the head of Joseph] Poured as oil (wherewith Princes are anointed) on his head.  
separated] By his selling away from them, and being by God so advanced in Egypt.  
V 27. Benjamin shall ravine] Be strong, fierce, warlike, going forth mornings and evenings to take his prey, vanquishing and spoiling his enemies. So did Saul the King of this tribe, 1 Sam. 11. 6, 7, 11. 14. 13. 15. 47, 48. Paul was of Benjamin, Warlike they were, as appears in those bloody battles, Judges 20. 15, 16, 17. Ehud was of Benjamin, Judg. 3. 15. Mordecai and Esther were of Benjamin, Esther 8. 7. &c and ch. 9 5.  
devour the prey] 2 Sam, 2. 26.  
V 28. Twelve tribes] Distinguished into twelve tribes afterward. And in them, rather than in the persons of his twelve sons, we are to look for the meaning and the accomplishing of these prophetical blessings. They were thirteen counting in Levi, and Ephraim and Manasseh in stead of Joseph. But Levi had no portion in dividing the land, Deut. 10. 9 And so they were still called the twelve tribes. For their order they are reckoned sometimes according to their birth, chap. 29. and 30. Exod. 28. 10. sometimes with reference to their mothers, as, chap. 35. sometimes with relation to their dignity; so is Judah first, Numb. 2. 3. Apoc. 7. 5. sometimes to their lot in dividing the land of Canaan. And so is Zebulun placed before Issachar here; sometimes withoot regard had of any order, as here, and Deut. 33. and Apoc. 7. 5. and Numb. 1. 5. 2. 5.  
● and blessed them] To Reuben, Simeon and Levi, it might seem rather a curse then a blessing; yet the denomination may be from the greater and better part. And their father's reprehension might prove a blessing to their further repentance. He concludes them within the number of the tribes, and so comprehendeth them within the Covenant, gives them a right to Canaan the type, and so by faith to the heavenly Canaan. And likely he dismissed them all with a general benediction, praying for them all. And as those three became tribes, and had their shares and portions in Canaan, so they had their names in Aaron's breastplate on twelve stones, Exod. 28. 21. and on two Onix-stones upon the shoulders of the Ephod, Exod. 28. 10, 11, 11. Levi likely, because they were the Priests and holy Ministers themselves, being left out in the precious stones. And as many of their tribes are sealed, Apoc. 7. 5, 7. as of the rest.  
every one according] The blessings applied to every tribe, according to the several references to his twelve sons; such blessings as were meet for every of them, as God's Spirit did allot.  
V 29. Gathered into my people] His soul to the Saints, Heb. 12. 23. His body to the grave. See Annot. on ch. 25. 8. and on ch. 47. 9 to my holy fathers by death, v. 33.  
bury me with my fathers] See Annotat, on chap. 47. 30.  
● in the cave] This a ground of joseph's request to Pharaoh, ch. 50. 5. And lest in seventeen year's absence question might be made of his right to the place, evidences by writings being not then in use.  
of Ephrou] Bought of him, v. 30. ch 23. 9, 10, etc. and ch. 47. 30.  
V 31. I buried Leah] Ch. 47, 30. 48. 7. Of the death and burial of Rebekah and Leah, we have nothing elsewhere set down in Scripture.  
V 33. He gathered up his feet] Which haply hung down before, as he sat on the bed's side. And so composed himself to a quiet rest and sleep of death, enjoying the use of memory and speech unto the last, Psal. 37. 37. The gesture, ch. 47. 31. was for reverence and thankfulness to God, and haply to Joseph 100   

CHAP. L.  
Verse 1. ANd Joseph fell upon his face] Exceeded his brethren, as in Piety toward God, so in filial affection and duty to his father. Religion rejects not, but regulates natural affections.  
wept upon him] Not womanish weakness to weep, Men of excellent spirit and valour have been noted for it; David, Ezekiah, Ne hemiah, Joseph seven times, Christ himself thrice. John. 11. 3. Luke 19 41. Heb. 57 Paul, Acts 20. 19, 31. 2 Cor. 2. 4. Lawful in Funerals, if mixed with faith, and exceed not a just measure. The want is a fault, Esay 57 1. Acts 8. 2. Jer. 22. 18.  
and kissed him] To touch the dead was after forbidden, Numb. 19 11, 12. yet in joseph's time not forbidden. Filial affection in a good son dieth not with a good father, but surviveth.  
V 2. His servants the Physicians] The Antiquity of Physic, Physicians, and embalming the dead. Luke a Physician, Col. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 10, 11.  
embalmed] Embalmed bodies are transported from Egypt into other parts of the world, at this day to be used for medicine. Hence the Jews had the custom of embalming; so they embalmed King Asa, 2 Chron. 16. 14. 21. 16. and our Saviour, John 12. 7, 19, 39, 40. Mar. 14. 8. Though his body needed it not, being secured from corruption, Psal 16. 10. Act. 2 31. 13. 35. yet they that embalmed him knew not so much. jacob's body was to be kept long and carried far.  
V 3. Seventy days] To honour him, as, 2 Chron. 32. 33. The Hebrews time of mourning was thirty days, Numb. 20. 29. Deut. 21. 13. 34. 8. And the Egyptians time for embalming was forty days. These two might make up the seventy days; much time taken in the very ceremonies of mourning.  
V 4. Joseph spoke unto the house] Useth the mediation of Egyptian Courtiers, to testify his modesty in a business concerning himself, to prevent all suspicion of his not returning, and to decline their envy, and endear himself to them the more. And perhaps also Mourners were not to come into the presence of Princes, Esther 4. 2.  
V 5. Made me swear] Jest he should seem to disdain to have his father buried in Egypt, he allegeth this tie upon him by the dead.  
which I have digged for me] So spacious was the place, that they might dig themselves several Repositories or Cells for their dead bodies in it; where his Progenitors and wife were buried. The manner of men to build sepulchers while they were alive. So Absalon, so Asa, 2 Chron. 16. 14. so Joseph of Arimathea, Mat. 27. 60. so Shebna, Esay 22. 16.  
bury me] Some bodies are embalmed and not buried; most buried without embalming; some embalmed with Aromatic spices put into their bodies, some only had spices upon them and about them; some had sweet odours burnt at their burials, 2 Chron. 16. 14. 21. 19 Jer. 34. 5. some had their dead bodies themselves burnt, 1 Sam. 31. 12. sundry other manners amongst Heathen. Want of burial is a calamity bewailed, Psal. 79. 3. and a judgement threatened, Jer. 7. 33. 22. 19  
V 6. As he made thee swear] Very infidels would have oaths performed.  
V 7. All the servants] A very great multitude of them. So, Mat. 3. 5. All Judea; and so again many is put for all, Rom. 5. 19 Such was joseph's prudence, and sweetness of disposition, that he kept the height of honour still without envy, which Court-favourite's seldom do.  
and all the Elders] Senators, Governors, Officers, Counselors, Ezech. 7. 26. Psal. 105. 22.  
V 10. Valley of Atad] Signifies a bramble or thistle. Likely not far from Hebrou or Machpelah.  
beyond Jordan] As Moses stood when he wrote this, Deut. 1. 1. 3. 25. being now in the plains of Moab. Else in a direct journey from Egypt to Hebron, Mamre or Machpelah, their way was not to pass over Jordan.  
seven days] So long in Moses Law they were unclean, the touched the dead, Numb. 19 11. See Annot. on v. 3.  
V 13. And buried him in the cave which] Acts 7. 15, 16. saith Stephen, to Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were carried over into Sichem, and laid in the Sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emor, the father of Sichem. The case is clear, that the two places which Abraham bought, ch. 23. and which Jacob bought, ch. 33. are not one and the same but divers; as appears by the place or situation, by the name, use, price and persons, buyers and sellers. And yet these two purchases seem to be confounded in the speech of Stephen. Again, Stephen might have a failer in memory, in his long and sudden speech, as not being then infallibly guided as an Inditer of Scripture, though full of the Holy Ghost, Acts 6. 5. 7. 55. For so it is said of the other Deacons, Acts 6. 3. of Peter, Act. 4. 8. of Paul, Acts 9 17. yet Peter erred, Acts 10. 14. Gal. 2. 11, etc. and all the Apostles erred in the point of Christ's Resurrection, and of his Kingdom, Acts 1. 6. and of the calling of the Gentiles. And St. Luke might do right in recording it as it came from Stephen. As the like is in ch. 27. 19, 24. and, 1 Kings 13. 18. joseph's bones were buried in Shechem, the place his father bequeathed to him and his on his deathbed, and likely the rest of his brethren, in conformity to his example, would be buried there, have their bones likewise carried thither; and this, though not mentioned in Scripture, might by other Records or Revelation be made known to Stephen, as the names of ●annes and Jambres to Paul, 2 Tim. 3. 8. the Prophecy of Enoch to Judas, v. 14. the Genealogy to Luke, ch. 3. v. 23, to 31. Jacob himself was certainly buried in Machpelah, as is here recorded: and though he be joined together with his sons in a state of mortality, Acts 7. 15. yet the sixteenth verse of their burial may well be confined to his sons as the next Antecedent without taking him into the number. And that Jacob bought the field of the sons of Emor or Hamor, Shechems' father, is likewise certain. By Abraham then, Acts 7. 16. we must understand Abraham's Grandchild Jacob; And so expound it, which is a very harsh Exposition, the whole text considered, and could not be so apprehended by the multitude of his hearers. Or rather we may say, that Stephen mistook the story, and named Abraham in stead of Jacob, which may be done without any great offence, as hath been showed, and so Luke relates what rightly he should; for to lay an error upon the sacred text, by saying Jacob should be put in the text in stead of Abraham, and that Abraham came into it by the error of the transcribers, mistaking the one name for the other, or whereas neither was in the Original, and Abraham error being put in the margin, that from the margin they put it into the text, all this is not so likely, nor any way so safe. That Emor or Hamor was father to Sichem, not son to Sichem, appears, Josh. 24. 32. Gen. 33. 19 and therefore it is so to be supplied in Acts 7. 16. so is the word mother supplied, Luke 24. 10. out of Mar 15. 40. That Zohar, Gen. 23. 8. was not otherwise called Hamor, not had a son called Sechem, but called Ephron, the Scripture-Story declares. And Sechem of Hamors sons is only mentioned, because he was more honourable than all the house of his father, and so it is most probable, that in the sale of the ground to Jacob he had most to do, and the rest consented to his transaction. They that would make a reconciliation, by saying that the two places and sepulchers, that Abraham bought, and that which Jacob bought were near one another, presuppose what is not sound, for Hebron and Machpelah were in the tribe of Judah, and Sechem or Sychar a city of Samaria in the tribe of Ephraim, above twenty miles distant. And if granted, yet helps nothing to answer the other difficulties of the text.  
of the field] Places for burials have been very various. Fields as here. Moses in a valley, Deut. 34. 6. Uzziah in the field of the burial which belonged to the Kings; in the same field; but apart from the corpses of the Kings, 2 Chron. 26. 23. The Potter's field was bought to bury strangers in, Mat. 27. 7. Manasseh was buried in the garden of his own house, 2 Kings 21. 18. Our blessed Saviour in a garden, Joh. 19 41. Among Christians, after they had peace from persecutions, and Churches for divine service, they soon buried in the Church yards, and afterwards came to bury in the Churches themselves, which grew in time into a superstition among many, and to be an annoyance to the living through the commonness of it.  
V 15. And will certainly require us] The unquietness of guilty consciences now after forty years, Lev 26. 36.  
V 16. Sent a messenger] And after went themselves, v. 18.  
thy father did] Most likely that they feigned this.  
V 17. So shall ye say unto Joseph] They use arguments from his father's command, their relation as brethren, their Penitency, his Piety.  
wept] As pitying their perplexity, and grieving at their doubt of his good will.  
V 18. Fall down before his face] Wittingly confirming the prediction, ch. 37. 7. and yielding themselves his servants, whom they had sold for a slave.  
V 19 Am I in the place of God?] Ch. 30. 2. Am I in God's stead to revenge myself; or to cross God's purpose, turning it to your hurt, which he turned to your preservation? or fear ye me more than God? am not I under God?  
V 20. But God] Joseph] ascribes nothing to himself, but all to God, whose goodness over-masters man's malignity and badness, chap. 45. 5. Acts 3. 12, 13. Psal. 119. 71.  
much people] Them, Egyptians and others.  
V 21. I will nourish you] Doing good for evil, Mat. 5. 44. Rom. 12. 21.  
V 23. Third generation] So soon was jacob's blessing begun to be accomplished in joseph's life-time, ch. 48. 19 49. 22.  
of Machir] Numb. 32. 39 1 Chron 7. 16.  
V 24. Surely visit] Ch. 15. 14. 46. 4. Heb. 11. 22.  
V 25. Took an oath] V. 5.  
of the children of Israel] His brethren haply were now dead, many of them; yet was Levi alive, who lived one hundred thirty seven years, Exod. 6. 6. and so outlived Joseph some sixteen years. Therefore the oath was taken of the children of Israel: and it may be renewed by the succeeding generation, that they in whose time the deliverance should be brought to pass, should perform this oath.  
from hence] Mean while his body was interred in Egypt to the contentment of the Egyptians, and to the comfort of his family and kindred, to have his body and bones among them; and so to have them there the more preserved for their good. And joseph's bones were carried thence. And not kept as relics to be worshipped. but were buried at Shechem, Josh. 24. 32. jacob's purchase, and joseph's sons heritage. And this, to testify his own, and confirm his brethren's faith, in the belief of the Promises of Canaan, and that as a type or pledge of the heavenly Cannon. There were the other Patriarches jacob's sons and joseph's brethren also buried, Acts 7. 16. Their bones likely being carried with his bones.  
V 26. An hundred and ten years old] Eighty years after his advancement. At that age also died Joshua, who was of his race, Josh. 24. 29. Joseph died in the two thousand three hundred sixty nineth year of the world; sixty years before the birth of Moses, and one hundred and forty years before the Israelites coming out of Egypt, as may be gathered out of Gen. 15. 13. and Exod. 12. 41. See Annot. on ch. 15. 13.  
FINIS.    

CHOICE OBSERVATIONS AND EXPLANATIONS UPON THE Old Testament.  

Genesis.  
GENESIS Containns an History of 2369 years; from the Creation of the World, and Adam; to the death of Joseph.  
The Day of 24 hours, book I called Day, verse 5 Numb. 8. 17. gins here at Evening, Chap. I. v. 5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31. And so Exod. XII. 18. and Levit. XXIII. 32. And hence, in daniel's time, it is called the Evening-Morning. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Dan. VIII. 14, 26. 2 Cor. XI. 25. Yet the Account sometimes seems to begin in the Morning: as vulgarly with us, and many other Nations. And may seem so also, in some kind of reckoning with the Jews; out of Num. XXVIII. 3, 4. And so in the days of our Saviour, out of Matth. XXVI. 17, 20. and XXVIII. 1. Mar. XVI. 1, 2. Luke XXIV. 1. John XX. 1, 19 Unless we take the day there for the time of Light contradistinguished to Darkness; as it is, 2 Sam. I 12. Divers other Nations did begin their day diversely; Some with Sunrising; some at the setting; some at midnight, as Astronomers with us usually do. And whereas our Saviour seems to some to keep his last Passeover a day before the Jews, out of John XVIII. 28. and XIX. 14. Unless by Passeover there we understand the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately succeeded the Passeover, or Paschal Lamb, Levit. XXIII. 5, 6, 7, 8. and not the Passeover itself; or both, as Luke XXII. 1. yet supposing he did so; both upon the former diversities of accounts, may be said to keep it on the XIV. day at Even: Our Saviour rightly reckoning the Beginning of the day, from the Evening: And the Jews then reckoning it amiss, as vulgarly, and the Romans then did, from the morning following. But all this is only tendered to consideration. And yet this rather than that Jesus should not be said to eat the Passeover at that time; But only a like thing, which they please to conceive, and call, without all ground save their own imagination, a commemorative Passeover, commemorative of that which was to be kept the next day.  
Eden] A Region in Mesopotamia or Chaldea, chapter TWO verse 8. 3. Acts VII. 2, compared with Gen. XI. 31. It signifies Delicacy or Delight, Psal. XXXVI. 8. Esay XLVII. 8. In the Eastern part whereof, and not only Eastward from Jury was this Garden planted. See Esay XXXVII. 12. Ezek. XXVII. 23.  
Ethiopia] Heb. Cush, Called so from the son of Cham, verse 13 or Ham, ch. X. 6. 1 Chron. I. 8, 10. The Ethiopians or Cushites seem first to inhabit some parts of Arabia, on the North-side of the Red Sea: And after to settle themselves on the Southside of it, and South of Egypt; whence we read in Authors of the Asian and African Ethiopians. And in Scripture we read of Zerah their King, who came out against Asa, with the hughest host that God's Word doth mention, 2 Chron. XIV. 9 And of Tirhakah that came forth against Sennacherib, Esay XXXVII. 9 Of Candace the Queen, Acts VIII. 27. Of those two great and good Eunuches, Proselytes; the one Jeremy's deliverer, Jer. XXXVIII. and the other baptised by Philip, Acts VIII. 27,— 39 And of Zipporah the wife of Moses Num. XII. The Ethiopians were kinsmen and allies to the Egyptians; coming both of Cham; near neighbours and confederates, Esay XVIII. 1. and XX. 4. Jer. XIII. 23. and XLVI. 9 Ezek. XXX. 9 See more in the Annotations on Jer. XIII. 23.  
A Tree is mentioned, and the Fruit of it. verse 16 And so, v. 17. and ch. III. 1, 2, 3, 6. But the Appletree, or what kind of Tree, is not specified.  
Cherubims'] And so, chapter III verse 24 Num. VII. 89. 1 Sam IU. 4. 1 King. VII. 29. Esay. XXXVII. 16. Ezek. X. throughout that Vision; and ch. XLI. 18. Heb. IX. 5. and in sundry other places. And in like sort we have the word Seraphims, Esay VI 2, 6. And this for expression-sake of our English plural by the letter (s): whereas the words might have been rendered Cherubs and Seraphs, or Cherubin and Seraphim; that being the termination plural in the Original Hebrew; as also in the Chaldee, and Syriak. And so is rightly left out in the word Baalim, in all places. Of Cherubin see my Annotations on Ezek. IX. 3. and X. 1, 3,— 10, and v. 14,— 22. and XI. 22.  
Offering] Offering is here mentioned. chapter IV verse 3 And so v. 4. Called Sacrifice, Heb. XI. 4. And as this; so other nominated Mosaical and Levitical Rites and Ceremonies, were in use before the times of Levi, and Moses. As,  
2. Beasts, and Fowls, clean and unclean; at the time of the Flood; ch. VII.  
3. Priests, Altars, Burnt-Offerings, Drink-Offerings, VIII. 20. and XIV. 18. and XXII. 13. and XXXV. 14.  
4. Eating of Blood forbidden, ch. iv 4.  
5. Oil in use for Consecration; XXVIII. 18. and XXXV. 14.  
6. Marrying the brother's widow, to raise up seed to the brother deceased; ch. XXXVIII. 8, 9, 26.  
Called his name] Names afterwards usually imposed at the time of Circum●sion; verse 25 as appears, partly in Abraham; plainly in John the Baptist, and others. By the Jews some of God's Titles were many times inserted into the Composure of the names of their children, as plentifully appears. And the manner of many Heathens was to impose, or insert the names of their Idols and Pagan Deities upon, or into the names of their children, and of their Kings and Favourites, Rom. XVI. 1, 14, 15. 1 Cor. I. 12. 1 Thess. I. 1. And hence we have among the Babylonians, from their Idols, Bel, Nebo, and Merodach, these Names, of Belteshazzar, Dan. I. 7. and IV. 8. and Belshazzar, Dan. V 1. And Merodach-Baladan, Esay XXXIX. 1. and Evil-Merodach, 2 Kings XXV. 27. And Nebonatsar Na●opolatsar, and Nebuchadnetsar. And in the same names are many times a change of letters, like letters put some times one for another; as Merodach is called Berodach, 2 King. XX. 12. As Dibon the name of a City, Numb. XI. 30. is called Dimon, Esay XV. 9 And Nabuchadnezzar is written also in Scripture Nebuchadnetsar, jer. XXII. 25. and Nebuchadrezzar, and Nebuchadretzer, jer. XXI. 2. and XXIV. 1. Sometimes letters, or syllables are transposed, and left out, and added: And so there is much variation in one and the same name: Esaias is called also jeshajah, and jeshajahu; Hezekiah is called and written Ezekias, Chiskijah, 2 King. XVIII. 1. Chiskijahu, XXXVI. 1. Jechiskijab, Micah I. 1. jechiskijahu, Esay I. 1. jehojacin is called also jechoniah, jechonias, Coniah, Conijahu. I omit others not much unlike. Yea sometimes in Scripture divers men have divers dissonant names; some 2, some 3, as 1 King. XV. 2, 10. compared with 2 Chron. XI. 20. and Ch. XIII. 2. And as further may be seen at large in the Great Annotations upon 1 Chron. III. 1, 15, 16. and VI 1, 20, 24. and VIII. 5, 33. and Ch. XI. and Ch. XVIII. 10, 16. and Ch. XX. 7. And divers places have two several names; as in 2 Sam. VIII. 8. compared with 1 Chron. XX. 4. And many others.  
Adam] chapter V verse 3 Adam lived to the 243 year of Methuselah.  
Seth] Seth was borne in the 130th year of Adam's age, And so likely soon after the murder of Abel by Cain. In which space of near 130 years, so many might be borne, as might justly occasion that speech of guilty Cain, Every one that findeth me shall slay me.  
Enoch] Enoch lived so many years before his Translation, verse 23 as we have days in our year, viz. 365. And his Prophecy mentioned, Judas v. 14, 15. is not intimated in the Old Testament.  
Methuselah] Methuselah lived to the 98 year of Shem. verse 27  
Methuselah] Methuselah the longest liver, verse 27 died in the beginning of the year of the Flood, as appears by the Chronology of the times and years of those ten Patriarches; Ch. V. and VII. 6.  
Noah] Of Noah's sons, verse 32 Japhet was the eldest, Shem the second, and I'm the youngest, Gen. VII. 1. and IX. 24. and X. 21. and XI. 10.  
Shem] Shem was two years younger than Japhet, verse 32 Ch. V 32. and VII. I. and Ch. XI. 10. and lived to the fiftieth year of Isaac. And so Shem is the only person in Scripture that lived to see his posterity of the tenth generation. And seems to be Melchizedech, Gen. XIV. 18. Heb. VII. I. etc.  
These 120 years, verse 3 c. VI 3. begin 20 years before Noah had any children.  
Cubits] Of Cubits, chapter VI verse 15 which measure the Ark, see my Annotations on Ezek. XL. 5.  
Flood] These 150 days c. chapter VII verse 24 VII. 24. from the begnning of the Flood on the second month, 17 day, c. VII. 11. to the Resting of the Ark on the seventh month, 17 day, XIII. 4. do show those month to consist of 30 days apiece. And the number of the months cannot be doubted of. Here is mention made of the 1, 2, 7, 10. Which shows the year to differ little from ours now.  
Noah] Noah lived 950 years, chapter IX verse 29 c. IX. 29. being born in the 1056 year of the World; and dying in the year 2006. two years before Abraham was born; He so lived to see his children or posterity of the ninth generation.  
Isle's] Iles are taken, chapter X verse 6 not only for Lands properly, compassed about with Sea, or water; but for Countries also lying on the Seacoasts, as Jer. XXV. 22. Ezek. XXXVII. 3, 15. Esay XX. 6. And sometimes for Lands likewise, being remote and transmarine parts, as Esay XLII. 1, 5. and XLII. 4, 10. and XLIX. 1. and LI. 5. and LX. 9  
Babel] See my observations on Dan. verse 10 IU. 30.  
Sidon] Sidon, in Hebrew Tsidon, verse 19 called the great City, Josh. XI. 8. and Ch. XIX. 28. Ancienter by much than Tyre. See my Annotations on Zech. IX. 2.  
Arphaxad] Man's life halfed, chapter XI verse 13 or thereabouts, at the time of the flood, XI. 11. etc. compared with Ch. V And again shortened about another half at the building of the Tower of Babel, X. 25. and XI. 19 And well-nigh the third time, between the times of Abraham and Moses, XXV. 7. Psal. XC. 10.  
Abram] Abram borne, verse 26 not in the 70, but in the 130. year of Terah, Gen. XI. 32. and XII. 4. Acts VII. 4.  
Ur] Ch. XI. 31, 32. verse 31 and Acts VII. 2, 3, 4. show Ur to be in Mesopotamia, and Abram to be called there. And after Terahs' death at Haran, than he had a new Call, Gen. XII. 1. And else the Hebrew Perasha upon Terahs' death, Ch. XI. 32. had been unfit.  
Egypt] Egypt, chapter XII verse 10 In Hebrew Mitzrajim, or Misraim. So called from the son of Ham of that name, Gen. X. 6. whence also it is called, the Land of Ham, Psal. CV. 27. and CVI 22. It is called also Rahab, Esay LI. 9 from her pride and power, Esay XXX. 7. Ezek. XXX. 6. It is the ancientest Kingdom that we read of; except it be the Kingdom of Assyria, by Cush, the other son of Ham, Gen. X. 8.— 12. The Kings of Egypt mentioned in Scripture, are Pharaoh (which after seems to be a common name to their Kings; as Ptolemy, whence Bartholomew that is Bar-Ptolomie, the son of Ptolemy, was to them in the times of the Macedonian or Greekish divided Empire) or many Pharaohs; as in the days of Abraham, Gen. XII. 15. Of Jacob and Joseph, Gen. XXXVII. 36. and Ch. XLI. 1. and XLVI. 5. & L. 4. Of Moses, Exod. I. 11. and Ch. XVIII. 10. Heb. XI. 24. Of Solomon, 1 King. III. 1. Shishak is the name of the King of Egypt in Solomon's time, and in Rehoboams time, 1 King. XI. 40. and Ch. XIV. 25. 2. Chron. XII. 2, 9 So, a King's name of Egypt in Hoshea's time, 2 King. XVII. 4. Pharaoh in Ezekiah's time, 2 King. XVIII. 21. Pharaoh Necho (deemed to be the son of Psammetichus) in Josias his time, and in Jehojakims time, 2 King. XXIII. 29. and Ch. XXIV. 7. Jer. XLVI. 2. Pharaoh. and Pharaoh-Hophra, in Zedekiahs; and in the Prophet ezekiel's time, Jer. XXXVII. 5, 7, 11. and XLIV. 30 Ezek. XXIX. 2, 3. and Ch. XXX. 21. and Ch. XXXI. 2. and Ch. XXXII. 2, 31.  
Sarai] Sarai fair; verse 11 and the more accounted so, going among the Egyptians, XII. 11, 12. And she the only woman, whose whole age is recorded in Scripture, XXIII. 1.  
That Prophetical promise, chapter XV verse 13 Gen. XV. 13. makes not the Israelites to be 400 years in Egypt; But rather is thus rightly understood; That Abraham's Seed, that is, Isaac and Jacob, should be strangers in a Land that was not theirs; that is, in Canaan 190; years from the birth of Isaac, to jacob's going down into Egypt, XXV. 26. and XLVII. 9 And jacob's posterity were strangers in Egypt, from his going down thither, till their bringing forth by Moses, 210 years; not 400 years there: Moses himself being the son of Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, Num. XXVI. 59 and grandchild of Kohath; And Levi, and Koath went down into Egypt with Jacob, XLVI. 11. And Machir the son of Manasseh: And Jair the grandchild of Hezrom, living in Moses his time, Num. XXXII. 40, 41. And Achan the third from Zarah living in Joshuahs' time, Josh. VII. 1. 18. 1 Chron. II. 6, 7. And thus 190 and 210 make up those 400 years, in this Prophetical promise mentioned. And the Samaritan Bible or Text here; and the LXX. in Exod. XII. 40. do thus declare this point; though their insertion and addition there be of their own mind and meaning; and no part of the sacred Text.  
Name] Names changed, chapter XVII verse 5 as abram's, and Sarai's here; so jacob's, joseph's, Naomies, Pashurs', and others. See the Annotations on Esay LXII. 4. and on Jer. XXIII. 6. and XXXIII. 16.  
Abram] Abram signifies an high or lofty Father; Abraham, a Father of a great multitude. He is called, The Friend of God, 2 Chron. XX. 7. Esay XLI. 8. Jam. II. 23.  
Sarai] Sarai signifies my Lady, verse 15 or my Princess: Sarah a Lady, or Princess, without restriction; The Title being so enlarged.  
Ishmael] Ishmael was 13 years old when he was circumcised, verse 25 XVII. 25. And so above 15. or rather 17 at Isaac's weaning, when he and his mother were cast out of Abraham's family, XXI. 5, 8, 14, 15.  
Three measures] chapter XVIII verse 6 The Hebrew measures of Capacity mentioned in the Old Testament, are these 10. viz. 1 Log. Leu. XIV. 10. the least measure. 2 Cab, 2 King. VI 25. 3 Hin, Exod. XXIX. 40. Levit. XXIII. 13. Ezek. IU. 11. 4 Omer or Homer, or Gnomer, being the quantity of a man's daily eating of Manna, and the tenth part of an Ephah, Exod. XVI. 16. 36. 5 Seah, translated measure or Satum, in this Text, Gen. XVIII. 6. and 2 King. VII. 1. 6 Ephah, containing ten Omers, Exod. XVI. 36. 7 Bate or Bath, containing likewise ten Omers; and being both the tenth part of a Cor, and Chomer, Ezek. XLV. 11, 14. 8 Lethec, translated half an Omer, or rather half a Chomer, Host III. 2. 9 Cor, and 10 Chomer, each equal, and containing ten Bats or Ephahs apiece, Ezek. XLV. 11, 14. Thus fare Scripture. The particular assignations of their several Capacities are usually made thus, viz: The Log to contain the quantity of six hen-eggs-shels of Palestine, the same with Sextarium Romanum, and is about our half pint (yet some make it a pint.) The Cab to contain four Logs, i. e. a quart of our measure, or 24 egs-shels; (yet some say a pottle) The Hin to contain six Logs, i. e. 36. egs-shels (some say 12 Logs, or 72. egs-shels) or about three quarts. An Omer to contain one Cab and an half, and a fifth part, about our three pints and an half, or a pottle, the tenth part of an Ephah. Seah to contain two Hins, or six Cabs, i. e. a gallon and an half, or Modius Romanus, the third part of an Ephah. Ephah to contain ten Omers or Pottles, i. e. four gallons and an half; or about three Seahs; and to be Medimnus Atticus, (yet some make it to contain eight gallons; and so four Ephahs to contain our barrel; some to contain near ten gallons: or about the measure of our bushel, or half a bushel and a pottle.) Bate or Bath is of the same measure for liquid things, as Ephah is for dry things. Lethec to contain five Ephahs, or fifteen Seahs, or Sata, or Modii, that is, two bushels, six gallons, and one pottle; or half a Chomer. Chomer, and Cor are both of the same measure, either equal; and contains certainly, as was said, ten Bats or Ephahs apiece, or two Lethecs. Cor is oft translated Measures. And thus uncertain are we for the grounds of these measures of Capacities.  
Abimelech] And XXVI. chapter XX verse 2 1. This seems to be a common name to the Kings of Palestine; as Pharaoh to the Kings of Egypt; Benhadad to the Kings of Syria; Candace to the Queens of Ethiopia; Caesar to the Roman Emperors.  
Hebron] Hebron called also Kiriath-Arba, chapter XXIII verse 2 the City of Arba, the the father of Anak, where Anak lived, and his sons and the Anakims, all Giants. Here Abraham, Isaac and Jacob dwelled, and were buried here in the Cave of Macpelah, before Mamre, the same is Hebron. Here Sarah died, and was buried in that Cave: And Rebekah, and Leah were likewise buried here. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren. And hither the Spies came that were sent by Moses to spy out the Land. Hoham the King of Hebron was one of the five Kings hid in the Cave, and slain and hanged up by Joshuah: And it seems another King of Hebron soon after slain by him. And he and Caleb slew the Anakims dwelling here. This City fell to the Tribe of judah; and was seated in a mountain of judah: and together with the Suburbs of it, was given to the Priests; and to be a City of refuge: But the Fields, and Villages of it were given to Caleb that good Spy. To the top of an hill before Hebron, Samson carried the Gate of Gaza. David having sent to them of Hebron a Present of the spoil which he got of the Amalekites, in the rescue of Ziklag, was commanded by God to go hither. And here at Hebron he was made King, and reigned seven years and six months: had six sons borne him here, of six several wives. Hither Abner cameto David; and being murdered by Joab, was by David mournfully buried here. Hither Ishbosheths' head was brought, and buried in Abners grave; and his murderers by David hanged here. Hither came all Israel to make David King over all Israel. And afterwards Absalon being borne here, pretended a vow to be performed here; and rebelling against his father made himself King here. This City was first built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. And in King Rehoboams time was repaired and fortified by him.  
Abraham] Abraham alive when Jacob was 15 years old, chapter XXV verse 7 XXI. 5. and XXV. 7, 26. And so Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were living at the same time, Heb. XI. 9  
Esau] Esau sold his Birthright for bread and pottage, verse 34 XXV. 34. for one morsel of meat, as it is, Heb. XII. 16.  
Isaac] Isaac blind above 43 years. chapter XXVII verse 1 He being 60 at the birth of Jacob, XXV. 26. And blind at the blessing of Jacob, XXVII. 1. And Jacob was then 77. years old, as appears by his age of 130 when he stood before Pharaoh, XLVII. 9 And the age of Joseph being then 39 or 40, viz. 30 when he was advanced by Pharaoh, XLI. 46. And after that, seven years of plenty, and two of famine passed ere Jacob came down, XLV. 6. And Joseph was borne in the 14 year after jacob's coming to Laban, XXX. 25. and XXXI. 41. And jacob came to Laban presently after the foresaid blessing, XXVII. 42. etc. XXVIII. 1, 2. And so the 14 years before joseph was borne, and 39 of josephs' age after, being taken out of jacobs' 130. leaves him to be 77. when Isaac blessed him. And jacobs' 77. being added to Isaac's 60 when jacob was borne, makes Isaac to be 137. when he was blind, and blessed Jacob. And Isaac dying at 180, XXXV. 28. must so needs be blind 43 years at the least.  
Esau] Esau could not prevail with Isaac to bring him to repent of his blessing jacob, verse 33 and to recall the blessing, though Esau sought it of Isaac with tears, XXVII. 33, 34. Heb. XII. 17.  
jacob] jacob being 77 years old, chapter XXIX verse 27 marries both Leah and Rachel, in the first year of his coming to Laban, [Laban by inversion of the letters is Nabal] and at or before the beginning of the 14 years' service for them. This appears by his twelve children; Dinah being one: and by the Sequence of their births, within those 14 years, Changed XXIX. and XXX. which are not possible to be, in that manner, and order borne, within the compass only of the last seven years: And having seven of them by Leah herself; who yet left bearing a while after her fourth son: and Reuben her eldest son being so old to gather Mandrakes in the field a year before Issachar, her fifth child, was borne by her. And this is further evidenced by the age of judah, being but fifty upon this account itself, that is, 10 years elder than Joseph, when yet he, and his grandchilds by Tamar, both Hezron and Hamul came down with jacob into Egypt, XLVI. 12. whereby it also appears, that judah marrying at 17 years of age, which was the first year of jacob's return from Laban the Syrian into Canaan, XXXVIII. 1, 2, 3. Then both Er, and Onan, and Pharez must needs marry each when they were about 12 or 13 years old, which was rare in that age of the world. And this truth of the time of jacob's marriage will stand well with the computation of time by the ages and acts of Judah, and his posterity; and with a right rendition of those texts, Gen. XXIX. 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 30. which should be somewhat altered in our English translations. Here then those large Annotations 1651. making Jacob to marry both Leah and Rachel at the end of the first seven years' service: And the twelve children to be borne within the compass of the seven later years: And Judah to be but three years elder than Joseph; And to marry at fourteen years of age: And Er and Onan to marry at fourteen apiece: And Hezron and Hamul, to be borne in Egypt, and to come down with Jacob only in the loins of their father Pharez; (wherein yet there remains a contradiction in them, as appears by comparing together their Annotations on Gen. XXXVIII. 1. and XLVI. 12, 27. do in all the said particulars seem to me to miss the right; and at least to require a more serious review and consideration. See the said Annotations on Gen. XXIX. 27, 30. and XXXVIII. 1, 2, 6. and XLVI. 12.  
Sacks] Sacks, chapter XLII verse 25 saccus; and Amen are the words that hold most, in most languages.  
Benjamin] Benjamin not 24 years old when he came into Egypt, chapter XLVI verse 21 but hard upon 30. Yea some conceive him to be conceived in Padan-Aram, out of Gen. XXXV. 24, 26. and so to be 33 years old at that time; yet is he called a Lad, Gen. XLIII. 8. and XLIV. 22, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. and a little one, v. 20. And yet at that time said to be the father of ten sons, Gen. XLVI. 21. And two of them, Naaman, and Ard, (if not more) seem to be his grandchildren, Num. XXVI. 40. But not borne in Egypt: no more than Hezron and Hamul were borne there. And so both Benjamin, and his eldest son Belah must marry very young: as the like was observed in Ere, Onan, and Pharez, before.  
The number] The number of the souls that came out of jacob's loins, and came down with him into Egypt, verse 26 are truly told and reckoned to be 66. Gen. XLVI. 26. And this is the exact number. For Joseph and his two children came not down with Jacob into Egypt, but were in Egypt before. And leaving out Er and Onan, that were dead before in Canaan; and reckoning in Hezron and Hamul, the grandchildren of Judah by Tamar; as the express letter of the Text doth in both points require, the said number of 66. doth rightly arise. And to imagine otherwise, that Hezron and Hamul were borne in Egypt, and did go down thither with Jacob only virtually in the loins of their father Pharez, it doth not only contradict the Text, as was said; but also doth overthrow the whole intent and drift of the Record, Catalogue, and Genealogy in that chapter; which is to show the small number that went down personally with Jacob into Egypt, Deut. XXVI. 5. That thereby wonderful multiplication of their posterity in Egypt, Exod. XII. 37. and in little more than a year after, Num. I. 45, 46. by God's blessing might the more gloriously appear. And if some; or any of those mentioned in the said Catalogue, went down only virtually in the loins of their parents; in that sense as well might 46000; yea 600000. be said to have descended with Jacob into Egypt.  
Again, the number of the souls of the house of Jacob which came into Egypt, are truly told to be 70. Gen. 46. 27. Exod. I. 5. Deut. X. 22. So justly reckoning Jacob himself, and Joseph with his two sons, who were then in Egypt already. And so these 70. are made up of those sums, 33. 16. 14. 7. set down in Gen. XLVI. 15, 18, 22, 25.  
Again, the number is told to be 75. by Stephen, and Luke recording Stephen's speech, Acts VII. 14. Here, denying any corruption of the Text; some would lay a failer of memory upon Stephen; as the like again in v. 16. as not being so privileged in this sudden Speech, as the holy Penmen were inspired for the writing of Scripture: And thereupon say, That Luke dealt tfaihfully in relating what Stephen spoke. Others say, That Stephen herein did wittingly and willingly follow the Translation of the LXX. Interpreters on Gen. XLVI. 27. and Exod. I. 5. As in divers citations the holy Writers of the New Testament do; That Translation being then in high esteem, and almost only in use. Yet the five persons superadded by them seem not to be those which the LXX. fetch out of 1 Chron. VII. 14, 20. But rather all those that are named, Gen, XLVI. namely jacob's four wives, and Er, and Onan; which make up 75. in all, leaving out Jacob himself.   

Exodus.  
EXODUS Contains an History of 141 years, and some few days over; And not of about 146 years. This truth appears thus; From the death of Joseph, to the birth of Moses were 60. years, and either 56. or 65. or 72. or 80. And this assertion of 60. years is thus gathered. The Israelites being in Egypt, from the going down of Jacob thither, till Moses brought them out thence, 210 years; as hath been showed on Gen. XV. 13. And Joseph being 40 years old when his father Jacob came down; as being 30 when Pharaoh advanced him, Gen. XLI. 46. And after that, seven years of Plenty passing, and the third year of Famine in being, when Jacob came down. And Joseph living 110 years, Gen. L. 22. So leaves 70 of his life to be spent in Egypt, after jacob's coming down thither. And Moses being 80 years old when he brought the Israelites out of Egypt, Exod. VII. 7. So leaves just 60 years, between josephs' death, and Moses his birth. For those three numbers, of josephs' 70. and the said interval of 60, and Moses his 80. make up the said sum of 210 years. Now to those 60 years before the Birth of Moses, add those 80 years of his age, Exod. VII. 7. And the time spent about getting leave of Pharaoh for their departure, Exod. Ch. III. to the XII. which was some small part of year, viz: within one month: And their coming forth on the first month, the 15 day, Num. XXXIII. 3. And their coming into the Wilderness of Sinai; in the third month, Exod. XIX. 1. where the Law was given, Exod. XX. And their making and erecting of the Tabernacle, in the next year, first month, first day, Exod. XL. 1. And so the sum of 141 years, and few days doth arise; which contains the whole History of Exodus. Whereof 140 years, within few days, are comprised in the two first Chapters; And one year, and few days are spent in the rest of the Book.  
His sister] His sister, chapter TWO verse 7 that is, Miriam; who was elder than Moses, or Aaron: And Aaron elder than Moses by three years, Exod. VII. 7. All three were the children of jochebed the daughter of Levi, by Amram the grandson of Levi, Exod. VI 16, 18, 20. Num. XXVI. 59 1 Chron. VI 3.  
Moses] Moses, chapter TWO verse 11 His age of 40 years when he went to visit his brethren, and flew the Egyptian: As also his skill in all the wisdom of the Egyptian, 3 are not mentioned in the Old Testament: But by Saint Stephen, Acts VII. 22, 23.  
jethro] jethro who is likewise called jether, chapter III verse 1 in the Original, Exod. IV. 18. and Hobab, Num. X. 29. Judg. IU. 11. were the names of Moses his father-in-law. And Kenite, Judg. I. 16. seems to be his name Patronymical. And Revel, and Raguel seem to be the names of Jethros father, Exod. II. 18. Num. X. 29.  
Horeb] Horeb hear, and Sinai, Exod. XVI. 1. and XIX. 11. are the same mountain; or two tops of the same mountain: called Sinai, from the bush, Exod. III. 2. or bushes growing there, and thereabouts in that wilderness, Ch. XIX. 1. As Mount Zion, and Mount Moriah were much alike.  
A Token] This token or sign was to come to pass afterwards; verse 12 yet is given to confirm a Promiser made afore it. And the like is, Esay VII. 14. and XXXVII. 30. jer. XLIII. 9, 10. and Ch. LI. 63, 64. Among other reasons, to assure there the truth of the Promise, by the quality of the Promise foretelling such events.  
No lie] No lie in this Petition to Pharaoh: verse 18 nor in that assertion, Ch. V 3.  
Will not] The foreknowledge of God doth not impeach or trench upon the freewill of Pharaoh. verse 19  
Borrow] No wrong in that borrowing, and spoiling the Egyptians, Exod. verse 22 III. 22. and Ch. XI. 2. and Ch. XII. 35, 36.  
The Magicians] The Magicians of Egypt, chapter VII verse 11 are none of them named in the Old Testament: yet jannes' and jambres, the two prime of them are named in the New, 2 Tim. III. 8.  
The Red-sea] And so in the Greek Erythraeum, chapter X verse 19 Acts VII. 36. Heb. XI. 29. signifying red: And so the Latins from them. So called, either from the seeming colour of the water from the abundance of reddish bulrushes therein; or the red sand and gravel in it; or red Coral growing in it; or red sandy mountains adjoining to it; or why not from Edom, as the Edomean Sea, 1 King. IX. 26. He being called Red from his red colour; and the red Pottage, Gen. XXV. 25, 30. But the likeliest reason is from the Hebrew appellation, calling it the sea of weeds, or sedge, mare algsum, of flag, or rush, or tange, rack or reet, in Latin alga, jonah II. 5. which radish weeds in abundance grew in it, being but shoaly; and specially about the banks of it.  
Neither rose] The Plague of Darkness in Egypt seems to obstruct both Candle-light, and Firelight. verse 23  
This month] The beginning of the year being here changed from the time wherein formerly it was, chapter XII to the month wherein the Israelites came out of Egypt; a little before our Easter, and about our Vernal Equinoctial, as it then stood; This argues the Creation of the World to have been at that time when the Jews year formerly began: And the time of Noah's Flood to begin the 17th day of the second month of that year. Which year is known to commence its Beginning from the Autumnal Equinoctial, as it then stood. From whence, even after this Change, the year of Jubilee, and Sabbath-year, and year for some Civil accounts did continue still to have and enjoy their former Beginnings; as we see, Levit. XXV. 8, 9, 10. Exod. XXIII. 11, 16. and Ch. XXXIV. 22.  
In the evening] The Paschal Lamb is appointed here to be killed and eaten, chapter XII verse 6 and so the Passeover to be kept, at Even; or, as it is in the Hebrew, at or between the two Evenings; And so, Num. IX. 3. Leu. XXIII. 5. And so kept by our Saviour at Even, Matth. XXVI. 20. Now the better to know the Even, and two Evenings, we must first know, That the Artificial Day is divided, from Sunrising to Sunsetting, into twelve hours, John XI. 9 Matth. XX. 6, 12. Acts II. 15. which hours are sometimes longer, sometimes shorter, as the course of the Sun measures them. And again, that day seems to have a division into three equal parts, allotting four hours to each part. Or into four equal parts, allotting three hours to each part. And so the first part is from their Sunrising, to our ninth hour: the second from our ninth to our twelfth, or Noon, and Midday: the third from that, to our three in the afternoon: the fourth from that, to Sunsetting. And sometimes there is taken into the first of these, the time from Daylight to Sunrising: And into the last of these, the time from Sunsetting to night and darkness, as Matth. XVI. 2. and XXVII. 57 John XX. 19 And both these comprise the whole days Fasting, 2 Sam. I 12. Now the Even in Scripture is most properly, and usually expressed, and defined strictly by the Going down, or Setting of the Sun. So in the purifying of the Unclean, Levit. XXII. 6, 7. Deut. XXIII. 11. And so in that case of the King of Ai, josh. VIII. 29. And of Ahab, 2 Chron. XVIII. 34. And of those five Kings in the Cave of Makkedah, josh. X. 26, 27. And so in Mark I. 32. And so it is expressly for the Passeover itself, Deut. XVI. 6. To which acceptation of the Even agrees that, Psal. CIV. 23. Mark XI. 11, 19 Luke XXIV. 29. Acts IV. 3. and XXVIII. 23. Yet in Scripture the Evening is sometimes taken in a larger extent and latitude, for the latter part of the Day, beginning from the declining of the Sun at Midday; or from the abating of the heat and force of it, at our three in the afternoon: As may be clearly gathered from Mat. XIV. v. 15,— 23. Mark VI 35, 47. Luke IX. 12. And as it is usual taken with us in our ordinary salutations. Now at, or between the two Evenings, is mentioned, as for the yearly Passeover; so for the daily Evening Sacrifice, Exod. XXIX. 39 Num. XXVIII. 4. And for the daily burning of Incense on the Incense-Altar: And for the daily dressing and lighting of the Lamps in the Tabernacle, Exod. XXX. 8. So that in these four cases the meaning of the phrase seems to be the same; Noting out one certain time; and these two Evenings in the larger, or stricter signification, to be contiguous, or continued rather; to be that Communis terminus, which couples the end of the day, and the beginning of the night together; or the two extremities of our Evening-tide, whereof the former belongs to the end and shutting up of the natural day preceding, and the later to the beginning of the night, which leads on, and ushers in the natural or civil day following, as the first part of it. So that this time is a participle of both, or a Borderer betwixt both, as the large Annotations fitly express it.  
Two side-posts] In this first Passeover each Head of a family served as a Priest: verse 7 divers Rites were enjoined, which were not observed or required afterwards; And the second month also allowed for it, Num. IX. 11 And other seven days, 2 Chron. XXX. 23.  
No manner of work] On divers feast-days of the Jews it was not lawful for them to do any servile work; verse 16 On others, any kind or manner of work, save that which every man must eat. But on the Sabbath day, (and so likely on the day of expiation) that itself was unlawful; or to kindle a fire on it, Exod. XII. 16. and Ch. XVI. 5, 23. and Ch. XXXV. 2, 3. And much more, to do any manner of work upon it, Neh. XIII. v. 15,— 22. Jer. XVII. 21, 22. though for the making of the Tabernacle itself, Exod. XXXI. 11, 12, 13. or at any time, in earing-time, or harvest, Exod. XXXIV. 21. And that upon pain of death, Exod. XXXV. 2.  
For ever] Many Legal Ceremonies, verse 17 or Ordinances are enjoined the Jews to be observed throughout their generations for ever; all which yet ended at the coming of Christ in the flesh. And some such enjoined in like terms, yet ended in the year of Jubilee, Exod. XXI. 6. Levit. XXV. 40. Of this see more in the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.  
430 years'] These do commence from the first Promise made to Abram, verse 40 in Ur of the Chaldees, whence 30 of the years are made up thus; viz: 5. in Haran; 11 in Canaan, when Ishmael was borne, Gen, XVI. 3. And 14 years of Ishmaels' age, when Isaac was borne, Gen. XVII. 25. and Ch. XVIII. 10. and XVI. 16. and XXI. 5. And the 400. begin from Isaac's birth; as was showed on Gen. XV. 13.  
By day in a Pillar of a cloud] The Pillar of a cloud by day, and of fire by night, chapter XIII verse 21 may seem to be two Pillars, Exod. XIII. 21. 22. Nehem. IX. 12, 19 Num. XIV. 14. Or rather seem to be one Pillar, Exod. XIV. 19, 20, 24. Spread as a cloud by day, to cover them from heat; and gathered up into a Pillar of fire by night, to guide them. Out of which God spoke unto them, Psal. XCIX. 7. Num. XII. 5, 10. Deut. XXXI. 15. See the Annotations on Esay IV. 5.  
Migdol] A strong City or Fort, chapter XIV verse 2 situate in the territory of Bethshemesh in Egypt, not fare from the Red-sea, Num. XXXIII. 7, 8. Jer XLIV. 1.  
Before the Testimony] This command for Aaron to lay up the Pot of Manna before the Lord, chapter XVI verse 34 was performed by him, in laying it not before the Testimony, not at this time of the Command here; but after the Ark, and two Tables of the Covenant were made, Exod. XXXIII. 29. and Ch. XXXVII, 1, etc.  
An Omer] The Omer and Ephah here seem quite altered in that Visionary New State of Israel, chapter XVI verse 36 Ezek. XLV. 11. Unless Gnomer and Chomer be two several measures; which I rather incline unto; and conceive the truth to be this; That 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Exod. XVI. 36. is the tenth part of an Ephah, as is there set down; whereunto accords that ver. 16. it being the measure of the eating of Manna sufficient for a man by the day. But 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ezek. XLV. contains ten Ephahs or Baths, both being of the same measure, v. 11. and 14. And hereunto accords that, Esay V. 10. where one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (for so the word is there written, as it is in Ezek. XLV.) yields but one Ephah. i e. the tenth part of the seed, it being a judgement of famine there denounced. See also, Levit. XXVII. 16. And this may serve for the better explication of my Annotations upon that place of Ezekiel, contained in the second Edition of the great Annotations printed 1651.  
Rock] Rocks twice smitten: chapter XVII verse 6 this Rock, Exod. XVII. 6. And that water going likely into the Red Sea; and so failing them in the 32. Station at Ezion-gaber; Upon their new murmuring, another Rock was smitten 39 years after, Num. 20. 1,— 13. And both called the waters of Meribah.  
Went up] Moses nine or ten times goes up to the Lord on Mount Sinai. chapter XIX verse 3 See Exod. XIX. 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 20, 21, 25. and Ch. XX. 21. and Ch. XXIV. 3, 12, 13, 15, 18. and Ch. XXXII. 7, 15, 30. and Ch. XXXIII. 6, 7, 21. and Ch. XXXIV. 2, 29, 34.  
Moses spoke] This speech, verse 19 not mentioned what it was. But seems to be that recorded, Heb. XII. 21.  
Priest's] So, verse 22 v. 24. These Priests probably seem to be the fathers of the families. The young men, Exod. XXIV. 5. might possibly be of those Primogeniti or Firstborn, which God first challenged to himself within one quarter of a year before, Exod. XIII. 2. and Ch. XXII. 29. And for them the Levites were taken in afterwards, Num. III. 12, 13, 40, 41, 45. and Ch. VIII. 18. Or else such as Moses pleased to employ in slaying and dressing at least of these Sacrifices: Called young men likely, as those servants of the King of Assyria are called in the Original young men, 2 King. XIX. 6.  
An Altar] These Altars mentioned in this verse, chapter XX verse 24 and, v. 25, 26. were allowed and appointed for the time: much differing from those by appointment made when the Tabernacle, and Temple, were erected, and builded, Exod. XXVII. 1, etc. 2 Chron. IV. 1. Of Altars see more on Levit. XVII. 3.  
In the seventh] In the Seventh and Sabbatical year, chapter XXI verse 2 beginning in September, as the jubilee did, The Book of the Law was to be read publicly and solemnly in the beginning of that year; The Land was to rest from Culture; Lend vouchsafed to poor Hebrews, and then due, were to be released, and intermitted, if not clean remitted, Luke VI 35. Hebrew servants, both men and women, though bought, if not redeemed before, were to go out free, if themselves would, and that liberally furnished, Exod. XXI. 2,— 7. and XXIII. 11, 16. Levit. XXV. 4, 5, 6, 7, 20, 21, 22. Deut. XV. 1,— 18. Jer. XXXIV. 14.  
Who hath betrothed her to himself] The Hebrew Text hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifying Not, chapter XXI verse 8 and so runs thus, Who hath not betrothed her. But the Hebrew Critics commonly called Masorets, put for it in the magin 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifying to him; so observing a various reading. And indeed they observe divers readings in sundry places of Scripture; but about no one word so many, as about this; as may be seen, Levit. XI. 21. and Ch. XXV. 30. 1 Sam. II. 3. 2 Kings VIII. 10. 1 Chron. XI. 20. Ezra IU. 2. Job XIII. 15. Psal. C. 3. Esay IX. 3. and XLIX. 5. and LXIII. 9 And in many of these, both senses come to one; reading the Negative by way of interrogation. See the Annotations on Job 13. 15.  
From mine Altar] The Tabernacle, verse 14 and Temple, and Altars there, may seem to pretend to some such Privilege, as the Cities of Refuge had, Exod. XXI. 14. 1 King. 1. 50, 51. and Ch. 11. 28.  
An Oath] An oath is pnt to the Party suspected, to accuse, verse 11 or clear himself; So, v. 11. Somewhat like an Answer to a Bill in Chancery; or to the oath called ex officio; chapter XXII though haply in all things not correspondent.  
Males] Women among the Jews, as not Circumcised; verse 17 so haply may seem neither to be tied to eat the Passeover, chapter XXIII Exod. XXIII. 17. and Ch. XXXIV. 23, 24. Deut. XVI. 16. Yet is this no ground to debar women from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper more than from the Sacrament of Baptism: the partition-wall being now broken down by Christ, and male and female in him are all one, Gal. III. 8.  
Thy bounds] The bounds of the Land of Canaan were 

Larger, Ge●. XV. 18. Exod. XXIII. 31. Deut. I. 7. and Ch. 11. 24. Josh. I. 4.  
Narrower, verse 31 Num. XXXIV. 3. etc. Num. XIII. 21. 1 King. VIII. 65. 2 Chron. VII. 8. Judg. XX. 1.    
The larger bounds were never possessed and inhabited by the Israelites; at most made Tributary only in the days of David, and Solomon. And the default might be no wise in God; but in the Israelites sinning and breaking with God, Deut. XIX. 8, 9 Yea the narrower bounds, by reason of their sins, were scarce at any time fully possessed.  
In the Ark] In the Ark were the two Tables of the Law and Covenant, chapter XXV verse 16 See also Exod. XL. 20. And nothing else, 1 Kings VIII. 9 2. Chron. V. 10. which Tables are called the Testimony, Exod. XXV. 16, 21. and Ch. XXX. 6. and Ch. XL. 20. And the Ark is called The Ark of the Testimony, Exod. XXV. 22. and Ch. XXVI. 33. and Ch. XXX, 6, 26. And the Mercy-seat is said to be upon the Testimony, Levit. XVI. 13. By the Ark was laid and kept the Pot of Manna, before the Testimony, Exod. XVI. 34. And Aaron's Rod, before the Testimony, Num. XVII. 10. And that Censer, Levit. XVI. 12. Heb. IX. 4. And the Book of the Law, in the side of the Ark, or on the outside of it, Deut. XXXI. 26. Not only those Pieces of it, Exod. XVII. 14. and Ch. XXIV. 4. and Ch. XXXIV. 27. and Deut. XXXI. 9, 22. But the whole Law and writings, and inspired Books of Moses. And this seems to some to be the Book found in Josiah's time; and to have been lost in the days of wicked Manasseh, and Amon: Though the matters of that Book, when it was read to Josiah, and to all the people, seemed so strange unto them, as if no Copy of it at all, chapter XXV or wondrous rare, had been extant among them.  
Lamps to burn always] The Lamps may seem to burn night and day; chapter XXVII verse 20 because we read of no windows for light in the Tabernacle. See also Exod. III. 7, 8. Levit. XXIV. 2, 3. At least some of them in the daytime.  
Tabernacle] Moses his Tent is called the Tabernacle. chapter XXXIII verse 7, 8. And the Tabernacle is called by the name of the Temple, 1 Sam. III. 3. And the Temple divers times by the name of the Tabernacle, and Sanctuary, and Tents of the Lord, 2 Chron. XXXI. 2.  
Forty days and forty night's] Moses twice fasted 40 days, chapter XXXIV verse 28 and 40 nights, Exod. XXXIV. 28. Deut. IX. 18. and Ch. X. 10. And some conceive thrice out of Deut. IX. 25. Yet this is not likely. Elias once; and our Saviour once. Of Fasting, see the Annotations on Joel I. 14.  
Skin of his face shone] By reflexive rays and beams of the Divine splendour: verse 29 And had not horns, as the Trent Bible renders the word; And Painters commonly picture him. The Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a substantive signifies an Horn; but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Verb signifies to shine. And so Saint Paul interprets it, 2 Cor. III. 7.  
Looking-glasses] Looking-glasses made not of Glasses, chapter XXXVIII verse 8 whereof we have no record in Scripture; but rather of steel, or of brass which was much refined, as Ezra VIII. 27. and of much use; and specially for armour inwarre, as Virgil often mentions.  
Talents. verse 24 Shekels] Shekel comes from Shakal, to weigh; And thence may our English word scale come. A Shekel is 20. Gerahs', Exod. XXX. 13. Ezek. XLV. 12. or two Bekahs, Exod. XXXVIII. 26. The Shekel is half an ounce in silver, or 2 s. 6d. And so the Gerah, 1 d. ob. and the Bekah 1 s. 3 d. The Talon is 3000 Shekels; which appears thus in the Text; The 603550 men are taxed at a Bekah a piece. This makes 301775 Shekels. Now reckoning 3000 Shekels to a Talon; The 301775 Shekels make up 100 Talents, and 1775 Shekels; according to the sum there specified, v. 25, 27, 28. And counting the Shekel at 2 s. 6d, the Talon so comes to 375 l. starling. The Shekel of gold was of the same weight with that of silver; but of fare greater value; of ten to one with the Jews, as may be gathered out of 1 Chron. XXII. 14. And so their Shekel of gold comes to 1 l. 5 s. their Talon of Gold comes to 3750. l. But gold now in Christendom is at an higher rate. By silverings, as, 2 Sam. XVIII. 11, 12. Matth. XXVI. 15. usually Shekels are understood. See the Annotations on Ezek. IV. 10. And on Esther III. 9  
Veil of the Covering] That hanged before, chapter XXXIX verse 34 and covered the Mercy-seat.  
Lamps to be set in order] Dressing them every morning, verse 37 and lighting them at even, Ch. XXX. 7, 8. if not at morning too: there being no windows in the Tabernacle; and so burning always, Ch. XXXVII. 20. continually, Levit. XXIV. 2.  
Blessed them] The offerers, verse 43 and the workmen.  
Of the Gongregation] Where Priests, chapter XL verse 2 Levites, and People assembled, according to the several degrees of their approaches.  
Everlasting] That their posterity should not need to be anointed again. verse 15 Of Everlasting see the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.  
A Cloud] Even that Cloud, verse 34 Exod. XIII. 21, 22. miraculously removed hither.  
Not able] The manner therefore of the clouds abode, verse 35 and the Lords glory appearing at this time, was extraordinary.   

Leviticus.  
LEVITICUS takes up only the time of one month; viz: the first month of the second year of their coming out of Egypt; whiles yet they stayed at Mount Sinai: Compare together, Exod. XL. 2, 17. Levit. I. 1. and Chap. XXVII. 34. and Num. I. 1. And this was in the 2509 year of the world; thus, 1656. to the Flood. Thence to Abraham's birth, in the 130 year of Terah, 352. Thence, to Isaac's birth, 100 Thence, to Jacob's birth, 60. Thence, to Jacob's going down into Egypt 130. Thence to the coming out of Egypt 210: and one year after their coming forth; in all 2509. And not in the year of the world 2455. or 2514. This Book contains principally the Function and Offices of the Levites; And Ceremonials concerning Sacrifices, and Feasts, Rites, and Purifications: Delivered by God to Moses out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation when it was newly reared, Levit. I. 1. And accordingly is that, Levit. XXV. 1. to be expounded.  
The month of this Book may seem to be thus spent, taken up, and subdivided, viz:  
1. Day; The Tabernacle, Altar, and all other things belonging to the Sanctuary, reared, placed, anointed, Exod. XL. Levit. VIII.  
The Consecration of Aaron, and his sons, Commanded, Exod. XXIX. Begun, Exod. XL. fully finished, Levit. VIII. in the space of seven days.  
And seven days to make an Atonement for the Altar, and sanctify it, Exod. XXIX. 37.  
8. Day; The Prince's Offerings of six Wagons, and twelve Oxen, for carriage and service of the Tabernacle. Their Offerings at the Dedication of the Altar; each Prince on his day: which so continued twelve days, Num. VII. And likely during that time of twelve days, Moses received from the Lord, out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, those Laws for Sacrifices, and Offerings, Levit. Ch. I,— VII.  
8. Day; The Consecration of Aaron, and his sons, being ended, Aaron doth first Sacrifice, Levit. IX.  

In the sacrifices and offerings Levitically are considerable; Principally, and more 

Generally: The 

Persons, 

Offerer or 

Bringer, Leu. 1. 4. and 3. 2. and 7. 30.    
Sacrificer, 

Priests, Leu. 1. 6. 2 Chron. 29. 24. Now wine or strong drink, When, etc. Leu. 10. 9  
Levites, in some part, and in some cases, 2 Chron. 29. 34. and ch. 35. 11▪— 14.      
Place, Leu. 17. 3.— 9 Deut. 12. 5,— 14. and ch. 16 5, 6.  
Fire 

Came down from Heaven, Lev 19 24. See further, 1 Kings 18. 38. 1 Chron. 21. 26. 2 Chron. 7. 1.  
Must never be suffered to go out, Leu. 6. 12, 13. notwithstanding their journeys in the wilderness, Numb. 4 13.    
Fat in 

Sacrifices, always to be burnt, and what fat, Leu. 3. 16, 17.  
Other cases, when 

Not to be eaten, Leviticus 7. 23, 25.  
To be eaten, Leviticus 7. 23, 25. Nehemiah 8. 10.  
To be used otherwise, Liviticus 7. 24.      
Oil, L●viticus 2. and 14. Exod. 29. Ezra 7. 22.  
Salt, Levit. 2. 13. Ezek. 43. 24. Mar. 9 49. Ezra 6. 9 and 7. 22.  
Blood 

Never to be eaten, Gen. 9 4. Leu. 7. 26, 27. and 17. 10,— 14. 1 Sam. 14. 13. Deut. 12. 16 23, 24, 25.  
In sacrifices, 

Sprinkled, sometimes 

Before the vail of the Sanctuary, and upon the horns of the Altar of incense, Leu. 4. 6, 7, 17, 18.  
Upon the horns of the Altar of burnt-offerings, Leu. 4. 25, 30. 34.  
Round about upon the Altar of Burnt-offering, Leu. 1. 5, 11. and 3, 2, 8, 13. and 7, 2.    
Wrung out at the side of the Altar, Leu. 1▪ 15. and 5. 9  
Poured out at the side of the Altar, or at the bottom of the Altar, Leviticus 4 7, 18. 25, 30, 34, and 8 15.        
Particularly: The 

Kinds and sorts of them. 

Burnt-offering, or Holocaust, Leu. 1. 

Matter of 

cattle, 

Herd, Oxen or Bullocks. Males.  
Flock, 

Sheep. Males.  
Goats. Males.      
Fowl, 

Tuttle-Doves.  
Young Pigeons.      
Manner and Law of it, Leu. 1 and ch. 6. 9,— 13. and ch. 7. 8. Numb. 10. 10. and ch. 15. 5, 8, 11, 12.    
Meat-offering, Leu. 2. 

Matter of 

Fine flower. No 

Honey.  
Leaven.   v. 11.  
Oil, No 

Honey.  
Leaven.   v. 11.  
Incense. No 

Honey.  
Leaven.   v. 11.  
Salt. No 

Honey.  
Leaven.   v. 11.  
Or of first-fruits in the ear. No 

Honey.  
Leaven.   v. 11. 

No 

Honey.        
Manner, and Law of it, Leu. 2. and ch. 6. 14— 18. and 7. 9, 10 and 10. 12, 13. Numb. 15. 1,— 16. and 18. 9, 10.    
Drink-offering. 

Matter, wine.  
Manner, Measure and Law of it, Lev 23. 13, 18, 37. Numb. 6. 15, 17 and ch. 15. 5, 7, 10, 24. and ch. 28. 7,— 31. and ch. 29. 6, 11,— 39 1 Chron. 9 29. and 29. 21. 2 Chron. 29. 35. Ezra 7. 17. Ezek. 45. 17. Jer. 44. 17. 2 Kings 16. 13, 15. Deut. 32 38. Ezra 7. 12.    
Meat and drink-offerings ever joined together, Numb. 16. 35,— 12. And joined almost to all other sacrifices, Numb. 6. 15, 17. 1 Chron. 21. 23. and 29. 21. 1 Kings 8. 64. Ezra 7. 17. 2 Chron. 29. 35,  
Peace-offerings; Or Gratulatory of Thanksgiving, Leu. 3. 

Matter of 

Herd; Ox or Bullock. male or female.  
Flock. 

Lamb. male or female.  
Goat. male or female.      
Manner and Law of it, Leu. 3. and ch. 7. 11,— 34. and 10. 14, 15. and ch. 22. 23, 29, 30. Numb. 10. 10. touching the wave-breast and heave-shoulder. See, Leu. 7. 30,— 34.    
Sin-offering of ignorance, Leu. 4. Of the 

Highpriest; the matter and manner of it, Leu. 4. 1,- 12. and 6. 30. and 10. 16, 17, 18.  
Whole Congregation; the matter and manner of it, Leu. 4. 13,— 21. and 6. 30. Numb, 15. 22,— 26.  
Ruler; the matter (a male) and manner of it, Leu. 4. 22,— 26. and ch. 6. 25,— 29.  
Vulgar; the matter, (a female) and manner of it, Leu. 4. 27,— 35. and 6, 25,— 29. Num. 15. 27, 28. and 18 9, 10    
Trespasse-offering, for sins of 

Ignorance, Leu. 5. in 

Divers things, ch. 51,— 13. And therein after confession, both the matter (female) and manner of it.  
Holy things Leu. 5. 15. 19. by 

Diminution or Sacrilege; matter and manner of it, adding the fifth part, with thy estimation.  
Otherwise; matter and manner of it, with thy estimation.      
Knowledge, by 

Weakness in divers cases, with the matter (a Ram) and manner of it, Leu. 6. 1.— 8. Numb. 5. 6, 7, 8. adding a fifth part with thy estimation.  
Presumption; there is no sacrifice for it but death, Num. 15. 30,— 36.      
As the sin-offering is, so is the trespasse-offering; there is one law for them, Leu. 7. 1,— 7. And in some things they are hardly distinguishable. And the trespasse-offering seems to be for the greater offences.    
Times, wherein several sorts of them were to beused. And so some were 

Voluntary free-will-offerings, 

At pleasure; as many times the whole burnt-offerings, and peace-offerings; See those at the 

Deduction of the Ark, 1 Kings 8. 5. 2 Sam. 6. 13, 17.  
Dedication of the 

Temple, 1 Kings 8. 63.  
Walls of Jerusalem, Nehem. 12. 43.      
Upon voluntary Promise by Vow, Leu. 22. 23. and Deut. 12. 17, 26. and 23. 21. See here the Law of the Nazarites, Numb 6.    
Enjoined upon 

Fixed Times; 

Daily, morning and evening, Exod. 29, 38. Numb. 28. 3,— 8,  
Weekly, on the Sabbath-day, Numb. 28. 9, 10.  
Monthly, on the first day, Numb. 28. 11,— 15. and 10. 10. Ps. 81. 3 Esay 1. 13.  
Yearly    
at 

Feasts 

3. Solemn, of 

Passeover, and Unleavened bread Leu. 23.  
Weeks. Deut. 16.  
Tabernacles. Deut. 16.    
Others for one day, viz. of 

First-fruits, Leu. 23 9— 15.  
Blowing of trumpets, Leu. 23. 24, 25.      
Fast of expiation, Leu. 16. and ch 23, 27.— 32.    
Incident occasions; more 

Extraordinary; as at the 

Consecration of 

Aaron, and his sons, Leu. 8. Exod. 29. and ch. 40. See Aaron's first-offerings, Leu. 9  
Levitieses, Numb. 8.    
Dedication of the Altar, Numbers 7. 10,— 88    
Ordi●● 

Purification and cleansing of 

Women after childbirth. Leu. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.  
Leper. Leu. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.  
Men, in their issues. Leu. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.  
Women in their 〈…〉 Leu. 12. 13, 14, 15. chapters.                 

9 Day; Nadab, and Abihu offer Incense with strange fire; and are slain, Levit. X.  
11, 12, 13. Days 

Seem those Laws given from the Lord, to 

Moses and Aaron, touching Beasts, Fishes, Fowls, clean and unclean, Ch. XI.  
Moses, for Purification of Women in childbirth, Ch. XII.  
Moses and Aaron; for Leprosies, & their cleansings, Ch. XIII. XIV.  
For issues of men and women, & their cleansings, Ch. XV.      
14. Day; Celebration of the Passeover, Num. IX. whether the Feast of unleavened Bread, for seven days, was added hereunto, is not expressed.  
After the death of Nadab and Abihu, Moses receives Laws from the Lord, touching the 

High Priests coming into the most Holy Place, once a year, to make an Atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month. And the manner of it, Ch. XVI.  
Place of Sacrificing. And touching Blood, Ch. XVII.  
Unlawful mixtures, and Lusts; and other sins. And the Punishments of them, Ch. XVIII, XIX, XX.  
Priests; their Holiness; Honour: and cleansing, Ch. XXI, XXII.  
Feasts, Ch. XXIII.  
Oil, and Lamps. And Shewbread, Ch. XXIV. 1,— 9    
Shelomiths' son blasphemeth, Ch. XXIV. 10,— 14.  
Thereafter, Moses receiveth Laws from the Lord; touching 

Blasphemy, and Murder, Chap. XXIV. 15— 23.  
Sabbath-year: and Jubilee; Ch. 25.  
Idolatry, and religiousness: with Blessings and Curses, Ch. XXVI.  
Vows and Tithes, Chap. XXVII.     
For the better understanding, and remembering of this Book; And specially of the Offerings, and Sacrifices therein contained, The Table ensuing, and the Directions thereof, may give some part of help and furtherance; though the same be not in all points perfect and complete.  
Sacrifices than are of a Divine Institution. And were indeed practised by Adam, and his children; and in all ages. But by Moses enlarged with many Observations, Circumstances, and Prefigurations contained in them. Yet not principally commanded; nor so much as Moral duties of Piety, and Honesty, 1 Sam. 15. 22. Psal. L. 5,— 16. Mark XII. 33. Host VI 6. Matth. XII. 7. as Joel II. 13. Esay I. 11. and Jer. VI 20. Amos V. 21. Jer. VII. 21, 22, 23.  
Of the Cattles] The kinds of Beasts and Birds, verse 2 for Sacrifices, were Oxen, Bullocks, Sheep, Lambs, Rams, Goats, Turtle-Doves, & young Pigeons. The Sparrow, or living Bird, mentioned, Levit. XIV. 4. in the cleansing of the Leper, was not properly a Sacrifice. These Creatures for Sacrifice, were of common use for man's sustenance & maintenance; And so were lawful to be eaten in civil and common use, Deut. XIV. 4, 26. and Ch. XII. 15, 21. And they were easy to be had. As also Bread, Flower, Cakes, Wafers, Wine, Salt, Oil, Frankincense, used most in the Meat, and Drink-offerings; And such likewise are Water, Bread and Wine, in our Sacraments. See Levit. I, TWO, III, IV. Ch. and Ch. VII. v. 11, 12, 13.  
A Burnt-Sacrifice] In all Burnt-Offerings; verse 3 and in such Sin-Offerings, whereof any of the Blood was to be brought into the Tabernacle of the Congregation to reconcile withal in the holy place; and also in Meat-Offerings of and for a Priest; all was to be burnt to the Lord; There was nothing left to be eaten by any, Levit. I. and Ch. VI 22, 23, 30.  
In all other Sin-Offerings; and Trespass-offerings; besides the fat, and kidneys, burnt to the Lord: All the Flesh was the Priests, and to be eaten by him, and his. And so in all other Meat-Offerings, Levit. VI 16, 17, 18, 26, 29. and Ch. VII. 6, 7, 9, 10, 14.  
In the Peace-Offerings, the Wave-breast; and heave, or right shoulder, were the Priests, to be eaten by him, and his: And the rest of the Flesh belonged to the bringer of the Peace-Offering, to be eaten by him and his, Levit. VII. 31, 32, 33, 34. and v. 15,— 21.  
The Levites had no part in any Offerings.  
Burnt-Offerings used for Sinne-Offerings, in Jobs time; Job XLII: 8.  
At the door] Killed there. Because thither it was lawful for the Offerer or Bringer of it to come, that he might put his hand upon the head of the Sacrifice, Leu. I. 3, 4. and III. 2, 8, 13. and IV. 15, 24, 29, 33.  
Leaven] Leaven generally forbid in Meat-Offerings; chapter TWO verse 11 except in those two mentioned, Leu. VII. 13. and Ch. XXIII. 17.  
Confess] chapter V verse 5 This Confession of sin differeth altogether from the Popish Sacramental Confession.  
That soul shall be cut off from his people] This Punishment as it is awarded here against the eating of the flesh of the Peace-Offering, chapter VII verse 20 for him who hath any Legal pollution upon him; so it is against such who are not circumcised, Gen. XVII. 14. who eat leavened bread during the Feast of the Passeover, Exod. XII. 15, 19 who do any work on the Sabbath-day, Exod. XXXI. 14. who eat of the fat of Beasts of which men offer Sacrifices, Levit. VII. 25. who eat Blood, v. 27. and Ch. XVII. 10, 14. who bring not the Sacrifice to the door of the Tabernacle, to be killed there, not elsewhere, Levit. XVII. 4, 9 who eat of the Sacrifice of Peace-Offering on the third day, Levit. XIX. 8. who give of their Seed to Moloch, Levit. XX. 2, 3. or kill not such a sinner, v. 4, 5. who go a whoring after Wizzards, and such as have familiar spirits, v. 6. who commit incest, v. 17. or lie with a woman in her sickness, v. 18. who goeth unto the holy things which the children of Israel hollow unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, Levit. XXII. 3. who doth any work, or is not afflicted on the Fastday of Atonement, Levit. XXIII. 29, 30. who keep not the Passeover, Num. IX. 13. who sin presumptuously, Num. XV. 30, 31. who being unclean, do not purify themselves, Num. XIX. 13, 20. who being idolaters, come to a Prophet to inquire concerning the Lord, Ezek. XIV. 8. This kind of punishment hath variation of phrases in the expressions in Scripture, thus, shall be cut off, utterly cut off, cut off from Israel, from the Congregation of Israel, from among the Congregation, in the sight of their people, from the midst of my people, cut off from the earth; cut off from my presence: which likely do import various kinds, and degrees of punishments, according to the nature of the sins spoken to in them. How fare this phrase advanceth the Jewish Excommunication, I leave to further consideration.  
The unclean might eat of common meats; as the child-bed-woman, Levit. XII. But in no case of Sacred meats, as, Leviticus VII. 20.  
Fat] the Fat of other clean Beasts then of such as were fit for Sacrifice, verse 25 was allowed to be eaten, Levit. VII. 25. The Fat also of the flesh, or body of the beast sacrificed might lawfully be eaten, Neh. VIII. 10. Esay XXV. 6. and LV. 2. But the Fat or Suet that was about the flank, and the kidneys, or about and upon the entrails, Levit. III. 3, 4. was reserved out of all Sacrifices as God's portion, to be burnt upon his Altar, Levit. III. 15, 16. and IV. 8, 10. and XVII. 6. Deut. XXXII. 38. 1 Sam. II. 15, 16. And is forbidden therefore to be eaten by any, Levit. III. 17. and XVII. 23, 25.  
Take Aaron] On the same day, chapter VIII verse 2,— 36. that is, the first day of the first month of the second year, Moses began to consecrate, and anoint the Tabernacle, Altar, and all things belonging to them; As also Aaron and his sons, Exod. XL. 1,— 17. Levit. VIII. 1,— 36.  
Anointed] Aaron and all his sons were at first anointed, verse 12 v. 30. Num. III. 3. XXXV. 25. Psal. CXXXIII. 2. Not the Levites. And the Highpriest only was anointed afterwards, Exod. XXIX. 29, 30. Levit. XVI. 32. We read oft of the Anointing of Kings, 1 Sam. X. 1. XVI. 13. 2 Sam. 11. 4. 1 King's I. 39 2 Kings IX. 6. XXIII. 30. Psal. LXXXIX. 20. But never of Prophets. That of Elisaeus, 1 Kings XIX. 16. seems not to have been done with material oil; see ver. 19 As neither that of Hazael to be King of Syria; compare 1 Kings XIX. 15. with 2 Kings VIII. 13. nor that of Absalon, 2 Sam. XIX. 10. nor that of Cyrus, Esay XLV. 1. there being no such custom of oiling Kings in his Country: But anointing in those places is taken simply, without that Ceremony, for designing them to their Offices.  
Burned] Moses at the Consecration of Aaron, verse 1 and his sons, Sacrificed with Common Fire; See ver. 20. 21, 28. But upon Aaron's first Sacrificing, fire came out from before the Lord, out of the Sanctuary, or came down from heaven rather, Levit. IX. 24. which must never after be suffered to go out.  
Nadab and Abihu] Nadab and Abihu took Strange or Common Fire, chapter X verse 16 (and not fire from the Altar of Burnt-Offering, which was sent from heaven) to burn Incense therewith before the Lord, on the Altar of Incense; as the daily duty required, at or before the daily morning Sacrifice. But fire from the Lord, as, Num. XVI. 35. that is, from heaven, or the Sanctuary, or from the Altar of burnt-Offering, like lightning, struck them with sudden death; not consuming their bodies, or their coats, Levit. X. 4, 5.  
Some Names of some Beasts, chapter XI and Birds, and Fishes; as also of some Trees, and Apparel; and some other Hebrew words, having no mate in Scripture, are to us now, and so to the modern Jews, of uncertain signification. See also the Annotations on Esay III. 18,— 23. and on Jer. XVII. 3.  
Hoof] The Beasts, verse 3 dividing the hoof, that is, into two claws; and also chewing the cud, were clean, and to be eaten; See ver. 26. Deut. XIV. 6.  
Fin's] Fish (here we meet with a phrase of a flesh of fish, verse 9 Levit. XI. 11. and, Num. XI. 22. as well as, 1 Cor. XV. 39) that had Fins and Scales, were likewise clean, and to be eaten, Deut. XIV. 9, 10.  
Come not] The Highpriest must enter into the most Holy place but once in the year, chapter XVI verse 2 on the tenth day of the seventh month, Levit. XVI. 29, 34. Exod. XXX. 10. Heb. IX. 7. That is, for his Priestly Ministration and Expiation. And then he was to be clothed, not with the glorious garments which were peculiar to the Highpriest; but with those which were Common to him with the inferior Priests, Levit. XVI. 4. as being a day of Humiliation and Afflicting the soul, Levit. XVI. 29. Yet upon other necessary occasions, he might enter in at other times, as at the taking down, and setting up of the Tabernacle in their removals and journeys in the Wilderness; And when they took thence the Ark, upon several occasions, as Josh. VI 4. 1. Sam. IU. 3.  
Not to the door] No Sacrifices must be offered, chapter XVII verse 3,— 9 but by Priests; nor killed by any but the Priests; except in some extraordinary Cases, by the Levites: but never by the Bringer for whom it was offered. Nor was it to be offered at any other place, but upon the Altar of Burnt-Offering, at the Tabernacle, Levit. XVII. 3,— 9 Yet upon Extraordinary, and necessary Occasions, God commands, Deut. XXVII. 5, 6, 7, 8. And holy men of Prophetical spirits, though not Priests, did Sacrifice; and for a present time and use, did make and use other Altars; as Samuel, 1 Sam. VII. 9, 17. and Ch. XI. 15. and Ch. XVI. 2, 5. And David, 2 Sam. VI 13. and XXIV. 18, 25. And Solomon, 1 King. VIII. 64. And Elijah, 1 King. XVIII. 32. And Gideon, and Manoah, See Judg. II. 5. and VI 26. and XIII. 16, 19 and XXI. 4.  
Blood] Blood, to make an atonement for their souls, Levit. XVII. chapter TWO 11. As a Type of the Messiah his Blood, Rom. 3. 25. Ephes. I. 7. Col. I. 14, 20. Heb. IX. 12, 22. which is the principal cause of the prohibition of the eating of Blood.  
Defiled] The dignity and estimation of the Priest, chapter XXI verse 11 and principally of the Highpriest. See v. 4, 7, 8, 9— 15. and v. 21, 23. is remarkable.  
Burnt] The Capital punishments among the Jews, verse 9 were Burning, Gen. XXXVIII. 24. Levit. XXI. 9 Josh. VII. 15. Stoning, Levit. XX. 2, 27. and 24. 14, 16, 23. Hanging, Num. XXV. 4. Deut. XXI. 22. And in aftertimes, by example of the Romans, Crucifying, and Beheading, as in our Saviour, and John Baptist.  
Superfluous] In a Freewill-Offering, chapter XXII verse 23 the Sacrifice which had something Superfluous, or lacking in his parts, was accepted.  
To the Feasts, chapter XXIII Levit. XXIII. are added, the Feasts of the New-Moones, Num. XXVIII. 11,— 15. 1 Chron. 23. 31. 2 Chron. II. 4. and Ch. VIII. 13. The Feast of Purim, Esth. IX. 17, 19, 22, 26, 28. And of that Dedication, John X. 22.  
Sabbath] Sabbath is called Sabbath of Rest, or Rest of Rest; and so, verse 3 v. 32. And Sabbath sometimes signifies besides the seventh day weekly, other feast-days also, as Levit. XXIII. 11, 24, 32, 39 And sometimes the whole week; as Levit. XXIII. 15. Luke XVIII. 12. John XX. 1. Of the Sabbath-day, see the Annotations on Jer. XVII. 21, 22, 24, 27.  
The seventh month] The seventh month had as many Feasts in it, verse 24 as all the year almost beside, Levit. XXIII. Deut. XVI. And the only set Fastday.  
Of blowing of Trumpets] The Feast of blowing Trumpets was the first day of the seventh month; Beside the Feast of the New-moon, Levit. XXIII. v. 24. And the year of Jubilee began with Blowing of Trumpets on the tenth day of that month; which also was the day of Expiation, Levit. XXV. 9 And the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days followed after in the same month.  
Twelve Cakes] The twelve Cakes of Show bread, chapter XXIV verse 5 each of an equal, and of a good bigness, set in two rows, six on a row, seem to be two rows in Longitude upon the Table, one by another; And so the Frankincense upon each Cake; rather then in Altitude one upon another; And so but one Frankincense upon either row; See v. 6, 7. The Table being two Cubits long, and one Cubit broad, Exod. XXV. 23. And the Frankincense being to be burned every Sabbath, Levit, XXIV. 7, 9 yet some make them to be two rows; six upon one another in either row, on heaps in height. In the Temple there were ten Tables of Shewbread, five on the right hand, and five on the left; 1 Chron. 28. 16. 2 Chron. IU. 8.  
A Jubilee] The Jubile-year had all the privileges of the Sabbath-year, chapter XXV verse 11 and more besides, Levit. XXV.  
Fruit for three years'] Viz: verse 21 the year before the Sabbath-year; and the Sabbath-year; and the year after it, till the ploughing and sowing at the end of the Sabbath-year, came to an harvest in the end of the third year, Esay XXXVII. 10.   

Numbers.  
THis Book gins with the year of the World, Not the 2455, or 2544: But the 2514, or rather 2510 and a little over. Thus, 2369, to the end of Genesis, and death of Joseph. Thence 60 to the birth of Moses. Thence 80 to the coming of the Israelites out of Egypt. And thence, 1 year, and one month, to the beginning of this Book; which is the second year, second month, first day of their coming out.  
It contains an History, not of 39, years; but expressly of 38. years and 9 months, Num. I. 1. and Ch. XXXIII. 48, 49. compared with Deut. I. 3, 4, 5. That in Num. IX. 1, etc. is but a Rehearsal of what was both given in charge, and was done before. And some other like Repetitions there are.  
603550.] chapter I verse 46 From twenty years old, and upwards, besides the Levites. A wonderful multiplication from seventy persons in 211. years: yet fairly possible. Whereas, if they had been in Egypt itself 400 years, than their spawning or multiplying there had been very small; considering that from three persons that came out of the Ark with Noah, within the space of 400 years to the time of Abraham; issued such infinite numbers, and troops of people, in several Kingdoms, and Countries in the world; as out of the Sacred Text and Story, doth plainly appear.  
The Order of the Camp, chapter TWO & III and march of the Israelites in the Wilderness, Ch. II. and III. is thus; viz:  
The Tabernacle in the midst and Centre of all the Host.  
Round about the Tabernacle, the Levites camped and marched, viz: On the 

West, the Gershonites; Num. III. 23.  
South, the Kohathites, Num. III. 29.  
North, the Merarites; Num. III. 35.  
East, Moses & Aaron, & his sons, Num. III. 38   Males from a month old and upwards 

7500.  
8600.  
6200.   22300.  
Round about the Levites; at a good distance, (Josh. III. 4.) Camped, and Marched, on the 

East-side, Judah; and in his Camp Issachar, and Zebulun; likely on either side, or each hand of Judah; he being in the midst. And so in the other Camps following.  
Southside, Reuben; and in his Camp, Simeon and Gad.  
Westside, Ephraim; and in his Camp, Manasse, and Benjamin.  
North-side, Dan; and in his Camp, Asher, and Naphtali. Num. II. and X. Chap.    
In all, 603550. And this is the same number of Males, from twenty years old and upwards, when they gave a Bekah, or ten Gerahs' each man, that is half a Shekel, after the Shekel of the Sanctuary, to the building of the Tabernacle, Exod. XXXVIII. 26. As was commanded, Exod. XXX. 11,— 16. In the last numbering in the wilderness, in the fourtieth year, after the death of Aaron, and the death of that Generation, for their rebellion, and murmuring, Num. XIV. 29,— 35. The males from 20 years old and upwards, all that were able to go to war, were 601730. The Levites still numbered, not with them, but by themselves, Num. XXVI. 51.  
22000.] chapter III verse 39 300 Male-Levites are omitted in this sum, as appears out of ver. 22, 28, 34. which make up 22300. being all the males from a month old and upwards. And the Firstborn males of all the children of Israel in the twelve Tribes, from a month old, and upwards, being 22273. Ch. III. 43. (which argues at least twenty seven males in each family): And the surplusage of 273. verse 46. being redeemed at five Shekels apiece, amounting to 1375. Shekels, verse 50: All this argues the foresaid 300. male-Levites to be wittingly left out in the casting up of the sum; most likely omitted so, Because they were such Firstborn of the Levites, as were born from the time of the coming out of Egypt to the time of this reckoning; and in that regard were sanctified to God as his own, by his Law and challenge, Exod. XIII. 2. and so could not come into the number of the other Levites which were to be changed for the Firstborn of the other Tribes, and in their stead to be substituted, and appropriated to God and his service.  
This number of the Levites was very fare less than were of each other Tribe, Ch. III. with Ch. I. The number of the least Tribe, from twenty years old and upward, males able to go forth to war, being 3200. Of the greatest, 74600. And the number of the male-Levites from a month old and upwards, being only 22300.  
The charge of Aaron, chapter III & IV and his sons, jointly; and of Eleazar, and Ithamar, distinctly; and of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites, severally, is prescribed in the taking down, and carrying, and setting up of the Tabernacle. See Ch. X. 17, 21.  
From thirty] The Levites at the age of thirty years, chapter IV verse 3 entered into the full possession of their Offices, to wait upon the service of the Tabernacle, Num. IU. 3. At the age of twenty five they entered, or might enter upon them, as Novices, and subservients in some secondary, or inferior administrations, as Probationers, and Proficients, Num. VIII. 24. And when the Temple should be builded, they were ordered to begin and enter at twenty years of age, 1 Chron. XXIII. ver. 24— 27. Ezra III. 8. And that by David's appointment together with the Prophets, Gad and Nathan, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. and Ch. XXIX. 25.  
They continued in their Offices till fifty. Num. IU. 3, 47. At fifty they ceased waiting upon the service of the Tabernacle, but were Overseers there, Ch. VIII. 25, 26. And in their several Cities, as being well experienced in the Judicial Laws, they judged of matters brought before them. The Levites Offices distinct from the Priests, are set down in many particulars, 1 Chron. XXIII. 28,— 32.  
David in his time by divine warrant doth distribute them, for the service of the Temple, into three sorts, to three several Functions, and Offices. One was to Attend the Priests, and to be helpful and subservient unto them in their several Services. Of these there are sundry Orders set down, 1 Chron. XXIII. and XXIV. Chapters. A second to solemnize the Service of God, with all manner of Music; by Voice; and Instruments, both wound, and stringed. The third sort was to be Porters. Of whom, 1 Chron. XXIII. 5. and Ch. XXVI. and 2 Chron. XXIII. 4, 5, 6, 19 and XXXV. 15. Their Orders are set down, 1 Chron. XXV. These three Sorts being divided by Lot into twenty four Orders, or Courses, as the Priests were; That the first Course of these might attend with the first Course of the Priests; and leave the Temple, when they left it.  
The Levites also had other Offices, over the Treasures of the house of God; and of the Dedicate things; and for the outward business over Israel for officers, and Judges, in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the King, 1 Chron. XXVI. 20,— 32. over divers Tribes. See further, 1 Chron. XXIII. 28,— 32.  
Even those] Levites numbered, males from thirty years old to fifty, are 8580. Upon which reckoning there was then one such Levite for every seventy such males in Israel. In David's time, the Levites (besides the Priests) from thirty years old to fifty, were 38000. 1 Chron. XXIII. 3.  
She] The Blessing of conceaving Seed, verse 28 seems to be promised to the innocent Wife, chapter V though barren before, upon the trial of her innocency, in the case of her Husband's jealousy. We read not that the man in like case was subject to like trial: yet we find that the Wife could divorce her Husband, Mar. X. 12.  
Woman] Women might be Nazarites, chapter VI verse 2 Num. VI 2. And such likely was Sampsons' mother, Judg. XIII. 4.  
The word Nazarite signifieth one that is separate: And the name Pharisee is of the same signification. And of these Nazarites, some were for a certain time, of months, or years, at their own choice, by their own special vow; as Acts XVIII. 18. and Ch. XXI. 24. Of whom these Laws here are chief to be understood. Some for term of life; as Samson, Judg. XIII. 5. and so Samuel, 1 Sam. I. 11, 28. And John Baptist, Luke I. 15. Our Saviour was not a Nazarite, as hath been commonly mis-conceived, out of a mistranslation, and misunderstanding of that text, Matth. II. 23.  
Offered] At the Consecration of the Tabernacle, chapter VII verse 1,— 9 there were two Wagons, and four Oxen given to the Gershonites, for carriage.  
Four Wagons and eight Oxen, to the Merarites, Num. VII. 7, 8. as they had the more need.  
The Kohathites Levites were to carry upon their shoulders, Num. VII. 9 2 Sam. VI 6. 1 Chron. XV. 2, 13, 15. And what it was, see Num. III. 31. and IV. 15.  
The Priests, Aaron and his sons being so few, were not then to Carry, but to Cover, Num. IU. ver. 5,— 15. Deut. XXXI. 25. But afterwards growing more in number, they only were to carry the Ark, as Josh. III. 3, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17. and IV. 3, 9, 10, 11, 18. and ch. VI 4, 6. and 2 Sam. XV. 29. and not very rarely; as some writing on Josh. III, 3. and on 1 Chron. XV. 15. do conceive.  
Altar] The Altar of Burnt-Offering had seven days spent for the Consecration and Expiation of it to sanctify it, verse 10 as it was appointed by God, Exod. XXIX. 37. (As likewise for Ezekiel's Altar, Ezek. XLIII. 18,— 27.) Yet twelve days spent at the Dedication of it, Num. VII.  
Silver charger] The silver Vessels of Chargers and Bowls, verse 13 were for the Altar of Burnt-offerings. All Vessels of, and in the Sanctuary, were of Gold, Exod. XXXVII.  
From off the Mercy-seat] Moses hears the voice of one speaking to him from off the Mercy-seat, Num. verse 89 VII. 89. As the Lord promised, Exod. XXV. 22. Whereas formerly the Lord spoke out of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, Levit. I. 1. Num. I. 1.  
Take the Levites] The Consecration of the Levites was done in one day. chapter VIII verse 6,— 22. That of the Priests, in seven days. Which was so appointed, Exod. XXIX. 35. and so executed, Levit. VIII. 33, 35.  
Certain men] chapter IX The Passeover of the second month is extended to more days than are here mentioned, verse 6 or v. 10. As in Hezekiah's time, 2 Chron. XXX. 2. 15.  
Priest's] The blowing of Trumpets is to be used by the Priests alone, chapter X verse 8 Num. X. 8. 2 Chron. XXIX. 26. And that, in Convocating Assemblies; in journeying through the wilderness; in going forth to war, Num. X. 2,— 9 and Ch. XXXI. 6. 2 Chron. XIII. 12, 14. in the first day, and tenth day, of the seventh month, Num. XXIX. 1. Levit. XXV. 9 in the New Moons, Num. X. 10. Psal. LXXXI. 3. In all their solemn Feasts; over their Burnt-Offerings, and Peace-Offerings, Num. X. 10. And upon Extraordinary Occasions, of Fasts, and Humiliations. Joel II. 1, 15, Or of Joy and Gladness, Num. X. 10. as when David brought in the Ark to the place which he had prepared for it, 1 Chron. XV. 24, 28. And appointed Priests to minister before it, 1 Chron. XVI. 6, 42. And when Solomon brought the Ark into the Oracle, he mightily had multiplied the number of Trumpets, and had 120 Priests sounding them at that Solemnity, 2 Chron. V. 12, 13. And at the Dedication of the Temple, the Priests sounded Trumpets, 2 Chron. V. 12. and VII. 6. As also at the laying of the foundation of the second Temple by Zerubbabel, Ezra III. 10. And the Dedication of the Walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah, chapped. XII. 35. And in Hezekiah's joyful Reformation, 2 Chron. XXIX. 26, 27, 28. Besides, there were civil Trumpets for civil use, sounded by others than Priests; As in War, Judg. VII. 2 Sam. II. 28. At the Coronations of Kings, as of Solomon; Jehu; and Joash. And upon other occasions.  
The Levites used other Instruments of Music, and not Trumpets, 1 Chron. XV. 19, 20, 21. and Ch. XVI. 5. 2 Cron. V. 12. and Ch. VII. 6. and Ch. XXIX. 25, 26, 27, 28. And used them, and song, at the daily Sacrifices, and all Festival Sacrifices, 1 Chron. XXIII. 30, 31. And haply in the night, 1 Chron. IX. 33. Psal. CXXXIV. 1.  
On the] The Israelites journeyed from Mount Sinai, verse 11 in the second year, second month, twentieth day, (having stayed there in that their twelfth Station, a year within thirteen days, Exod. XIX. I.) See v. 12. Deut. I. 6, 7.  
Hobab] Jethro, or Hobab, verse 29,— 32. a Kenite, the son of Revel or Raguel, a Midianite, and father-in-Law of Moses, comes to Moses to Horeb, and brings to him his wife, and two sons. And Moses upon his counsel, appointing very many Rulers, and Judges over the people, Jethro returns into his own Land, Exod. XVIII. Deut. I. 9,— 18. He (rather than his supposed son Hobab, the supposed brother-in-law of Moses) being come again, as it seemeth, thither towards the end of that year, and entreated there by Moses to stay and go along with them, refuseth to do so; Yet being again prayed and pressed by Moses thereunto, in this Text he either yields, (no reply being mentioned); or not long after, both he, and his house, and kindred, return to Moses; (It may be, warned by Moses to come then; as Saul in his time warned them to departed from the Amalakites, 1 Sam. XV. 6) and so were saved from that destruction of the Midianites, Num. XXXI. which return is plainly gathered out of Num. XXIV. 21. Judg. I. 16. and IV. 11. and 1 Sam. XV. 6. 1 Chron. II. 55. Jer. XXXV. 6. compared with 2 King. X. 15, 23.  
Seventy men] These LXX. chapter XI verse 16 Elders, were appointed about a year after those many Rulers, and Judges, Exod. XVIII. They prophesied, and did not cease for the time; like whereunto was the case of Saul, 1 Sam. X. 10. God by this sign sealing so, and at first honouring their Vocation; though this extraordinary Gift ceased afterwards. These LXX. are added to assist Moses in the Government of this People in the Wilderness. Yet it seems from hence in after-ages the Jews took their rise of Constituting their Sanedrim or Synedrion of LXX. Elders for their Senate, and Supreme Court of Judicature in that Nation. Of LXX. see Ezek. VIII. 11. Exod. XXIV. 1, 9 Luke X. 1, 17.  
Quails] Quailes given the second time, verse 31 above a full year after those, Exod. XVI. 13. those being at their eighth Station, in the Wilderness of Sin, and before they came to Sinai. These at the thirteenth Station, and after they left Mount Sinai▪ in Kibroth Hattaavah: And continuing for a full month, Psal. LXXVIII. 26,— 31.  
Ethiopian] Zipporah called an Ethiopian or Cushite, chapter XII verse 1 from that Eastern Ethiopia, or part of Arabia, wherein Midian stood or bordered with it; Arabia containing other Nations also lying Northward upon the Arabic Gulf, or Red-Sea. Miriam her sister-in-law, seems to envy her, and fall foul upon Moses: and being first and deepest in the fault more than Aaron, is exemplarily punished.  
The man Moses] The commendation of Moses, verse 3,— 8. God inspiring his pen, Num. XII. 3,— 8.  
Kadesh] Kadesh is Kadesh-Barneah in the Wilderness of Paran, chapter XIII verse 26 and South-Confines of Canaan, in a Mountain of the Amorites, Deut. I. 19, 20. nigh to Mount Seir, ver. 44. whence Moses sent the Spies, Num. XII. 16. and Ch. XIII. 26. and XXXIV. 4. Josh. XV. 3. Being the fifteenth station of the Israelites, Deut. I. 2, 19 and II. 14. and IX. 23. Josh. XIV. 6, 7. and XV. 3. The Israelites abode at Kadesh-barneah, and compassed Mount Seir about the space of thirty eight years, compared with Deut. I. 2, 46 and II. 14.  
Another Kadesh was a City in the uttermost border of Edom, or Idumea towards Ezion-Gaber, and the Red Sea, Num. XXXIII. 36. Deut. II. 8. and in the Wilderness Sin, by the waters of Meribah, and the 33. Station of the Israelites. Thither they came in the fourtieth year, first month. And there Miriam died, four months before Aaron, who died in the next Station at Hor. Hence Moses sent Messengers to the King of Edom, Num. XX. 1, 14, 15, 16, 22, and XXVII. 14. and XXXIII. 36, 37, 38. Deut. XXXII. 51. Judg. XI. 17.  
Forty years'] These forty years wand'ring in the Wilderness, chapter XIV verse 33 are not to be reckoned from the sending of Spies to search the Land; but from their coming out of Egypt, Num. XXXIII. 3, 38. Josh. IV. 19 Deut. VIII. 2. This appears also out of the ages of Moses and Aaron, Exod. VII. 7. compared with Num. XXXIII. 39 and Deut. XXXIV. 7. After the Return of the Spies, the Israelites continued in the Wilderness but thirty eight years, and odd months; which yet are said to be forty years, as the next full number. So gideon's seventy sons, Judg. VIII. 30. are said to be slain, Ch, IX. 5, 18, 56. though Jothan one of them escaped. And so the Disciples are called 11. to whom Jesus appeared on the day of his Resurrection at Evening, when yet Thomas was absent, Mark XVI. 14. Luke XXIV. 33,— 40. John XX. 19,— 25. compared together. And so the LXX. Elders are said to be gathered, and set round about the Tabernacle, when yet Eldad and Medad came not, Num. XI. 24. And not unlike is that of David's reign forty years, 2 Sam. V 4, 5. when yet six months were over and above. And Solomon's Building the Temple in seven years, 1 King. VI 30. when yet six months are to be added, by comparing v. 1. and last.  
Hormah] This History at Hormah is another, chapter XIV verse 45 and divers from that at Hormah, Num. XXI. 1, 2, 3. See another Hormah, Judg. I. 17.  
And all the men] Compared with Ch. chapter XVI verse 32 XXVI. 11. yet doth show that the Children of Korah were not swallowed up of the earth, likely miraculously saved: Or rather, they departing from their father's tent, according to that command of God, and Moses, ver. 24, and 26. And of their race came such as made some of our Psalms, or at least were famous Singers in the Temple; and Samuel also, the great Prophet, and Judge in Israel, 1 Chron. VI 33,— 38.  
Broad plates] The Altar thus covered twice with Plates of brass; verse 38 Here, and Exod. XXXVIII. 2.  
Altar] The Levites might not approach to the Altar to minister at it, chapter XVIII verse 2,— 7. nor eat of the Sacrifices.  
The First-fruits] First-fruits seem to be of many sorts; verse 12 First, A Sheaf of the first ripe Corn, or an Homer of it, presented the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Levit. XXIII. 10. Secondly, Two Wave-Loaves, of two tenth deals, at the Feast of Pentecost or weeks, Num. XXVIII. 26. Levit. XXIII. 15, 16, 17, 20. Thirdly, A Cake of the first of their doughs, for an Heave-offering, Num. XV. 20, 21. Fourthly, brought in a Basket, in the seventh month, when all their fruits were gathered in, as most understand that place, Deut. XXVI. 1,— 11. First-fruits enjoined without any set or certain proportion or stint, Deut. XVIII. 4. Of these, and other kinds of First-fruits, see more in this Text, And Exod. XXII. 29. and XXIII. 19 and XXXIV. 22, 26. Levit. II. 12, 14, 15, 16. Deut. XVIII. 4. Ezek. XLIV. 30.  
The tenth] So, verse 24 ver. 21. Tithes, and their kinds and sorts; thus; Tithes of the yearly increase of all things in the Land paid to the Levites, after the First fruits had been first deducted, and brought to the Priests, Exod. XXXIV. 26. Levit. XXIII. 10. Out of the nine parts remaining, there seems another Tenth taken, set apart for their Journeys, Sacrifices, and Feast, thrice a year at Jerusalem; and therefore brought up thither, and there eaten by the owners, their families, and the Levites, as most probably appears out of Deut. XII. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, 18, 26. and Ch. XIV. 22,— 26. And this second Tithe seems every third year to be distributed to the poor. Or rather a third Tithe every third year, not carried to Jerusalem, and eaten there; But gathered for these charitable uses only, and to be eaten any where throughout the Land, Deut. XIV. 28, 29. and XXVI. 12, 13. And this third year is therefore called the year of Tything, Deut. XXVI. 12. Amos IU. 4.  
Of Tithes see more, 2 Chron. XXXI. 4,— 19 Nehem. X. 32,— 39 and XII. 44, 47. and XIII. 5, 12, 13. Mal. III. 8, 10. Luke XI. 42. and XVIII. 12. Heb. VII. 2,— 9  
The great maintenance of the Levites, appears in that the whole Tribe of Levi being three or four times less in number then any other Tribe, yet had they distinguished from all the Priests, the Tithes of all the Tribes, and so more than any one other Tribe; Besides their thirty five Cities and Suburbs, whereof five were Cities of Refuge; Josh. XXI. one belonging to the Kohathites Levites; two to the Gershonites, and two to the Merarites. In all twice at least more Cities than some other Tribes had that were twice their number. See also that, Num. XXXI. 30, 47.  
The greater maintenance of the Priests appears, in that being but three persons at first, at least of ripe and mature age, yet they had the Tithes yearly of all the Levites Tithes, which were at first 8580 of thirty years old, and upwards; and so about the hundred part of all the fruits and increase of all Israel. And as the numbers of the Priests multiplied afterwards, so did in all probability the number of the other Tribes. They had also all the First-fruits of all things, from all persons, throughout the twelve Tribes, even of their doughs and baking, Deut. XVIII. 4. Num. XV. 20, 21. which, as some think, exceeded their Tithes aforesaid. They had also all the Firstborn of Oxen, Sheep, and Goats, which were given to them in kind; And the Redemption money of the Firstborn of Men, and of unclean Beasts and cattles, Num. III. 46— 52. Exod. XXXIV. 19 20, and Ch. XXII. 29, 30. Deut. XV. 19 They had also all Oblations, both Voluntary, and by Vow; And the Redemption of Things, and of Persons, Devoted to God: And all Sacrifices for Sins and for Trespasses, and the Meat and Drink Offerings, and Heave-offerings; And the Breast and Shoulder in Peace-offerings, Deut. XVIII. 3. And the Skins of the whole Burnt-offerings. And all their Tithes, First-fruits and Oblations were to be of the best and choicest sorts, Num. XVIII. 12, 29. Besides these they had thirteen Cities, and Suburbs, and Privileges belonging to them, whereof one was a City of Refuge, Josh XXI. 13. See Num. XVIII. 8,— 19 And that also Num. XXXI. 28, 29, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50. Levit. X. 12, 13, 14, 15. and Ch. XXVII. 21, 28. See the Annotations on Num. XVIII. 29.  
Rock] At Rephidim by Mount Sinai, chapter XX verse 8.— 13. Exod. XVII. 1,— 7. being the eleventh Station of the Israelites, Num. XXXIII. 14. Moses with his miraculous Rod, struck the Rock in Horeb, in a due obedience to God's commandment, and waters came forth: And he named the place Massah, and Meribah, Exod. XVII. 5, 6, 7. But at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, where Miriam died, being the thirty third Station, Num. XXXIII. 36. Moses, with Aaron's miraculous Rod (for he took it from before the Lord, as he commanded him), having his spirit provoked by the rebellious people, smiles the Rock twice without any such command, or commission to smite at all. And he, and Aaron likewise, speak unadvisedly with their lips, uttering words of passion and incredulity, and so rebelling against God's commandment. And thereupon they not sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of the children of Israel; He was sanctified in them, by his excluding them from entrance into the Land of Canaan. And this also is called the water of Meribah, or Strife; as here, so Ch. XXVII. 14. Psal. CVI 32, 33.  
Aaron] Aaron, chapter XX verse 28 whose name may seem to signify an Ark or Chest, dies seven months and seven days before Moses, at Mount Hor, (the Place called Mosera, Deut. X 6.) in the thirty fourth Station. For Aaron dying in the fourtieth year, fifth month, first day, Num. XXXIII. 38. And that compared with the months mourning for Moses, Deut. XXXIV. 8. and three day's preparation to pass over Jordan, Josh. I. 1. and Ch. III. 2. And their coming out of Jordan, on the first month, tenth day, Josh. IV. 19 Do show that Moses died in the twelfth month, seventh day: And so seven months, and seven days after Aaron. In which short interval of time, many, and mighty things were done and achieved; as among other things, Sihon, and Og, and their Kingdoms conquered; the Midianites almost destroyed; among whom Balaam was slain, Josh. XIII. 22. and the book of Deuteronomie written, Num. XXI. and XXXI. Deut. I. 1, 3.  
Fiery Serpents only in the later part of the fourtieth year, chapter XXI verse 6 after Aaron's death.  
Heshbon] Heshbon a chief City in Moab; verse 26 afterwards of Sihon King of the Amorites, Deut. I. 4. afterwards of Gad; and out of that Tribe, given to the Merarites, Josh. XIII. 26. and XXI. 38, 39, 40. 1 Chron. VI 80, 81. Afterwards recovered by the Moabites; and wasted by Shalmanesar, Esay XV. 4. and XVI. 8, 9 and after by the Babylonians, Jer. XLVIII. 45. There may seem to be another Heshbon of the Ammonites, Jer. XLIX. 2, 3. And one in the Tribe of Reuben, Num. XXXII. 37. Josh. XIII. 15, 17. Heshbon signifies Devises; And an allusion is made to the name, Jer. XLVIII. 2. in the judgement there denounced against it; like to this is English, There is mischief devised against the Devises, the name of a town with us.  
Balak] Balak needed not to have hired Balaam, chapter XXII verse 2 and feared Israel, Num. XXII. and XXIII. and XXIV. if he had known the prohibition of God to Israel, Deut. II. 9 which they obeyed, Judg. II. 15, 17, 18, 25. 2 Chron. XX. 10. Yet that part, which was great, of the Lands of Moab, which Sihon had lately conquered from Vehab, King of Moab, as Tremelius translates, Num. XXI. 26. the Israelites conquering Sihon, in that right possessed it, Num. XXXIII. 49. Deut. I. 5. and XXXIV. 1, 5, 6, 8. and it was given to the Reubenites, and Gadites, Josh. XIII.  
Unicorn] So Deut. chapter XXIII verse 22 XXXIII. 17. Job XXXIX. 9, 10. Psal. XXII. 21. and XXIX. 6. and XCII. 10. Esay XXXIV. 7. Yet the translation of the word is doubted of; or at least the nature of the beast, such as the Pencil of our Painters doth portray out unto us; because no such beast was known or seen by any man. And the Unicorns horn so deemed, is of some strange Fish, not of any known Beast. Some learned render the word Bufale, or Buff; or else the wild Ox called by the Latins Urus; eminent for bigness, strength, horns, and untamable fierceness.  
Advertise thee] Balaam called a Soothsayer, chapter XXIV verse 14 Josh. XIII. 22. and a Prophet, 2 Pet. II. 16. gives this advertisement to Balak, which seems to have a relation to that which follows in the residue of that Chapter. Yet besides he gives counsel to Balak, or at least after to the Midianites to draw the Israelites into sin, Num. XXXI. 16. which coming so to pass, He himself in his return, is slain by the sword amongst the Midianites, Num. XXXI. 8. in that Expedition, wherein Joshuah, though not named, may seem to be the General, and Phineas chief of the Priests, sounding Trumpets in that war, wherein 12000. Israelites, not having one man slain, did yet slay five Kings of Midian, (or Dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the Country; as it is, Josh. XIII. 21.) and all the males of that populous Nation (save such as escaped by flight, whose posterities in the days of Gideon came to prevail against Israel, Judg. VI 1, 2.) And they took a mighty prey and booty; whereout, after Purifications of themselves, and the Prey, there was paid a tribute and portion to the Priests, and a portion to the Levites; and a voluntary Oblation after made by the Captains to the Lord, Num. XXXI.  
Of the 24000. chapter XXV verse 9 that died in the Plague and stroke of God's vengeance; the 23000. mentioned, 1 Cor. X. 8. likely were the vulgar sort that died in the slaughter, Num. XXV. 5. and the other thousand were the heads of the people hung up, ver. 4. without supposing any Pestilence at that time. Or if by Plague, Num. XXV. 9 Psal CVI 30. we understand the Pestilence, then most probably, the 23000. died of it; and the other thousand by Hanging, and Slaughter.  
22200.] chapter XXVI verse 14 In this last numbering of the people in the Plains of Moab; in the fourtieth year of their wandering in the Wilderness, Simeon was fare the least in number, and Judah the most. And the whole number of fight men of the twelve Tribes, after that generation died in the Wilderness, upon that judgement, Numb. XIV. 29,— 35. and upon sundry other judgements besides, was now 1820. less in number, then in the former numbering at Mount Sinai, thirty nine years before.  
23000.] And so but 700 more than they were in the former numbering at Sinai, Ch. III. verse 62 Being likely not altogether free from that sin and punishment, Num. XIII. and XIV.  
Sin] This Wilderness differs from Zin, chapter XXXIII verse 11 ver. 36. This being the eighth Station of the Israelites: that of Zin the thirty third, which is Kadesh, where Miriam died, as was said, Num. XXXIII. 11, 36.  
Rephidim] See the Observations on Ch. verse 14 XXVIII. 8.  
Abarim] Pluraly; verse 47 Mountains; being a continuation of Mountains or Hills, Num. XXXIII. 47. in the Confines of the Amorites, and Moabites; whereof the tops had several names, as Nebo, Pisgah, Pehor: But Mount Sinai was none of them, being fare enough of.  
Salt Sea] Is not that Lake of Genesareth. chapter XXXIV verse 3 But only that Dead Sea, and Salt Sea, where formerly Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim had stood, Deut. XXIX. 23. Host XI. 8.  
Riblah] Riblah in the Land of Hamath, part of the East border of Canaan, near the North quarter. Here Pharaoh-Nechoh put Jehoahaz in bonds, 2 Kings XXIII. 33. And Nabuchadnezzar put King Zedekiah in bonds, and put out his eyes, 2 King. XXV. 6, 7. And slew the High Priest, and second Priest, and the sons of Zedekiah, and other prime men, ver. 18,— 21. Jer. LII. 10, 27. This Riblah seems to be that which was afterwards called Antiochia in Syria. Of this see my Annotations on Ezek. XI. 10, 11.  
Chinnereth] Num. XXXIV. 11. Deut. III. 17. Josh. XI. 2. and XII. 27. and XIX. 35. is called in the New Testament Genezareth. Luke V. 1. which Lake is also called the Sea of Galilee, Matth. IU. 18. Mark I. 16. And the Sea of Tiberias, Josh. XXI. 1. And absolutely the Sea, Matth. XVII. 27.  
Suburbs] The Suburbs of the Cities of the Priests, chapter XXXV verse 4 and Levites were 1000 Cubits from the Cities on every side: And so 2000 in the limits and utmost Bounds and Borders of each Quarter, East, West, North, and South.  
Forty eight Cities] See Josh. verse 7 XX. and XXI. and 1 Chron. 6. compared together; and the Great Annotations upon the said sixth Chapter.  
Shall not be guilty] The innocent man, verse 27 that by mere accident, against his will slew a man, might yet, as it seems, be lawfully slain by the revenger of blood, if he took him without the City of refuge. Which the more shows the wrath of God against murder.  
Only to the family] Israelites might marry wives of other Tribes, chapter XXXVI verse 6 so that they were not inheritrixes of Land, Num. XXXVI. Yea, of other Nations if they were Proselytes; and not of those Nations which God expressly devoted to destruction, Deut. VII. 3. and XXI. 10,— 13. Of their marriages with Heathens, and mixing the holy seed, See Ezra IX. and X. Ch. Neh. IX. 2. and X. 30. and XIII. 3. 23,— 30.   

Deuteronomie.  
DEUTERONOMIE was written in the year of the world, not 2493. But in the year 2553. or rather 2548. thirty eight years, and odd months, from the time of the beginning of the Book of Numbers. And about 1450 years before Christ's time.  
It contains to the fifteenth Verse of the last Chapter, an History of one month, and seven days, viz: From month eleven, day one, to month twelve, day seven; at which time Moses died; as hath been formerly gathered upon Aaron's death. See and compare together Deut. I. 3. and XXXIV. 8. and Josh. IV. 19 In which short time the Book was written by Moses; And, besides sundry Repetitions, and Explications, other new Laws given; A second Edition, as it were, of the Covenant made with the new Generation; with some other Consequences, and last Acts of Moses.  
The last Chapter of Deuteronomie was written after Moses his death. As likewise the Conclusion of the Book of Jeremy, was written after his Death, Jer. LI. 64. and LII. 31, 34. And that XXXIV. Chapter contains one month more, of the Israelites mourning for the death of Moses.  
This Book of Deuteronomie, and that of the Psalms, are of chief note in the Old Testament, for the Life of Religion, the spiritual power of Worship and Obedience in the inner man.  
Yet this Book of Deuteronomie seems not to be that which was to be written very plainly upon great stones plastered, in Mount Ebal; For that was the Decalogue only, or those Blessings and Curses, only, Deut. XXVII. 2,— 26. Josh. VIII. 30, 35. Nor seems it to be this book of Deuteronomie only that was to be Copied out by the King, and He to read therein all the days of his life, Deut. XVII. v. 18, 19, 20. Not yet seems it to be this book only, that was to be solemnly read by the Priests, every seventh or Sabbatical year in the Feast of Tabernacles, in the audience of all the people, Chapt. XXXI. 9,— 13. As in the three foresaid particulars some would have it. Nor yet is it this Book only; or that Song only, Deut. XXXII. that was to be put and placed by the Priests, in, at, or by the side of the Ark of the Covenant, Deut. XXXI. 25, 26. But the whole book of the Law, the five Books of Moses were to be Copied out by the King, read in every Sabbath-year, and laid up and preserved safe by the Ark of the Testimony.  
The Judicial Laws, most of all mentioned in this Book, and peculiarly belonging to the Country and People of the Jews, are grounded upon an equity of Right Reason for that Country and People. And so far are useful to all others.  
The ten first Chapters are most-what of precedent Passages, Repetitions of what things were formerly done; with Exhortations to Obedience intermixed. Moses yet herein not binding himself to an exact order in observation of the times, and places.  
These] Is an Inscription of the whole book, chapter I verse 1 and an accurate description of the Place, where Moses delivered, and did, what in this book is contained.  
Eleven] The eleven day's journey end either at Kadesh-barneah; verse 2 or, compassing about by the way of Mount Seir, and Kadesh-barneah, it ends at, and in the Plains of Moab. Both which ser●● to show how soon they might have come from Horeb or Sinai to Canaan; had they not provoked God by their sin, Num. XIV. instead of that eleven day's journey, to keep them wand'ring in the wilderness 38. years after.  
Horeb] Horeb and Mount Sinai are taken for the same, Exod. III 1. See on that Text, Deut. I. 2, 6, 19 and IV. 10, 15. and V 2. and IX. 8. 1 King. XIX. 8 Mal. IV. 4. They being close neighbours, or rather two tops of the same Mount. The Israelites abode almost a year there, Deut. I. 6. Exod. XIX. 1 Num. X. 11.  
Og that dwelled at Ashteroth, verse 4 was slain in Edrei, another of his royal Cities, Ch. III. 1. Num. XXI. 33. Josh. XIII. 12, 31. and XII. 4.  
Angry] God's anger at Moses here mentioned, verse 37 was not in the second year, when and where the Spies were sent from Kadesh-barnea, Num. XIII. and XIV. But in the fourtieth year at that other Kadesh, when and where Miriam died, Num. XX. 1, 2, 12.  
Many days] The Israelites abode in Kadesh many days. verse 46 And they compassed Mount Seir many days: The space in which they came from Kadesh-barnea, till they came over the brook Zered, or pitched in the Valley of Zared, in Moab, being their thirty ninth Station, was thirty eight years; which was in the beginning of the fourtieth year of their coming out of Egypt, Deut. II. 1, 2, 3, 7, 14. some take thirty seven years and a half of this time to be spent at Kadesh-barnea: And sure the most of it was spent there; and the lesser and later part of it in compassing Mount Seir: And the other half year spent in coming from Mount Seir to Zered. See Deut. II. 7.  
Distress not] And so, chapter TWO verse 9 v. 19 The Israelites forbidden to distress the Moabites, and Ammonites; or to possess their Lands. Yet what Sihon had lately conquered from them, and possessed; which was no small part of their Countries, all that, the Israelites conquering Sihon, by right of that Conquest, did fairly possess, Josh. XIII. 15,— 25. Judg. XI. 12,— 27.  
Giant's] There are mentioned Anakims, verse 11 Emims, Zanzummims, Rephaims, as several races of Gaints, Deut. II. 11, 20. and Ch. III. 11, 13. Num. XIII. 33. See further, Gen. VI 4, 1 Sam. XVII. 4. and 2 Sam. XXI. 16,— 22.  
Mount Zion, chapter IV verse 48 which is Hermon] Called by the Sidonians Syrion, by the Amorites Shenir, in the Valley of Lebanon, Deut. III. 9 and IV. 48. Josh. XI. 17. and XIII. 5. and XII. 5. 1 Chron. V. 23. And Mount Zion, that strong hold, in the City of David, being the South-part of Jerusalem, and not seated on the North-side of it, 2 Sam. V 7, 9 1 King. VIII. 1. Psal. II. 6. and IX. 11. and XLVIII. 2. (upon which Text see the Annotations) are two differing Mountains, and fare asunder. They differ also in their Original Characters and letters; the former being written 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the later 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; though the New Testament write the later also Zion, Rom. IX. 33 〈◊〉 XI. 26. As likewise the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is written Sidon; And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is written Tyre, Matth. XI. 21, 22.  
Called] We may not conceive a miracle in Moses voice, chapter V verse 1 as some do on this place.  
My Commandments] So it is in the Masorets marginal reading. verse 10 But in the Text it is his Commandments: And may import the words of Moses, expounding the sense and meaning of God's words that went next before,  
Seventh day] Some words are added by Moses to those uttered by God on Mount Sinai, verse 14, 15. Exod. XX. 10, 11. as an Explication of them. And also a Reason is given of the fourth Commandment differing altogether from that Reason in Exod. XX. 11. which Reason here yet evinceth not, that therefore God brought the Israelites out of Egypt on the Sabbath-day. But the putting of Wife before House, ver. 21. contrary to that order of House before Wife, in Exod. XX. 17. confounds the late Papists silly shift in dividing the last Commandment into two, to make up ten, Deut. IU. 13. to colour thereby their taking away the second Commandment; or shuffling of it into the first: so that by them is not known which is the ninth, and which the tenth Commandment.  
Seven Nations] So many are here reckoned. chapter VII verse 1 And so, josh. III. 10. Six in Exod. XXXIII. 2. Deut. XX. 17. judg. III. 5. In many places fewer. In Gen. XV. 19, 20, 21. ten Nations are reckoned. And among them the Philistines are never mentioned. Yet all the inhabitants of the whole Land go many times under the names of Canaanites, and Amorites; as Gen. XXIV. 3. and Ch. XV. 16.  
Utterly destroy them] Such is God's Command; verse 2 And such his Promise of assistance, v. 16. See Exod. XXXIV. 11, 12. Deut. IX. 3. and XX. 16, 17. Yet this was not a thing to be done in one year, or in Ioshuah's Life-time, josh. XXIII. 4, 5, 13. judg. l. 9, 21, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34. But by little and little, Exod. XXIII. 29, 30. Deut. VII. 22. Yet God justly threatens and blames them for their neglect in Conquering and Expelling them, Num. XXXIII. 55, 56. Josh. XXIII. 13. Judg. II. 3, 21, 22, 23. And he never gave them the possession of their full Bounds, as of Tyre, Sidon, and of all the Land of the Philistines, because they kept not for their part the Condition of their Covenant with him, Judg. II. 20, 21.  
Neither shalt thou] Marriage forbidden with the Canaanites strictly. verse 3 Yea also forbidden with the Ammonites, Moabites, and Egyptians, Ezra IX. 1, 2. Neh. XIII. 23. A reason is given, Deut. VII. 4. Neh. XIII. 26. Exod. XXXIV. 16. The mischief of that marriage between Jehoram the son of jehoshaphat King of judah, and Athaliah the daughter of Ahab King of Israel, is recorded, 2 King. VIII. 18. Yet in case they became Proselytes, Converts to the true Religion; the marriage with all of them seems lawful: as in that case, Deut. XXI. 10, 13. And in the case of Rahab, and Ruth; of the wife of joseph in Egypt: of the wife of Moses; of Maacah the daughter of the King of Geshur with David; and of Pharaohs daughter with Solomon. And this made jacobs' sons propound or pretend the condition of Circumcision to Shechem, and the Shechemites, Gen, XXXIV. 14, 15, 16. In the New Testament, we read the prohibition, 2 Cor. VI 14. And the precept, 1 Cor. VII. 12— 16. which rules touching Infidels seem to serve for the case of gross Heretics, and Apostates. Against unlawful marriages see more, judg. III. 6, 7. and XIV. 2, 3. 1 King. XI. 2. Ezra IX. and X. Chapters, Neh. X. 30. and XIII. 3, 30.  
Raiment] The raiment waxing not old on the Israelites in the Wilderness, chapter VIII verse 4 was a Miracle sufficient, though it grew not greater still with the growing children, Deut. XXIX. 5. Neh. IX. 21.  
This day] Is taken sometimes properly: sometimes as for a short time; here. Sometimes for a longer time indefinitely, as Hester I. 18. And the Phrase since yesterday, and the third day, is sometimes taken properly, or for a short time, Gen. XXXI. 2, 5. Exod. IV. 10. and XXI. 36. 2 Sam. III. 17. job. VIII. 9 Sometimes for a long time, 1 Sam. XIV. 21. and XIX. 7. 2 King. XIII. 5. 1 Chron XI. 2. (As likewise to morrow is taken, sometimes for a short time, as 1 Sam. XXVIII. 19 Sometimes for a long time, as Josh. IV. 6, 21.) Sometimes for never. josh. III. 4. 1 Sam. IU. 7. Of to day, and to morrow, see josh. XXII. 18. and IV. 6, 21. Esay XXII. 13. Matth. 6. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 32.  
Ark] Besides that famous Ark for the Tables of the Covenant, chapter X verse 1,— 4. Exod. XXXVII. 1, etc. There seems here one formerly made, for present use, wherein the Tables by God's commandment were first put. And possibly this Ark with the Tables might be put into that famous Ark built afterwards, Exod. XXXVII. Deut. X 5.  
Journey] These verses seem to be as a Parenthesis inserted by Moses: verse 6,— 9 And their journeys summarily mentioned, v. 6, 7. are more distinctly and orderly recorded, Num. XXXIII. 30,— 39 without any coming or returning, again and again, to one and the same place.  
Altars] Idolaters had their Priests, chapter XII verse 3 Temples, Altars, Tables, Lavers, Pillars, Groves, Oaks, Statues, Images of wood, stone, and metals, carved, graven, molten; in Cities, and Towns, in streets, in fields, and gardens, in houses, and on their tops, in God's house, in chambers, behind the doors, by rivers, and rocks, and caves, upon high mountains, and hills, and valleys, and under green trees: with their several sorts of Scrifices, and burn, even slaying their children to them, Jer. VII. 31. XIX. 5. Ezek. XVI. 20, 21. and XX. 26, 31. Feasts, Incense, costly clothes, and other services of them. See Deut. VII. 5. and XII. 31. and sundry other places, as Esay I. 29. and LVII. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. and LXV. 3, 4, 11. and LXVI. 3. Amos II. 8. 1 Cor. VIII. 10. and X. 21. Jer. X. 9 XVII. 2. And see their eager rage after idolatry, Ezek. XVI. 15, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31.  
A poor man] Private poor rather then public beggars were, chapter XV verse 7,— 11. and still will be among God's people, Matth. XXVI. 11.  
For ever] Ever, hath reference, verse 17 sometimes to a long time, indefinitely, Exod. XXI. 6. 1 Sam. I. 22. and XXV II. 12. 2 King. V 27. 2 Chron. XIII. 5. Psal. XXXVII. 18, 27. and LXXXIX. 1 Esay XIII. 20. and XIV. 20. and XXV. 8. and XXXIII. 20. and XXXIV. 10. Jer. VII. and XVII. 4, 25. and XXV. 5. and XXXI. 40. and XXXV. 19 and L. 39 and LI. 26, 62. Lam. V 20. Sometimes to the term of a man's life. 1 Kings I. 31. Dan. III. 9 Josh. 8. 28. Gen. XLIII. 9 1 Sam. I. 22. 1 Chron. XXVIII. 4. Psal. XXXVII. 27, 29. and CXIX. 44, 98. Esay XXXII. 17. Sometimes to the year of Jubilee, As in this Text, and Exod. XXI. 6. compared with Levit. XXV. 40. Sometimes to so long as the conditions annexed to a thing are observed, 2 Chron. XX. 7. 1 Sam. II. 30. Sometimes to the continuance of a State of polity, Num. X. 8. See the Annotations on 1 Kings VIII. 13. Sometimes to the Time and Coming of the Messiah, 1 Chron. XV. 2. and XVII. 12, 14, 22, 23, 27. and in many places of the Prophets. Sometimes to eternity, Exod. III. 15. and XV. 18. Deut. XXXII. 40. Luke I. 33. And so never is taken sometimes for a long time: sometimes for almost all times of a man's life, Luke XV. 29. Sometimes for a man's life, 2 Sam. XII. 10. Sometimes for eternity.  
The flock and the herd] Oxen, chapter XVI verse 2 Kids, Sheep, and Bulloks were used in the Feast of the Passeover, that is, in the Feast of Unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, for seven days, Exod. XIII. 6, 7. Num. XXVIII. 16,— 24. 2 Chron. XXXV. 7, 8. 9 and Ch. XXX. 24. All which Festival time is called the Passeover, and so Joh. XVIII. 28. A Lamb, or a Kid, might be used for the Passeover properly so called, on the fourteenth day, at the going down of the Sun, Exod. XII. 5. Deut. XVI. 6.  
A matter too hard] As Judges and Officers were to be appointed in all Cities in Canaan, chapter XVII verse 8,— 13. Deut. XVI. 18, 19, 20. So here the highest Court of Judicature over the whole Land, in difficult Causes, and for matters of Appeal, was appointed to be in that one place which the Lord should choose; which in aftertimes appeared to be the City Jerusalem. And here it is not sure and evident whether this Supreme Court were to be one, mixed of the Priests, and the Civil Judge jointly; Or (though this not so likely) two distinct Courts, Ecclesiastical, and Civil; both Supreme in their kind. Judgement of death was awarded upon presumptuous disobedience to their Sentence. And more of this Supreme Court Moses doth not deliver. Yet upon this, the Jews in after-ages grounded their great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem; and not upon the LXX. Num. XI. For those were only added to assist Moses in his troublesome government of that unruly Camp of the Jews in the Wilderness; as likewise those Rulers and Judges, Exod. XVIII.  
The Priests due] Of the very great maintenance of the Priests, verse 3 see on Num. chapter XVIII XVIII. 24.  
Three Cities more] Three other Cities of Refuge, chapter XIX verse 9 over and above the six, here allowed, and conditionally enjoined. Yet we never read more of them, that they were separated and set out. And that because the Jews by their sins and breach of Covenant with God on their part, never got possession of the utmost Bounds of the Lands by God conditionally promised to them.  
To Battle] The Law of war, chapter XX verse 1 Deut. XX. 1, 10,— 18. and Ch. VII. 2, 3, 16, 23, 24. and Exod. XXXIV. 11,— 16. enjoined by God to the Israelites, was various, according to the several Cities and Nations against whom, whether near, or very fare off, Deut. XX. 15, 16, 17. and according to the several Causes and Occasions, whereupon they were to wage it: And is best expounded by their Practices in Scripture recorded.  
Against the Amalakites, see the injunction, Exod. XVII. 14, 16. Deut. XXV. 17, 18, 19 Against the Midianites, see that, Num. XXXI. Where they slew all the males they could, even to the male-childrens; and every woman that had known man, and took the spoil, and all their cattle, flocks, and goods, as a prey to themselves.  
Against the Amorites, Sihon, and Og, (included in the seven Nations, or in the same condition with them) See Num. XXI. and Deut. II. 34, 35. and Ch. III. 6, 7. where they slew the men, women and children. But all the cattle, and spoil, they took for a prey to themselves.  
Against Jericho, see Josh. VI 17,— 26. where the City, the first that withstood them in the Land of Canaan, was singularly accursed, and all therein, ver. 17, 18, 24, 26. 1 King. XVI. 34. And accordingly they slew man and woman, young and old, and Ox, and Sheep, and Ass: Only the silver and the gold, and the vessels of brass and iron, they put into the Treasury of the House of the Lord, as God commanded; keeping nothing to themselves: And as Achan, with his, and all he had, perished; They being first stoned, and then burnt for the transgression: So Rahab, her parents, brethren, and all that she had, were saved, upon the special cause and occasion of her Faith in hiding the Spies.  
Against Ai, See Josh. VIII. 2, 26, 27. where they slew all, as at Jericho: only the spoil, and cattle thereof, they took as a prey to themselves.  
Against the five Kings of the Amorites: And against seven; See Josh. X. 10, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40. where they slew all the souls that breathed; as they did at Jericho: But for the spoil, and cattle, they did as at Ai and took them as a prey to themselves.  
Against all those Kings at the waters of Merom, and presently after, they did the like, Josh. XI. 11, 12, 13, 14.  
The Gibeonites, upon a crafty contrivance, got to be spared, and obtained a league to live. And though all the congregation murmured against the Princes for it, yet because of the oath, Joshuah and the Princes only adjudged them to bondage, to be hewers of wood, and drawers of water for the House of God for ever, Josh. IX. 13,— 27. And Saul afterwards in a wrong zeal, slaying many of them, was punished for it, in his sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,— 9  
Many other of the seven Nations were not conquered, Or so conquered, as brought only under Tribute, See Deut. VII. 22. Josh. XIII. 1,— 6. and XIII. 3. and XV. 63. and XVI. 10. and XVII. 12, 13. Judg. I. 1, 19, 21, 27,— 36. For which yet the Israelites were reproved, Judg. II. 1, 2, 3. And doomed so, as we read, Judg. II. 21, 22, 23. according to that Prediction, Num. XXXIII. 55. and Threatening, Josh. XXIII. 13. And of the Race of the seven Nations, see that in the days of Solomon, 1 King. IX. 20, 21.  
And if that Law of war, Deut. XX. 10,— 15. should be extended to the seven Nations also; yet they deprived themselves of the benefit of it, in not yielding to conditions of peace; or staying to be besieged; But engaging first, and beginning the war upon the Israelites; as appears mainly in Josh. Ch. X. and XI.  
The Captive●, chapter XXI verse 10,— 14. a beautiful woman] Seems a permission and Indulgence, in case of war; rather than an Allowance; As appears by the displeasing Rites before the marriage; and the slight dismission. It is not much unlike that Bill of Divorce, Deut. XXIV. 1. Matth. XIX. 8. And the case of Usury; as some account that, Deut. XXIII. 20.  
Two wives] Moses supposing the practice of having two wives together, verse 15 though in itself unlawful; or rather of having two one after another; taketh order for the right and double portion of the man's firstborn, Deut. XXI. 15, 16, 17.  
Hanged is accursed] That Curse seems not to be for the kind of punishment; verse 23 but for the Crime sake, acted by such Malefactors here mentioned. And so Num. XXV. 4. John XVI. 26. 2 Sam. XXI. 6. It is true of Christ, Gal. III. 13. josh. XIX. 31. by reason of all our horrible sins laid upon him, I mean the debt of our sins; He becoming our Surety; and so sin for us, 2 Cor. V 21. that is, a Sacrifice for sin; as Sacrifices for sin in the Levitical Law are termed sometimes by the name of sin. The imputation of Gild would seem to make him a sinner.  
Not wear] That difference of Apparel, chapter XXII verse 5 to distinguish the Sexes, must be observed, and never broken; except in case of necessity, and for some present pinch, some weighty and urgent occasion, as to evade and avoid a sudden mischief; and the like.  
If a man] Is understood of an unmarried man, verse 28 and a Virgin not betrothed: as likewise that is, Exod. XXII. 16, 17. The difference is in enticing her there; and in laying hold on her here, though not violently to ravish her. And therefore the Offender is ordered and punished somewhat less there; and more here.  
An Ammonite] The Israelite was to respect more, chapter XXIII verse 3,— 9 and hate less, the Edomite, and the Egyptian; then either the Moabite, or the Ammonite: The two former in their third generation, after they became Proselytes, might be, as it were, endenized and made free among the Israelites; as well as if they were native ● Israelites: As those that were honoured to be made Citizens of Rome, by birth, or purchase Acts XVI. 37, 38. and XXII. 25,— 28. were thereby invested with the Privileges of Romans. The Moabite, and Ammonite were not to be so privileged in their tenth generation: which yet must be understood, either of the men only, or else with exception of some such singular Cases, as was that of Ruth, Ch. IU. 10.  
Upon Mount] The Tribe of Levi was to stand on Mount Gerizim, chapter XXVII verse 12,— 26 in the Tribe of Ephraim by Sichem, with five other Tribes, whereof Joseph is one: And the six other Tribes to stand on Mount Ebal. And so the Priests called Levites, Deut. XXVII. 14. may seem to stand with the Ark in the narrow valley between both: And there turning to Mount Ebal, to pronounce the Curses, whereunto all the people and Tribes on Mount Ebal were to say Amen. The other part concerning the Blessings is not expressed; but in all points, and circumstances easily to be gathered and understood, Deut. XI. 26,— 30. and XXVII. 12,— 26 This was done in the first year of their coming over Jordan Josh. VIII. 32,— 35. when, and where were read likewise all the words of the Law of Moses, before all the Congregation of Israel.  
With ships] Ships, besides the Ark of Noah, chapter XXVIII verse 68 are first mentione in jacob's blessing of Zebulun, Gen. XLIX. 13. and in Moses his threatening the Israelites in this place.  
Not given] God's hand in giving and working of Grace. chapter XXIX verse 4 See Ch. XXX. 6. Jer. XXIV. 7. and XXXI. 33. and XXXII. 39 Ezek. XI. 19, 20. and Ch. XXXVI. 26, 27. Heb. VIII. 10, 11. John VI 44, 45, 65 Phil. I 29. and II. 13. Ephes. II. 8. 2. Tim. II. 25. And he gives grace to the remnant which is according to the election of Grace, Matth. XI. 25. and XIII. 11. Mark IV. 11, 12, John XII. 39 Rom. XI. 7. Ephes. I. 5. 2 Chron. XXX. 12.  
Mount] This Mount Hor, chapter XXXII verse 50 where Aaron died, Num. XX. 25, 26. was South of Judea. And Mount Hor, on the North-bounds of Judea, Num. XXXIV. 7. are far differing and distant mountains.  
King in Jeshurum] Moses King in jeshurum, chapter XXXIII verse 5,— 25. in Blessing the twelve Tribes, doth omit Simeon, if we account him not included in judah, as his Lot in the division of Canaan fell within the Lot and Tribe of judah; and their expeditions against their enemies in conquering their own shares were joint, and undertaken together, josh. XVIII. and XIX. judg. I 3.  
Dwell between his shoulders] That is, verse 12 In jerusalem. For though the Southern, and Superior part of jerusalem, where Mount Zion was, and which was called the City of David, did belong to the Tribe of judah; yet the Northern, and inferior part of it, where Mount Moriah was, whereon the Temple was built, belonged to the Tribe of Benjamin. The huge deep valley of melo between the two Mountains, being filled up and leveled by Solomon; so that thence afterward, Zion, and Moriah, might be called two tops of one Mountain, Zion the higher top, and Moriah the lower.  
Died] The time of Moses his death was in the fourtieth year, chapter XXXIV verse 5 twelfth month, seventh day of their coming out of Egypt; and one hundred and twentieth year of his age. See upon Aaron's death, Num. XXXIII. 38.  
No man knoweth] The reason of concealing the place of the Burial of Moses; verse 6 And Michael the Archangel his contending with the Devil, and disputing about the body of Moses, jude ver. 9 was not revealed in the Scripture of the Old Testament. And this dispute might be, lest the Israelites knowing it, might carry it with them (as josephs' bones) into Canaan, into which God had said, That he should not enter; or rather, That the people might not idolise it.   

Joshua.  
THE Book of Joshua was not probably written by him; though of, and concerning him; For besides some things contained in it, which are deemed by some, to be done after his death; As that concerning Caleb and his daughter Achsah, Ch. XV. 16,— 19 And most surely the Conquering of Leshem or Laish by the Danites, Ch. XIX. 47. judg. XVIII. 7.— 29. And those things recorded, Ch. XXIV. 29,— 33. Some other things seem to plead, That it was written by some Prophet Long after his death. Whence that phrase remains unto this day, is so frequently used, Ch. IU. 9 and Ch. VI 25. and VII. 26. and VIII. 29, and IX. 27. and X. 27. and XIII. 13. and XIV. 14. and XV. 63. And the Book of jasher is named, Ch. X. 13. which seems written at soon in David's time, as recording an Act of his, 2 Sam. I 18. unless we say, This Book of jasher in Ioshua's time, to be continued on, and enlarged in aftertimes, by adding and inserting memorable acts in after-ages; And so in David's time. And further the Mountains of judah, and the Mountains of Israel are mentioned, josh. XI. 21. Which many possibly seem to intimate the Book to be written after the division of the Nation into the two Kingdoms of judah and Israel.  
joshua was the Tribe of Ephraim, Num. XIII. 8. 1 Chron. VII. 27. And he lived one hundred & ten years, Ch. XXIV. 29. and was six full years in conquering the Land; and in the seventh fell to the Dividing of it by Lot; as is gathered out of the age of Caleb, josh. XIV. 7, 10. And divers years joshua lived and governed after that time; but how many, it doth not appear out of this Book: yet is gathered out of other places to be ten years more: and so this Book to contain an History of seventeen years, from the Beginning of his Government to his Death. The truth of this account stands upon this computation; from the coming out of Egypt, to the fourth of Solomon, are four hundred and eighty years, 1 King. VI 1. which are made up thus; forty years in the Wilderness; seventeen of joshua; two hundred ninety nine of the judges; counting in the twenty of Samson, as coincident and concurring with the first twenty years of Eli; twenty years more of Eli; twenty of Samuel; forty of Saul; forty of David; four of Solomon: In all, 480.  
Within three days] This Edict and Proclamation of three days, chapter I verse 2 for preparation to pass over jordan, set down here, doth begin and commence after the History of the two Spies, and their return to joshua; which History yet is recorded after in the Chapter following. And thereupon the mention of the said three days is taken up again the second time, Ch. III. 2. when new directions are given for their Passage, and the manner of it.  
Rahab] Rahab, chapter TWO verse 1 an Harlot, because at least she had been so, though now a believing Convert, ver. 9, 10, 11. Heb. XI. 31. james II. 25. She had her house on the wall of jericho, ver. 15. which fell not when the rest of wall fell, Ch. VI 20, 22.  
In framing her excuses for the Spies sake, she betrays her infirmity, in making equivocations, or untruths rather, ver. 4, 5. In transacting with the Spies, some speeches seem to pass between them after they were let down the wall, ver. 18.  
In pleading for her family, she makes no mention of an Husband, ver. 13. and Ch. VI 23.  
She was after married to Salmon, eldest son of Nahshon, which Nahshon was great-grand-childe to Hezron or Esrom that went down with jacob into Egppt, Gen. XLVI. 12. And was Prince of judah, at the numbering of the people, Num. I. 7. at the marshalling of the Camps, Num. II. 3. at the Dedication of the Altar, Num. VII. 12. and at the setting forward in their journeys, Num. X. 14. But died in the Wilderness, Num. XIV. 29. This marriage of Rahab to Salmon, now Prince of judah, is not recorded in the Old Testament: But mentioned, Matth. I. 5. in the Genealogy of our Saviour; wherein, as Rachab; so Thamar, Ruth, and Bathshebah, are mentioned. Now there being four hundred and eighty years from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Building of the Temple, in the fourth year of Solomon, 1 Kings VI 1. whereof forty years were spent in the wilderness, and seventy in David's life time, 2 Sam. V 4. and four in Solomon's reign; The Remaining time between Rahabs receiving the Spies, and David's Birth must be 366. which may, and must be made up in some such reckoning as this; viz. Supposing Rahab to be eighteen years old when she received the Spies; and sixty six when she did bear Boaz to Salmon; then of necessity must Boaz beget Obed, and Obed beget jesse, and jesse beget David, each about the age of 106. Which well considered, evidenceth and evinceth these two things. 1. That the years of the six Oppressors in the times of the Judges, Ch. III. 8, 14. and IV. 3. and VI 1. and X. 8. and XIII. 1. which amount to 111. years, cannot be reckoned distinct and apart; But are to be included within the years of the Judges, and of the Rest of the Land. For otherwise the years between Rahabs receiving the two Spies, and David's birth, would rise to 477. which cannot be true. And secondly, that the years 480. which is that famous Link of time, 1 King. VI 1. cannot possibly be forced to any more than 480. much less to 580. as some learned men of late would have it; and contrary to that sacred text, 1 King. VI 1. which never received any veri●●s Lection; and contrary to the clear evidence and notation of pa●●●cular times set down in Scripture, which exacty make up that sum of 480. as was now showed: viz. forty in the Wilderness; seventeen in Ioshuah's Government; 299. in the Judge's times, eighty in Eli, Samuel, and saul's times; forty in David's; and four in solomon's.  
Ark] The Ark here leads the way before the host, chapter III verse 3 into jordan and Canaan; without any more mention of the Pillar of Cloud and Fire.  
Two thousand Cubits] The distance of two thousand Cubits from the Ark, verse 4 Josh. III. 4. was on either side of it; and seems to be the same distance that was kept from it, in their Camping or Pitchings, and in their Journeying in the Wilderness: And may well be deemed to be the sabbath-days journey mentioned, Acts I. 12. Comparing together John XI. 18. and Luke XXIV. 50.  
Risen up upon an heap] When the Israelites passed through Jordan, verse 16 the waters were not as a wall unto them, on the right hand, and on the left; as likely they were when Elias, and Elizeus divided them with a mantle, 2 King. II. 8, 14. And as certainly the waters of the red-sea were, Exod. 14. 21, 22. But God stopped the waters of the river that came down from above, and they stood and risen upon an heap, very fare from the City Adam: And thereupon those waters that came down from Adam to the Salt and Dead Sea, and Lake of Sodom and Asphaltites, did run away, failed, were cut off.  
Midst] The often mentioning the midst of the river of jordan to be the place where the Priests feet stood bearing the Ark of the Lord; verse 17 the place where twelve stones were erected; and the place whence twelve stones were taken to be set up in Gilgal, josh. III. 17. and IV. 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 18. doth induce me to take the word midst in its proper signification, having no manner of inconvenience in it for so doing, rather than to transfer it to the Channel close by the further side and bank.  
Passed over] The place of their passage over Jordan, chapter IV verse 1 may seem to be called afterwards Bethbarah, in the Tribe of Reuben, beyond Jordan, Judg. VII. 24. And Bethabara, John. I. 28. (not Bethania, as the Trent-Bible erroneously there hath it) where John baptised Jesus; as well as others. And Betharabah seems to be a City not fare from the Passage on the other side, a City of Benjamin, bordering upon Judah, Josh. XV. 6. 61. and XVIII. 22. Though some not so rightly place the foresaid town higher upon the river more than twenty miles above Adam; and fare off from the border of Judah. At this Passage the Altar Ed seems to be builded in the Tribe of Reuben, Josh. XXII. 11.  
Twelve men] Reuben, verse 2 and Gad, are here included in the twelve; though their Possessions were beyond jordan. And of these two Tribes, and half Manasseh, about forty thousand armed men passed over jordan to the war, ver. 13. which were yet but a few more than one third part of their military men, Num. XXVI. 7, 18, 34. The rest stayed behind for their many necessary occasions.  
Came up] They came over jordan, verse 19 on the tenth day of the first month; were Circumcised the eleventh; And did eat the Passeover on the fourteenth, Ch. V 2, 10. Both which were omitted in the wilderness; at least since the Return of the twelve Spies, and after that Passeover at Mount Sinai, Num. IX. 5. See josh. V 5, 7. And on the XVI. day Manna ceased, ver. 12.  
The second time] Not that these were Circumcised once before. chapter V verse 2 See ver. 7. It was neglected, or omitted many years for some reasons. And at this time upon many reasons renewed, and again enjoined by God. See the Annotations upon this text.  
Gilgal] Of this place, verse 9 see the Annotations on Host IU. 15.  
A man] This Captain of the Lords host, verse 13 was not Gabriel, or any other created Angel; but Michael the Archangel, jude 9 Michael the great Prince of God's people, Dan. X. 21. and XII. 1. the Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. Christ the Son of God; Appearing here, and sundry other times, in the shape of man, as a foregoing presage and prologue, to typify his future Incarnation. And this appeareth, by Ioshua's Adoration of him, as his Lord Jehovah, Ch. VI 2. and by His acceptance of it, which an Angel would have refused, Apoc. XIX. 10. by his Commanding Joshua to put off his shoes, because the place was holy; like to that, Exod. III. 5. Not that the Place was capable of any inherent holiness in itself, but hallowed by God's holy presence in it, and in that relation only so esteemed; and which ceased so to be when his Presence was withdrawn from it. This Captain instructs Joshua about the manner of besieging, and conquering Jericho, Ch. VI 2,— 5.  
Seventh day] chapter VI The Sabbath-day must needs be one of the seven wherein the Camp of Israel did march round about the walls of Jericho; verse 4 if not the seventh wherein they compassed the City seven times, and took it. And this by the command of him who is the Sovereign Lord of the Sabbath.  
Priest's shall blow with the Trumpets] Priests, not Levites. And Priests, not Levites carry the Ark. See the Observations on Num. X. 8. and on Ch. VII. v. 1,— 9  
Achan] Achan is called also Achar, chapter VII verse 1 1 Chron. II. 7. which signifieth a Troubler; and the Place of his execution is called the Valley of Anchor, v. 26., that is trouble. He was Grandchild of Zabdi; otherwise called Zimri, 1 Chron. II. 6.  
Ai] Ai is called Hai, verse 2 Gen. XII. 8. and Aijah, Neh. XI. 31. in the tribe of Benjamin, very near to Bethel, Ezra II. 28. Neh. VII. 32. and differs from that Ai, situate between Heshbon and Rabbah, in the tribe of God; yet taken by the Ammonites; whereof see Jeremy XLIX. 3.  
Bethaven] Bethaven, and Bethel, two distinct towns, not fare asunder, near the North bounds of the Tribe of Benjamin. Yet Hosea calls Bethel by the name of Bethaven, the house of vanity, and vain Idols, in scorn and derision, for Jeroboams golden Calf there set up, Host IU. 15. and V 8. and X. 5. See the Observations on 1 King. XII. 29, 32. verse 14  
Taketh] By Divine instinct and command Lots are here used; In which case their judgement is infallible. Of Lots, see my Annotations on jonah. I. 7. verse 24  
And his sons] God severe judgement upon his whole family, ver. 24, 25. is warranted by Him, who is sole Dispenser, and Sovereign Lord over his own Law, Deut. XXIV. 16. And at the most, his Sacrilege, was but the Occasion, not the Cause of God's judgement upon his family; They having sin enough in themselves otherwise, for God's justice to work upon, though they had no hand in this sacrilegious act. chapter VIII verse 2  
Ambush] God appoints both the End, and the Means, 1 Chron. XIV. 14, 15. And God's people having the assurance of God's Particular Promises, do yet carefully use the Means; as Josh. XI. 7. and X. 9 Acts XXVII. 24, 31. judg. XX. 28, 29. Stratagems in war are lawful. verse 3  
Chose out] Not likely that the 30000. did lie in wait behind Ai Westward, between Ai and Bethel; but only 5000. ver. 12, 17.  
Gibeon] Gibeon was a great City, chapter IX verse 3 a royal City of the Hivites, and all the men mighty, Ch. X. 2. and XI. 19 allotted afterwards to Benjamin; and out of that Tribe to the Priests, Ch. XXI. 13, 17. The Tabernacle, and Altar were here in david's and Solomon's time, 1 Chron. XXI. 20. 2 Chron. I. 3. David order the service of it here, 1 Chron. XVI. 30. Solomon sacrificeth at this High Place: God appears to him here: And he brings the Tabernacle, and Altar thence, to the Treasuries of the Temple, 1 King. III. 4. Here joshua vanquished the five Kings of the Amorites, Ch. X. And had the Sun stand still upon his prayer. Here David smote the Philistines, 1 Chron. XIV. 16. By the pool of Gibeon was that mortal fight between twelve of Abners, and twelve of joabs' men; whence the place was called the field of strong men in Gibeon. Here Abner in his flight slayeth Asabel the brother of joab; And joab pursueth Abner by the way of the Wilderness of Gibeon, 2 Sam. II. 12, 16, 24. and Ch. III. 30. At the great stone in Gibeon joab slew Amasa, his Cousen-german, 2 Sam. XX. 8. And by the great waters that are in Gibeon, johanan fighteth, and puts to flight Ishmael, jer. XLI. 12. The Gibeonites were Hivites, josh. IX. 7. yet called also by the more general name of Amorites, 2 Sam. XXI. 2. They were those which in aftertimes were called Nethinims, etc. that is, Deodands, given and devoted to that Drudgery, ver. 23, 27. Of whom see 2 Sam. XXI. 2. 1 Chron. IX. 2. Ezra II. 43, 58, 62, 70. and VII. 7, 24. and VIII. 17, 20. Neh. VII. 46, 60, 73. and X. 28. and XI. 3, 21. Something like to these were those other of these Nations, on whom Solomon did raise a tribute of Bondage, 1 King. IX. 20, 21. Of whom see more on that place.  
The Oath and League made with the Gibeonites, and their Cities, ver. 17. though surreptitiously and fraudulently gotten, and also rashly granted, yet seems in the substance of it to be lawful; otherwise an unlawful Oath should be broken: whereas this was kept with all faithfulness; Joshua fight in their defence, and that by the Lord's approbation and encouragement, Ch. X. 7, 8. And this seems lawful, because they sued for Peace before they were besieged; and willingly submitted to all Conditions, without any reservation of their Lands, Goods, Laws, Liberties, much less of their superstitions and idolatries, (which otherwise might have ensnared the Israelites); but of their Lives only, and they to be employed in the Israelites service. Cities, and People of other Nations than these, very fare off, might be received upon fare easier terms and conditions. But upon all these Conditions, others of these Nations themselves might have been spared their lives. Yet God in his providence so ordered, That there was not a City that made peace with the Israelities, saving these Hittites of Gibeon only, and their Cities: All other they took in battle; for it was of the Lord so to harden their hearts, that they might be destroyed, Ch. XI. 19, 20. And therefore, the Congregation here murmured unjustly (haply through ignorance) against Joshua, and the Princes, for this League and Oath: And Saul was justly punished, and that grievously, in his posterity; and the Land also with famine, many ages after this, because he sought to slay and destroy them from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, contrary to this League and Oath; though Soul did it in a pretended or wrong zeal to the children of Israel and Judah, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,— 6.  
Adoni-Zedek seems, chapter X verse 1 in after-ages to have succeeded that Melchizede●, Gen. XIV. 18. But Adonibezeck, Judg. I. 7. seems not any successor to this Adonizedeek, much less himself; He himself being slain; ver. 23, 26. But Adonibezeck was Lord or King, not of Jerusalem; but of Bezeck, in the Tribe of Judah; where Saul numbered against Nahash 330000. men, 1 Sam. XI. 8.  
Jerusalem, is called also Jebus, Judg. XIX. 10. 1 Chron. XI. 4, 5. of Jebusi the son of Canaan, Gen. X. 16. And Salem, Gen. XIV. 18. Psal. LXXVI. 2. The name seems composed of them. If not; then of Jireh, and Salem, the place Salem [Gen. XIV. 18. Psal. LXXVI. 2.] where God appeared [Gen. XXII. 14.] Or, Jiereh Shalem, signifying the Vision of Peace, or Possession of Peace, or Peace shall be seen or provided, a place of providence, Gen. XXII. 14. See Hebr. VII. 1, 2. And it is of the Dual number, being a double City, belonging to two Tribes, Judah, and Benjamin; Josh. XV. 8, 63. and XVIII. 28. Judg. I. 8, 21. Jer. XXXIX. 3. The Southern and higher part belonging to Judah, wherein the strong hold of Zion was; taken at last by David presently after his anointing King over all Israel; and built and called his City, 2 Sam. V 6,— 9 1 Chron. XI. 4,— 8. And became the Burial-place of the Kings of Judah. And David's Sepulchre continued there till the Apostles times, Acts II. 29. near 1100. years. And the Ark for a time, was placed there, 2 Sam. VI 12,— 17. whereupon Zion is called the City of God, God's holy Hill. The Northern, and lower part, belonging to Benjamin; wherein the Temple stood, on Mount Moriah, 2 Chon. III. 1. Honourable things are spoken of this City, Psal. LXXXVII. 2, 3. This City is called the City of God, of the Lord of Hosts, of the great King; the holy place of the Tabernacles of the most High, Psal. XLVI. 4. and XLVIII. 8. The Throne of the Lord, Jer. III. 17. Jehovah-Shammah (in that visionarie Description) Ezek. XLVIII. 35. It is called the City of Solemnities, Esay XXXIII. 20. a City of Righteousness, Esay V. 26. a City of Truth, Zech. VIII. 3. a Faithful City, Esay I. 26. a City sought out, and not forsaken, Esay LXII. 12. The walls thereof are called Salvation; and her gates Praise; and they are ever in God's sight, Esay XLIX. 16. and LX. 18.  
Hoham] These other four Kings were all South of Jerusalem: chapter X verse 3 And all five did after belong to the Tribe of Judah.  
Lachish] Of this City see the Annotations on Micah I. 13.  
The Lord said] The Lord spoke to Joshua; verse 8 sometimes immediately by himself; sometimes being consulted with by Urim and Thummim.  
Hailstones] Gods two Miracles in this battle. verse 11 I. By wondrous Hailstones; like those in Egypt, Exod. IX. 18,— 25. which killed more Amorites then were slain by the sword; braining likely the body of their host, as they fled, where they were thickest, and those that were foremost in the flight; and not hurting the Pursuers, who were intermingled, yet likely mostwhat in the Rear of the enemy. II. By the miraculous standing still (upon Joshua's Prayer, first privately made, and granted; after publicly pronounced in the sight of Israel) of the Sun, and of the Moon; and with them of the whole frame of Heaven; about a whole day, till the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies.  
Jasher] The Book of Jasher records the Miracle. verse 13 No Heathen History being so ancient. This Book seems to be carried on, and enlarged still with the story of things acted in after-ages. For there is mention of it in David's time, 2 Sam. I 18. And this Book being no part of Canonical inspired Scripture; but a Civil Chronicle or Annals among the Jews, is since perished; as divers others of like nature; Among which are those books of Chronicles, not Canonical, but Civil, so often cited in our two books of the Kings.  
No day] That day in Hezekiah's time, verse 14 was in some things like this, 2 King. XX. 11. But that, not till many ages after; And this book first written.  
Returned] If Joshua here resolved to return to Gilgal, verse 15 Yet many other victories, in the Southern parts, even from Kadesh-barnea, unto Gaza, in a short time, intervened, ver. 16,— 42. before he actually returned thither, ver. 43.  
joshua] And c. XI. verse 36 31. joshua took Hebron, or Kiriath-Arba, and Debir, or Kiriath-Sepher, and cut off the Anakims. Yet under the conduct of Caleb this was perfected; joshua assigning him, out of his army, the Tribe of judah, for his assistance therein, Ch. XIV. 6,— 15. and Ch. XV. 13,— 19 which thing seems to be repeated, judg. I. 10,— 15. rather then a new Conquest made again after the death of joshua.  
Goshen] And Ch. XI. verse 41 16. and Ch. XV. 51. This Goshen in Canaan; differing from that in Egypt.  
Sand] Hyperbolees much used in Scripture. chapter XI verse 4 So Gen. XXII. 17. and XLI. 49. judg. VII. 12. and Ch. XX. 16. 1 Sam. XIII. 5. 2 Sam. I. 23. 1 King. I. 40. and IV. 20, 29. 2 King. XIX. 24. 1 Chron. XII. 8. and XVI. 33. 2 Chron. I. 9 and XXVIII. 9 Job. XX. 6. and XXII. 24. and XL. 23. Psal. VI 6. Esay XXXIV. 3, 5, 7, 9 and XLVIII. 19 Jer. IU. 24. and XV. 8. joel. III. 18. Amos II. 9 and IX. 13. john XXI. 25.  
A long time] After the battle at the waters of Merom, verse 18 joshua did make war a long time with all those Northern Kings in Canaan: about six years; as is gathered out of Ch. XIV. 6,— 15.  
Arnon] Arnon the River, chapter XII verse 1 ariseth not fare from the head-spring of the River jabbok; and both from rocky Mountains that lie in the East part of the Tribe of Gad. It runneth Southward, and falls into the North-East corner of the Dead Sea. It is the border between Sihon, or Reuben on the West, and Ammon on the East; and between Sihon or Reuben on the North, and Moab on the South.  
jabbok] jabbok the River, verse 2 ariseth as Arnon; but runneth North a little; and after turneth his stream West; and falleth into jordan a little below the Sea of Galilee. It divided the Land of Gilead between Sihon and Og; and afterwards between Gad, on the South, and half Manasseh on the North.  
Remaineth yet] The Land both Conquered, chapter XIII verse 1 and Unconquered, was to be divided by Lot among the nine Tribes and a half; so josh. XXIII. 4, 5. Begun at Gilgal, Ch. XIV. 6. and Ch. XV. and Ch. XVI. and Ch. XVII. Resumed, and Perfected at Shiloh, Ch. XVIII. and XIX. But we never read, That they did Conquer the whole Land, and all their several Shares and Lots; through their own default and breach of Covenant with God, by Disobedience, Chapt. XXIII. 13.  
Aroer] The City Aroer was near the Rise of the River Arnon; verse 16 and in the confines between the Reubenites and Gadites; as also Heshbon, Dibon, and Ataroth; which being bordering Cities, are said to belong to them both, sometimes to the one, sometimes to the other; To Reuben, josh. XIII. 16, 17. Num. XXXII. 37. To Gad, josh. XXI. 39 Num. XXXII. 34. 1 Chron. VI 81.  
Distributed] The whole Country, chapter XIV verse 1 seems to be divided into so many parts as there were Tribes to possess them. Yet so, as that the Bounds of every part or Province were not so precisely limited before the Tribe had drawn the Lot, but that afterwards they might be enlarged or lessened, according to the greatness or smallness of the number that belonged to it, Num. XXVI. 53,— 56. and Chap. XXXIII. 54. which last point of division was left to the wisdom of the High Priest, joshua, and the Elders, whom God had appointed to divide it, ver. 1. and Ch. XVII. 14,— 18.  
By lot] Lot's fell out providentialy to the twelve Tribes, chapter XIV verse 2 in the Division of the Land; in relations, partly to their Birth, partly to the Prophetical Blessings of them by Jacob, Gen. XLIX. and Moses, Deut. XXXIII. And so in the Cities of the Levites; the Lot cast the thirteen Cities of the Priests in the Tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon, which were nearest the Temple, Josh. XXI. 9, 10, 17. when it was builded.  
Old] Calebs' age, verse 7 when he was sent among the Spies from Kadesh-barnea was forty. At this Division of the Land eighty five. So that forty five years intervened, viz. 38. in the wilderness, and seven of Joshua's Government until this time. And Caleb here, ver. 9,— 14. And Joshua, Ch. XIX. 49, 50. did both ask, and both had certain inheritances given them two, according to the word of the Lord. The City and Suburbs of Hebron were given to the Priests, for a City of refuge: The fields and Villages thereof to Caleb, Ch. XXI. 11, 12, 13.  
Caleb] Not that Caleb, chapter XV verse 16 1 Chron. II. 18, 42. the son of Hezron, unless by son we understand great-grand-childe; But Caleb that is constantly called the son of Jephunne; And Othniel constantly called the son of Kenaz, are here yet called brethren: And Othniel is again called the younger brother of Caleb, Judg. I. 13. and III. 9 which could not be except by one mother: But Othniel marrying the daughter of Caleb, ver, 17. And cousin-germans, Nephews, and the like being often called brethren in Scripture, It is likely that either jephunne, and Kenaz were brethren, and so Caleb and Othniel cousin-germans; or that Caleb and Kenaz were brethren, and so Othniel Calebs' Nephew; or that the Kenezite mentioned, Num. XXXII. 12. might be Grandfather to them both. But no certainty appears for any further determination.  
Separate] The bordering Cities of the children of Ephraim, chapter XVI verse 9 were between or among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh. See also, ch. XVII. 8, 9 And as Ephraim had part in Manasseh, so Manasseh had Cities in Issachar, and in Asher, ch. XVII. 11.  
The Portion] Ten portions to Manasseh; chapter XVII verse 5 that is, five portions to the five sons, mentioned, ver. 2. And the portion of the sixth son, who was Hopher, was divided into five portions among his grandchilds, the daughters of Zelophahad; which so made up ten portions, though the five last were but as big, as one of the former five.  
One lot] Both Ephraim and Manasseh seek for a larger portion and Lot then what did befall them in the General Division. verse 14  
Shiloh] Shiloh was on the North-side of Bethel, chapter XVIII verse 1 on the East-side of the highway from Bethel to Shechem, on the South of that Lebanon, Judg. XXI. 19 And so situated on the border between Ephraim and Benjamin; yet belonged to Ephraim, not to Benjamin, Judg. XXI. 1, 21. There was the Tabernacle, as was formerly said. There were the Lots cast for seven Tribes. Josh. XVIII. 8. Thence were the two Tribes and a half dismissed to their Possessions, after the war, Josh. XXII. 9 And thither were the whole Congregation of Israel gathered to go up to war against them, upon a wrong surmise concerning the Altar Ed, ver. 12. Thither came all the other Tribes to ask counsel of the Lord in their war against the Tribe of Benjamin, and there was their Camp, Judg. XX. 18. and XXI. 12. and XIX. 18. Thither came Elkanah and Hannah to worship; and Samuel ministered there before the Lord, 1 Sam. I. 3. and II. 11. and III. 21. And there the Prophet Ahijah dwelled in the days of the first Jeroboam, 1 King. XIV. 2.  
Tabernacle] The Tabernacle, coming over Jordan, was first set up in Gilgal; Not that Gilgal of the Nations, Josh. XII. 23. Gen. XIV. 1. Esay IX. 1. (whence haply Galilee might take its name); But that Gilgal in the Tribe of Benjamin, Josh. IV. 19, 20. Afterwards in Joshua's time it was set up here in Shiloh, in the Tribe of Ephraim, near the Centre of the Land; which was by Sichem, Ch. XXIV. 1, 25, 26. And Bochim, Judg. II. 1, 5. may seem to be conjoined to it. It may seem to be fetched thence for a present use, to that solemn Assembly at Shechem, in Joshua's time, Ch. XXIV. 1, 26. But being returned to Shiloh, it continued there above three hundred years, at least till the death of Eli, 1 Sam. I. 3, 9, 24. and II. 14. and III. 3, 21. and IV. 3. It may seem to be again at Gilgal with the Ark, in Samuel and saul's time, 1 Sam. X. 8. and Ch. XI. 15. But soon after we surely find it to be at Nob in the Tribe of Benjamin, near Anathoth, Neh. XI. 32. when David came thither in his flight from Saul, 1 Sam. XXI. 1,— 9 After that sacrilegious slaughter of eighty five Priests by Saul at Nob, 1 Sam XXII. 18. it was soon removed, in the days of David, to Gibeon, in the same Tribe of Benjamin, (and not fare from Bethel;) the City first of the wily Gibeonites Hivites, but after given to the Priests, Josh. IX. and ch. XXI. 17. See 1 Chron. XVI. 39, 40. and XXI. 29. and 2 Chron. I 3, 5, 6, 13. 1 King. III. ver. 4, 5. And lastly, when Solomon had built the Temple, he brought the Tabernacle thence to Jerusalem, 1 King. VIII. 4. 2 Chron. I. 3 5 6, 13. and ch. V 5. And placed it likely in and among the Treasuries of the Temple.  
For the Ark see the Observations on 1 Sam. IV. 3.  
Tabor] A Mountain in the Tribe of Issachar, chapter XIX verse 22 or bordering on it: near to Mount Carmel. See Joshua XIX. 26 34. Here Barak was with his ten thousand men against Sisera, Judg. IU. 6, 12, 14. See more of this in my Annotations on Host V. 1.  
Tyre] Called the strong City, verse 29 whence it hath its name Tsor in Hebrew, signifying a Rock; situate, like Venice, in the Sea. A famous Port and Mart-town in Phoenicia, the lower part of Syria, whence the whole Country is supposed to take the name of Syria, omitting the letter [t] in Tsor. More of this see in my Annotations on Amos. I. 9  
Bethshemesh] A City in the Tribe of Naphtali, verse 38 ver. 32. and 39 Judg. I. 33. Another in the Tribe of Judah, given to the Priests, Josh. XXI. 16. 1 Chron. VI 59 1 Sam. VI 12. 2 King. XIV. 13. Another also in Egypt, Jer. XLIII. 13. the same as is supposed with On, Gen. XLI. 45. by the Greeks called Heliopolis, and now Damiata. The word signifies a City or House of the Sun. As also Kirharesheth a City in Moab, Esay XVI. 7. hath the same denomination. And all, because of Temples and Idol-service used there by the ancient inhabitants to the Sun. From which the Jews sometimes were not altogether free, 2 King. XXIII. 5, 11.  
Cities of refuge] The six Cities of refuge belonged to the Levites; chapter XX verse 2 that is, Hebron, and Shechem, to the Koathites; Golan, and Kedesh to the Gershonites; Bezer and Ramoth, to the Merarites, Josh. XX. and XXI Chapters.  
In Galilee] Galilee is often mentioned in the Old Testament. verse 7 See ch. XXI. 32. 1 King. IX. 11. 2 King. XV. 29. 1 Chron. VI 76. Esay IX. 1. Galilee divided into the Upper, in the Tribe of Naphtali; and the Lower, in the Tribe of Zabulon; verse 11 both coasting about the beginning of Jordan. The Upper is called Galilee of the Gentiles because both Populous, and replenished with many Gentiles as lying nearest to them 1 King. IX. 11. Matth. XV. 21. Mar. VII. 31. And so is Harosheth, called Harosheth of the Gentiles, Judg. IU. 2. as lying in that Tribe of Naphtali.  
Thirteen] Thirteen Cities with their Suburbs in title and dominion given to the Priest's Josh. chapter XXI verse 19 XXI. 4. See the Annotations on 1 Chron. VI 59 Though one of them at that time, was too much for their present use and habitation; we reading but of three of them in number about fifty years before this time.  
Called] The two Tribes and a half dismissed, chapter XXII verse 1 likely at the end of six or seven years; before the Division of the Land; and stayed not fourteen years, till after the Division; which Division might yet possibly be made sooner than so, Josh. XX. 11.  
Divide] This Dividing the spoil with their brethren, verse 8 those that stayed at home beyond Jordan, seems to relate to that, Num. XXXI. 27. And David seems hereupon to revive and enact that Law of like Division, 1 Saem. XXX. 24, 25.  
Mention of the name] The not naming of Idols is mentioned, chapter XXIII verse 7 as here, so, Exod. XXIII. 13. Deut. XII. 3. Psal. XVI. 4. And a like, Ephes. V. 3. Yet the thing in itself is not simply and absolutely unlawful.  
Shechem] Shechem was a City in Mount Ephraim, chapter XXIV verse 1 Josh. XX. 7. North-North-East from Shiloh, and Bethel; and close by Mount Gerizim, and Ebal Judg. IX. 7. Here Abraham and Jacob had sojourned; And jacob's two sons, Simeon and Levi, young men, upon Dinah's ravishment, murdered the Citizens, Gen. XXXIV. Here after gideon's death, the Citizens worshipped Baal-Berith; and rebelled with Abimelech; and were after punished and spoilt by him, Judg. IX. This City in Ioshua's time was made a City of Refuge, and given to the Kohathite-Levites, josh. XXI. 21. And here joshua made a Covenant with all the people to serve the Lord, Chap. XXIV. ver. 25. The Mount Ephraim whereon the City stood, was famous for Burials: Here they buried josephs' bones in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which jacob bought of the children of Hamor or Emor, Josh. XXIV. 32. Acts VII. 16. Gen. XXXIII. 19 Here was great joshua himself an Ephraimite, buried in his inheritance in Timnath-Scrah, or Heres, which is in Mount Ephraim, on the North-side of the hill Goash, Josh. XXIV. 30. Judg. II. 9 And here was the Highpriest Eleazar buried in an Hill that pertained to Phineas his son, which was given him in Mount Ephraim, Josh. XXIV. 33. Here Deborah dwelled, Judg. IU. 5. And Tola the Judge, ch. X. 1. Hither came Rehoboam to be made King: But Jeroboam was there made King in his stead; who built or fortified the City, and dwelled there, 1 King. XII. 1, 20, 25.   

Judges.  
THE Book of JUDGES contains an History, not of four hundred and ten years; but of two hundred ninty and nine years. So, Counting the years of the VI Oppressors within the years and times of the Judges; as I have showed they necessarily must, upon Rahabs' marriage with Prince Salmon▪ Josh. II. And so Expounding the Texts following, according to the truth of the times, thus; That the Land had Rest by Othniel, in the fourtieth year after it was first settled in Rest by joshua at his Death, Judg. III. 11. not after the Death of Moses. And again had Rest by Ehud in the eightieth year, after the former Rest by Othniel, Ch. III. 30. And again had Rest by Deborah in the fourtieth year, after the former Rest by Ehud, Ch. V 31. And again had Rest by Gideon, in the fourtieth year, after the former Rest by Deborah, Ch. VIII. 28. These make up two hundred years. And then follow three of Abimelech; twenty three of Tolah; twenty two of Jair; six of Jephthah; seven of Ibzan; ten of Elon; eight of Abdon; twenty of Samson, which make np the other ninty nine years; in all two hunded, ninty nine. The text, Judg. IU. 3, 4. seems to accord with rhis reckoning: and to account Jabins' Oppression within the years of Deborah. But yet counting, beside these, the times of the VI Oppressors distinctly over and above, which amount to one hundred and eleven years; and is according to the seeming letter of the texts; And then forty years of Eli being added thereunto, the sum ariseth to those 450. years mentioned by Paul, Acts XIII. 20. But reading the words of Saint Paul, as in order they stand there in the Original; and after these things about four hundred and fifty years; he gave them Judges until Samuel the Prophet; we may rather conceive the four hundred and fifty years to comprehend all the time, from the choosing of the Fathers, till the Division of the Land by Joshua; it being four hundred fifty two from the Birth of Isaac, and four hundred forty seven from the Rejection of Ishmael; both ways about four hundred and fifty, wherein those things mentioned, ver. 18, 19, 20. were done and accomplished. And after that time he gave them Judges until Samuel the Prophet: And after that time, He gave them Kings. And thus the most learned Primate of all Ireland hath it in his learned Annals.  
This Book seems written of, and concerning the Judges, (as the Book of Ruth concerning Ruth;) And long after their times; As may seem to be gathered by those phrases, remain unto this day, and the like, Ch. I. 21, 26. and VI 24. and X. 4. and XV. 19 And Ch. XVIII. 30. must needs have relation at soon to the captivity of the Ark in the days of Samuel, 1 Sam. IV. 17. Psal. LXXVIII. 60, 61.  
Asked] They asked the Lord; chapter I verse 1 by Phineas the High Priest; who by Urim and Thummim makes answer, Num. XXVII. 21. Both which were on or in the Breastplate; and the Breastplate was annexed to the Ephod, Exod. XXVIII. 28, 30. and XXXIX. 21. which made David call for the Ephod, and High Priest, thereby to inquire of the Lord, 1 Sam. XXIII. 9, 10, 11, 12. and Ch. XXVIII. 6. So Ezra II. 63. See more on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9  
Bezek] Bezek a City in the tribe of judah; verse 4 not fare from jerusalem, lying from it South-West; and midway between 〈◊〉 and Bethlehem.  
Adoni-Bezek] verse 5 Of him see on josh. X. 1.  
Said, verse 7 seventy Kings] His seventy Kings subdued, and mangled by him, must needs be very petty Kings of Provinces, or Cities; if not such Princes as are now in Germany, where all the brethren of a Prince are called Princes likewise. And these seventy were such, as in the time of all his reign and tyranny Adoni-bezek had subdued. He was brought from Bezek to jerusalem to be made a public example there.  
jerusalem] judah had taken jerusalem, verse 8 slain the inhabitants, and burned the City, i. e. that part of it which belonged to judah, josh. XV. 8. yet so as the Jebusite still dwelled therein with the children of judah, ver. 63. even till David's time, 2 Sam. V 6, 7, 8. And Benjamin did the like, and no more, with their part of jerusalem, Judg. I. 21. yet both had little hold in it in that Levites time, judg. XIX. 10, 11, 12. or haply at that time had never got any hold in it at all.  
Hebron] Of this City see the Observations on 2 Sam. verse 10 II. 1.  
Caleb] Of Caleb see the Observations on josh. verse 12 XV. 16.  
A South-Land] Or dry Land. verse 15  
Kenite] and Ch. IU. 11. and Ch. V. 24. See 1 Chron. II. 55. verse 16 As also Gen. XV. 19 Num. XXIV. 21. 1 Sam. XV. 6. And see my Observations on Num. X. 29.  
Palm Trees] Jericho. Of this see the Observations on Ch. III. 13.  
Gaza] judah took Gaza, verse 18 and Askelon, and Ekron: And lost them soon afterwards, Ch. III. 3.  
Bethel] Of this see the Observations on 1 King. verse 22 XII. 29. and XXXII.  
Beths●an] And the rest in this verse, were Cities in that half Tribe of Manasseh that lay West of Jordan. verse 27  
Angel] The Angel here seems to be no created Angel: chapter TWO verse 1 But that Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. that appeared to Moses in the Bush, Exod. III. 2. called Jehovah, ver. 4. and to joshua, josh. V 14. And to Gideon, judg. VI 16. And to Manoah, and his wife, Ch. XIII. Of whom jacob spoke, Gen. XLVIII. 24. And of whom God spoke unto Moses, Exod. XXIII. 21, 22, 23. termed both Jehovah, Exod. XIII. 21. XIV. 10, 24. and his face, or presence, Exod. XXXIII. 14, 15. and an Angel, Exod. XXXIII. 2. the Messiah, Acts VII. 38. the Son of God, Heb. I. 3. See on Judg. XIII. 3. But whether this History fell out in the life-time of joshua, or after his death, is somewhat more uncertain.  
all the days of Joshua] Therefore the Angel's coming to Bochim, verse 7 though premised, was after the death of Joshua, and those Elders.  
Mount of Ephraim] Of this see the Observations on Joshua XXIV. verse 9 1.  
Baal and Ashtaroth] Of these see the Observations on Ch. verse 13. 16. VIII. 33.  
Judge's] This Chapter seems to be a summary of the bulk of this Book.  
Left those Nations] Ver. verse 23 22. and Ch. III. 1, 2, 4. See the Observations on Deut. VII 1. and 2.  
King of Mesopotamia] Heb. chapter III verse 8 Aram-Naharaim, i. e. of Syria between the two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates: Naharaim being of the Dual number.  
Forty years'] See the Observations on the beginning of this Book. verse 11  
Palmtrees] Jericho, the City of Palmtrees, Deut. XXXIV. 3. verse 13 2 Chron. XXVIII. 15. This was nigh Jordan on the Westside of it; and Gilgal in the East border of Jericho, where Rahab entertained and hid the two Spies: And from the Plains of Moab, Pisga and Shirtim, which were over against Jericho, on the East-side of Jordan the Israelites passed over. Here the Israelites kept the Passeover: and the Captain of the Lords Host appeared to Joshua This was burnt, Josh. VI 24. And the Re-builder of it cursed, ver. 26. And the same verified in Hiel, in the days of Ahab, 1 King. XVI. 34. So that the Kenites being in it; and Eglons possessing of it mentioned here; And that of David's ill-intreated messengers residing here, 2 Sam. X. 5. must be meant of some mean buildings, or Forts only in it, or rather by it. It fell by Lot to the Tribe of Benjamin, Josh. XVIII. 21. Here was a College of the sons of the Prophets in the times of Elias; and Eliseus: and the waters healed by Eliseus, Hither were sent back courteously the many Jews captived by Pekah in the days of Ahaz, 2 Chron. XXVIII. And in the Plains here was Zedekiah taken by Nebuchadnezars forces. And in the days of our Saviour, he did herein, or hard by, give sight to blind men; and converted Zacheus.  
And he arose] Reverence to God and his Word, verse 20 Num. XXIII. 18. 2 King. XX III. 2. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 31. Neh. VIII. 6.  
Oxe-goad] Miraculous are the victories of Shamgar, verse 31 slaying six hundred Philistines with an Oxe-goad; and of Samson slaying one thousand of them with the jawbone of an Ass, Ch. XV. 15, 16.  
Jabin] This Jabin successor to that Jabin slain by Joshua, chapter IV verse 2 and his City Hazor burned, Josh. XI 1, 10, 11, 13. Yet this successor or son, reinforceth himself, and twenty years oppressed Israel; and was destroyed at last by Deborah and Barak, ver. 24.  
Hazor] A City in Naphtali, and upper Galilee, East from Rehob in Asher: and in former times head of the neighbouring Kingdoms, I●sh. XI. 10. There was another Hazor, or two, in the Tribe of Judah, josh. XV. 23, 25.  
Haresheth of the Gentiles] Ver. 16. In Naphtali, about thirty mile's East from Hazor; near the South-bottome of the waters of Merom. Here he dwells, because Joshua had burnt Hazor, josh. XI. 11, 13.  
Charets of iron] Much use of these in war; verse 3 not by the Jews, but by their enemies. See the Observations on Ch. XX. 2. and on 2 Sam. VIII. 5.  
A Prophetess] See the Observations on Zeph. verse 4 III. 4. and on 1 Sam. XVIII. 10.  
at that time] Even when, and while jabin oppressed them. So that those twenty years, v. 3. are within those forty years of Deborah, V 31.  
Ramah] See the Annotations on Host verse 5 V 8. There were divers Cities of this name in divers Tribes; See Josh. XVIII. 25. and XIX. 29, 36. 1 Sam. I. 1. Those in Benjamin, Ephraim, and Judah, were the chief Places, famous by Deborah, Samuel, Saul, and David; as the sacred Histories do record.  
Barak] This Barak, verse 6 as also Rahab, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, commended for their Faith, Heb. XI. 31, 32. though weak in Faith; and not without their many failings.  
Tabor] In the South-part of Zebulon; not fare from the river Kishon, as it runs into the South-bottome of the Sea of Galilee. Of Tabor see more in the Annotations on Host V. 1.  
Of a Woman] Deborah, verse 9 and Jael.  
Zaanaim] Zaanaim by Kedesh in Naphtali, verse 11 where Barak dwelled.  
Not a man left] Not a man left in the field to make any resistance, verse 16 Psal. XIV. 3. and LIII. 3. Rom. III. 12.  
Shamgar] Of him, chapter V verse 4 Ch. III. 31. And of Jael, Ch. IU. 18.  
Was there a spear] 1 Sam XIII. 19 verse 8  
From the noise] They could not fetch water without danger from the enemy. verse 11  
Out of] Hence to the end of the Song, verse 14 and Chapter, Deborah relates how the several Tribes behaved themselves in this Expedition; with their praise, or dispraise. And here Reuben, Gilead, and Dan, and Asher are blamed; and Meroz cursed: and Jael the wife of Heber is blessed.  
Root] Most likely, understood of Deborah of Mount Ephraim, the firstrise and mover of this Expedition; though some extend it to Joshua; and others understand it of the Tribes of Judah and Simeon.  
Amalek] Amalek joined here with the Canaanites, in this battle against the Israelites.  
After thee Benjamin] After Ephraim came Benjamin, to assist in this war.  
Out of Machir] That half Tribe of Manasseh that dwelled within Canaan. For though the one half of the children of Machir had their inheritance in Gilead, Josh. XIII. 31. which is here blamed, ver. 17. yet the other half of Machirs children had their inheritance within Canaan; West of Jordan, Josh. XVII. 1, 2. who are here commended.  
Barak] Not of Issachar: verse 15 but of Naphtali, dwelling in Kedesh of Naphtali. Ch. IU. 6.  
Divisions of Reuben] Divided among themselves touching this war; or divided from the other Tribes, and deserting them in it.  
Megiddo] Megiddo an eminent City which Manasseh had in Issachar, verse 19 Josh. XVII. 11. not fare from Jezreel, and the river Kishon. Joshua slew the King of it, Josh. XII. 21. And Josiah was slain, or had his death's wound, in the valley of it, 2 King. XXIII. 29, 30. 2 Chron. XXXV. 34.  
Taanach] Taanach a royal City, near Megiddo, Josh. XII. 21.  
Took not gain] Took none of Jabin; nor got any gain by this fight with Israel.  
The Sta●s] The Stars in their stations; verse 20 by extraordinary influences, at God's appointment, raising stormy Meteors, did help to ruin them. As it was in Ioshua's time, josh. X. and in samuel's time, 1 Sam. VII. Or frighting them with dreadful noises, as in jehorams time, 2 King. VII. 6.  
Rest forty years'] from that eightieth year mentioned, verse 31 Ch. III. 30. See the Annotations on Ch. III. 11. and the Observations on the beginning of this Book.  
Midian] See the Annotations on Hab. chapter VI verse 1. 11. 14. III. 7.  
Angel] Christ the Angel of the Covenant. ver. 14, 15, 16, 22, 23.  
Thy might] Which I now give thee; with my promise to assist thee; as ver. 16.  
My Present] Not Sacrifice, verse 18 or meat-offering; but for thy food and repast. As Abraham entertained the Angels, Gen. XVIII. and Manoab, judg. XIII. 15.  
Fire] Here fire comes out of a rock: verse 2. 25. as water did, Exod. XVII. 7.  
Of seven years old] The same age that the tyranny and oppression of the Midianites had arrived to.  
And build an Altar] Gideon had God's warrant and command for all, verse 26 for his building the Altar; and for his sacrificing upon it. And this is that Altar mentioned, ver. 24.  
That he may die] Their idolatrous zeal. verse 30. 32.  
jerubbaal] Gideon so called by his father; not in way of reproach, but of honour rather. In 2 Sam. XI. 21. he is called jerubbosheth. And so Eshbaal, and Meribbaal, the son, and grandchild of Saul, 1 Chron. VIII. 33, 34. are called Ishbosheth, and Mephibosheth, 2 Sam. II. 8. and IV. 4.  
jezreel] As hear in jezreel the Midianites pitched; verse 33 so did both the Philistines, and Israelites in saul's time, 1 Sam. XXIX. 1, 11. And hence came the news of saul's death, 2 Sam. IV. 4. who was slain in Mount Gilboa on the North-side of jezreel. This jezreel was not that in the Tribe of judah, josh. XV. 56. But in Manasseh; towards Issachar; about twelve miles Northward from Samaria. Ahab from Carmel road hither, and Elijah did run before his Chariot, 1 King. XVIII. 45, 46. Here Ahab gets Naboths Vineyard, and came from Samaria in the Tribe of Ephraim hither to take possession, 1 King. XXI. 18. having his habitations and Palaces in both Cities. And besides God's judgement upon Ahab himself, ver. 19 both joram, and jezebel, the son, and wife of Ahab, were slain here by jehu; and also all that belonged to Ahab in jezreel: And the heads of Ahabs seventy sons were brought from Samaria to jezreel, 2 King. IX. and X Chapters.  
Messenger's] The Tribes here named were the next to Gideon, verse 35 and to jabin.  
Fleece of wool] Herein is God's great condescension to Gideon, verse 37 working a miracle forward and backward, as it were; yea, many miracles for the strengthening of his faith, in his vocation, and in God's promise.  
From Mount Gilead] Or towards Mount Gilead. chapter VII verse 3 Haply to be there in a readiness against the enemy's flight that way.  
The people] The three hundred lappers, verse 8 took the trumpets of them that were dismissed.  
Fled] The places named here were in that half Manasseh where the overthrow was given. verse 22 And Abelmeholah was the habitation of the Prophet Elizaeus in after-ages, 1 King. XIX. 19  
Succoth] And so of Penuel, chapter VIII verse 5 ver. 8. See Gen. XXXIII. 17. and XXXII. 30. They, and Karker were in the tribe of Gad.  
Ishmaelites] Midianites and Ishmaelites seem confounded together: verse 24 as being intermingled one with another. So Gen. XXXVII. 25, 27, 28.  
Golden earrings] The weight and multitude of them. verse 26 And chains about their Camels necks. Of earrings, see Exod. XXXII. 2. and XXXV. 22.  
Ephod] See the Observations on 1 Sam. verse 27 XXIII. 9 and on Host III. 4.  
Ophrah] In the East border of this Western half Manasseh, near Jordan.  
Baalim] Baalim in the Plural number, verse 33 signifying Lords, seems to be a very common name to their He-gods, and Idols, among the Moabitts, Ammonites, Canaanites, Philistines, Sidonians, Phoenicians, and other neighbouring Nations, and the idolatrous Israelites themselves: as Ashtaroth of the plural number, and feminine gender, seems to be so to their She-goddesses, judg. II. 13. and X. 6. And there are sundry specifications of Baal; As Berith, and Baal-Berith here, and Ch. IX. 4, 46. the God of the Shechemites. Peor and Baal-Peor, the idol-god of the Moabites and Midianites, Num. XXV. 3, 17, 18. Baalzebub, called also Beelzebub, or Beelzebul, the god of Ekron, 2 King. I. 2. And from Baal, were names imposed, both upon persons, and places: as we read of Ethbaal, the King of Sidon, jezebels father, 1 King. XVI. 31. of Eshbaal, 1 Chron. VIII. 32. of Baal-hanan, Gen. XXXVI. 38. of Jerubbaal, Judg. VI 32. of Meribbaal, the other name of Mephibosheth, 1 Chron. VIII. 34. As also of Baalzephon, Exod. XIV. 2. and Baal-Meon, Josh. XVII. 17. And from other particular Idols, specially among the Babylonians, were like denominations take●. Whether Bel be a contraction, or in a divers dialect, the same with Baal, is not so certain. God himself also was called Baal; But refused after to be so styled, because the name had been so commonly given to Idols, Host II. 16. Of Bel, see the Annotations on Esay XLVI. 1. Ashteroth or Ashtoreth or Ashtaroth is more specificaly the goddess of the Sidonians, 1 King XI. 5, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13. and of the Philistines, 1 Sam. XXXI. 10. Take also these other names of Idol-gods in Scripture; 
Chemosh, of the Moabites, and Ammonites, judg. XI. 24. 1 King. XI. 5, 7, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13.  
Dagon, of the Philistines, judg. XVI. 23. 1 Sam. V 2,— 7. 1 Chron. X. 10.  
Moloch, or Molech, or Milchom, of the Ammonites 1 King. XI. 5, 7, 33. 2 King. XXIII. 13.  
Bel, and Nebo, and Belteshazzar, and Merodach, and Succoth-Benoth, of the Babylonians, Esay XLVI. 1. Dan. IU. 8. 2 King. XVII. 30. jer. L. 2.  
Nishrosh, of the Assyrians, and Sennacherib, 2 King. XIX. 37.  
Rimmon of the Syrians, 2 King. V 18.  

2 King. XVII. 30, 31.  
Nergal, of the men of Cuth.  
Ashimah, of the men of Hamath;  
Nibhaz and Tartak, of the Avites;  
Adrammelech, and Anammelech, of Se. phervaim;   
Siccuth, Chiun, and Remphan; named, Amos V. 26. Acts VII. 43.  
The seven Planets under several names, by several Nations.  
And from the Egyptian Apis the Bull, and Mevis the Cow, the Jews took their Idol of the golden Calf or Ox, Psal. CVI 20. And Ieroboam's Calves.   
These Idols are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not gods, 1 Cor. VIII. 4. jer. 2. 11. and V 7. and Ch. XVI. 20. or nothing worth, jer. XI. 13. Vanities; They are called Shames, Abominations, 1 King. XI. 5. Dungie, or Dunghil-gods, Deut. XXIX. 17. Devils, Deut. XXXII. 17. 2 Chron. XI. 15. 1 Cor. X. 20, 21. Apoc. IX. 20. Psal. CVI 37. 2 King. XX. 1.  
Shechem] See the Observations on Josh. chapter IX verse 1. 2. XXIV. 1.  
Threescore and ten persons] So ver. 18, 24, 56. and Ch. VIII. 30. The whole number designed to slaughter, though the youngest of them jotham escaped; and Abimelech himself was the murderer. And this is a thing usual in the Scripture. As Gen. XLII. 13. Num. XIV. 32, 33. 1 Cor. XV. 5.  
Gerizim] Near Shechem. verse 7. 20.  
Millo] See the Observations on 1 Sam. V 9  
jair] Not that jair, chapter X verse 3 Num. XXXII. 41. Deut. III. 14. But of his posterity, and name.  
Thirty Cities] That former Jair in the days of Moses, verse 4 had but twenty three Cities, 1 Chron. II. 22. though the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, and the father of Gilead, and grandfather of this jair, had among them sixty Cities, in the days of Moses, josh. XIII. 30, 31, 32. But here this jair, the Judge, had thirty sons and they had thirty Cities, seven more than the former jair had, all which they called by the same name of Havoth-Iair, as their progenitor had called his twenty three.  
Philistines] In this time of their oppressing Israel, verse 7 which was the sixth oppression; Samson lived, and was a Judge, and began to deliver them, Ch. XIII. 5.  
Ammon] This was the fifth oppression; And jephthah was the Judge and deliverer.  
And that year] The last of the eighteen of their oppressing the Israelites. verse 8  
Eighteen years] Which years of oppression fell upon the two Tribes and a half beyond jordan in jairs time.  
Passed over jordan] In this eighteenth year the Ammonites proceeded verse 9 further to invade the Tribes on this side jordan. And then jephthah doth vanquish them; and begin his six years of judging Israel. And all this stands well with the Chronologie of the times, viz: of two hundred ninty nine years in the Book of the judges; and of the four hundred and eighty mentioned, 1 King VI 1.  
The Sidonians] Divers of these Deliverances are not expressed in the holy History. verse 12  
Grieved] God's compassion to his people. verse 16  
Mizpeh] There is mention of the Land of Mizpeh, verse 17 under Hermon, Josh. XI. 3. But most commonly there were Citiet of that name; And those builded on hills or high places, as the word signifies, fit to set wath-towers upon, as our Beacons. We read of divers such in Scripture. One Mizpeh in Moab, 1 Sam. XXII. 3. Another in Mount Gilead, in Manasseh, beyond jordan, not fare from the Tribe of Gad, Josh. XIII. 26. Here Laban overtook jacob, Gen. XXXI. 49. And here the Israelites encamped against the Midianites, in this text, judg. X. 17. And jephthah their Judge and General had his house here, judg. XI. 11, 29, 34. Another Mizpeh was in judah, Josh. XV. 38. Likely that rebuilt by Asa, 1 King. XV. 22. 2 Chron. XVI. 6. But the most famous Mizpeh was that in Benjamin upon the border of it, josh. XVIII. 26. which was near the middle of the Land; and not fare from Shiloh, which stood East from it. This was a Place and City fit for general meetings and Assemblies of the Land. Thither all Israel assembled against the Benjamites, judg. XX. 1, 3. and XXI. 1. There Samuel brought all Israel to public Repentance, 1 Sam. VII. 5, 6. And thither likewise, as to Bethel and Gilgal, he came in circuit from year to year; to judge Israel, ver. 16. There Saul was found out, and made King, 1 Sam. X. 17, 21. And there Gedaliah was Governor; so made by Nebuchanezzar; and there slain by Ishmael, 2 King. XXV. verse 3 23, 25.  
Tob] Some thirty mile's East from the waters of Merom. chapter XI  
My Land.] No. It was the Land of the Moabites; after of Sihon; and from him conquered by the Israelites, by God's command and donation, ver. 21, 22.  
Three hundred years] And four of five over, which are omitted for the roundness of the number. As Ch. XX. 46. 2 Sam. V 5. See the Observations on Changed XX. 46.  
A Vow] Of Vows, verse 30. 31. see the Annotations on Jonah. I. 16.  
And I will offer it] These words of Jephthah's Vow do fairly admit a Disjunctive acceptation of the letter Vaughan to be interpreted and rendered Or, and not and. As it is likewise used in Gen. XXVI. 11. Exod. I. 10, and XXI. 15, 17. Deut. XVII. 9, 12. and XIX. 17. Judg. XV. 18. 1 Sam. VI 3. Jer. VI 20. and IX. 12. and XIII. 23. and XVI. 2, 7. and XXI. 9 and in very many other places.  
Bewail my Virginity] Much more her death, verse 37 if she had been vowed to be a burnt-offering; but that she doth not mention.  
And she knew no man] But lived a Virgin, verse 39 as her father had vowed, and she consented.  
To lament] Or talk with her, verse 40 and comfort her, being cut off from all hope of having posterity to uphold her father's house, ver. 34.  
Smote Ephraim] In a Wood, chapter XII verse 4 whence that place seems to be called the Wood of Ephraim, from that slaughter of the Ephraimites. Where afterwards Absolom was slain, and his army, 2 Sam. XVII. 6. Ephraim having in truth no Wood, or Land, or portion of inheritance on that side of Jordan Eastward.  
Because they said] The Ephraimites said; the Gileadites are fugitives, mongrels, the refuse of both Tribes. Or, the Gileadites being got between the Ephraimites and Manassites; said to the Ephraimites, ye are but the fugitives of Ephraim.  
Took the Passages] As the Ephraimites were to return back from Gilead, verse 5 Westward.  
Shibboleth] Which signifies the stream of a river, verse 6 or foard; a proper word for the present place and purpose.  
Forty years'] These forty years of Oppression by the Philistines fall in with the times of Samson and Eli, chapter XIII verse 1 and are a part thereof.  
Angel] The Angel of the Lord, verse 3 is called by Manoah, Elohim, God, ver. 22. And by his wife, Jehovah, ver. 23. He whose Name is Wonderful, ver. 18, 19 Esay IX. 6.  
Nazarite] Of Nazarites, verse 5 see the Observations on Num. VI 2.  
Begin] Samson did but begin only. For the Philistines prevailed, and Lorded it over Israel, all the days of Samson, Ch. XIV. 4. of Eli, of Samuel partly, 1. Sam. VII. 8. 13▪ and of Saul; slain by them. This deliverance was not perfected till David's days.  
Drink no Wine] The mother is thus forbidden, verse 7 ver. 14. Likely because the infant was to receive hutriment and suck from her.  
If the Lord] A good plea, and comfort, verse 23 And a good example for our imitation to comfort us in sundry cases and conditions.  
Samson] Sampson's Birth hath relation to that, verse 24 Ch. X. 7. where the Philistines are mentioned before the Ammonites. And he began to deliver Israel being young; and died about forty.  
To move him] Inspire him with magnanimous, verse 25 heroical thoughts, and endow him with miraculous strength.  
Timnath] In the Tribe of Dan: chapter XIV verse 1 East from Ekron of the Philistines▪ Here Samson intended to have his first wife. And Judah had his sheep-shearing, Gen. XXXVIII. 12. This City was given to the Tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 57 And after, out of that Tribe to Dan, Josh. XIX. 43. But the Philistines most what possessed it. And in the days of wicked Ahaz, we read that they took it from him, 2 Chron▪ XXVIII. 18. Some make this in Dan, and that in Judah to be divers Cities.  
Samson] Samson by extraordinary motion of the Lord, the lawful Dispenser with his own Law, seeks a marriage, though a Nazarite, with a Philistine: had thirty of the Philistines brought as companions to be with him at the nuptial feast, to honour him in show; but more in jealousy and fear of him, seeing and noting some things extraordinary in his person. His wife weeping before him the seven days while the Feast lasted, but more after the third day, and most upon the seventh and last day, he expounds his Riddle to her; and she to the companions. He performs what he had promised thereupon: And in anger; for their fraud, and her treachery, he went away; leaving them; and her too behind him.  
Fox's] The Lan● was full of them. chapter XV verse 4 And besides his own art and industry by sundry means to take them▪ he was not debarred the help of others; and above all God's providence eoncurring therein.  
Hippolito] Samson hip and thigh, verse 8 pellmell, haply with his leg, and foot only, slew the Philistines with a great slaughter. And afterwards slaying one thousand of them with Lehi, that is, the jawbone▪ of an Ass, upon that occasion he called the place jawbone, or Lehi: And at his prayer, had a Well of water, which he therefore calls En-hakkore, springing in that place of Lehi, to revive his spiris, being near dead with thirst.  
Rock Etam] We read of a City of that name▪ 1 Chron. IV. 32. Called also Ethar. Josh▪ XIX. 7. in the Tribe of Simeon; as it joins to the Tribe of Dan and Judah; in the North-East corner of Simeon; and not very far from Zorah in the Southeast corner of Dan, where Samson was borne, ver. 2. not meaning that Dan, or that so fare distinct portion of Dan, that lay in the North-bounds of the Land of Canaan.  
Of Judah] judah joining to Dan, verse 11 on the East-side of it.  
Twenty years] These twenty years, verse 20 in the just computation of the times, do fall in with the former half of Eli his forty, 1 Sam. IV. 18.  
Gaza] See the Annotations on Amos I. chapter XVI 6.  
Harlot] sampson's sinne; yet upon repentance pardoned; and he registered among those Worthies, Heb. XI. 32.  
Took the doors] His strength came up to a miracle. verse 3  
Before Hebron] Not so fare as Hebron. Of Hebron, see the Observations on Gen. XXIII. 2.  
Sorek] The river or torrent of this name divides Dan, verse 4 and Simeon.  
Delilah] The chief Passages of this part of the History are these; That Delilah had a very great sum paid in hand for betraying of Samson, ver. 5, 18. whose strength yet lay not in his hair, in the having of it; or in the growing of it again; the hair being but a ceremonial sign of it; But in God's presence with him: And so his weakness, not in the losing of his hair; which here he lost unwittingly, and unwillingly; But in the Lords departing from him, for his sins, ver. 20. The shaver might easily have cut his throat, being asleep: But God's Providence was in and over all. And blind Samson coming at last to see his sins, and repent; And being brought into the magnificent house and Idol-temple, containing about three thousand persons spectators upon the roof of it, verily a wondrous building is moved by an extraordinary instinct of God's Spirit, in his last act, not to murder himself, but to undervalue his own life, so as he might therewithal, as a Judge, and public person execute Gods mighty vengeance upon his own, and God's people's enemies and oppressors, ver. 30. wherein many make him a Type of Christ's victorious conquest over our spiritual enemies, at and by his death: Or at least do take an occasion, to use an Allusion from the one to the other.  
Dagon] Dagon] seems to have his name from Dag, verse 23 signifying a Fish in Hebrew: And was portrayed in the likeness of a Fish from the middle downward, and of a man from the middle upward, 1 Sam. V 4. A sea-Idol, worshipped by them of Gaza, and the Philistines that dwelled on the sea-coast; as the Heathens did their Neptune or Triton. And the Idolaters do here ascribe it to this Idol their god, that he delivered Samson into their hand; and therefore offer a great sacrifice to him. In his most stately Temple they fastened the head of King Saul, 1 Chron. X. 10. And at Ashdod, by Dagon in the house of Dagon (for he had many Temples) they placed the Ark of God, 1 Sam. V 2. Of this again you may see more in the Observations upon that text, 1 Sam. V 2.  
These five last Chapters of judges contain Histories of things done, soon after the death of joshua, chapter XVII and those Elders that outlived him, chapter XVIII judg. chapter XIX. XX. XXI. II. 7. soon after the Idolatry and Apostasy of the People mentioned, Ch. II. 11, 12 in the times, if not before the times, of all the Judges, whose times and Histories are recorded, Ch. III. and along to the XVII. Chapter, without any interruption. And this appears by very many Passages in these five last Chapters.  
Cursedst] So Prov. chapter XVII verse 2 XXIX. 24. That is, didst adjure, with an execration; if an answer were not made in truth and fidelity. Thus, 1 King. VIII. 31. Levit. V. 1. Num. V 21. And so it is expounded, 1 Thes. V 27. And so put to our Saviour, Matth. XXVI. 63. And so used, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. 2 Chron. XVIII. 15. Neh. XIII. 25.  
The Lord] Micha's mother dedicated this silver to the Lord Jehovah; verse 3 to make both a graven, and a molten Image, Ch. XVIII. 18. to worship Jehovah in and by them; and not any false god. For in this point of the Object or Thing worshipped, the Idolatries of the Jews, and of the Heathens most what differed. See Exod. XXXII. 4, 5. 2 Chron. XXXIII. 17. Host II. 16. The other nine hundred Shekels, it is like, she bestowed on house, vestments, and other necessaries for that Idolatrous service.  
An house of gods] So great was the Idolatry of the Jews at this time. And their zeal great in their Idolatry, Ch. XVIII. 24.  
Ephod] This Ephod, mentioned again, verse 5 Ch. XVIII. 14. As likewise that of Gideon, Ch. VIII. 27. were not like those Linen Ephods, Exod. XXVIII. 40. 1 Sam. II. 18. and Ch. XXII. 18. But like Aaron's rich and glorious Ephod, Exod. XXVIII. 6,— 34. See the Annotations on Host III. 4. and the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9  
Teraphim] Or Theraphim, a word of the plural number; and still so used in Scripture; signifies Images, or Idols; Host III. 4. 1 Sam. XV. 23. But of what kind or fashion, it is uncertain; some conceive them to be made like men; because Michal put one of them in David's bed, thereby to deceive her father saul's messengers, 1 Sam. XIX. 13. Some take them to be household-gods; and as such in Laban's house and family, Gen. XXXI. 19, 34. Some to be such as they used to consult with as Oracles; as in the case of the Danites here, and Ch. XVIII. 14, 17, 18, 20. and of Nabuchadnezzar, Ezek. XXI. 21. and in Zecharies time, Zech. X. 2. Answers likely being given by the subtlety of the Devil, or forgery of their Priests. And to workers with familiar spirits, and Wizards, They are joined in Josiah's Reformation, 2 King. XXIII. 24. See the Annotations on Host III. 4.  
Consecrated] And ver. 12. The gross abuse of Consecration. As in Jeroboams time, 1 King. XIII. 33.  
No King] King here is taken, verse 6 not properly for a King, but for a Judge; such as the thirteen Judges in this Book: for King properly there was none till saul's reign.  
A Levite] A Levite borne or▪ verse 7 bred in Bethlehem. Judah, or sojourning there as a stranger.  
Where I may find a place] The necessitous state of the Levites, verse 9 in those Idolatrous times, ver. 10, 11.  
Danites sought] Their inheritance by lot is set down, chapter XVIII verse 1 Josh. XIX. 40. But they got it not all; through their own sin and default, judg. I. 34. And their tribe being numerous, they sought out larger bounds, and more commodious habitations, josh. XIX. 47. And this, though mentioned in that text of Ishua, yet fell out after his death, and the death of those Elders that outlived him; likely soon after, but surely before the days of Samson.  
Mount Ephraim] See the Observations on Josh. 2. XXIV. 1.  
Ask counsel] These Danites, verse 5 being superstitious Idolaters, ascribe thus much to this Levite, and to his Idolatrous Ephod, and Teraphim, and graven and molten Images, ver. 14, 17.  
Laish] Laish very fare off from the body of the Tribe of Dan; verse 7 that lying next to Simeon, and Judah, in the South-parts of the Land of Canaan, and this under Mount Libanon, by Asher, and Naphtali, in the North-bounds. This City first burnt, and after rebuilt by these Danites, they then called Dan; which is taken as the North-bound of the Land of Canaan, as Ch. XX. 1. 1 Sam. III. 20. 2 Sam. III. 10. and elsewhere. And here Jeroboam did set up one of his golden Calves, 1 King. XII. 29.  
Jonathan] A Levite the great grandchild of Moses, verse 30 though borne in Bethlehem-Judah; and so, as of the family of Judah, Ch. XVII. 7. And though a Levite, yet taken and used as a Priest; and consecrated thereunto by Micah an Ephraimitie, ver. 1, 12. Who likewise had consecrated one of his own sons to become his Priest, ver. 5. And this Jonathan forced to seek and shift for his maintenance and livelihood; and to accept of one so poor and base, ver. 10. All this bespeaks the sad and lamentable condition and coufusion of those times wherein they lived.  
Captivity of the Land] This Idolatry of the Danites, in this City Dan, continued until the day of the Captivity of the Land; that is, as it is explained, ver. 31. all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh, till the Philistines took the Ark, 1 Sam. IV. Psalm LXXVIII. 60, 61. which was at the death of Elimine  
A Concubine] Or a wife a Concubine. chapter XIX The word for Concubine in Hebrew is etymologized wittily by some from two other words of that language, which put together, verse 1 signify that which the Greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, some old Latin Inscriptions, Viro-conjux, an half-wife, or secondary wife. We read in Scripture of Concubines, and Wives, variously: Of many wives to one man, in the Old Testament. And this, not only in profane and evil men, as in Lamech, Gen. IU. and Esau, and other; but also in good and godly men, as in jacob, David, and others. And among these many wives, we sometimes find a kind of distinction of them into two sorts; One sort, the First, and principal, and absolutely lawful wife, and Mistress; The other sort, but in a secondary and inferior degree. And such as had no Dowries; nor solemn Rites of reception; nor Rule in the family; nor their children had any Inheritance, but Gifts and Portions, For that of jacobs' sons by Bilhah, and Zilpah, was a case extraordinary. And thus we find with Abraham, Sarah of the first sort; and Hagar, and Keturah of the second: with jacob, Rachel, and Leah, of the first; Bilhah, and Zilpah of the second. And those of the second sort, are sometimes called wives, and sometimes Concubines; as we see in Keturah, Gen. XXV. 1, 6. 1 Chron. I. 32. And in Bilhah, Gen. XXX. 4. and XXXV. 22. and Ch. XXXVII. 2. And David's ten Concubines, 2 Sam. XV. 16. and Ch. XVI. 22. and Ch. XX. 3. are called his wives, 2 Sam. XII. 11. And thus Concubines are of two sorts, some are wives, or half-wives; others plain Whores and Harlots. But this Concubine of the Levite was his wife, and he her Lord, as appears, ver. 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 26, 27. and Ch. XX. 4.  
Gibeah] Distinct from Gibeah in the tribe of judah, chapter XIX verse 12 josh. XV. 57 And from Gibeon in the Tribe of Benjamin, josh. XVIII. 25. This was either that which afterwards was called Gibeah of Saul in the Tribe of Benjamin, 1 Sam. XI. 4. or else very near it, in the same Tribe, and not fare from jerusalem, and Ramah, ver. 13, 14, 16.  
House of the Lord] In Shilo. verse 18 And so Ch. XX. 18. This was near Mount Ephraim; where he sojourned. And thither the whole Camp came, Ch. XXI. 12.  
Know him] So Gen. verse 22 XIX. 5. monstrous impudent wickedness: a modest intimation of a most immodest meaning.  
My brethren] Men in nature, verse 23 though worse than beasts in their lusts.  
Behold my daughter] Sinful this; verse 24 to use unlawful means, though to a good end. We may not do evil that good may come thereof, Rom. III. 8.  
Not harken] Yet did in the next words. verse 25 And she sinning by lust. ver. 2. was plagued by lust.  
Divided her] An act barbarous in itself and inhuman: verse 29 though he did it to a good end; to bring these sons of Belial to deserved punishment; that such pests might not be suffered to live, and poison the air with their breath, and so pollute the Land, and go unpunished. The unboweling, and enbalming of dead bodies, and anatomising of them by Physicians and Surgeons, to good uses, is a case different in divers points,  
Mizpeh] See the Observations on Ch. chapter XX verse 1 X. 17.  
Footmen] Footmen four hundred thousand. verse 2 We read not of Horsemen among the Israelites, in all, or any of their battles. Only we find them prepared in Solomon's time, 1 King. IV. 26. and IX. 19 and Ch. X. 26. 2 Chron. I. 14. and Ch. VIII. 9 and Ch. IX. 25. where the four thousand stalls of horses for his Chariots, 2 Chron. IX. 25. agree well with the forty thousand in 1 King. IV. 26. counting ten single stalls or divisions in every stable: yet we find no express mention of the use of any horsemen in any battle afterwards. And to this the command and care for the houghing of the enemies horses▪ and the burning of their Char●o●s, may have relation, josh, XI. 6, 9 2 Sam. VIII. 4. 1 Chron. XVIII. 4. yet we read of many horses and Chariots in war; with the Canaan●tes, josh. XI. 4. judg. iv 3▪ 13. And many among the Israelites; Esay II. 7. Trust in them is forbidden, D●u●. XVII. 16, 17. Psal. XX. 7. & XXXIII. 16, 17. Prov. XXI. 31.  
Asked Counsel] The eleven Tribes presume here more upon their own strength▪ verse 18 and the justness of their Cause, then upon God; and consult him at first only about the precedency in the war, and who shall have the honour of the day. And upon their first overthrow, they weep; but more for their shame, and smart, then for their sin; And they ask counsel of God, whether they shall fight again; but neither crave his assistance, nor inquire of the success, being still so confident in themselves of their own strength, and still putting their trust in the arm of flesh and blood. But upon the second overthrow, they seek God in a right manner; they more seriously mourn, and Fast, and repent of their sins; Offering Burnt-offerings for the expiation of them; and Peace offerings, to make their peace with God, and testify their Faith in him: And gaining a Promise of success, yet they carefully use the means, and stratagems, which formerly they slighted, and presumptuously neglected. And by this stratagem they seem to divide their army into three parts; some to lie in wait; some to fight, and seemingly flee: And the body of their Army, as a strong reserve to fall on and gain the victory, upon an appointed sign, when the Benjamites were brought to an amazed stand, and come within the reach of it.  
Phineas] Phineas here living, verse 28 yet died long before Samson was borne; which showeth this History preceded Samson a long time. As the like might have been observed, to a like end, of many other Passages in these five last Chapters, as hath been formerly said.  
All which fell] The odd hundred men mentioned, ver. 35 are here omitted; verse 46 as well known out of the foresaid former verse; The sacred Author here contenting himself with the round number of 25000. As the like is in the number of the time of David's reign, 2 Sam. V 5. and Ch. II. 11. And of the time of Solomon's building the Temple, 1 King. VI 1, 38. And the like is in Jephthahs' account of the 300. years, Judg. XI. 26. And likely here in the number of the remain of the Benjamites that were slain after the three battles.  
Turned again] This done in heat of war, verse 48 and rage of blood; though after a sort it may be said to be done in cold blood, and after the fierce brunt of war was over▪ And of this, they repent afterwards, as of a barbarous and bloody act, as well they might. This slaughter lessened the number of the Benjamites in very many generations after. See that in Jehoshaphats time, comparing the number of Benjamin with Judah, 2 Chron. XVII. 14,— 18.  
Had sworn] This Oath, chapter XXI verse 1 and Curse, ver. 18. was made in rashness, and rage, out of a blind zeal, and superstitious ignorance; And by God's Law might and ought to have been broken; And was unlawful to be kept; and much less to have fraud, and violent rape, without consent, either of parties, or parents, used, for the keeping of it. Which yet they did, thinking to silence thereby the cry of a superstitious conscience in themselves; and to provide also for the like in those parents of the 200 Virgins, ver. 22.  
Women] The women, and children, verse 10 here are unjustly and outrageously slaughtered. Here again rash zeal outruns right reason.   

Ruth.  
THE Book and History of Ruth falls in with the time of Deborah, or Gideou; as may be gathered by comparing Matth. 1. 5. with the end of this History: and what formerly hath been said upon Rahabs' marriage. And the History serves mainly to continue and declare the Genealogy of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Chap. IU. 18,— 22.  
Famine] In the time of the Oppression of Jabin, chapter I verse 1 or the Midianites.  
Ephrathites] Ch. IV. 11. Bethlehem was called Ephrath, verse 2 Gen. XXXV. 19 Micah V. 2. Matth. II. 6.  
Of Bethlehem Judah] To distinguish it from Bethlehem in the Tribe of Zebulun, Josh. XIX. 15. And these persons from those of the Tribe of Ephraim, who were likewise called Ephrathites, 1 King. XI 26.  
Ruth] The subject matter; not the Author of this Book. verse 4  
Mothers house] I am but your Mother-in-Law. verse 8  
Moe sons in my womb] See Deut. XXV. verse 11 5, 6.  
And unto her gods] Orpha's idolatrous inclination. verse 15  
Return thou] Asdruball, Josh. XXIV. 19  
Testified against me] As a witness of his just displeasure, verse 21 and my sin.  
Barley-harvest] Part of our March and April, Leu. XXIII. 10, verse 22 15, 16.  
Let me glean] Her modesty; notwithstanding the Law, chapter TWO verse 7 Leu. XIX. 9, 10. and XXIII. 22.  
An 20. Ephah] See the Observations on Exod. XVI. 36.  
One of our next kinsmen] Who hath right to redeem, verse 17 etc. And ought also to marry the Widow of his Kinsman, verse 20 being dead without issue, Levit. XXV. 25, 26. Deut. XXV. 5, 6, 7. Mar. XII. 19  
Uncover his feet] Naomi well knew the piety and chastity of Boaz, chapter III verse 4 and of Ruth; and confidently trusted therein.  
Spread therefore thy skirt] Receive me into thy protection, by taking me to be thy wife, verse 9 according to the Law.  
Lie down until the morning] Boaz not offended with this manner of her approach, verse 13. 14. and motion.  
Not be known] Boaz than did lie alone, in a room by himself; and is careful to avoid scandal.  
Six] See the Observations on Gen. XVIII. 6. verse 15  
Gate] Gates of Cities were the ordinary places of audience, chapter IV verse 1 and judicature, Deut. XVII. 2, 8. 2 Sam. XIX. 8. Prov. XXXI. 23. Jer. XXXVIII. 7. Lam. V 13. And the usual manner of Prophets was to publish their Prophecies in the Gates, either of the Temple, or of the City of Jerusalem, Jer. VII. 2. and XIX. 2. and XXVI. 10. and sometimes of the King's house; as places of greatest concourse of people, Jer. XVII. 19 and XXII. 1, 2.  
Lest I mar mine own inheritance] Want an heir, verse 6 if I shall have but one child by her: or having many, she being young, and poor, weaken mine own inheritance, in dividing it among so many, specially if he were now a widower, and had children by his former wife.  
A man plucked off his shoe] These Ceremonies then used in buying, verse 7 and bargaining of land, in reedeeming, and changing, had some resemblance to that Law, Deut. XXV. 8, 9 But with divers differences. See, Psal. LX. 8. The Ceremonies that respected the person of Ruth, are here not mentioned, but may seem either omitted, or else transacted with much alteration from the first institution▪ as those times now were.  
THe two Books of Samuel are thought to be written by Samuel, Nathan and Gad, one after another, 1 Chron. XXIX. 29. Yet some passages in them may seem to intimate the writing of them to have been of a later time. As, 1 Sam. V 5. and XXVII. 6. and XXX. 25. 2. Sam. VI 8, and XVIII. 8.  
They may better be called, The I. and II. Book of Kings: The I. containing all the History of King Saul; Samuel dying, 1 Sam. XXV. And the II. the History of King Ishbosheth shortly; and of King David at large. And so do the LXX. and many other style them.   

I. Samuel.  
THis first Book contains an History of eighty years: viz: forty in the time of Heli, Ch. IV, 18. in the four first Chapters. And forty in the times of Samuel, and King Saul, in the rest. If samuel's time be reckoned in with that of Saul. Or rather thus; forty to Eli, whereof the former half runs up in the times of the Judges, in the twenty years of Samson: And the later half, or twenty gins with this Book; after the death of Samson, and the end of the Book of the Judges. And then follow twenty years of samuel's Government alone. And after that, forty years of King Saul, Acts XIII. 21. In the former part whereof Samuel also lived, and partly judged with him, as appears in the XIII. XV. & XVI. & XIX. Chaters of this Book: though he withdrew from Saul in his last days, 1 Sam. XV. 35. And died, ch. XXV. And in regard whereof they are named as joint partners in the administration of the Government. 1 Sam. XI. 7. Still in the whole eighty years.  
An Ephrathite] As the Jews are called Cretes, chapter I verse 1 and Arabians, Parthians, Medes, Elamites, etc. because borne and bred up in those, Countries, Acts II. 9, 10, 11. For though borne, or at least dwelling in Mount Ephraim in Ramah; yet was Elkanah, and so Samuel his son, of the posterity of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, 1 Chron. VI 33,— 38.  
Eli] Eli or Heli, verse 3 was by unknown descents of the posterity, not of Eleazar, the elder; but of Ithamar, the younger son of Aaron, the son of Amram, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi. Eli was extraordinarily both High Priest; and Judge; And a good and famous man; though faulty, and infamous in his children. And therefore more grievously punished for their flagitious wickedness, than Samuel for his sons lesser faults. See the sins of the sons of the High Priest Joshua, Ezra X. 18. From Eli descended Phinehas, his son; Ahitub, his son, 1 Sam. IV. 19, 21. compared with chap. XIV. 3. Ahimelech, his son, slain by Saul, [his brother was Ahijah] 1 Sam XIV. 3. and XXII. 9, 11. Abiathar, his son, in David's time, 1 Sam. XXII. 20. 1 King. I. 7. This Abiathar is named High Priest by our Saviour, Mark II. 26. when David did eat the Shewbread; because Abiathar then was with his Father Ahimelech joined in that action of giving the bread to David instantly succeeded in his Father's room and Priesthood; was therein more eminent than his Father; and continued therein, with David in his persecution by Saul, and in all the time of his reign afterward. And thus have we no need in that whole History of Ahimelech and Abiathar, Father, and son, to make them Binomii, to be both known by both those names, and both indifferently called by either; yet see the great Annotations on 1 Chron. XVIII. 16. This Abiather was thrust out of the High Priesthood by Solomon, 1 King. II. 26, 27. And the sons of Abiathar were Ahimelech, and Jonathan, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. and XV. 27. This Ahimelech, and not his Grandfather, of the same name, is he that is usualy joined with Zadok in David's reign. And both than are named Priests, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. 1. Chron. XXIV. 31. i. e. Priests of the second rank, or next the High Priest, who then was Abiathar. Such a second Priest we read of, 2 King. XXV. 18. Jer. LII. 24. who upon any extraordinary occurrent, restraining or disabling the High Priest; was to supply his place. This Jonathan the son of Abiathar was employed with Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, as newes-bearer to David in his flight from Absolom, 2 Sam. XV. 27, 28. and XVII. 17.  
Of Zadok, See 2 Sam. VIII. 17.  
Temple] So is the Tabernacle here called. verse 9 And so, chap. III. 3. 2 Sam. XXII. 7. Psal. XXVII. 6. And so again, The Temple is called a Tabernacle, Lam. II. 6.  
Samuel] We read not that he was High Priest, verse 20 or ever so called; But an extraordinary Prophet and Judge, a Nazarite, ver. 11. a Sacrificer; though a Levite only, and most likely of the posterity of that Korah, Num. XVI. 32. and of the race of Izhar the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, as was formerly said, 1 Chron. VI A rare and worthy person.  
The doors of the house of the Lord] The Hang of the Gate of the Court, chapter III verse 15 Exod XXVII. 16.  
Ark] The Ark so precious in the eyes of God, chapter IV verse 3 and of the Israelites, and that worthily, Psal LXXVIII. 61. and CXXXII. 8. 1. Sam. IU. 20. Was carried about the walls of Jericho, and then returned into the Tabernacle, Being in the Tabernacle in Shiloh, it was taken thence (and never came into the Tabernacle again), and was carried to Eben-Ezer (a place ominous then, but a monument of Gods help soon after) into the Camp, 1 Sam. IV. 1, 3, 4, 5. and V 1. that it might save them out of the hand of their enemies, the Philistines. (As we read, the Philistines themselves, in the days of David, brought their Images into their Camp, 2 Same V 21. 1 Chron. XIV. 12.) The Ark being taken there by the Philistines, they carried it about to Ashdod, into the house of Dagon: Thence to Gath: Thence to Ekron. And after they had kept it seven months, they carried it to Beth-Shemesh, a City in the Tribe of Judah, given to the Priests, 1 Chron. VI 57, 59 Josh. XXI. 16. And it was fetched thence to Kiriath-jearim, a City of Judah, likewise, 1 Chron. XIII. 6. and Judg. XVIII. 12. So called, it may be, from Kiriath-jearim, the son of Shebal, grandchild of Caleb, the son of Hur, 1 Chron. II. 50, 52, 53. If Kiriath-jearim be there to be understood of the name of a man, and not of the City. Or thus called from its seat in a Wood, or woody Country, as the name signifieth; See ou Psal. CXXXII. 6. It was called also Kiriath-Baal, Josh. XVIII. 14, 15. And Baalah, Josh. XV. 9, 10. 1 Chron. XIII. 6. And Baale of Judah, 2 Sam. VI 2. It was brought thither into the house of Abinadab, a Levite; builded in the hill, or Gibeah there, 1 Sam. VII. 1. 2 Sam. VI 3, 4. It abode there twenty years, till the time of the Repentance and Reformation wrought by Samuel, 1 Sam. VII. 2,— 6. And after in the times of Saul, it seems to be fetched thence to Giglal, 1 Sam. X. 8. and Ch. XI. 15. and ch. XII. 3. and chap. XIII. 8, 9 And after to Gibeah of Benjamin; compare together 1 Sam. XIII. 6. and chap. XIV. 2, 18. It may seem to be thus fetched into extraordinary Assemblies, upon extraordinary occasions both in War, and Peace. But being returned to Kiriath-jearim, and the house of Abinadab, it was fetched thence by David, 1 Chron. XIII. 5. sixty seven years after it was first brought thither; And was brought by him to the house of Obed-Edom, 2 Sam. VI 10. a Levite, and Porter on the Southside of the Temple, 1 Chron. XV. 18, 24. and chap. XVI. 38. and chap. XXVI. 4,— 8, 15. if not a Singer also, 1 Chron. XV. 21. and chap XVI. 5. And one of his race and name was treasurer in the Temple, in the days of King Amatziah, 2 Chron. XXV. 24. He is called a Gittite, likely because borne at Gath-Rimmon, a City of the Kohathites Levites, Josh. XXI. 24, 25. situated near Gath of the Philistines. The Ark was there three months, 2 Sam. VI 11. 1 Chron. XIII. 13, 14. And then, and thence, fetched by David, with great solemnity, into the Tent which he prepared for it, in the City of David, in Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XV. 1,— 29. and XVI. 1. 2 Chron. I. 4. And thence seems to be carried into Joabs' Camp before Rabbah, 2 Sam. XI. 11. And begun to be carried with David in his flight from Absalon, 2 Sam. XV. 24, 25. And being returned to David's Tent for it in Jerusalem, Solomon, as soon as he had builded the Temple, brings it thence with great solemnity, and placeth it in the Holy Oracle, 2 Chron. V 2,— 14. and chap. XXXV. 3. about one hundred and twelve years after it first left Shiloh. And last of all was burned with the Temple by Nabuchadnezzar. And no more to be minded, or remembered in the days of the Messiah, Jer. III. 16.  
The hand of God] The hand of God in Punishments upon the Philistines, chapter V VI. for detaining the Ark, were Mice marring the Land, chap. VI 5. And in their bodies Emerods; and some other disease or plague, whereof most died, chap. V 12.  
The house of Dagon] This Dagon was the Idol or God of the Philistines, chapter V Judg. verse 2 XVI. 22. They lived on the coast of the midland-Sea, on the East-end of it from us. This Dagon seems to be a kind of Sea-god, having his name from Dag, which signifies a Fish; and is thought to be portrayed like a Fish from the middle downward; and his upper part like a man, if not a maid, 1 Sam. V 4. Such Idols other Heathens worshipped, as the gods of the Sea; as Neptune, Triton. This House or Temple of Dagon was a marvellous House, Judg. XVI. 27. Hither the Philistines brought Samson to make them sport; and he brought down the House upon them, Judg. XVI. 30. Hither they brought the Ark of God, as a captive in triumph, to the honour of their Idol; And Dagon fell down before the Ark, broken in pieces, 1 Sam. V 3, 4. And here they fastened the head of Saul, whom they slew in Gilboa, 1 Chron. X. 10.  
Bethshemesh] Bethshemesh a City of the Priests, chapter VI verse 9 in the Tribe of Judah, on the North-border of it, josh. II. 16. and XV. 10. 1. Chron. VI 59 Here Amaziah of judah fight against jehoash of Israel was vanquished and taken, 2 King. XIV. 2 Chron. XXV. There was another Bethshemesh a fenced City of Naphtali, josh XIX. 38. judg. I. 33. Another Bethshemesh, a prime City in Egypt, jer. XLIII. 13. called anciently On, in later times Damieta. Bethshemesh signifies the house of the Sun; and the Cities so called, from the Temples of the Sun built therein, and the idol-worship of the Sun by the ancient inhabitants practised there.  
Fifty thousand and seventy men] These were not all of the City Bethshemesh, verse 19 but of the people also of neighbouring towns and places, that came rejoicing ro see the Ark returned; but overboldly gazing on it bare and uncovered, by the Philistines, or by themselves, contrary to the Law, Num. IU. 5, 20. If not prying presumptuously into it, out of an impious curiosity, or a pretence to see whether the Philistines had taken aught out of it, or put any thing into it.  
Kiriath-jearim] A City, chapter VII verse 1 not of the Levites, or Priests, and seated in the Tribe of judah, josh. XV. 9, formerly called Kiriath-Baal, ver. 60. and XVIII. 14. Of this City see more in the Observations on Ch. IU. 3. and on Psal. CXXXII. 6. These Citizens fetched the Ark, but borne and carried by the Priests of Bethshemesh.  
Twenty years] Till this time of lamentation and repentance, verse 2 and a long time after, see the Observations on josh. VI 6.  
Thundered] By thunder here: by hailstones, verse 10 josh. X. 10, 11.  
Now make us a King] The danger by Nahash, chapter VIII verse 5 as well as the wickedness of samuel's sons, made the Israelites ask a King, 1 Sam. XII. 12. which they might have done warrantably, if they had waited patiently and faithfully, as well for the time when, as the person whom God should choose: But not tumultuously, and distrustfully, as they did now, 1 Sam. VIII. 5, etc. and Ch. XII. 19 Host VIII. 4.  
This will be the manner] This manner of a King speaks in many things more than what is the lawful power, verse 11 and duty of a good King; more what he will do, than what he ought to do.  
The fourth part of a Shekel] Samuel, chapter IX verse 8 and God in him, condescends to answer touching Saul's Asses: As Ahijah did touching the sickness of Jeroboams child, 1 King. XIV. And Elias did also, of Ahaziah, 2. King. 1. And Samuel, in humility, seems to accept of a trifle, they having then no better; not for a reward of Divining; but as a free testimony of their due respect and thankfulness: As Ahijah did the like from Jeroboams wife, 1 King. XIV. 3. And Elizeus also the like, 2 King. IV. 42. And as God accepts from the poor widow two mites.  
a Seer] And so ver. verse 9 19 2 Sam. XXIV. 11. and Esay XXX. 10. Prophets called Seers by reason of the Visions and Prophecies which they saw from God; He, and they, being seen of them in Visions and Dreams, Num. XII. 6. And that as clearly, and as certainly as if they had seen them with their eyes, 1 Pet. I. 12. 1 Cor. II. 10. 2. Cor. IU. 18. and V 1. Heb. XI. 27.  
to Gilgal] Not assoon as he parted from Samuel: chapter X verse 8 nor yet seems this to be understood of that being at Gilgal after his vanquishing of the Ammonites before Jabesh Gilead, Ch. XI. 4, 5, 11, 14, 15. when, and where, they made, or confirmed him King; though chosen before by Lot at Mizpeh, Ch. X. 17, 24. But this seems to relate to a second time of being at Gilgal, after that former, and above a year after this parting from Samuel, Ch. XIII. 1. when he was to be there upon that weighty preparation of the war against the Philistines, Ch. XIII. 7, 8.  
one year and he reigned tmo years] i. chapter XIII verse 1 e. one year from his Election at Mizpah, to his Coronation at Gilgal. And another year after that, which make two years, Then he began to take upon him the Royal state of a King, and chose his Guard and Army. Or thus, He reigned two years lawfully before he was rejected by God, upon his sparing of Agag, King of the Amalakites, Ch. XV. Or rather, two years quietly, before he was oppressed, and in a manner outed from his Kingdom by the Philistines, 1 Sam. XIII. 6, 19, 22. Upon whose overthrow Saul is said to take the Kingdom again, 1 Sam. XIV. 47.  
If they say to us] The like is, chapter XIV verse 9 Gen. XXIV. 14. and Judg. VI 36,— 40. These done by some special divine instinct; and so not Patterns for our imitation without like warrant.  
a very great trembling] The Hebrew phrase is, verse 15 a trembling of God. And so, asleep of God, 1 Sam. XXVI. 12. Mountains of God, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Cedars of God, Psal. LXXX. 10. and CIV. 16. an Host of God, 1 Chron. XII. 22. Garden of God, Ezek. XXVIII. 13. The wrestlings of God, Gen. XXX. 8. A City of God, Jon. III. 3. Visions of God, Ezek. XL. 2. And so may we understand, Sinners of God, or unto God, Gen. XIII. 13. that is, exceeding sinners against God, Jer. L. 29. And so fair to God, Acts VII. 20. that is, exceeding fair. And so the flame of God, Cant. VIII. 6. A most vehement flame. A Seed of God, Mal. II. 15. A most holy seed. See my Observations on Jonah III. 3.  
Utterly destroyed all the people] Not all the Amalekites slain notwithstanding this, chapter XV verse 8 and ver. 3. and Exod. XVII. 14, 16. For David fights them, 1 Sam. XXVII. 8. and they spoil Ziglag, 1 Sam. XXX.  
The youngest] David young, chapter XVI verse 11 when anointed by Samuel, likely about two and twenty years old, young when he killed the Lion and the Bear; when he slew Goliath; when, after these, he slew his ten thousands (in saul's sundry services); when afterwards he endured so long persecution by Sa●l; was with the King of Moab; and twice with Achish King of Gath, abiding at one time an year there, and four months: And yet was but thirty years old, when, after saul's death, he was made King at Hebron, 2 Sam. V 4. neither seems he to have any child, till he was a King; And then had six in Hebron of fix wives; four in Jerusalem of Bathshua or Bathshebah, the daughter of Ammiel, or Eliam; and nine more; in all nineteen, besides the sons of his Concubines 1 Chron. III. 1,— 9  
Anointed] David thrice anointed. verse 13  
Doubtful whether David slew Goliath before his first coming to Saul, chapter XVII mentioned Ch. XVI. 18,— 23. Or after, that time: There are fair probabilities on either side; no undoubted certainty.  
And he prophesied] Besides the signification of the word for foretelling things to come, verse 10 and some other miraculous operations. It is also taken for Interpreting of Scripture, or Preaching, 1 Cor. XIV. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 24, 29, 31, 32. And for singing and praising God, 1 Sam X. 5. 1. Chron. XXV. 1. 1 Cor. XI. 5. And more generally for declaring the will of God to any by Revelation, or Mission from him. And so Christ is the great Prophet, Luke XXIV. 19 And so Enoch, Ahraham, Moses, are called Prophets: and after Moses in this rank none was greater than he, Deut. XXXIV. 10. And after his time Samuel, David, Gad, Nathan, Elias, Elizeus, the four great Prophets, the twelve small Prophets inspired Penmen of Holy Scripture, and others many, were such, and so called. And as these Extraordinary Prophets; so there were multitudes of Ordinary Prophets among the people: And Colleges of Prophets, and the sons of Prophets at Bethel, Jericho, Gilgal, Ramah, Naioth, in the times of the Old Testament. And in the New Testament, Zacharias the father, and John Baptist the son, Barnabas and Paul, Judas and Silas, Agabus, and many others, are called Prophets; some Extraordinary, others Ordinary Prophets, Matth. XXIII. 34. Acts XI. 27. and XIII. 1. and XV. 32. Rom. XII. 6. 1. Cor. XII. 10. and chap. XIV. 6, 9, 22, 24, 29, 31. Ephes. IU. 11. Apoc. XI. 10. And in both Testaments there were as men-Prophets; so women-Prophetesses: And in both Sexes, both True ones, and False. In the female sex we read of good and True, Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Anna, Philip's four daughters virgins: of bad and False, Noadiah, Jezebel, and others, Ezek. XIII. 17,— 23. Yea, among the Heathen some Poets pretending to, or reputed to be Declarers of Gods will, or Divine truths, are in a like sense termed Prophets, Tit. I. 12. Prophets in their esteem. And the mode and manner of the expressions of their minds, Oracles, and Prophecies among these Heathen enthusiastics was most-what in a wild, raving and raging sort, with strange motions and agitations of the body, thereby the more to pretend their divine raptures; as in the Sibyls, and others. And not unlike thereunto is this of saul's prophesying here; In this his rage he casting a jaylin at Davi●, ver. 11. yet in what sense properly he is said here to Prophesy, is well guessed in the great Annotations upon this text, though it be not altogether sure and certain. As neither that of Eldad and Medad, and the rest of the LXX. Num. XIII. 26, 27. Only this is unquestioned in the LXX. That it was some extraordinary Act and Testimony, That the Spirit of God rested upon them in some extraordinary manner, and as such was discernible to all, and so fit to authorise them in the eyes of others, as by a miracle, and to declare to all That they were gifted and assumed to that their present Office and employment.  
Naked] i. chapter XIX verse 24 e. Stripped of his upper garment or military habit. So Peter, John XXI. 7. and Micah, chap. I. 8. Esay, chap. XX. 2, 4. And those Acts XIX. 16.  
Slew] chapter XXII verse 18 saul's most horrid and bloody Act.  
Ephod] The Ephod here is that of the High Priests; chapter XXIII verse 9 wherein were the Urim and Thummim, Exod. XXVIII. 30. which Urim and Thummim were not the twelve precious stones of the Breastplate; mentioned, v. 17-21. Or the words of Vrim and Thummim, engraven in the midst of those twelve precious stones on the Breastplate; Or things committed into the hands of the workmen to make them: But rather given by God to Moses, to put them not on, but into the Breastplate; which haply to this end and purpose was doubled, ver. 16. so to have them hid there. And accordingly, Levit. VIII. 8. Moses is said to put in the Breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. Yet what things, or what kind of things they were, appears not. Only we know the names signify Lights, and Perfections; haply intimating Knowledge of Doctrine, and Integrity of Life and Conversation: And that by these the High Priests extraordinarily did ask Counsels of the Lord, and did receive Answers, as Oracles from him. So we see the Precept for it, Num. XXVII. 21. Joshuah shall stand before Eleazar the Priest, who shall ask Counsel for him, after the judgement of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he (i. e. Joshuah) and all the children of Israel with him. And the Practice of it we find, expected earnestly by Saul, 1 Sam. XXVIII. 6. though the same, it may seem, lighty slighted by him, 1 Sam. XIV. 18, 19 And here acted by Abiathar the High Priest, for David; David hereunto adjoining his Request unto the Lord, for the Answer, ver. 10, 11, 12. And again, 1 Sam. XXX. 7. And not unlike but David's enquiring of the Lord, 2 Sam. II. 1. and chap. V. 19, 23. and XXI. 1. And possibly that, Judg. XX. 18, 23, 27, 28. was by the same means, upon the same ground. And if it were burnt, or lost at the ruin of the Temple, and all, by Nabuchadnezzar, yet the Tirshatha entertains an expectation of the restoring of it, Ezra II. 63. Neh. VII. 65.  
a Messinger] God's providence for the preservation of his. verse 27  
unto Achish] This second time, chapter XXVII verse 2 upon better security, beforehand given, then formerly was had.  
in Shunem] In Shunem and Aphek, chapter XXVIII verse 4 1 Sam. XXIX. 1. the Philistines pitched: And the Israelites in Gilboa, by a Fountain which is in Jezreel. All in the Tribe of Issachar, Josh XIX. 18.  
This is David's Spoil] i. chapter XXX verse 20 e. all that the Amalakites had taken from others, save from them of Ziglag. This, by his right, and free consent and gift of his soldiers, he made use of to gratify his friends, and engage them to him, ver. 26,— 31.  
they shall part alike] They both alike shall have their shares, verse 24 according to God's appointment, Num. XXXI. 27,— 30. Josh. XXII. 8. Though not both equal shares.  
fell upon it] Saul his own bloody butcher and selfmurderer. chapter XXXI verse 4 The Amalakite belies himself in most of his relation to David, 2 Sam. I. 5,— 10. in hope of grace and reward from David; but in issue, to the losing of his life. God in his secret justice justly takes it upon himself, that he slew him, 1 Chron. X. 14.  
his head] This they fastened in the Temple of Dagon, verse 9 1 Chron. X. 10. His body to the wall of Bethshan, or Bethshean. And his Armour in the house of Ashteroth, a name of their female goddesses.   

II. Samuel.  
THis Book contains an History of forty years; from the death of King Saul, to the death of King David, or the time immediately preceding it, 2 Sam. V 4, 5. The time, and story of David's reign.  
Crown that was upon his head] Likely not so worn by him in the day of battle, chapter I verse 10 1 King. XXII. 30. But carried with him, or before him, by his armourbearer, verse 18 or some others, as an Ensign of his Kingly honour.  
bow] That they might be skilful in the right use of their arms and weapons against their enemies in this time of need. Of the Bow in war, see ver. 22. And the Annotations on Host I. 5. and on Zech. X. 4.  
How are the mighty fallen?] Repeated, verse 19 ver. 25. and 27. as the foot of this sad song and Elegy.  
Tell it not in Gath] This impossible not to be told there: But this shows David's desire, verse 20 if it had been possible. A Pathetical expression: not much unlike, is that, ver. 21.  
Unto Hebron] Of this place, chapter TWO verse 1 thus, once for all: Hebron was a City in the Tribe, and Mountain of Judah, Josh. XV. 54. Called also Mamre, and Kiriath-arba, the City of Arba, the father of Anak, where Anak lived, his sons, and the Anakims, a race of Giants. Here formerly dwelled the children of Heth; and Hittites. And Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sojourned here: And they; and Sarah, and Rebekah, and Leah were buried here in the Cave of Machpelah, before Mamre, the same is Hebron, Gen. XIII. 18. and XXIII. 19 and XLIX. 31. Hence Joseph was sent to see the welfare of his brethren. Hither the Spies came that were sent from Kadesh-barnea in the Wilderness of Paran to search the Land. Hoham the King of Hebron, was one of the five Kings mured up by Joshuah in a Cave; and after slain and hanged up. And soon after the City taken; and another King thereof seems then to be slain by him. And he and Caleb slew the Anakims that dwelled here. This City and Suburbs were given to the Priests, and to be a City of Refuge: The Fields, and the Villages of it to Caleb the son of Jephunne the Kenezite, that good Spy, Josh. XX. 7. and XXI. II. To the top of an hill before Hebron Samson carried the Gate of Gaza. To them in Hebron David sent a Present of the Spoil taken from the Amalakite, 1 Sam. XXX. 31. Hither God directed him to go, in this Text. And here he was anointed King; and reigned seven years and six months: And here he had six sons born to him of six several women, his wives Here Abner was slain by Joab; and mournfully buried by David. Hither King Ishbosheths' head was brought by his murderers; buried in Abners' Sepulchre; and they hanged up here. Hither came all the Tribes of Israel to make David King over all Israel, and anointed him here. And Absalon being borne here; pretended a vow to be performed here; and rebelling against his father made himself King here. This City of Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt, Num. XIII. 23. And in Rehoboams reign was fortified by him, after the revolt of the ten Tribes, 2 Chron. XI. 10.  
Reigned two years] That is, verse 10 peaceably, before the war between Abner and Joab, ver, 12, etc. As Saul reigned two years, 1 Sam. XIII. 1. that is, Peaceably, as well as Lawfully, before his Kingdom was in a manner taken from him by the Philistines, 1 Sam. XIII. 19  
Zerviah the sister of David had these three valiant sons, verse 18 Joab. Abishai, Asahel. And Abigael the other sister of David had Amasa, 2 Sam. XVII. 25. 1 Chron. II. 15, 16 17.  
Michal] Michal loved by both her husbands, chapter III verse 13— 16. David and Phaltiel, see 1 Sam. XXV. 44.  
Abner] He, verse 28 and Saul were brother's children, 1 Sam. XIV. 50, 51.  
Millo] This in, chapter V verse 9 or adjoining to the strong hold of Zion, the City of David, taken by him, and Joab, of the Jebusites, notwithstanding their scornful brag and confidence; And David built the City round about from Millo and inward. And Joab repaired the rest of the City, 1 Chron. XI. 8. 2 Chron. XXXII. 5. This Millo Solomon built, 1 King. IX. 15, 24. and XI. 27. There was another Millo in or adjoining to the City Shechem, where Abimelech was made King, Judg. IX. 6, 20.  
unto the day of her death] i. chapter VI verse 23 e. Michal never had any child. Those five sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 8. were the sons of Merab, michal's sister, whom Michal brought up for Adriel, Merabs husband, 1 Sam. XVIII. 19 2 Sam. XXI. 8. And are called michal's sons, because she did educate, if not adopt them. And in a sort not much unlike, is Obed called Naomies' son Ruth IU. 16, 17. see Matth. I. 25. and XXVIII. 20.  
I will] The Promises are, some Peculiar to Solomon, some to Christ, some to both as the Type and Antitype.  
David's Conquests. chapter VII verse 12  
Hadadezer] or Hadarezer, chapter VIII 1 Chron. XVIII. 3. The like is in Diphath, and Riphath; in Dodanim, verse 1-14. and Rodanim, 1 Chron. I. 6, 7. compared with Gen. verse 3 X. 3, 4. The Hebrew letters Daleth and Resh are like one another, and often put and used one for another; See Esay XLVI. 15. Jer. II. 20, & ch. XXXI. 40. which shows that the Hebrew letters had the same form and figure in those days, which they have at this day. And the same Observation may be made upon the like change of other letters, wittingly made in Scripture, and much used in proper names; and much more used in the many mistakes of Interpreters and Translators of Scriptures in many other places; and all by reason of the similitude of their Hebrew Characters; as namely of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; All which argue still not the Samaritan Characters, which have none of these mutual Similitudes amongst themselves; but the Hebrew Characters we have now to be the same which were from the Beginning, or in Ezra his time. And farther, The Hebrew Jod is the smallest letter, as it is intimated, Matth. V 18. whereas the Samaritan Jod is one of the largest.  
a thousand] These one thousand here are expressed to be Charets, verse 4 1 Chron. XVIII. 4. And the seven hundred horsemen are expounded to be seven hundted ranks of horsemen, or decurioves, ten in a rank; and so make seven thousand horsemen, in the foresaid place.  
Syrians] Hebrew, are Aram, and Aramites, for Syria, and Syrians: verse 5 So still in the Old Testament. These came of Aram the son of Shem, Gen. X. 22. We read of Padan-Aram, wherein Haran was, the place where Terah, Bethuel, and Laban dwelled, Gen. XI. 32. and XXVIII. and XXIX. chapters. Of Aram Naharaim, Judg. III. 8. of Aram-Zobah, Ps. LX. title. Of Aram of Damascus, in this Text. The word is of a great latitude, and comprehends great Countries in it. As Mesopotamia, so called, because in the middle of two arms of Euphrates; or of the two famous rivers of Euphrates and Tigris. And to this Situation the names of Padan-Aram, and Aram-Naharaim do relate. But in later ages Aram most relates to Aram of Damascus, that Syria whereof Damascus was the chief City. And of this Syria see more in my Annotations on Amos I. 4, 5.  
For the Catalogue of the Kings of Syria, see the great Annotations on Amos I. 4.  
We read of four battles of David with the Syrians.  
The first, here, when they came to succour Hadadezer against David. And in this, two and twenty thousand of them slain, 1 Chron. XVIII. 5.  
The second. ver. 13. in the Valley of Salt. And Edomites are named there, 1 Chron, XVIII. 11, 12. and Psal. LX. in the Title of it; Because both Syrians, and Edomites joined in the battle against David's Generals, Joab, and Abishai: and therefore the victory is ascribed to each of the three: and the number slain is twelve thousand, Ps. LX. 1. and six thousand more, either by Joab alone, before the main battle; or by both the brethren, after it in the pursuit of the victory; in all eighteen thousand, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12.  
The third battle, 2 Sam. X. 6,— 14. when the Syrians joined to help the Ammonites; and fled before Joab, 1 Chron. XIX. 6. 7, 10, 14.  
The fourth battle with the Syrians, 2 Sam. X. 15,— 19 wherein David slew (the men) of seven hundred Chariots, i. e. of seven hundred ranks, or troops, having ten in a rank or troop; not ten men in a Chariot; in all seven thousand, 1 Chron. XIX. 18. And forty thousand horsemen, 2 Sam. X. 18. And forty thousand footmen, 1 Chron. XIX. 18. And Shobach, the Captain of their Host.  
Zadok] He was in david's, verse 17 and Solomon's times, 2 Sam. VIII. 17. and XX. 25. 1 King. I. 8. He anointed Solomon King, and by him was put in the room of Abiathar, 1 King. I. 32, 34. and chap. II. 35. He was the son of another Ahitub than he that was father of Ahimelech: And he came from Eleazar, the eldest son of Aaron, and from Phineas, his son, after six descents, 1 Chron. VI 4, 5, 6. And the High Priests of his posterity in a continued series and succession, to the Babylonish Captivity, are recorded in eleven generations, 1 Chron. VI 9,— 15. And after the Captivity, in six generations to Jaddua, who lived in the days of Alexander the Great: which is the last Historical Record of the Old Testament, Neh. XII, 10, 11. This Zadoks son was that Ahimaaz, afterwards High Priest, mentioned by David, 2 Sam. XV. 27. This Zadok, of the line of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the line of Ithamar were the Priests, chief of those two families, with command over the rest of the Priests of those two families severally: But Abiathar the father of Abimelech was then the supreme and only High Priest.  
The Cherethites, verse 18 and the Pelethites] Of these see the great Annotations on this Text,  
Mourning was past] David marries her when she was with child, chapter XI verse 27 in some hope thereby also to cover his sin.  
Solomon] The elder brother of Nathan, chapter XII verse 24 by Bathsheba, or Bathshua, the daughter of Eliam or Ammiel: though Nathan be ranked before solomon, 2 Sam. V 14. 1 Chron. III. 5. and XIV. 4.  
Crown] The weight and worth of the King of Ammon's Crown, verse 30 a Crown of State, too weighty to wear. Shobi the brother of Hanun, and son of Nahash seems by David to be made King in Hanuns' place, which makes him to show such kindness to David in his flight from Absalon, ch. XVII. 27. 28.  
After forty years'] Absalon, chapter XV verse 7 whose hair weighed [not was worth] above three pounds, at sixteen ounces to the pound, when yearly polled, 2 Sam. XIV. 25, 26. Gins his Rebellion against David, after forty years, 2 Sam. XV. 7. not after forty since David was anointed in Hebron; but since he was anointed by Samuel, 1 Sam. XVI. 13. And he ends his Rebellion, with hanging by his hair, as his halter, or by his head rather; where he is slain first by Joab; after by Joabs' armour-bearers; 2 Sam. XVIII. 14, 15 That the forty years aforesaid, did take their Beginning and commencement as aforesaid; and so fell in with the twenty second, or twenty third year of David's age; with the seventh or eighth year before he actualy began his reign at Hebron; and ended at the thirty second, or thirty third year of his real reign, and about seven years before his death; appears in this. That at this time of Absaloms' rebellion, David was a strong man, 2 Sam. XV. 36. and ch XVII. 8, 10. and XVIII. 2. And afterwards also, ch. XXI. 15. whereas in the fourtieth and last year of his reign and life he was bedrid, 1 King. I. 1, 2. And after the business of this Rebellion was carried on, and ended; we read of three years of famine, 2 Sam. ch. XXI. I. And of the hanging up of ten of saul's sons, and grandsons, ver. 8, 9, 10. and of the gathering of the bones of them that were hanged, and the burying of them afterwards in another place, ver. 13, 14. As also, of wars yet again raised by the Philistines, and battles fought with them, at four several times; In the first of which David himself was in person, and in present danger, ver. 15,— 22. And besides, near ten months were taken up in numbering the people, Ch. XXIV. 8. And upon the occasion of the Pestilence following thereupon, The Threshing-Floore of Araunah being found to be the place where the Temple was to be builded, 1 Chron. XXII. 1. with 2 Chron. III. 1. David doth instruct Solomon about his duty in the building of it; and doth encourage him to do it; and chargeth the Princes to assist him therein, 1 Chron. XXII. And causing him to be suddenly anointed King, to suppress the seditious and ambitious attempt of Adoniah; And having afore ordered the Courses, and Offices of the Levites, Priests, Singers, Porters, for the Service of the Temple, 1 Chron. XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. Ch. He gives Solomon Patterns, and Materials for the Building; tells him of the Courses of the Priests, and Levites which he had Ordered, Ch. XXVIII. And himself offers of his own goods magnificently; and procures the Princes, and People to Offer willingly towards the said Building; And concludes with Thanksgiving and Prayer to God; And the People bless God, and offer Sacrifices; and make Solomon King the second time, Ch. XXIX. And lastly, on his deathbed David gives Solomon charge to serve God; as also concerning Joab, and Barzillai; and Shimei; and dieth, 1 King II. All which may well take up the seven last years of David's reign and life.  
In the wood of Ephraim] Not that Ephraim had any wood or land on the East-side of Jordan: chapter XVIII verse 6 But the name might seem to rise from the great defeat given there to Ephraim by Jephthah, Judg. XII. 5, 6.  
Amasa] David's gentleness and courtesy to spare and honour Amasa; chapter XIX verse 13 notwithstanding his chief hand in rebellion against him, 2 Sam. XVII. 25.  
slew Goliath] His brother Lahmi; chapter XXI verse 19 as it is explained, 1 Chron. XX. 5. And so Michal for michal's sister, ver. 8. of this Chapter. The words brother and sister being left out by an Eclipse not unusual, specially in the short idiom of the Hebrews, and in cases so well known.  
This Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving is the same with Psalm XVIII. chapter XXII The difference is very little.  
Here are David's Worthies towards the end of his reign. chapter XXIII These in all thirty seven 2 Sam. XXIII. 39 whereof Joab one, the General and Captain of the host, 1 Chron. XI. 6. Six chief Worthies or Colonels: And of them the first three above the other three. And the first three, Adino, or Jacobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah; exceeding the other three. Abishai the chief of the second three; and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiadah; and Asahel, who was one not of the thirty, but above the thirty, for there are thirty named after him. The three first, or three chief over the thirty, ver. 13. are described, as otherwise, so by their valiant Acts, both distinctly, and jointly, 2 Sam. XXIII. 8,— 17. And so the two first of the next three. And these six likely were each of them over five of the thirty following, and their Regiments. The Catalogue of David's Worchies, 1 Chron. XI. was taken when David began his reign at Jerusalem, or before; The number there is forty seven, besides the first three, and the second three. And well might the number be more at that beginning of his reign, then at the end of it; some of them dying in the mean time. And of others some might have two different names. The chief of all the Worthies slays three hundred himself, and likely in the pursuit, at the same time 500 more, by himself, or with his company; in all eight hundred. Of him see more, 1 Chron. XXVII. 2, 3. The second defies the Philistines, when the men of Israel were fled away, and in a parcel of ground full of Barley, slew the Philistines till his hand clavae unto the sword, and wrought a great victory and deliverance. Of his father, see 1 Chron. XXVII. 4 The third did the like in a piece of ground full of lentils. Of the other three, 1. Abishai, the brother of Joab. 2. Asahel, another brother, and Captain for the fourth month, 1 Chron. XXVII. 7. slain by Abner, whiles David reigned in Hebron. 3. Benaejah, the Captain of David's guard; the Cherethites and Pelethites, 2 Sam. VIII. 18. And Captain for the third month, 1 Chron. XXVII. 5, 6. And afterwards by Solomon made General of the Host in the room of Joab, 1 King. II. 34, 35. Of him see more, 2 Sam. XXIII. 20, 21, 22. This Benajah, the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel, is called also a chief Priest or Principal Officer, 1 Chron. XXVII. 5. Another Benajah a Pirathonite, was one of David's thirty Worthies, 2 Sam. XXIII. 30. And other Benajahs there were besides, that were Priests and Levites. And divers of the Captains for the twelve months were of the number of David's Worthies. And among the thirty were a son of Achitophel, Uriah the Hittite, and the armourbearer of Joab likewise.  
Although my house] Rather thus interrogatively; verse 5 And is not my house so with God?  
Seven years] Seven years of famine here propounded to David. chapter XXIV verse 13 And three years, 1 Chron. XXI. 12. that is three more, to the three years of famine for the Gibeonites, 2 Sam. XXI. 1. To which three so lately passed; And David's sin of numbering the people being in the fourth year, which was a Sabbatical year; A new addition of other three makes up seven years of famine. Yet the LXX. read three in 2 Sam. XXIV. 13. Of Famine, see more on Lam. I. 11. and II. 11, 12, 19, 20. and IV. 4, 5, 8, 9, 10. and V 10. Ezek. IU. 9, 16. and V 16.   

I. Kings.  
THE Books of Kings do most pursue the History of the Kings of Israel, during the continuance of that Kingdom.  
They seem to be written after their days, 1 King. IX. 13, 21, and X. 12. and XII. 19 2 King. II. 22. and VIII. 22. and X. 27. and XIV. 7. and XVI. 6. and XVII. 23, 34, 41. 1 Chron. IU. 41 and V 26. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 22, 23.  
The first Book of Kings [or III.] contains an History of one hundred and eighteen years: viz. of Solomon: And after him, 

Of  
Rehoboam, Abia, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Kings of Judah.  
Jeroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, and Ahab, Kings of Israel.    
Acts of Solomon, Rehoboam and Abijah, are written in Books of Nathan the Prophet, of Shemaiah the Prophet, of the Prophecy of Ahijah the Shilomite, of the Visions and story of Iddo the Seer, and Prophet, 2 Chron. IX. 29. and XII. 15. and XIII. 22. which are lost, and never were Canonical Scripture. Yet those of Solomon seem to some to be written by Nathan, Ahijah, and Iddo, in the beginning of the first Book of Kings, 2 Chron. I 29.  
Adonijah] The eldest son than living, chapter I verse 5 2 Sam. III. 3, 4 Chileab or Daniel, 1 Chron. III. 1. being dead (as Absalon was eldest when he formerly sought the Crown) gins with a Courtly train and Lifeguard; as Absalon did. But gets Joab, and Abiathar to join with him, in seeking to be King; And that by a fairer way than Absalon did, 2 Sam. XV. 1 King. I.  
Enrogel] Or the Well of Rogel. verse 9 This was nigh Jerusalem, East and by South. See Josh. XV. 7. 2 Sam. XVII. 17.  
Gihen] Gihen is a Mount, verse 33 and a Rivulet, close on the Westside of Jerusalem. See 2 Chron. XXXII. 30. and XXXIII. 14.  
Horns of the Altar] And so, chap. II. 28. verse 50 The Altar whereunto Adonijah, and Joab fled, seems to be not any at Jerusalem, but that with the Tabernacle at Gibeon, 2 Chron. I 3,— 6.  
Forty years'] And so the years of his life, chapter TWO verse 11 seventy, when he dies of age. For he was thirty when he began to reign, 2 Sam. V 4. And yet Jesse was above one hundred, when he begat him: See on Rahab, Josh. II. And we read not of any King of Judah, or Israel after David that attained to his age: Only Vzziah, and Manasseh came very near it.  
I will not say thee nay] Many Promises of God and Man, verse 20 have their Prouisoes, and are to be understood conditionally, as 1 Sam. II. 30. Ezek. XXXIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVII. 9 and chap. XXVIII. 9 2 Chron. VI 16. Psal. CXXXII. 12. 2 Chron. VII. 17,— 22. As God's manifold promises of Long Life, and Temporal Blessings, and Deliverances. And many the like. And so for Threaten, and Dooms, Judg. X. 13. Jonah III. 4. See my Observations on that Text of Jonah.  
Abiathar] Abiathar the fourth from Eli, verse 35 of the race of Ithamar, the younger brother, was High Priest, till Solomon put Zadok in his room, being indeed the right heir of the right line, of Eleazar, and Phineas, 1 Chron. VI 3, etc. Num. XXV. 13.  
High places] High places called so, chapter III verse 2 because mostwhat on Mountains, Esay LVII. 7. whence named Bamah, Ezek. XX. 28, 29. There they built houses of the High Places, Temples, Chapels, Altars, etc. and put their Idols and Images there, and decked all with Tapestry, and garments of divers colours. They made Priests of the High places; and there they sacrificed, yea, sometimes their children; and burnt Incense, 1 King. XII. 31, 32. 2 King. XVII. 29, 32. Ezek. XVI. 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31. jer. XIX. 5. The High places of Heathen Idolaters were always abominable. These High places God commands the Israelites to destroy, and quite pluck down, Num. XXXIII. 52. While the Ark, and Tabernacle were parted one from the other; and both from Shiloh; and removed from place to place, till the building of the Temple, and there fixed and settled; We read of High places lawfully resorted to, and used, by Samuel, 1 Sam. IX. 12, 13, 14, 19, 25. and by others, chap. X. 5, 12, 13. And not much unlawfully by these here, 1 King. III. 2, 3. And Gibeon itself, when the Tabernacle and Altar, were there, is called the Great High place, 1 King III. 4. But when the Temple was since built, than all other High places for God's solemneworship, and Ceremonial Services were counted abominable. And in this sin, the ten Tribes, after the division of the Kingdoms by jeroboam, continually abounded. They made houses and Priests of High places, in Mountains, and in all the Cities of Samaria, and their Altars were as heaps in the furrows of the fields, 1 King. XIII. 32. Host XII. 11. Yea, and Solomon himself, afore that, in his later days, fearfully offended in this kind, 1 King. XI. 7. 8. And judah itself fell into this sin, even in Rehoboams reign, 1 King. XIV. 23. And in aftertimes, They built High places to Baal, and to the Idols of neighbouring Nations, 2 Chr. XXV. 14. in Tophet, in the Valley of the son of Hinnom, on Mount Olivet, in Jerusalem, in all the Cities of judah, and in every street of the Cities, Micah I. 5. 1 King. XIV. 23. jer. VII. 31. and XIX. 5. and XXXII. 35. Ezek. XVI. 16, 31. And this specially in the reigns of Ahaz, joram, and Manasseh. And in the reigns of divers good Kings of judah, as joash, Amatziah, Vzziah, jotham, it is recorded as a blemish in them, That they did not take away the High places, but the people sacrificed, and burnt Incense in them. Of good Asa it is said, that he did, and he did not take them away, 1 King. XV. 14 2 Chron. XV. 17. And so of jehoshaphat, 2 Chron XVII. 6. and XX. 33 1 King. XXII. 43 The meaning is, They took away those High places which were for Idols and strange gods, not those which were for God's worship: or they laboured in the Reformation of these later also; but through the people's waywardness, could not therein fully prevail In the Reformation of Manasseh upon his Repentance, it is said That nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the High places, yet unto the Lord their God only, 2 Chron XXXIII. 17 But zealous Hezekiah and josiah, went throughstitch with all.  
Gibeon] The Tabernacle was never at any one of the Cities of the Levites, verse 4 except here at Gibeon only.  
Aske● God's proffer to Solomon, verse 5 in that night after he had offered up those numerous Sacrifices at Gibeon, 2 Chron. I 7. And his large Petition thereupon for Wisdom, 1 King. III. 6, 7, 8, 9 And God's ample Grant thereunto; and further Largesse, partly added, partly upon Condition promised, ver. 11, 12, 13, 14. were transacted all while Solomon was asleep, as appears by ver. 5. and 15. Though in this same History, 2 Chron. I 7,— 12. of Sleep, or Dream there is no mention made at all.  
a little child] In that sleep Solomon calls himself a little child; verse 7 And a little before that David testifies the like of him, 1 Chron. XXII. 5. and chap. XXI. 1. with an eye had to his great charge at that age; not unlike to that, Jer. I. 6. Yet than David calls him a Wiseman, 1 King. II. 9 even before that wonderful increase of wisdom added to him after David's death; And then Solomon, being indeed about seventeen years old, had Rehoboam, his son, as appears by the age of Rehoboam at the beginning of his reign, 1 King. XIV. 21. 2 Chron. XII. 13.  
Harlot's] The King knew not likely, verse 16 that the women were Harlots; haply open Innkeepers, and close Harlots.  
son of Nathan] chapter IV verse 5 The Prophet nathan's two sons highly honoured and advanced by Solomon.  
Spoke] Solomon chosen by God to be King, verse 32 1 Chron. XXVIII. 5. and XXIX. 1. and chap. XXII. 9, 10, spoke three thousand Proverbs. And he spoke of all Trees, 1 King. IV. 32, 33. Not that the Text saith, he writ them, or of them. And his Songs were one thousand and five.  
Hiram] Hiram, chapter V verse 1 or Huram King of Tyre, and Sidon too, ver. 6. having Lebanon in his possession. Both father and son of that name, 2 Chron II. 3, 13. And again, Hiram the workman, father and son at the same time of the said Kings, both it seems of the same name likewise, 1 King. VII. 13, 14. 2 Chron. II. 14. and IV. 11. and both wrought to Solomon, 2 Chron. IV. 16. The son's mother was of Dan, 2 Chron. II. 14. His father, of Naphtali, though inhabiting in Tyre, 1 King. VII. 14.  
The House of the Lord] This House, chapter IV verse 1 called the Temple, ver. 3. the Throne of God's glory, Jer. XIV. 21. a Glorious high throne, Jer. XVII. 12. our Holy and Beautiful House, where our fathers praised thee, Esay XLVI. 11. the Beauty of Holiness, 1 Chron XVI. 29. was built in Jerusalem, on Mount Moriah, or Zion, on the Threshing-floore of Araunah or Ornan the Jebusite, 2 Chron. III. 1. 1 Chron. XXII. 1.  
Very wonderful riches acquired, and laid up, and other preparations made by David, and others, towards the building of the Temple, 2 Sam. VIII. 11, 12. 1 Chron. XXII. 14. and ch. XXIX.  
And the Pattern or Platform of it given to David by the Spirit, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 21. he set down in writing particularly, and gave it to his son, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 11,— 18. This was such like an help as Moses had, Exod. XXV. 40. The Preparations for the second Temple were very small.  
Huge stones, and costly, and precious stones used in Solomon's Buildings, 1 King. VII. 9,— 12. and chap. X. 2, 10, 11. 1 Chron. XXIX. 2, 8. 2 Chron. III. 6.  
The Brazen Altar for Sacrifice was in the Court next the Temple, in the open air.  
The Lavers likewise in that Court, between the Brazen Altar, and the Temple; fixed and placed before the Temple, in the inmost Court; viz. five Bases, and Lavers upon them, on the right hand; and five on the left, as one was to go from the East into the Temple: To wash in them such things as they Offered for the Burnt-offerings and Sacrifices.  
The great molten Sea, standing on twelve Oxen, or Brazen Bulls, which were by, and beside, not under the Bases and Lavers, as the word is rendered, Jer. LII 20. This Sea was placed on the right hand, or North-side, over against the South, For the Priests to wash in, 2 Chron. IV. 6, 10. In most other places in Scripture, the Right hand is taken for the South; and the Left hand for the North; as supposing a man's posture with his face towards the East.  
Going on from the East towards the West; and passing by the Altar, Lavers, and Sea; Entrance was so made into the Porch of the Temple. This Porch being the entrance, and East-end of the Temple, was in length twenty Cubits; from North to South; In breadth ten Cubits, from East to West; and in height as high as the Temple, and thrice as high above it, one hundred and twenty Cubits in all, 1 King. VI 3. 2 Chron. III 4. In the middle between the walls, not joining to the walls, stood on each side of the entrance or Porch, the two Pillars, of Jachin, on the right hand; and Boaz, on the left; eighteen sacred Cubits apiece high, 1 King. VII. 15. or thirty five common Cubits besides the Basis or Pedestal of one Cubit, 2 Chron. III. 15. Although some would have this thirty five to be the number arising from the height of both Pillars or the shafts of them. And a Chapter on the top of each, five sacred Cubits high, 1 King. VII. 16. 2 Chron. III. 15. to a part whereof are assigned three Cubits, 2 King. XXV. 17. And they being four fingers thick of brass, and hollow within, Jer. LII. 21. a line of twelve sacred Cubits did compass either of the Pillars about, 1 King. VII. 15. Some divide the Pillars into five parts; or rather into six thus; a square Table on the bottom; a Rundle or round Basis upon that; the shaft and main body of the Pillars round; and above that a square Border upon which the Pomegranates were; a Head, or Chapter, or Belly; and a Crown or Powel, both round. All the three parts above the Shaft are called by the name of Chapter, and are said to be five Cubits high, 1 King. VII. 16. Jer. LII. 22. And the four Cubits; 1 King. VII. 19 is to be understood of some parts of them: And the th●ee Cubits, 2 King. XXV. 17. of the other: or the four Cubits relate to the Lilie-work, and the three Cubits to the Network. The whole Chapiters' had Nets of Checker-work, and wreaths of Chain-work, seven on either 1 King. VII. 17. And Pomegranates upon the Networks, in two rows, one above another, that is, twenty four on a square or side, and so ninety six in all upon the four sides of each row; which with the four corner ones make up one hundred in each row, 2 Chron. III. 16. Jer. LII. 23. And so two hundred on either Pillar, 1 King. VII. 20. and four hundred Pomegranates on both jointly.  
Passing through the Porch, They entered into the Sanctuary or Body of the Temple, conjoined to the Porch; which Sanctuary or Body was forty sacred Cubits long, and twenty broad, and thirty high, 1 King. VI 17. 2 Chron. III. 3 Overlaid within with gold, upon Palm trees, and Chains, and Cherubims; and garnished with precious stones, 2 Chron. III. 5, 6, 7.  
In this body of the Temple, were the things following; ten Candlesticks of gold, with their Lamps [Besides other of silver mentioned, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16. for other uses, in other places, in the Courts and Chambers of the Priests and Levites.] Of which ten, there were placed five on the right hand, and five on the left 2 Chron. IV. 7. And each of them far greater than that one in the Tabernacle. Oil was used to the Lamps.  
Ten Tables for Shewbread, likely of gold; [besides other of silver in other places, for other uses, in the Priest's Courts, Chambers, and Treasuries, mentioned, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16.] Of which ten, there were five placed on the right side, and five on the left, 2 Chron. IV. 8, 19 Though one Table and one Candlestick, be named for the rest, 2 Chron. XIII. 11. 1 King. VII. 48.  
Altar of Incense, of gold, placed by the Oracle, at the West-end of the Sanctuary, 1 King. VI 20, 22. and VII. 48. On which was daily burnt the Perfume, Exod. XXX. 34,— 38. and ver. 1,— 10. And that not by the High Priest only; as it is in the Annotations on 2 Chron. XXVI. 16. But by other Priests; as it is in the Annotations on Exod. XXX. 7.  
Thence strait forward, Through the Veil, and Door the High Priest once in the year entered into the Oracle or Most-Holy-Place; twenty sacred Cubits long; twenty broad; and twenty high; a perfect square, 1 King. VI 20. Being the West-end of the Temple. By the Height here it seems plainly to be ten Cubits lower than the Body of the Temple; as our Chancels commonly are lower than the Bodies of our Churches. Neither seems there to be any thing in the Text to induce us to be otherwise minded: Though the Great Annotations on 1 King. VI 20. seek out ways to heighten the upmost outmost top of it to be level and even with the top of the Temple.  
In the Oracle were, the Ark, called God's strength, and glory, Psal LXXVIII. 61, and CXXXII. 8. 1 Sam. IU. 20. And in it only two Tables of the Law and Covenant, or Testimony: The Propitiatory or Cover upon it; which made up the Mercy-seat: And the two Cherubims, not of massy gold, as those two lesser ones in the Tabernacle, Exod. XXXVII. 7. But of Olive-tree, covered with plates of Gold, and meeting with one of their wings upon the Mercy-seat; and the other wings stretching to the walls of the Oracle; whereupon it is called the Chariot of the Cherubims, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 19 See 1 Sam. IV. 4 Psal. LXXX. 1. and X●IX. 1. Esay XXXVII. 16. And their faces were inward or toward the House, 2 Chron. III. 13. These Cherubims have one pair of wings apiece. In ezekiel's Vision two pair apiece, Ezek. I. 6. and chap. X. 21. In Esayes Vision the Seraphim have three pair a piece, Esay VI 2. As also those four living wights, Apoc. IU. 8. Probably on their Shoulders, Breasts, and Hips. These Cherubims were so made as the parts of them might be taken asunder, 2 Chron. III. 10. And by the side of the Ark, or before the Testimony, are conceived to be the Pot of Mannah; Aaron's Rod; The Censer; and the Book of the Law, as they had formerly been in the most Holy Place of the Sanctuary. And the smaller Cherubims which Moses made out of the matter of the Mercy-seat, or Propitiatory, or Cover, if inseparably fastened to the ends of it, than they were also covered with the great Cherubims, Exod. XXV. 18, 19 & ch. XXXVII. 8. Of all which see what more hath been said upon Exod. See also 1 King. VI and VIII. chapters. 2 Chron. III. and IV. chapters, where more is set down of the gold, and precious ornaments of this place, and the things in it. [Our Western Churches have the Chancels at the East-end; and the steeples commouly at the West-end; (otherwise than it was in Solomon's Temple) in relation likely to Judea, and Jerusalem, and that Temple, East from us. Of the second Temple in Ezra; we have little for the things in it. Of Herod's Temple, little or nothing in Scripture.  
The windows narrow without, and broad within, were above the Chambers, round about both the Temple, and Oracle.  
Of the Walls, and Doors, see 2 Chron. III. 5, 6, 7. and chap. IU. 22. 1 King. VI 15, 16, 22, 29, 30, 31,— 35. and VII. 50.  
The Floor of the Temple, was of Firre-Plancks, 1 King. VI 15. Of the Oracle, was of Cedar, ver. 16. Both overlaid with gold, i. e. plates of gold, ver. 30.  
The covering of the House was with beams, and boards of Cedar, ver. 9 sieled or covered within with gold, 2 Chron. III. 5, 8. And in likelihood Led upon the outside of them, to defend all against the injuries of the weather.  
Gates of the Temple, and Courts of it, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. and XXIII. 4, 5, 19, 20. and XXIV. 8. and XXVII. 3. and XXXI. 14. and XXXV. 15. See the Annotations on Ezek. VIII. 3, 5, 14. and on chap. IX. 2. and on chap. XL. 3.  
The Courts; of the Tabernacle was one; of Solomon's Temple at least two, 2 Chron. IV. 9 Besides the Court of the Gentiles, or intermural; the East-gate whereof was called Solomon's Porch; of Ezekiels Visionarie Temple, at least three; besides that for the Gentiles.  
The Courts were comprised under the name of the Temple, Acts XXI. 28. Joh. II. 14, 16. In the Court of the People, or Greater Court Solomon erected his Scaffold, 2 Chron. VI 13. And Joash was anointed King, 2 Chron. XXIII. 13. And here, and in the Porch of it, were the People taught, by the Priests, and Levites; by the Prophets, and Apostles; by our Saviour, who never entered further than this Court into the Temple.  
The time of Building, seven years. Though there were six months more by comparing, 1 King. VI 1, 38. 2 Chron. III. 2. Like to that of the time of David's reign, 2 Sam. V 4, 5.  
The time of Dedication of the House and Altar in the seventh month, 1 King. VIII. 2. 2 Chron. V. 3. and chap. VII. 9, 10. either the month before all the appurtenances, and ordinances of the House were fully finished; or else in the seventh month of the next year, when the Jubilee began; that so the celebrity of Bringing in the Ark, and Dedication of the Temple, and Solomon's sacrifices, and his solemn Prayer upon his brazen scaffold, might then and thereby, become the greater and more illustrious, 1 King. VIII. 1,— 66. 2 Chron. V and VI and VII. chapters. It began the seventh or eighth day of that month: for on the fifteenth day began the Feast of Tabernacles. And in relation to these two Feasts, are those fourteen days mentioned, 1 King. VIII. 65. 2 Chron. VII. ver. 8, 9 And on the twenty third day of that month the people were dismissed, 2 Chron. VII. 10. the eighth day of the later Feast, 1 King. VIII. 66.  
House of the Forest of Lebanon] This was built in Jerusalem. chapter VII verse 2 See ver. 6, 7, 8. His dwelling House and Throne not fare from it; and golden shields in it, 1 King. X. 16, 17. And there seized on by the King of Egypt, 2 Chron. XII. 9, 10. It seems so called, as being a kind of abridgement of that famous Forest, afar off from Jerusalem, and containing in it, and in the Groves and Gardens about it, all the delights and pleasures of that Forest, in solitary walks, sweet smells, music of birds, and sight of wilde-beasts, etc. See my Annotations on Zech. XI. 1. where conceiving this House to be built in that Forest, not in Jerusalem, upon further consideration, I think good to retract that opinion here.  
Two thousand Baths] Bath the measure of Liquid things, verse 26 as Epha of Dry: Both of the same capacity. This Sea had ordinarily put into it two thousand Baths, or five hundred Barrels, reckoning eight gallons to the Bath and four Baths to the Barrel. But this Sea being filled up to the brim, it might contain three thousand Baths, 2 Chron. IV. 5. or seven hundred and fifty Barrels; with water drawn out of it by Cocks or otherways, the Priests washed, etc.  
Ten Lavers] But one in the Tabernacle, verse 38 Exod. XXX. 18. Here are ten Lavers, besides the Sea. And so of the Candlesticks, and Tables, there were ten in the Temple to one in the Tabernacle, 1 King. VII. 49. 2 Chron. IU. 8. Each Laver contained forty Baths.  
Bowls of pure Gold] Of Gold belonging to the Altar of Incense, verse 50 1 Chron. XXVIII. 17. Some of Silver, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 16. And as those given by the twelve Princes, Num. VII. 13, 85. Some of Brass, for the Brazen Altar, Exod. XXXVIII. 3 Num. IV. 14. 1 King. VII. 45. And for the Vessels of the Temple, See on Jer. LII. 17,— 23.  
Pleased him not] King Hiram, chapter IX verse 12 though displeased with the twenty Cities, given him by Solomon, in the Land of Galilee, yet pleaseth to restore them to him in love, 2 Chron. VIII. 2.  
A tribute of bond-service] These hear mentioned, verse 21 and their posterity, seem to be called Solomon's servants, Ezra II. 55, 58. Neh. VII. 57, 60. and XI. 3.  
Gold from Ophir] So gold from Uphaz, chapter X verse 11 Jer. X. 9 and Gold of Ophir, Psal. XLV. 9 and Gold of Uphaz, Dan. X. 5. and Gold of Sheba, Ps. LXXII. 15. and Gold of Parvaim, 2 Chron. III. 6. And these are taken for the finest Gold, 1 King. X. 18. compared with 2 Chron. IX. 17. Job XXII. 24. But whether these places be Peru in America; or Fez in Africa; or Sumatra; or Taprobane; or in Arabia; or elsewhere, according to our modern names, is in these days altogether doubtful.  
Tarshish] The name of one of the sons of Javan, verse 22 Gen. X. 4. whose posterity, as some imagine, planted in that part of Spain, where a City, and Region adjacent, thence took the denomination of Tartesus, and Tartesia afterwards: Or rather, as others conceive, they seated themselves in Cilicia, and gave this name of Tarshish, as to the whole Region, so specially to the chief City, and Port-town there, afterwards called Tarsus, the place of Paul's birth, Acts XXI. 39 and XXII. 3. And that thence the Midland Sea which bordered upon that port and territory, was called Tarshish; and the ships, either belonging to that Port, or trading to and fro in that Sea, were thence called ships of Tarshish, Esay II. 16. yea, sometimes Tarshish seems to denote the Arabian, and Persian Gulfs; the Ocean, either Western, or Eastern, Ezek. XXVII. 12. or any great Sea; as likewise Pontus doth in Latin: And ships of Tarshish, to be vessels of great bulk and burden, fit to traverse and traffic in any such Sea, 1 King. X. 22.  
Silver to be in Jerusalem as stones] The Israelites ripe for Rebellion, verse 27 complain so much of their Oppressions in Solomon's peaceable, rich, & glorious reign, 1 King. X. 27. and XII. 4. 2 Chron. I. 15. and VIII. 8, 9  
Loved many strange women] Wise solomon's, chapter XI verse 1 or Jedidiah's Fall is wonderful: yet his Repentance not to be doubted of: as appears in the Book of Ecclesiastes, in 2 Sam. VII. 14, 15. 1 Chron. XXII. 10. and XXVIII 6. and XVII. 13 14. 2 Chron. XI. 17. 2. Pet. I. 21.  
One Tribe] Not one whole Tribe; verse 32 but that of Judah only, did stick to Rehoboam, and the House of David after Solomon's reign, 1 King. XI. 32, 36. and XII. 20. 2. King XVII. v. 18. Yet see 2 Chr. XI, 13,— 17. And hence begin those three hundred and ninty days in Ezek. IU. 5. See the Annotations there.  
Rehoboam] Rehoboam is the only son we read of that Solomon had, verse 43 for all his shameful number of Wives, and Concubines. And there is mention made only of two of his daughters, 1 King. IV. 11, 15. set down in that chapter by Anticipation. This Rehoboam is said to be young, and tenderhearted, 2 Chron. XIII. 7. young in experienced wisdom, when yet at that time he was forty one years of age, 2 Chron. XII. 13. being borne in the first year of his young wise father Solomon's reign. He foolishly forsook the counsel of the old men, 1 King. XII. 8, 13, 14. to the loss of the ten parts of his Kingdom. Yet afterwards he is said to deal wisely, 2 Chron. XI. 23.  
In Bethel, chapter XII verse 29 and the other put he in Dan] In the South and North borders of his kingdom. And yet Bethel being in the Tribe of Benjamin] Bethel was taken from him in his own days, by Abijah, 2 Chron. XIII. 19 And Dan was smitten by Benhadad in the days of Asa, and Baasha, soon after, 1 King. XV. 20.  
Bethel] Though Bethel be sometimes called Bethaven, in the Prophets, verse 32 as Host IU. 15. and V 8. and X. 5, 15. and Aven, chap. X. 8. As Mount Olivet, of Mount Mischa is called Mount Maschith, 2 King. XXIII. 13. Yet were there Bethel, and Bethaven, two distinct neighbouring towns or Cities, Josh. VII. 2. and XVIII. 12. 1 Sam. XIII. 5. and chap. XIV. 23.  
a child] Fulfilled, 2 King. XXIII. 15, 16, 17.  
Samaria] Samaria so called by Anticipation; chapter XIII verse 2 as Bethel, Gen. XII. 8. And sundry other places in Scripture. verse 32 Not that they had those names in those times first mentioned; But in aftertimes, when the writers of those Histories lived, 1 King. XVI. 24. It seems of old to be called and belong to Shimron-Meron, Josh. XI. 1, 5. and XII. 20.  
Book of the Chronicles] chapter XIV verse 19 After the division of the Kingdoms, The Books of the Kings do often cite the Books of the Chron of Israel, and of Judah, as 1 King. XIV. 19, 20. XV. 7. 23, 31. 2 King. I. 18. and VIII. 23. and X. 34. Not meaning thereby our Canonical Books of Chron. for they were not then written before, but after the Books of Kings; and therefore they could not be cited before they had a Being: But meaning thereby Civil Chronicles or Rolls, now not extant; Like those Ezra VI 1, 2. Esther VI 1.  
Maachah] Abijahs mother, chapter XV verse 2 and her Father, had both of them two differing and various names, 1 King. XV. 2, 10. 2 Chron. XI. 20. and XIII. 2. His marriages and children, 2 Chron. XIII. 21. were all, or almost all, in his father's reign.  
Save only in the matter of Vriah] In this sin David did lie long without repentance, verse 5 2 Sam. XII. 14. And to cover this sin, he made Uriah drunk; and after murdered him: yet afterwards upon his repentance, he publisheth it, and his shame and sorrow for it, in the LI. Psalm, and commits it to the chief Musician to be sung publicly in the Congregation. But besides this, there are many other sins recorded of David: As his speech and lies to Jonathan, 1 Sam. XX. 6. to Ahimelech, 1 Sam. XXI. 2. to Achish, 1 Sam. XXVII. 10. the slowness of his kindness to Mephibosheth; compare together, 2 Sam. IV. 4. and chap. IX. 11, 12. And after his ill-managing of it, 2 Sam. XVI. 4. and chap. IX. 29. his many Wives and Concubines; the sparing of his sons, Ammon, and Absolom; his numbering of the people. Yet by reason of the upright intention of his heart, and his singular rare graces, gifts, and qualifications, are the rest not reckoned, and this Praise here given him, by the indulgency of God.  
Forty and one years] Asa reigned in Judah in the times of the reigns of eight Kings in Israel; verse 10 viz. Jeroboham, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, Ahab, 1 King. XV. 9 and XVI. 29. and XXII. 41. In which time the Kingdom of Israel was changed into three several stocks and families.  
Maachah] Maachah was wife to Rehoboam; verse 13 mother to Abijah; and grandmother to Asa, 1 King XV. 2. yet called the mother of Asa, 1 King. XV. 13. 2 Chron. XV ver. 16. And as mother used for grandmother; so daughter for grandchild, 2 Kings VIII. 26. Brethren for Kinsmen, 2 Kings X. 13. Matth. XIII. 55, 56. And many like phrases are frequent in Scripture. See Gen. XIII. 8. Exod. II. 18. 20, 21. Dan. V 10, 11, 13, 22.  
these years] Not this place, chapter XVII verse 1 nor chap. XVIII. 1. nor any place in the Old Testament, do show that the drought was brought at Elias his Prayer; or continued three years and six months; But Saint James first recordeth it, Jam. I. 17.  
Four Barrels with water] Elijah got this water in the time of that wonderful drought for three years and a half, chapter XVIII verse 33 out of the sea; Mount Carmel joining to the sea, Jer XLVI. 18. The brook Kishon, at the foot of Carmel being dried up, as well as the brook Cherith.  
thine Altars] Formerly erected to him; chapter XIX verse 10 thought not so warrantably. See ver. 14. thy Prophets] As chap. XVIII. 4, 13.  
I only am left] In his own apprehension. Yet was there then a flourishing Church in Judah.  
anoint] By another; verse 15 viz. Elisha, 2 King. VIII. 7. And likewise Jehu was anointed by a young Prophet at the command of Elisha, 2 King. IX. 1.  
Thirty two Kings] Petty Kings; chapter XX verse 1 As those, Gen. XIV. Josh. XII. Judg. I. 7.  
Aphek] A City whose Kings was slain by Joshuah, verse 26 Josh. XII. 18. Fell by lot afterwards to the Tribe of Asher, Josh. XIX. 30, 31. Where the Philistines pitching in battle against Israel, got the victory, and took the Ark of God, 1 Sam. IV. 1. And again gathering their armies in Aphek, went up to Jezreel, near the Mount of Gilboa, and overthrew Saul, and his host, 1 Sam. XXIX. 1, 11. and chap. XXX. And here the Syrians under Benhadad fought against Ahab, and were slain, even one hundred thousand footmen in one day: And the rest fled to Aphek into the City; and there a wall fell upon twenty seven thousand of the men that were left, 1 King. XX. 26, 29 30. And here again the Syrians were smitten and consumed by Joash King of Israel, 2 King. XIII. 17.  
Proclaim a Fast] chapter XXI verse 9 It seems on fast-days they were wont to try and execute heinous offenders.  
and stoned him] The blood of his sons is mentioned, verse 13 2 Kings IX. 26.  
Which is in Samaria, verse 18 behold, he is in the Vineyard of Naboth] Or will be in Jezreel in the Vineyard of Naboth. In Samaria when the message was given in charge to Elias; in the Vineyard at Jezreel when Elias met him.  
even thine] Verified for the substance in himself, verse 19 in his wife Jezebel, and in his son Jehoram, 2 Kings IX. 25, 26.  
not bring the evil in his days] That evil, verse 29 ver. 21,— 24. that totally.  
in the Pool of Samaria] Which might extend, chapter XXII verse 38 or run into Jezreel; or another pool of that name be there; or the armour washed there, where his chief armoury was.  
made peace] Made peace with Ahab, verse 44 and his two sons, Ahaziah, and Jehoram, 2 Kings III. 6, 7. 2 Chron. XIX. 2. and chap. XX. 35, 36. and is reprehended justly therefore.  
would not] Would not at first: verse 49 but yielded afterwards, 2 Chron. XX. 35, 36, 37.   

II. Kings.  
THE second Book of Kings, [or fourth rather] contains the History of 321 years; to the lifting up of the head of Jehoiachim: In the reigns of 

16 Kings of judah, counting in Athaliah.  
12 King of Israel.   So that the number of Kings; from the first division of the Kingdoms, to the extirpation of them both, were twenty in each: Though the Kingdom of Israel did expire in Hoshea by Shalmanasar, before the Kingdom of Judah, did expire in Zedekiah by Nabuchadnezzar, the space of one hundred thirty and three years; not one hundred thirty and five  
The twenty of Judah were all of David's line, excepting Athaliah the Queen. The twenty of Israel were of ten several stocks.  
Ahaziah, Joash, Amatziah, Kings of Judah, and Athaliah the Queen, all succeeding one another, were all slain. Amon likewise, and his son Josiah both slain.  
And ten Kings of Israel, the half of all their number, were likewise slain.  
For the times of the reigns of Ahab, Ahaziah, Jehoram, Kings of Israel; and of jehoshaphat, jehoram, Ahaziah, Kings of Judah, take this as followeth;  
Ahab reigned twenty two, years, 1 King. XVI. 31.  
Ahazia the son of Ahab began to reign in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat King of Judah; and reigned two years.  
Jehoram the other son of Ahab, gins to reign in the second year of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, 2 Kings I 17. and in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat; and reigned twelve years, 2 Kings III. 1.  
Jehoshaphat began to reign in the fourth year of Ahab, 1 Kings XXII. 41. and reigned twenty five years, 2 Chron. XX. 31.  
Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat began to reign in his father's life-time; and in the fifth year of Jehoram of Ahab; and reigned eight years, 2 Kings VIII. 16, 17.  
Ahaziah Kings of Judah, and son of Jehoram King of Judah, began to reign in the twelfth year of Jehoram of Ahab, 2 Kings VIII. 25. in his eleventh year, chap. IX. 29. Ahaziah himself being then twenty two years old, 2 Kings VIII. 26. or forty two years old, 2 Chron. XXII. 2. And he reigned one year, 2 Kings VIII. 26. 2 Chron. XXII. 2.  
All the doubts arising from the Premises are fairly cleared, as followeth: viz. Jehoshaphat King of Judah, beginning to reign in the fourth year of Ahab King of Israel; And Jehoram King of Israel, and Ahaziah King of Judah, being both slain by Jehu, in one year; Therefore between their deaths, And the first of Jehoshaphat, or fourth of Ahab, there must be one and the same distance and period of time. Which agrees well thus; In the line of Israel, eighteen years remaining of Ahabs twenty two 1 Kings XVI. 29. Two of Ahaziah, but one of them in his father's life-time; and twelve of Jehoram: in all 31.  
And so in the line of judah; twenty five of jehoshaphat; and eight of jehoram, whereof two at least in his father's life-time; and Ahaziah but a piece of a year; in all thirty one.  
Now Ahaziah of Israel beginning to reign in the seventeenth of jehoshaphat, shows that Ahab had made him Viceroy the year before his death; for Ahab died in the eighteenth of jehoshaphat: And so this Ahaziah reigned but one year himself alone.  
And jehoram the other son of Ahab beginning to reign in the second year of jehoram the son of jehoshaphat, shows, That jehoshaphat had made his son jehoram his Viceroy, the same year that Ahab had done the like; viz. the year before their going to battle to Ramoth-Gilead; which battle was in the last of Ahab, and eighteenth of jehoshaphat.  
And jehoram the son of jehoshaphat beginning to reign in the fifth year of Iehoram of Ahab; and that being in the time of jehoshaphats own reigning, and jehoram reigning from that time eight years; shows that jehoshaphat made his son, of Voiceroy, King joint with himself, in the twenty third year of his reign, two years before his death. And so this Iehoram reigned as King two years in his father jehoshaphats life-time, and six years after his death: Not four years in his life-time, and four years after his death, as is usualy averred.  
And Ahaziah of judah, upon the premises, gins to reign, upon the twelfth year beginning, or eleventh year ending, of Iehoram of Israel.  
And jehoram the father of this Ahaziah beginning to reign in the thirty two year of his age, and reigning eight years, and dying at forty, 2 Kings VIII. 17, 24; This Ahaziah cannot possibly be forty two, but twenty two, when he began to reign; his father being married to Athaliah, his mother, in the eighth year of, jehoshaphats reign. And those forty two years must needs relate to another time than Ahaziah's age; and do justly agree with the number of years of the continuance of Omri his race in the royal Throne, from whom this Ahaziah descended by his mother Athaliah and in whom, and Omries grandchild Jehoram it ended: Thus, Omri alone, after the death of Tibni, six or seven years, 1 Kings XVI. 23, 29. Ahab, twenty two; Ahaziah alone; one, Jehoram twelve: in all forty two. And the Hebrew expression in 2 Chron. XXII. 2. is this, A son of forty two years was Ahaziah inhis reigning; which may have a relation to a continuance in a stock. And a passage and computation, not unlike to this, is that, 2 Chron. XV. 19 and chap. XVI. 1. from the beginning of the division of the two Kingdoms of Judah and Israel. This Ahaziah of Judah is otherwise called Azariah, 2 Chron. XXII. 6. and Jehoahaz, chap. XXI. 17. and Joahaz, 2 Chron. XXV. 23.  
For the times of the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, Kings of judah; And of Zuchariah, Shallum, Menachem, Pekiah, Pekah, Hosheah, Kings of Israel, take this, as followeth;  
Vzziah being smitten with Leprosy, in his old age, for attempting to offer Incense, on the Altar of Incense, his son Jotham was over the King's house, judging the people of the Land, 2 Chron. XXVI. 21. This seems to be four years before his father Uzziah's death: And so may seem to extend, after a sort, the number of the years of Jothams' reign to twenty, 2 Kings XV. 30. whereas Jotham reigned only sixteen years after the death of his father Uzziah, 2 Kings XV. 33.  
Jotham gins his sixteen in the second of Pekah's twenty, 2 Kings XV. 32. In jothams' days Pekah, and Rezin begin to trouble judah, 2 Kings XV. 37.  
Ahaz gins his six●een in the seventeenth of Pekah's twenty, 2 Kings XVI. 1. Then doth the danger by Pekah and Rezin increase. He is spoiled by them; and by the Edomites; and the Philistines, 2 Chron. XXVIII. And by the Assyrian, partly helped; and partly distressed.  
Hezekiah gins his twenty nine in the third of Hoshea, 2 Kings XVIII. 1, 2. that is, the third after his first nine, 2 Kings XVII. 1. which ninth falls in with the ending of the twelftth of Ahaz; and that third after it, falls in with the beginning of the sixteenth and last of Ahaz.  

2 King. XV. 8, 13.  
Zachariah gins in the thirty eight of Uzziah.  
Shallum gins in the thirty nine of Uzziah   
Menachem gins his ten in the thirty nine of Uzziah, 2 King. XV. 17. Then Pull King of Assyria made an attempt upon Menachem, ver. 18, 19, 20.  
Pekahiah gins his two in the fiftieth of Vzziah, 2 King. XV. 23.  
Pekah gins his twenty in the fifty two of Vzziah, 2 King. XV. 27. And so Pekah's first, and Uzziah's last, are in one year. In Pekah's days Tiglath-Pelezer captived Galilee and Naphtali into Assyria, 2 King. XV. 29.  
Hoshea rules and reigns eighteen years. For thirty eight years are from the first of Jotham, to the sixth of Hezekiah: And so many must be from the first of Pekah, to the end and last of Hoshea: And Pekah reigning twenty, the remain for Hoshea must needs be eighteen.  
Hoshea gins in the twentieth of Jotham 2 King. XV. 30. that is, from the beginning of his reign, from the beginning of his sixteenth. For Jothams fourth, in his father Uzziah's time, did precede his sixteen. And his sixteen ended in the seventeenth of Pekah, when Jothams' son Ahaz began to reign, 2 King. XVI. 1. So that Hoshea truly began in the fourth of Ahaz; which was the twentieth from the time that Jotham began to reign; not that Jotham reigned twenty years, till Hoshea began. And Hoshea had reigned nine years in the twelfth of Ahaz. And these first nine years, the Sacred story passeth over in silence: He having done nothing remarkable or memorable in them. His later nine years are storied on't thus; That the first of them gins in the twelfth of Ahaz, 2 King. XVII. 1. That in the third of them, which was the last of Ahaz, Hezekiah began to reign, 2 King. XVIII. 1. That in the seventh of them, and fourth of Hezekiah, Shalmanezar came and besieged Samaria, 2 King. XVIII. 9 That in the ninth and last of them, and sixth of Hezekiah, Shalmanesar took Samaria, and carried all captives into Assyria, and finaly extinguished that Kingdom of Israel, 2 King. XVIII. 10, 11.  
The Names then, and the Numbers of the years of the Reigns of the Kings of Judah, and of Israel, in this II. Book of Kings, are as followeth, viz. of Judah. years. jehoram, as viceroy— 4 In all— 12. Imperfect. Joint King with his father jehoshaphat— 2 Sole King after his father's death,— 6 Ahaziah 1 imperfect. Athaliah 6 joash 40 Amatziah 17 Vzziah 52 jotham 15 Ahaz 14 Hezekiah 29 Manasseh 55 Amon 2 josiah 31 jehoachaz  jehojakim 11 jehoachin  Zedekiah 11 Thence to jehoiachins advancement. 26 Kings of Israel. years. Ahaziah 1 Iehoram 11 jehu 28 jehoahaz 15 joash or jehoash 16 jeroboam 41 Zechariah  Shallum  Menachem 10 Pekahiah 2 Pekah 20 Hoshea 18 See my Annotations on Host I. 1.  
If thou see me] chapter TWO verse 10 This sign was of God's appointment. And the thing done on the East-side of jordan.  
a Minstrel] To quiet, chapter III verse 15 quicken, and compose his spirit.  
his eldest son] The King of Edom's eldest son, verse 27 taken by the King of Moab in this eruption. See Amos II. 1. and the Annotations there.  
Shunem] A City in the Tribe of Issachar, chapter IV verse 8 josh. XIX. 18. And hath, in the same Tribe standing from it, jezreel towards the South; Mount Gilboa towards the Southeast; The river Kishon on the East; and Mount Tabor towards the North-North-East, in the Confines of the Tribe of Zebulon. In Shunem the Philistines pitched against Saul in Gilboa, 1 Sam. XXVIII 4. Here was borne Abishag that fair Virgin, that lay in David's bosom to cherish him, as a wife-nurse, in his decrepit age: And was afterwards sought for in marriage by Adonijah; but to the loss of his life, in the State-wisdome of Solomon, 1 King. I. and II. chapters. And here dwelled this great and good woman that made these accommodations for the Prophet Elishah: and upon his Prophetical promise obtained a son: and had him miraculously raised from death of life again by Elishah coming from Mount Carmel hither; as is in this iv Chapter. And further, upon this account, after her seven years' absence, on the Prophet's direction, by reason of the Famine to ensue during that time, she returning out of the Land of the Philistines, had her house, lands, and profits of her estate restored to her, by jehoram King of Israel, 2 King. VIII.  
Gilgal] Of this see the Annotations on Host IU. 15. verse 38  
twenty loaves of barley] This was more than the bread of his first fruits came to. verse 42  
King of Syria] This was Benhadad the son of Benhadad; chapter V both Kings of Syria, verse 5 1 Kings XV. 18, 19, 20. and XX. 1. 34. 2 King. VI 24. and VIII. 7. 2. Chron. XVI. 2. The father was the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion King of Syria, 1 King. XV. 18. This the son slew Ahab at Ramoth-Gilead, 1 King. XXII. 35, 37. Who contrary to God's command had saved him, 1 King. XX. 42. And besieging Samaria, he brought it to that extreme famine, 2 King. VI 24, 25. And after at Ramoth-Gilead, he wounded Jehoram, the son of Ahab, 2 King. VIII. 28, 29. Whence returning to Jezreel to be healed of his wounds, he was slain by Jehu, 2 King. IX. 24. And this son died, 2 King. VIII. 15.  
A third Benhadad King of Syria was the son of Hazael, 2 King. XIII. 3, 24.  
Benhadad signifies the son of Hadad. And Hadad was a name very common among the Kings of Edom, or Idumea, Gen. XXXVI. 35. 1 Chron. I. 50. 1 King. XI. 14 but afterwards grew more common with the Kings of Syria; insomuch as Benhadad may seem a name common to the Kings of Syria. See Jer. XLIX. 27. Amos I. 4.  
And take here a Catalogue of the Kings of Syria, as we find them in Scripture; thus; Omitting Chushan-Rishathaim, who was King of Aram-Naharaim. or Syria between the two rivers, that is Tigris, and Euphrates; or of Mesopotamia, Judg. III. 10. We find these Kings of Syria, properly so called, whereof Damascus was the chief City, viz.  
Hadadezer, or Hadarezer, in David's time, 2 Sam. VIII. 5, 6, 13. and X. 6, 8, 16.  
Rezon, in the days of Solomon, 1 King. XI. 23, 24, 25.  
Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, in the days of Asa, 1 King. XV. 18, 19, 20.  
Benhadad the son of Benhadad, in the days of Ahab, and of Elias, and Eliseus; And Nahaman was the Captain of his host, 1 King. XX. 1, 20, 26, 32, 34. and XXII. 3. and 2 King. V 1, 2, 6, 7. and chap. VI 8, 12, 23, 24. and chap VII. 4. 16.  
Hazael, in the days of Joram, Jehu, jehoahaz, 1 King. XIX. 15. 2 King. VIII. 7, 8, 13. and X. 32. and XII. 17. and XIII. 3, 22.  
Benhadad, the son of Hazael, in the days of jehoash, ● King. XIII. 24, 25.  
Rezin, in the days of Pekah, and of Ahaz, 2 King. XVI. 5. Esay VII. 1. 16. and VIII. 4.  
Talents] See my Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24.  
Go in peace] A farewell phrase, verse 19 a friendly dismission; with little or no relation to what Nahaman had said; as little minding it, and of small concernment to the greater engagements that then lay upon him: which kind of Answers are not unusual.  
The Leprosy] Yet King Jehoram holds conference with Gehazi afterwards, verse 27 2 King. VIII. 4. as upon sundry grounds, and occasions incident, in a right manner well he might.  
are come down] chapter VI verse 9 Here the holy Penman useth a word of the Syrian language.  
Dothan] In the Tribe of Ephraim: verse 13 about midway between Samaria and Shechem. Here Joseph finds his brethren feeding their flocks, Gen. XXXVII. 13, 17.  
This is not the way] No, verse 19 nor the place or City, whereby, and wherein, to effect your purpose.  
came no more] Not these Bands; verse 23 nor in this manner, making inroads, or laying ambushes; nor any at all of a long time after, till Benhadad came with all his host, ver. 24.  
a Cab] Is a Hebrew measure. verse 25 Of this see my Observations on Gen. XVIII. 6.  
of Dove's dung] Or of the corn found in the crop, she flying into the City out of the Country.  
five pieces of silver] Or five silverings. See these Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24.  
said] Said to the Elders, chapter VII verse 1 to the Messinger, and to the King Jehoram the son of Ahab, ver. 17. 18.  
a measure] See my Observations on Gen XVIII 6.  
twilight] In the evening, verse 5 ver. 9, 12.  
Edom] Edom revolts from Judah, chapter VIII verse 20 1 King. XXII, 47. As Moab had done from Israel, 2 King. III. 5.  
Libna] A City; verse 22 which with the King thereof was destroyed by Joshuah, Josh. X. 29. and XII. 15. After fell by lot to the Tribe of Judah; And given to the Priests, Josh. XXI. 13. 1 Chron. VI 57 It rebelled [wonder it should] against Judah, in the days of wicked Iehoram, the son of good jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. XXI. 10. Senacherib did war against it, in the days of Hezekiah, 2 King. XIX. 8. Esay XXXVII. 8. And there likely had his army, or a great part of it slain by the Angel of the Lord. There was another place called Libna, the seventeenth Station of the Israelites, mentioned Num. XXXIII. 20, 21.  
Son-in-law] His father was so. verse 27 And himself might be to that House.  
Ramoth-Gilead] A City of Refuge; verse 28 in the Tribe of Gad; given to the Merarites; Deut. IU. 43. Josh. XIII. 26. and chap. XXI. 38. This was taken by the King of Syria; And Ahab, with the joint forces of Jehoshaphat, seeking to recover it, yet failed of his purpose, and was there slain by Benhadad, whose life he had unjustly spared; 1 King. XX. 30, 42. and XXII. 3, 35. And Jehoram the son of Ahab, with the joint forces of Ahaziah King of Judah, actualy recovered it, from Hazael King of Syria, But was wounded there. And Jehu being left there, as a Captain under Jehoram, to keep it, was anointed there, by command and direction of the Prophet Elisha, to be King of Israel; who thereupon soon slew both Jehoram, and Ahaziah; 2 King. VIII. 28, 29. and chap. IX.  
his sons] chapter IX verse 26 Naboths sons slain with him.  
a draught-house] Hear the Masorets put a more cleanly word, chapter X verse 27 in their Keri, in the margin, to be read, then is the Cetib, written in the Text; as if they would prompt to the Holy Ghost a more mannerly speech. And so Deut. XXVIII. 30. Jer. III. 2. Less marvel than if they deal so with the words of Rabshakeh, Esay XXXVI. 12. And in Zechary speaking of Jerusalem's destruction, and women's usage by soldiers, gross to speak, the Text telleth the term to be seen, the margin what they would have read. And in Jer. XXXI. 38. they leave a blank in the Text with the vowel points underneath, and place the head letters in the margin of a word which they suppose to be wanting. Some various Readins seem to be in the Hebrew Text. See the learned Annotations on Jer. IX. 8. and on chap. XVII. 13. And some learned seem to grant some superfluous insertions, as Jer. LI. 3 in the word bending; and Jer. LII. 19 in the word Cauldrons. See the Annotations on those places. Yet some other learned men assert the sacred Text to be absolutely entire and perfect without the least default or defect; without altering a syllable, letter, or situation of a letter; holding the margin-reading to be given with equal authority, as the other which is in the Text; and serving to expound it. And the vowels, and accents to have been ab origine in the Text, and so of equal authority with it. Insisting upon the Jews care for preservation of the Text, in numbering the letters in every Book, and naming the middle letter in it, and the middle letter in the Law, or Books of Moses. And this done not only by the Masorets that lived five hundred years or more after Christ; but also by those ancient Masorets that are called the men of the Great Synagogue, and succeeded next to the last Prophets of the Old Testament, of whom the Jews make Ezra to be one. And that in his time the whole number of the letters were reckoned, in all the Law to be 600045. in the Prophet's 815280. See more in my Observations on Eccles. IX. 4. and on jer. XXXII. 12.  
jehoiadah] This jehoiadah was a Priest and prime man, chapter XI verse 4 2 Chron. XXIII. 1, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20. and chap. XXIV. 6. seems not to be the High Priest: for he is no where so called in Scripture; except he be understood in that place, 2 Chron. XXIV. 11. where yet he is not called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 neither is there any of his name in that Catalogue of the High Priests, 1 Chron. III. 6,— 15. And yet this Priest jehoiada marries King jehorams daughter, and King Ahaziah's sister, 2 Chron. XXII. 11. And gives, wives to King joash, 2 Chron. XXIV. 3. And was buried among the Kings, ver. 16.  
Elisha] or Elizeus prophesied in the reigns of six Kings of Israel; chapter XIII verse 14 viz. Ahab, Ahaziah, jehoram, jehu, jehoahaz, and joash, 1 King. XIX. 16, 19 2 King. XIII. ver. 14. with  
Lachish] See the Annotations on Micah. I. chapter XIV. XV. verse 1 13.  
Azariah] Called also Uzziah, verse 19 and Ozias, Matth. I, 8, 9 reigned in the times of six Kings of Israel; viz. jeroboam the second, Zachariah, Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah, Pekah, 2 King. XV. 1. 27 In which time the Kingdom of Israel was changed into four several stocks or families.  
Pull] Pull or Phul, verse 19 1 Chron. V. 26. This Catalogue of the Assyrian Monarches we find in Scripture; viz. Passing by Nimrod, and Ashur in the ancientest times, Gen. X. We meet with this Pull in the days of Menahem King of Israel.  
Tiglath-Peleser, or Tilgath-Pilneser, in the days of Pekah King of Israel, and of Ahaz King of Judah: who carried away captives the Reubenites; and the Gadites, and the half Tribe of Manasseh, into Assyria, 1 Chron. V. 26. And, both helped, and afflicted Ahaz, 2 King. 16. with  
Shalmanesar, or Shalman, Host X. 14. or Enemessar, Tobit I. 2. 15. in the days of Hoshea King of Israel; who subdued Hoshea, besieged and took Samaria; carried Israel captive into Assyria; and extirpated that Kingdom of Israel, 2 King. XVII. 4, 5, 6. and XVIII. 9, 10. with  
Sargon, mentioned, Esay XX. 1. If he be not the same with Sennacherib. with  
Sennacherib, in the days of Hezekiah, 2 King. XVIII. 13. whose host was slain by the Angel of the Lord; and himself by his own sons, 2 King. 19 with  
Esarhaddon, or Esar-Haddon, who seems to be called Asnapper, Ezra IU. 10. and Sarchedonus, Tobit 1. 21. with  
Another King of Assyria, not named, but living in the days of josiah; in whose behalf josiah fight against Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt, at Megiddo, was slain there 2 King. XXIII. See this same, with some little variations, in my Observations on 1 Chron. V. 26.  
Kir] This is Cyrene, chapter XVI verse 9 mentioned, Acts II. 10. Of this see the Annotations on Amos I. 5. and IX. 7. If rather be not meant hereby that part of Media: which from this deportation seems to be called Syromedia, For Media belonged to the Kingdom of Assyria, 2 King. XVII. 6. But Cyrene never, being very fare distant from it.  
Of the Altar] Of Urijahs new Altar made by the command of King Ahaz, verse 14 by the pattern of the Altar of Damascus.  
Urijah the Priest] This might be that Uriah, verse 15 Esay VIII. 2 unfaithful to God, a fawning parasite to the wicked King; but no ways appears to be the High Priest.  
Covert for the Sabbath] A Covert for the Priests (and Porters likely) on the Sabbath; verse 18 or a retiring place covered over to keep from wind and rain, 2 Chron. XXVIII. 24.  
in the City of David] But not in the Sepulchers of the Kings, verse 20 2 Chron. XXVIII. 27.  
but not as] Hosheah was the best of the Kings of Israel: chapter XVII verse 2 And yet with him, and in him that Kingdom was extirpated.  
Carried Israel away into Assyria] See the Observations on chap. verse 6 XV. 19  
They feared the Lord] The same Idolaters are said to Fear the Lord, verse 32, & 34 And not to Fear the Lord, 2 King. XVII. 32, 33, 34.  
Their folly is derided, jer. X. 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 14, 15.  
Hezekiah] Godly Hezekiah the son of most wicked Ahaz, chapter XVIII verse 1 2 Chron. XXVIII. 22. And father of a like wicked Manasseh, 2 King. XXIV. 3. 2 Chron. XXXIII. And godly josiah not much unlike.  
He is a Type of Christ, Esay XXXII. 1.  
twenty five years old] And therefore was borne in the eleventh year of his father Ahaz; verse 2 because Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years, 2 King. XVI. 2. In all, thirty six when he died. Out of which take the foresaid twenty five; and so Hezekiah must be borne in the eleventh aforesaid. A thing not impossible. But to make Ahaz to be twenty, not when himself, but his father jotham began to reign, as it wresteth the Text, so it implies an utter impossibility, because jotham was but twenty five years old when he himself began to reign, 2 King. XV. 33. which thing was not well considered by the excellent Tremellius when he asserted that opinion; nor is it much favoured, though noted by our Annotators on 2 King. XVI. 2.  
In the fourteenth year] Sennacherib comes up against Hezekiah; verse 13 and partly prevails against him. See the causes of this his war, in the learned Annotations on Esay XXXVI. 1. And in the later end of that year Hezekiah fell sick: for he had 15. years added to his life, 2 King. XX. 6. which make up the twenty nine of his reign. And in this time of his sickness, he had no some; because Manasseh his eldest son was borne three years after this sickness, being but twelve years old when his father Hezekiah died, 2 King. XXI. 1.  
a Sign] The present plenty, chapter XIX verse 29 notwithstanding the Sabbatical year, and the enemy's abode, and waste made in the Land, should be a Sign to them for confirmation of the truth of God's Promise, for the overthrow of Sennacherib, and their deliverance. Of Signs see these Observations on Exod. III. 12. and on 2 King. XX. 9  
Camp of the Assyrians] Either before Libnah, verse 35 or Jerusalem, or both, 2 Chron. XXXII. 9 See the Observations on Esay XXXVII. 36.  
his sons] These words have an empty place left for them in the Hebrew Tex; verse 37 and are printed only in the margin. But they are in the Text, XXXVII. 38.  
ten degrees] This choice was given to Hezekiah about midday, chapter XX verse 9 when the shadow of the Sun might go forward or backward ten degrees on the Dial of Ahaz, a famous Dial, haply mural, and haply visible to Hezekiah out of his bedchamber: and so likewise in all other Dial's, distinguished into half hours, as that of Ahaz was. And so ten degrees make five hours. And the Miracle was not only in the Shadow going backward, but in the Sun also going backward ten degrees: though whether in an instant, or in the set course of time, or its ordinary continual motion, is not certain, Esay XXXVIII. 8. Which made the Ambassadors of the Princes of Babylon to be sent unto him, to inquire of the wonder that was done in the Land, 2 Chron. XXXII. 31. See on Esay. XXXVIII. 8.  
Altars] Idolatrous Altar's, chapter XXI verse 3 and Images set up in the House of the Lord, ver. 4, 5, 7.  
eighteenth year] From this famous year, chapter XXII verse 3 both those thirty years, Ezek. I. 1. And those forty days or years of the sin of Judah, chap. IU. 6. seem to take their rise and reckoning.  
the Book of the Law] The knowledge of it; verse 8 and the Laws in it, seems a rare and strange thing, as at other times, so in the days of good Josiah, 2 King, XXII. 10, 11. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 19, 21. notwithstanding that Law Deut. XXXI. 10, 11.  
in peace] Josiah died in peace, verse 20 according to the Promise, not seeing the Evils to come; though he was slain in battle, 2 King. XXII. 20. and XXIII. 29. 2 Chron. XXXIV. 28.  
Topheth] Called Tophte, chapter XXIII verse 10 Esay XXX. 33. The name is from Toph, signifying a Drum, Tabret, or Timbrel; such as idolatrous Priests used to beat upon in the time of their detestable sacrificing of children to Moloch, to drown their skrikes and cries, Levit. XX. 2. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 3. and XXXIII. 6. 2 King. XVI. 3. and XXI. 6. Psal. CVI 38. This the Jews learned from the Heathen, Deut. XII. 31. This Tophet stood in a pleasant valley on the Southside of Jerusalem, Josh. XV. 8. and chap. XVIII. 16. Belonging to one Hinnom and his sons, and called therefore the valley of Hinnom, Gehinnom, or Ge-bene-Hinnom, the valley of the sons of Hinnom. Whence the Greek and Latin take the word Gehenna, and use it for Hell, fitly resembled by such a Type, for the horrid acts and sufferings used therein, Matth. XVIII. 8, 9 Mar. IX. 43,— 48. James III. 6. And allusion is made hereunto, Matth. V 22. This place was defiled and destroyed by Josiah, in this Text. See the Annotations on Esay XXX. 33. and on Jer. VII. 31.  
Jehoahaz] Called also Joachaz, verse 31 and Johanan, and in the opinion of the most and best, Shallum likewise; The Prophecy concerning Shallum, Jer. XXII. 10, 11, 12. best agreeing to him; And supposing that Shallum the fourth son of Josiah mentioned, 1 Chron. III. 15. to be dead before his father; yet under the name of Johanan he is called the firstborn of Jo●●h, 1 Chron. III. 15. in respect likely that he first succeeded him in his throne, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 1. Of him see Ezek. XIX. 3, 4.  
Jehojakim] Jehojakim called also Joachim, verse 36 and Eliakim (as Solomon was also called jedidiah and Lemuel) was the eldest son of josiah. Of him, and his Burial, we read jer. XXII. 19 and XXXVI. 30. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 5, 6. Ezek. XIX. 5,— 9  
jehojakim] In his fourth, chapter XXIV verse 1 year, or third complete, and 1. of Nabuchadnezzar, Daniel was carried captive, Dan. I. 1, 6. Ezekiel, and Mordecai, with jehojachin, Ezek. XL. 1. Esther II. 5, 6. Of Ezechiel, see the Argument of his Book.  
jehojacin] Called likewise Coniah, verse 6 and jechoniah, 1 Chron. III. 16. jer. XXII. 28 Of his age at the beginning of his reign, See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXXVI. 9 He was carried captive into Babylon in the seventh ending, and eighth year beginning of Nebuchadnezars reign, ver. 12. jer. LII. 28. And his head lifted up again in the thirty seventh year of his captivity, twelfth month, on the twenty fifth, and twenty seventh day; and first year of Evilmerodach, 2 King. XXV. 27. jer. LII. 31.  
Zedekiah rebelled] Zedekiah rebelled in his sixth year, verse 20 Ezek. XVII. 15, 17. compared with Ezek. VIII. 1. and XX. 1.  
the second Priest] Grounded on Num. chapter XXV verse 8 III. 32. And mentioned as here, So jer. LII. 24. See 2 King. XXIII. 4. and the like, 1 Chron. V. 12. This second Priest, upon any extraordinary occasion and occurrent restraining or disabling the High Priest, seems set to supply his place.  
to Riblah] See the Observations on Num. XXXIV. 11.  
THE Books of Chronicles do chief pursue the Histories of the Kings of Judah. And yet are more sparing in relating the sins of David, and Solomon.  
These are not those Chronicles often cited in the Books of Kings; as hath been showed heretofore. But these are thought to be written by Ezra, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 22, 23. Ezra I. 1, 2, 3 And that after the return from the Babylonish captivity. Yet some things are inserted which extend beyond Ezra's time; as that 1 Chron. III. 21,— 24. In these Books, as in an Abridgement, the holy Penman is sometimes short, and obscure. But in the Histories of the Kings of Judah, full and exact.  
Take the periods of times from the Creation, to the year of Return from the Babylonish Captivity, And so these Books contain an History of 3458. years. The first Book, 2986. to the death of David; Thus; Genesis, 2369; Exodus, 142; Levit, Num. Deut. 39 Joshuah 17. Judges, 299. 1 Sam. 80. 2 Sam. 40. In all, 2986.  
The second Book 472. from the beginning of Solomon's reign, to the said year of Return; Others reckon thus; 3467. in the whole: 2990. in the first Book: 477. in the second Book. Others, and that most likely, 2986. in the first Book; And 466. in the second Book: viz. from the first of Solomon, to the seventeenth of Jehoshaphat, 118. Thance to the Captivity in the first of Nabuchadnezzar, and fourth of jehojakim, 278. Thence to the Return, 70. In all, 466. And so the whole in both Books will amount to 3452.  
The first Book mentions occasionally some things long after David's death; as the Inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Return from Babylon, chap. IX. And Zerubbabels' posterity long after that, chap. III.   

I. Chronicles.  
IN the Genealogies of the first eight Chapters, the Tribes of Dan, and Zebulon, are left out.  
Edom] chapter I verse 43 Eight Kings in Edom before any in Israel.  
Sister's] of David 

Zerviah bare  
Abishai. joab. Asahel.  
Abigail bare Amasa.  
2 Sam. chapter TWO verse 16, 17. XVII. 25    
Caleb] Three Calebs' famous in Israel; first, the son of Hezron, verse 18 in this Text called also Carmi, and Chelubai, chap. II. 9 and IV. 1. who had a son called Hur; And this Hur a son called also Caleb; chap. II. 9, 19, 50. who is the second Caleb. And the third is that famous Caleb the son of jephunne, Num. XIII. 6. 1 Chron. IU. 15.  
The sons of David] See the Observations on 1 Sam. chapter III verse 1,— 9 XVI. 11. verse 17  
Salatheil] Hebrew, Shealtiel, said to be the son of jechoniah. Matth. I. 12. And so here, son of jechoniah Assir, that is, strictly bound, prisoner in Babylon. For we read not of any son called Assir that jechoniah had: yet this Salathiel is named the son of Neri, Luke III. 27. who came by many descents, of another line, that is, of Nathan the younger brother of Solomon; from which line came our Saviour; and not of Solomon's line: And though jechoniah may seem to have seed and sons more, out of jer. XXII. 28, 30. and 1 Chron. III. 17 18. Yet he is doomed childless, jer. XXII. 29, 30. because neither Salathiel, if he were his son, nor any of Iechoniah's race, (Zedekiah the last King being Uncle to jechoniah) did succeed him in the Regality, to sit on the throne of David, though in a kind of sovereignty; as Zerubbabel the son, or grandchild rather of Salathiel by Pedaiah, did succeed: in regard of which successions, both Salathiel, and after also Zerubbabel, may be called sons. See Ezra III. 2, 8. and V 2. Neh. XII. 1 Hag. I 1, 12, 14. and II. 3. 24. Of jehojakim the father of jechoniah, it is likewise said, He shall have none to sit upon the throne of David that is, for any time worth speaking of; for his son jechoniah reigned but three months and ten days; jer. XXXVI. 30. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 9  
Sons of Zerubbabel] Among his sons, verse 19 Abihud, and Rhesa are not mentioned (unless under other names) nor else where found in the Old Testament: And yet from them two, the Genealogies, Matth. I. 13. and Luke III. 27. are drawn and derived; which makes some suppose, that Zerubbabel, and this here, to be different persons.  
Ezra] Ezra not that learned Scribe, chapter IV verse 17 Ezra VII. 1. And in the last letter of this Hebrew name there is a difference from the name of the other.  
in the days of Hezekiah] The Simeonites lying within the inheritance and lot of the Tribe of judah, verse 41 josh. XIX. 9 were not carried away Captive by the Assyrians; but continuing in their estate, sought to enlarge their territories, as is here mentioned.  
Amalekites] They bordered on mount Seir. verse 43 These the first that fought against Israel, Num. XXIV. 20. And after joined oft with other enemies against God's people. They were overthrown by joshuah, Exod. XVII. 13. Saul in his time was sent against them; destroyed many; but spared Agag their King; and for so doing lost his own Kingdom, 1 Sam. XV. and chap. XXVIII. 18. David afterwards destroyed more of them, 2 Sam, VIII. 12. And here the Simeonites in the days of Hezekiah, smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped. Thus the judgement denounced against them, Exod. XVII. 14, 16. Deut, XXV. 17, 18, 19 was accomplished. See the Observations on Esth. III. 1.  
King of Assyria] This Catalogue we find in Scripture of the Kings of Assyria; chapter V verse 26 Pull or Phul, in the days of Menachem: so here, and 2 King. XV 19 Tiglath-Pileser, in the days of Pekah, and Achaz; so here, and 2 King. XV. 29. and XVI. 7, 10. Jareb, Host V 13. and X. 16. Sargon, Esay XX. 1. Shalmanesar, called Shalman, Host X. 14. Who took Hoshea, and Samaria, 2 King. XVII. 3, 4. and XVIII. 9, 10. or Enemessar, Tobit. l. 2, 15. Sennacharib, who came against Hezekiah, 2 King. XVIII. 13. Esarhaddon, or Asnapper, Esay XXXVII. 38. 2 King. XIX. 37. Ezra IU. 2, 10. called also Sarchedonus, Tobit I. 22. And another King of Assyria, against whom Pharaoh-Necho King of Egypt, fights at Carchemish by Euphrates, in the last year of King Josiah, 2 King. XXIII. 29. 2 Chron. XXXV. But many leave out jareb, as no proper name of a King; and make Sargon to be the same with Senna harib. And some place jareb before Pull; and Sargon after Shalmanesar. And no doubt there were many Kings of Assyria, it being the first Monarchy, before Pull; though their names be not in Scripture. Though the Assyrians take the name from Ashur the son of Shem, Gen. X. 22. 1 Chron. I. 17. yet the Kingdom seems to be raised among them by the posterity of Cush, the son of Cham, Gen. X. 6,— 11.  
a Singer] Heman, chapter VI verse 33 of Kohath, stood in the midst; Asaph, of Gershom, on the right hand; Ethan, of Merari, on the left, ver. 38, 39, 44, 47. See more of the Singers, 1 Chron. XV. ver. 16,— 22.  
All their Cities] The Kohathites had twenty three Cities: verse 60— 63. The Gershonites thirteen. The Merarites twelve. In all, forty eight Cities.  
reckoned] Issachar a numerous Tribe. chapter VII  
Ephraim] The line from Ephraim to joshuah, verse 5 is Num. verse 20 I. 10. and chap. XXVI. 35 1 Chron. VII. 20, 26, 27.  
Shephuphan, verse 5 and Huram] chapter VIII verse 33 Either of these had three names.  
Ne'er] Ne'er had Kish the father of Saul; and another son Ne'er the father of Abner, 1 Sam. XIV. 50, 51.  
genealogies] This Chapter, chapter IX verse 1 and chap. III. 19,— 24. are some parcels of the last passages for History, of the Old Testament. See more on Neh. XII. 10, 11.  
David and Samuel] David and Samuel the Seer (though he died in the time of saul's reign) ordained, and ordered the Priests, verse 22 and Levites, Singers, and Porters, in their set Offices, and Courses; See ver. 10, 14, 22 and Chapters XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him, 1 Chron. XXIV. 19 by the Spirit, and by God and Nathan; 1 Chron. XXVIII. 12, 19 2 Chron. XXIX. 25. and VIII. 14. and XXXV. 4, 15. And Solomon did according to him, 2 Chron. XXXV. 4. Neh. XII. 45.  
day and night] verse 33 verse 9 The Singers employed in that work day and night.  
tidings unto their Idols] Idolaters ascribe their Victories, chapter X and prosperous successes to their Idols: so judg. XVI. 23, 24. 1 King. XX. 23. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 23. Hab. I. 11. They bring their Idols to their Camps, 1 Chron. XIV. 12. As the israelites the Ark, 1 Sam. IV. 3.  
castle of Zion] David took the Castle, chapter XI verse 5 or strong hold of Zion; dwelled in it; built round about it; called it the City of David. And joab repaired the rest of the City, 2 Sam. V 9  
came to David] There came to David to Ziklag a great host, chapter XII verse 1 like the host of God. And to Hebron to make him King over all Israel, 340822. And among them very many Priests and Levites, ver. 26, 27, 28. besides others intimated ver. 32.  
Jehoiada, verse 27 the Leader of the 3700. Aaronites that came to David to Hebron, to make him King over all Israel, 1 Chron. XII. 27.  
Jehoiada, a chief Priest, 2 Chron. XXIV. 6. married jehoshabeath or jehosheba; the daughter of King jehoram, and sister of King Ahaziah, 2 King. XI. 2, 3. 2 Chron. XXII. 11. He caused usurping, and murdering Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and jezebel, and wife of King jehoram, and mother of King Ahaziah, 2 Chron. XXI. 6. and XXII. 1, 2. to be murtheredher self, 2 King. XI. 16. And caused joash, grandchild of Athaliah, and his wife's nephew, and son and heir of Ahaziah, to be crowned King when he was seven years old, 2 King. XI. 11, 12, 21. 2 Chron, XXIII. 11. Of whom see more on 2 King. XI. 4.  
jehoiada, the son of Benaiah, David's Counsellor, next to Ahitophel, 1 Chron. XXVII. 34.  
bring again the Ark] David so soon as ever he was settled upon his throne over all Israel, chapter XIII verse 3 taketh the strong Fort of Zion, from the Jebusites: brings the Ark of God with all solemnity, yet not after the due manner, from Kiriath-jearim, and the house of Abinadab; And upon the death of Uzza, by the way, at the threshing floor of Nachon or Chidon, he carries it aside into the house of Obed-Edom, where it remained three months, 1 Chron. XIII. Hiram sends to David messengers, workmen, and materials to build him an house in Zion: And David takes more wives at Jerusalem; and obtains two victories against the Philistines, chap. XIV. And with great solemnity, in the due manner, he brings the Ark from Obed-edoms' house, and sets it in the midst of the Tabernacle or Tent which he had prepared for it, in the City of David, in Zion, chap. XV. where he offers Sacrifices; Order a Choir, gives them a Psalm of Thanksgiving, and appoints Ministers, Porters, Priests, and Musicians to attend on the Ark continualy, ch. XVI. In 2 Sam. V David takes the strong Fort of Zion; builds, dwells in it, hath messengers sent to him from Hiram King of Tyre, with materials, workmen for his building; grows great; takes more wives and concubines at Jerusalem; gets two victories over the Philistines in two set battles chap. V. And he brings up the Ark from Kiriath-Jearim, and carries it aside into the house of Obed-Edom; and after three months, he brings it thence, into the City of David, with great solemnity, and joy; 2 Sam. VI Now whether the things contained in 1 Chr. XIV. and 2 Sam. V after the taking of Zion, did intervene in that three month's space, while the Ark was in the house of Obed-Edom; or were acted before the Ark was removed from Kiriath-Jearim, is a matter of conjectural probabilities on either side: yet I rather incline to the later opinion.  
from Shihor of Egypt] This Shihor, chapter XIII verse 5 or Shichor, or Sihor, hath a notion of blackness in it; And is not that rill or drill of water called by foreign writers Rhinocolura; but is much rather the same with Nilus, otherwise not once named in Scripture, anciently by the Ethiopians called Siris, by the Greeks Melas, by the Latines Melo, from the blackness of the water, or rather of the mud and slime that it brings down with it, or the black colour of the grounds and soils it passeth through. It is called by way of excellency the River, Esay XXIII. 3. Ezek. XXIX. 3, 9 and the river or flood of Egypt, Amos VIII. 8. and chap. IX. 5. This River rising in the South from unknown heads, runs in one entire stream Northward to the Head Delta in Egypt, where it divideth itself into two main Channels; and afterwards brancheth into seven several streams, Esay XI. 15. Emptying themselves into the midland Sea: And so making that lower part of Egypt to be of a triangular form with the point upward, and the basis beneath toward the Sea [v]. One of the seven streams named Pelusian hath a stream issuing from it; which first makes the Sea or Lake of Sirbonis, of a great length, and vast depth, dividing Egypt from the Edomites, and Philistines, and so justly is named one of the Limits of the Land of Promise, Num. XXXIV. 5. Josh. XIII. 3. 1 Chron. XIII. 5. as the River Euphrates is named the other, Gen. XV 18. Deut. I. 7. and chap. XI. 24. Josh. I. 4. This River Nilus supplieth the place of Rain in Egypt, Zech. XIV. 18. by the overflowing of it; as is famous in Histories. The seven streams of old, are now become four.  
Baalperazim] By anticipation. chapter XIV verse 11 See the Observations on 1 King. XIII. 32.  
not after the due manner] The manner of doing makes or mars in matters of God's worship, chapter XV verse 13 Esay I 11,— 15. God owns not, but loathes, his own services, of his own ordaining and commanding, when by evil men, and in an evil manner performed, Jer. VI 20. and VII. 21, 22. Psal. L. 13, 16. Prov. XV. 8. and XXI. 27. Esay LXI. 8. and LXVI. 3. Amos V. 21, 22. Micah VI 7. Mal. I. 10.  
seven] Of the number of seven, verse 26 see the Annotations on this Text.  
dancing] See 2 Sam. VI 14. verse 29 Usual then to express their joyful and thankful hearts to God by Dancing, Psal. CXLIX. 3. and CL. 4. and XXX. 11. See Exod. XV. 20. Judg. XI. 34. and XXI. 21.  
he appointed] High and Solemn Service, chapter XVI verse 4 for, and before the Ark, appointed by David, 1 Chron. XVI. See that Particular, 2 Chron. V. 12, 13.  
trumpet's] See the Observations on Num. verse 6 X. 8. verse 7  
delivered first] See the Observations on Psal. CXV. 1. and on Psal. XCVI.  
at Gibeon] Hither was the Tabernacle brought after that beastly and brutish slaughter of the Priests made by bloody Saul at Nob, verse 39 1 Sam. XXII. Of Gibeon, see the Annotations on Host IX. 9  
his throne for ever] Some things here, chapter XVII verse 12 and hereafter, are true in Sololomon as the Type; but more in Christ the Antitype: some things proper to the Type only; others to the Antitype only: as was said on 2 Sam. VII. 12.  
Sat before the Lord] Of this gesture in Prayer, verse 16 see the Annotations on this Text, and Exod. XVII. 12.  
Abimelech the son of Abiathar] See the Observations on 2 Sam. chapter XVIII verse 16 VIII. 17. It may appear that there is no necessity that both these persons, father and son, had both of them these two names of Abimelech and Abiathar. See the Observations on 1 Sam. I. 3.  
Satan stood up] In 2 Sam. chapter XXI verse 1 XXIV. 1. The Lord moved David against Israel. See the Observations on Esay VI 9, 10.  
to number Israel] Out of pride only and curiosity, and carnal confidence: Otherwise the thing in itself not simply unlawful, when done upon good grounds and to good ends: As we see it done at other times in Scripture. God commands it, Num. I. 3. and XXVI. 1, 2. And Solomon and Amaziah did it, 2 Chron. II. 17. and XXV. 5.  
the sum of the number] 1100000. verse 5 of Israel, able men; from twenty years old, and upwards. To the 800000. in 2 Sam. XXIV. 9 seem to be added here those 288000. of David's Trained Bands, 1 Chron. XXVII. 1,— 15. already enroled, in public records. And their Colonels, Captains, Commanders, and Officers, to the number likely of 12000. which make up the said 1100000. To the 470000 of Judah are 30000. added more, in 2 Sam. XXIV. 9 which addition either might be the number of the Regiments under those thirty Worthies of David, having one thousand in each: Or rather an Addition of so many out of Jerusalem only, or out of Levi, and Benjamin also (which still joined themselves to Judah) after Joabs' first return to Jerusalem, and giving up his number to the King. For he was weary of the service, it being abominable to him; and therefore he is said, not to count Levi and Benjamin; and to begin to number, but not to finish it, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the Chronicles of King David, 1 Chron. XXI. 6. and XXVII. 24. In all, 1600000. neither yet took he the number from twenty years old and under, 1 Chron. XXVII. 23.  
It is enough] God in mercy shortens the three days of Pestilence, verse 15 stops the Angel, and reputes of the evil.  
Ornan] Or Araunah was the more free, verse 23 and forward in his Offer, so to expedite the business, for the staying of the Plague: for fear whereof, and of the Angel, he and his four sons had there hid themselves.  
for the Place] For the whole place and plot of ground, verse 25 with the Buildings, Gardens, and other things pertaining to it; which was a sufficient space and circuit of ground for the Building of the Temple upon it, with all the Courts, Chambers, Walls, &c., David gives here a great sum. Whereas he gives fare less for the bare threshing-floore, Oxen, and Instruments, 2 Sam. XXIV. 24. And David might give more than the worth, out of his royal bounty; as 1 King. X. 13.  
I have prepared] ver. 16. David's wonderful Preparation of gold and silver, chapter XXII verse 14 for the building of the Temple; amounting to seven hundred and fifty millions of pounds. See on Exod. XXXVIII. 24, 25, 26. Whereof Dovid gave out of his own proper goods, eleven millions and 250000 pounds Serling in Gold; and two millions, and 625000. pounds in silver; In all thirteen millions and 875000. pounds Serling. And the Heads, Princes, and Rulers, gave eighteen millions, and 750000. pounds, and 3125. pounds; In all, 18. millions, and 753125. pounds in Gold; And three millions, and 750000. in Silver. The whole amounts to twenty two millions, and 503125. pounds Sterling. Adding to this Davids proper Offering aforesaid, the whole amounts to thirty six millions, and 378125 pounds. See further 1 Chron. XXIX. 4, 7. and Chap. XXVI. ver. 26, 27, 28. All which yet is but a small part of that sum prepared by David, Chap. XXII. 14. See the notes on Exod. XXXVIII. 24, 25, 26. See the Offerings given in Zerubbabels' time towards the second Temple Ezra TWO 69; 70. And those in Nehemiahs' time, Neh. VII. 70, 71, 72.  
made Solomon his son King] This verse better concludes the former Chapter. chapter XXIII verse 1 For what follows to the 28. Chapter concerning the whole Ordering of the Kingdom, Church, and State, both Ecclesiastical in the Levites, chap. XXIII. and Priests, chap. XXIV. and Singers, chap. XXV. and Porters, and other Officers, chap. XXVI. And also Political or Civil, in the 12. Captains for each several month; in the Princes of the twelve Tribes; and other several Officers, chap. XXVII. were acted long before David's death, and his instructing and encouraging of Solomon to the building of the Temple, and the making of him King.  
and upward] To fifty years, verse 3 Num. IV. 3. After fifty they were freed from the service in the Temple; and kept in their several Cities, in their several Tribes; to teach the people, and to instruct and judge in matters brought before them, as having best insight in the Judicial Laws, and the whole word of God.  
David divided] Chap. verse 6 XXV. 1 As a Prophet, and by the commandment of the Lord, by Gad the King's Seer, and Nathan the Prophet, 2 Chron. XXIX. 25. And these Divisions and Courses his son Solomon punctually retains, 2 Chron. VIII. 14. And Jehoiada, 2 Chr. XXIII. 18. and Josiah, 2 Chron. XXXV. 4. And so after the Return from the Babylonish Captivity, Ezra III. 10. And so by God's Spirit David had all the Patterns of the Temple, which in writings he delivered to his son Solomon, 1 Chron. XXVIII. 12, 19 2 Chron. III. 3.  
of twenty years'] Num. verse 24 VIII. 24. from twenty five years old they begin to wait upon the service of the Tabernacle. Here David, by new warrant, enters them into the work for the Service of the Temple, at twenty years of age: likely more now being needful for this Service, ver. 27. 2 Chron. XXXI. 17. yet they come not to the full possession and fruition of their Place and Office, till thirty years of age, 1 Chron. XXIII. 3. Num. IV, 3, 4, 7.  
And to offer] At all offerings to fit and prepare the Sacrifices to the hands of the Priests, verse 31 who were to offer them on the Altar.  
The eighth to Abijah] Zacharias the father of John Baptist was of this Course, chapter XXIV verse 10 Luke I 5.  
according to their manner] To come on a Sabbath day, verse 19 and to continue their services there in the Temple, for that whole week, Ch. IX. 25. 2 King. XI. 5, 6.  
over against their brethren] That the first Course of Levites might attend on the first Course of the Priests; verse 31 And so of the rest.  
with Harps] Much Music used in God's Service. chapter XXV verse 1,— 8 See 1 Chron. IX. 33. and XVI. 4, 5, 6, 41, 42. 2 Chron. V. 12, 13. and VII 6. and ch. XXIX. 30. Psal. LXVIII. 24, 25. and LXXXI. 1, 2, 3. And so in the Tabernacle, Num. X. 10. and XXIX. 1. In bringing up the Ark, 1 Chron. XIII. 8. and chap. XV. 16,— 24. In going up to God's House, and coming from it, 1 Sam. X. 3, 5. Esay XXX. 29. This music was by skilful voice; and by various Instruments, both wind-instruments, and hand-instruments; And these, both stringed, and touched with fingers, or struck over with quill, or bow; or else shaken, or beaten with hand, or stick.  
Prophesy] See the Observations on 1 Sam. verse 1 XVIII. 10. and on Zeph. III. 4.  
Of Asaph] See 1 Chron. verse 2 VI 39 and chap. XV. 17, 19 and XVI. 5, 7. And see the Annotations on 1 Chron. XXV. 1, 2, 6, 9 And see the Titles of sundry Psalms.  
Of Heman] See the Annotations on 1 Chron VI. verse 4 33. See likewise 1 Chron. XV. 17. and chap. XVI. 41. 2 Chron. V. 12. and XXIX. 14. and Chap. XXXV. 15.  
Jeduthun] See 1 Chron. verse 6 XVI. 41, 42. 2 Chron. VI 12. and chap. XXIX. 14. and XXXV. 15. And the Titles of Psal. XXXIX. 62, 77.  
The four and twentieth] As many Courses and Companies of Musicians or Singers, verse 31 as there were of Priests, chap. XXIV. 18. and of Levites attending on the Priests, chap. XXIV. 31. These, as the others, in their Weeks and courses attended.  
Porter's] Of their Office, chapter XXVI verse 1 see 2 Chron. XXIII. 19 and the Annotations on this text. Their number, 1 Chron. XXIII. 5.  
Korhites] Descended from that Korah, Num. XVI. 1. great grandchild of Levi; From which Korah descended likewise Elkanah, and Samuel the Prophet, and Heman the singer, 1 Chron. VI 27. 33, 37, 38. 1 Sam. I. 1.  
treasures] Many sorts of Treasures, verse 20 and many Treasurers, in God's Temple, ver. 20,— 26. See the Annotations on this text.  
All that Samuel] Samuel, verse 28 and Saul, and Abner, and Joab, did dedicate part of the spoils won in battles, to maintain the House of the Lord.  
Izbarites] And Hebronites, verse 29 ver. 30, 31, 32. being Levites, 1 Chr. XXIII. 12. Num. III. 27. 1 Chron. XXIV. 20,— 24. were employed also for the outward business over Israel, for Officers and Judges: on this side Jordan Westward, in all business of the Lord, and in the service of the King. And some of them made Rulers over the Reubenites, and the Gadites; and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the King.  
month by month] David had twelve Captains for the twelve months, chapter XXVII verse 1 each with their Companies in their several months and courses attending the King: And Solomon had the like, after him, 1 King. IV. Each Captain in David's time had twenty four thousand under him; which in all arise to 288000. David's 〈…〉 and Husbandry.  
a chief Priest] The word so most usually signifieth▪ 〈…〉 times it signifieth also a Prince, verse 5 or Temporal Ruler▪ And 〈◊〉 VIII. 18. and XX. 26. and 1 King. IV. 5. and 2 King. X▪ 11. And 〈◊〉 And the fathers-in-Law, of Joseph, Gen. XLI. 45 and of Moses, Exod. III. 1. were Princes; for they would not marry the daughters of idolatrous Priests. The word came thus to be used in both sense, because the same persons at first were both Priests and Rulers; as the firtst-borne; before the Law; Moses, Psal. XCIX 6. and Eli. and Samuel, under the Law: And among the Heathen, famous is that of Anius, Rex idem Hominum, chapter I Phoebique Sacerdos.  
over the Tribes] These are Commanders in Peace; verse 16.— 22. Princes, or Rulers of the tribes: where thirteen are named. Or whom one is named of the Levites, And another of the Aaronites; One, of the half tribe of Manasseh, And another of the other half. And Gad, and Asher, are left out.  
stood up] Being now well-nigh bedrid, chapter XXVIII immediately before or immediately after Adonijah his conspiracy. verse 2. II.  
Candlesticks of silver] For the use of the Courts, verse 15 Chambers, etc.  
yet young and tender] Of Solomon's age, chapter XXIX verse 1 see the Observation on 1 King. III. 7.  
three thousand] See the observations on chap. verse 4 XXII. 14.  
Thine] Like the doxology of the Lords Prayer. verse 11  
Keep this] david's remarkable Prayer. verse 18  
the second time, and anointed him] The rather because the first anointing was in a time of tumult, verse 22 when Adonia, the next brother to Absalon sought to reign, 1 King. I. 39 But whether the later Anointing was before or after David's death. It is not clear. But sure it is that David himself was thrice anointed, once at Bethlehem by Samuel, and twice at Hebron, 1 Sam. XVI. 13. 2. Sam. II. 4. 1 Chron. XI. 3.   

II. Chronicles.  
THE II. Book of Chronicles contains the History of the Kings of Judah, (not of Israel, but a little occasionally when the two Kingdoms had to do one with another) unto the last end of that Kingdom, viz. from the first of Solomon, to the Babylonish captivity. Mentioning also the Proclamation of Cyrus for the Return out of the Captivity: Containing in all till that Return, four hundred sixty six years, or upwards: some say four hundred and eighty, which number of four hundred and eighty, was exactly complete, from the coming of the children of Israel out of Egypt, till the building of Solomon's Temple, 1 King. VI 1.  
horsemen] Ver. chapter I verse 14 28. of Horsemen, and Solomon's horses, see the Observations on Judg. XX. 2. How fare his multiplying of Horses, 1 King. IV. 26. and X. 36. And his multiplying of wives, 1 King. XI. 3. And his multiplying of gold and silver, 1 King. X. 21, 27. 2 Chron. I. 15. and chap. IX. 27. may square with, or swarve from, may stand, or fall, by that Law for Kings, Deut. XVII. 16, 17. is a thing to be considered, and not very hard to be determined.  
threescore and ten thousand] And ver. chapter TWO verse 2 17, 18. Solomon's workmen in Lebanon were 150000. viz. 70000. Bearers, and 80000. Hewers; All of strangers dwelling in the Land of Israel. And his Overseers of them were 3600. Such strangers likewise And so each of them were over forty two workmen or thereabout. And three hundred of these Overseers, which are more than those set down, 1 King. V 16. might be extraordinary, in case any of the Ordinary should fail, by sickness, death, or any other way. And thus, the Ordinary Overseers would be one over forty five workmen or thereabout. Or rather, those three thousand three hundred, 1 King. V 16. were Israelites & the chief of Solomon's Officers, added to the other three thousand six hundred Overseers, and set partly as with them, so over them, and partly over the whole work. And so each Overseer would be over twenty one workmen at least. Those sixteen thousand a month by course, 1 King. V 13, 14. are by some added to the Overseers: And so there would be one Overseer to eight workmen. But they may seem rather to be the better sort of workmen of the Israelites, joined to King hiram's workmen, 1 King. V 6. Those Officers, viz. five hundred and fifty, 1 King. 9 23. seem to be the chief of the Officers that were over solomon's other words, when he builded his own house, and that for Pharaohs daughter, and all his other Buildings (besides the Temple) ver. 15,— 19 2 Chron. VIII. 1,— 6. These bare rule over the people that wrought in those works. And the two hundred and fifty, 2 Chron. VIII. 10. seem to be chief of his Officers that bare rule over the people, i. e. over those Canaanites that Solomon had made Tributaries, ver. 7, 8. to rule them. And so iffering from the former five hundred and fifty.  
of beaten wheat] The difference of the Food and Measures of them, verse 10 given by Solomon here, over and above that in 1 King. V 11. may stand in this, That the former was for King hiram's Court and household; And this here for his workmen in Lebanon.  
Baths] See the Observations on Gen. verse 13 XVIII. 6.  
of Huram my father] See the observations on 1 King. verse 16 V 1.  
to Joppa] See the Observations on Jonah, I. 3.  
Solomon.] Solomon had divers elder brethren living, chapter III verse 1.— 9 besides Adoniah, when he was made King; and he was the eldest son of the four, by Bathshuah or Bathshebah, though he be recorded last, 2 Sam. XII. 24. 1 Chron. III. 5. and XIV. 4 2 Sam. V 14. And Nathan was the second, from whom Christ came, Luke III. 31.  
After the first measure] See the Annotations on Ezek. verse 3 XL. 5.  
Greater house] This was twice as big as the Oracle; verse 5 and four times as big as the Porch, 1 King. VI 3.  
he seiled] Or covered. This, and the next verse seems to relate to the Floor of the Temple, 1 King. VI 15. The walls are mentioned in the seventh verse following.  
Chambers] Of these see 1 King. verse 9 VI 5. 1 Chron. XXVIII. 11; 12. Ezek. XL. 44, 45, 46. and chap. XLI. 5,— 11. and chap. XLII. 1,— 13.  
an Altar of brass] That Altar in the Tabernacle was made of Shittim wood, chapter IV verse 1 hollow with boards; and over-laid with brass, Exod. XXVII. 1, 2, 8. And the staves of it likewise, ver. 6. And so Exod. XXXVIII. 1, 6, 7. And again it was covered with broad Plates made of the Censers of those Sinners, Num. XVI. 38. This Altar of burnt-Offerings in the Temple, though fare greater than the other, seems to be made of the same materials, Shittim wood, and brass.  
Of the Altar in Ezekiels Visionary Temple, see Ezek. XLIII. 13.— 17.  
Court] Of the Courts see the Annotations on 1 King. verse 9 VI 36.  
right side] See the Observations on 1 King. verse 10 VII. 39  
Seventh month] See chap. chapter V verse 3 VII. 8, 9, 10.  
Levites] Priests of the tribe of Levi, verse 4 1 King. VIII. 3. Num. IU. 15.  
unto this day] See 1 King. verse 9 VIII. 8. 1 Chron. IU. 41. till Nabuchadnezzar, or Nebuzaradan burned all, 2 King. XXV. 9 If Ezra writ these Books of the Chronicles after the return from the Babylonish Captivity, than this phrase must be understood as a Proverbial speech, to signify a long time. See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.  
Neither chose I any man] As I chose David, chapter VI verse 5 a special type of Christ, and in whose seed a royal succession was to continue from him to Christ.  
thou didst well] The purpose approved, verse 8 though the act forbidden.  
the fire] Of this see Levit. chapter VII verse 1 IX. 24. 1 King. XVIII. 38. 1 Chron. XXI. 26.  
sacrifice of 22000.] verse 5 Ver. 7. The greatest Offering that we do read of. Those 1 Chron. XXIX. 21. 2 Chron. XV. 11. and chap. XXIX. 32. and XXX. 24. and XXXV. 7, 8, 9 come short of this.  
appeared] Formerly, verse 12 chap. I. 7. This is the second time, 1 Kings IX. 2.  
my wife shall not dwell] chapter VIII verse 11 solomon's reverend and religious respect to the Place where the Ark of God had been.  
four hundred and fifty Talents] The thirty Talents reckoned here, verse 18 more than those, 1 King. IX. 28. seem to go for all manner of charges of the Navy and Voyage.  
Four thousand stalls] See the Observations on Judg. chapter IX verse 25 XX. 2.  
forty years'] Being born after David war with the Ammonites at Rabbah, verse 30 2 Sam. XI. and XII. chapters. A little before the time that Ammon deflowered Tamar: And so aged about eighteen years when he began to reign.  
Shechem] See the Observations on Josh. chapter X verse 1 XXIV. 1.  
Levites left] Cast out by Jeroboam, chapter XI verse 14 from their Cities, houses, inheritances, and all; for his own safety, 1 King. XII. 27. And to gain their possessions: making Priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi, 2 Chron. XIII. 9 A practice well beseeming Rebels.  
Devil's] Idols hear so called. verse 15  
in the way of David, verse 17 and Solomon] This charitably implies the Repentance of Solomon; as well as his Ecclesiastes doth; in his last days: though haply he could not reform all Idolatry; as neither Manasseh could after his repentance, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 7.  
and dispersed] Asdruball Gen. verse 23 XXV. 5, 6. 2 Chron. XXI. 3.  
Israel] Putskie and meant for Judah, chapter XII chap. XV. 17. See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXI. 2.  
against Jerusalem] After this Jerusalem was taken about ten times. verse 9  
one and forty] Therefore borne in the first year of the reign of his father King Solomon. verse 13  
four hundred thousand] Huge are the armies of the Jews. chapter XIII 1200000 Jews in those armies of Abijah and Jerrboam Wherein slain on Jeroboams side five hundred thousand; verse 3 much more than every one his man the greatest number that ever we read slain in any battle, v. 17. In the reign of Asa, he had out of Judah, and Benjamin, an army of 500080. And he fought against an army of Zerah the Ethiopian of a thousand thousand, and three hundred Charets (likely meaning three hundred [thousand] Charets, 2 Chron. XIV. 8, 9 the greatest army that we read of. And in Jehoshapha's time, he had men of war waiting on him, 1160000. besides those whom he put in the fenced Cities, throughout all Judah, 2 Chron. XVII. 14,— 19  
children of Belial] i. e. without yoke, verse 7 or without profit, as the word signifieth, Deut. XIII. 13. Such as Judg. XIX. 22. 1 Sam. II. 12. and X. 27. and XXV. 17. 1 King. XXI. 13. This title doth Shimei give falsely to David, 2 Sam. XVI. 7. But is truly given to the Devil, 2 Cor. VI 15.  
was young] Not in age; but in experience, and policy; being then, as was said, forty one years old.  
fourteen wives] Fourteen wives in his life-time; verse 21 for his reign was but short, even three years, ver. 2.  
ten years'] Yet likely some small skirmishes there were, chapter XIV verse 1 1 King. XV. 16, 32.  
Mareshah] A City in the North-West part of the tribe of Judah, Josh. verse 10 XV. 44. There Michah the Prophet was borne, Michah I. 1. And here as we see, in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah, Asa overthrew the hugest host that ever we read of, (Xerxes' army not excepted) of Zerah the Ethiopian.  
Gerar] Gerar anciently a City and Kingdom of the Philistines; verse 13 whose Kings seem all to be called Abimeleches; where Abraham, and Isaac, a while lived; both offending in denying their wives, Gen. XX. and XXVI. Isaac leaving the City, dwelled in the valley of Gerar. Gen. XXVI. 17. a most fruitful valley, ver. 12. as it were the Granary of Canaan, when famine was elsewhere in the Land, ver. 1. Here Isaac digged again the Wells of water, digged by Abraham, and stopped by the Philistines: And he digged others new. After Gerar fell to the tribe of Simeon. And hither, as we see, Asa pursued the Ethiopians: and smote all the Cities round about Gerar.  
long season] Thirty or thirty one years, chapter XV verse 3 conceiving this to be in the eleventh year of Asa at the end of those ten years, chap. XIV. 1.  
Israel] The ten tribes, under Jeroboam, Nadab, and Baasha.  
did turn] We read not of their turning in those thirty years. verse 4 This then may be taken by way of supposition; If they had turned, God would have been found of them. Or else Israel in the former verse may relate to all God's people; and comprehend in it also former times, even the times of the Judges themselves.  
Be ye strong] Ye of Judah and Benjamin, verse 7 ver. 2.  
Oded] See the Annotations on this verse. verse 8 Both son, ver. 1. and father here, might prophesy.  
renewed the Altar] And likely that whole Court, whereunto that chap. XX. 5 seems to have reference.  
stranger's] Those Israelites out of the ten tribes, verse 9 that fell to Judah, are here called strangers.  
third month] Likely at the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. verse 10  
fifteenth year] This may seem a second and more through Reformation, four or five years after his victory against Zerah. Or else that victory must be reduced to this fifteenth year of Asa. And till that time they had had rest, and no war; which fifteenth of Asa was the thirty five in his reign, i. e. since the Kingdom of Judah was divided from the Kingdom of Israel, ver. 19 viz. 17. of Rehoboam; three of Abijah, and these fifteen of Asa.  
six and thirty] It is clear that this well may, chapter XVI verse 1 and needs must, be understood likewise of that Kingdom wherein Asa was now King. For Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa, 1 King. XV. 28. And reigning twenty four years, ver. 33. he must needs die in the twenty seventh of Asa, or twenty six complete: And so we find it, 1 King. XVI. 8 And therefore this thirty sixth wherein Baasha waged war with Asa, must needs be meant of the Kingdom of Judah, that is, since the first division of the two Kingdoms. And so reckoning the seventeen years of Rehoboams reign, and three of Abijah, we find this thirty sixth to be the sixteenth of Asa, the next year after that full Reformation mentioned, 2 Chron. XV. 10. And to be the thirteenth year of the reign of Baasha. See a like passage, 2 Chron. XXII. 2.  
Ramah] Ramah of Benjamin, bordering upon Judah, Josh. XVIII. 25. See the Annotations on Host V. 8.  
Hananis] The father of the Prophet Jehu, verse 7 chap. XIX. 2. 1 King. XVI. 1.  
of Syria escaped] Which God might, and would, otherwise have delivered into his hand; as he did the Ethiopians, if Asa had not prevented the occasion and opportunity thereof by his foolish sending to and for Benhadad to aid him, and break his League with Baasha; and so showing thereby that he relied not upon the Lord, but upon Benhadad; for which he is justly reproved, and punished.  
a very great burning] Greeks and Romans of old used to burn their dead bodies; verse 14 specially of their Great ones, with a great deal of cost, burning huge piles, and curious fabrics of timber, together with abundance of odoriferous spices, at their Funerals; gathering their ashes into an Urn; and so laid up in their Monuments. And among the Jews we read something like, viz. of Burning at the Exequys of their Kings; so here, and Jer. XXXIV. 5. of such of them at least, as lived beloved, and died desired: which was to others denied, 2 Chron. XXI. 19 Jer. XXII. 19 and XXXVI. 30. But we read not That this Burning was of their Bodies, but of sweet Odours only at and in their Sepulchers.  
taught in Judah] The Priests and Levites did so. chapter XVII verse 9 The Princes by their authority, and in the King's name, made way for them so to do, with the better courage, countenance, and success.  
Philistines] These, verse 11 and the Arabians, subdued by Asa chap. XIV. 14, 15.  
Number's] See the Observations on chap. verse 14 XIII. 3.  
Waited] Waited in their Courses, verse 19 some at one time, some at another.  
Jehoshaphat] Jehoshaphat marries his son Jehoram to Athaliah, chapter XVIII verse 1 Ahabs daughter. And this in the eighth year of Jehoshaphats reign; as appears by the age of Ahaziah, succeeding his father Jehoram in the Kingdom, when he was two and twenty years old, 2 Kings VIII. 18, 26, 27. 2 Chron. XXII. 2. with chap. XXI. 5.  
went down to Ahab] In the twenty two and last year of Ahabs' reign, verse 2 and life; And in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat.  
Ramoth Gilead] See the Observations on 2 Kings VIII. 28.  
at a venture] God's Providence. verse 33 See the Observations on Ester V. 8. and on Ezek. I 18.  
Wrath] Wrath deserved by him; chapter XIX verse 2 and appearing on him, chapter XVIII. 31 and XX. 1.  
from Beershebah to Mount Ephraim] The South and North borders of the Kingdom of Judah. verse 4  
set] As Jehoshaphats Commission for teaching throughout the Kingdom, was chap. verse 8.— 11. XVII. 9 So here is his High-Commission-Court at Jerusalem, 2 Chron. XIX 8,— 11. following therein the Ordinance of Moses, Deut. XVII. and XIX. See the Observations on Deut. XVII. 8,— 13.  
Hazazon-Tamar] Gen. chapter XX verse 2 XIV. 7. Called also Engedi, a City of the tribe of Judah, Josh. XV. 62.  
thy friend] So Esay XLI. verse 7 8. James II. 23.  
cliff of Ziz] And so the Wilderness of Jervel; verse 16 both in the tribe of Judah; near Tekoah, and Berakah. ver. XX. 26.  
Korhites] Korhites that descended of that Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, swallowed up of the earth, Num. XVI. 1. 32. These were singers in the Temple, and some of them Porters.  
Praise the Lord] Psal. verse 21 CXXXVI. So chap. XXIX. 27.  
began to sing] In assurance of victory. verse 22  
three days] A rich spoil. verse 25  
of Jehu] See the Annotations on chap. verse 34 XIX. 2.  
in the book] 1 King. XVI. 1.  
joined himself] Jehoshaphat first, verse 36 it seems, refusing to have Ahaziah to join with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, 1 Kings XXII. 49. doth at last yield, and is reproved by Eliezer, and the ships are broken. Not that he joined first; and refused after, upon the Prophet's reproof; for then the ships might well have been unbroken. But however; Here the good King falls once and again into the same fault of joining himself with wicked Ahaziah; as formerly he had done with wicked Ahab; chap. XVIII. 1, 2, 3. and chap. XIX. 2. As we see the like in Abraham, Gen. XII. 13. with chap. XX. 2.  
Jehoshaphat King of Israel] Jehoshaphat here is called King of Israel; chapter XXI verse 2 that being then a distinct Kingdom from his. So again, are the Princes called, ver. 4. And Ahaz likewise, 2 Chron. XXVIII. 19, 27. And Darius is called King of Assyria, Ezra VI 22. And Artaxerxes King of Babylon, Neh. XIII. 6. As indeed the Persian Monarches were the rightful Kings of Persia, Assyria, and Babylon, or Chaldea. Of names, see more in the Annotations on 2 Chron. XXIV. 20.  
of his father] After his father Jehoshaphats death; verse 4 In his father's life-time, Jehoram carried himself better, both as, Viceroy, and King.  
slew all his brethren] And see Gods judgements upon his sons, ver. 17. and his grandchildren chap. XXII. 10, 11. only Jehoahaz or Ahaziah, or Azariah, left of the one; and Joash of the other.  
compelled] By force and persecutions. verse 11 A most wicked son of a godly father.  
A writing to him from Elijah] Written in the life-time of Elijah, verse 12— 15. who died before Jehoshaphat, 2 Kings III. 11. Left, and directed to Jehoram or for him; who would not endure the Reproof of a living Prophet. Therein prophesying and foretelling Jehorams Sins, and Punishments, Amongst other his wickednesses He show all his brethren, the sons of Jehoshaphat, 2. Chron. XXI. 4. And his sons were all slain by the Philistines, and Arabians, but Ahaziah the youngest (called also Jehoachaz, 2 Chron. XXI. 17. and Azariah, chap. XXII. 6, 7.) 2 Chron. XXI. 17. and XXII. 1. And Ahaziah was slain by Jehu, 2 Chron. XXII. 9 when he was twenty three years old, 2 Kings VIII. 26. And the sons of Ahaziah were slain by their grandmother Athaliah, save Joash, that was hid from her, and after crowned King; and at last slain by his own servants, 2 Chron. XXIV. 24, 25. We read that Josiah, and Cyrus, by their names, were prophesied of many ages before they were borne. But their good deeds were foretold not any evil of them; as of idolatrous bloody Jehoram here. Elisha foretells Hazael, face to face, of his bloodiness, and evil that he would do to the children of Israel, 2 King VIII. 12.  
Arabians near the Ethiopians] See the Observations on Gen. verse 16 II. 13. he reigned] jehoram of judah his Life, verse 20 Death, Burial.  
Forty and two] Clear it is, chapter XXII verse 2 That jehoram the father of Ahaziah was but forty years old when he died, chap. XXI. 5. And that Ahaziah himself was but twenty two years old when he began to reign, 2 Kings VIII. 26. But it was in the two and fourtieth year of the continuance of the Crown in Omri and his race, from whom Ahaziah descended, by his mother Athaliah, 2 Kings VIII. 18, 26. And the Hebrew expression by the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a son; together with a trajection of some clauses in this verse, do render this interpretation the more passable. And a like passage we find, as hath been showed, in chap. XVI. 1. And such trajections are used, 1 Sam. XX. 16. Ezra X. 17. Neh. XII. 22.  
Athaliah] Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah, and wife of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, and daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and grandchild of Omri.  
in Samaria] Not in the City, verse 9 but in the Kingdom of Samaria, 2 Kings IX 27.  
Son of Jehoshaphat] Grandchild. So daughter for grandchild, verse 2. A phrase usual in Scripture.  
seed royal] Sons of Ahaziah, verse 10 ver. 11. likely by other women.  
of the King] Jehoram, verse 11 and sister of Ahaziah; as is expressed in this verse.  
Of the Priests, chapter XXIII verse 4 and of the Levites] They the Prime men in the deposing of Athaliah, and crowning of Joash; guarding the gates, and compassing the King round about with weapons in hand, their courses being not dismissed; and others of them gathered out of all the Cities of judah.  
gate of the foundation] Called Shur, verse 5 2 Kings XI. 6. the high or higher gate, 2 Kings XV. 35. 2 Chron. XXVII. 3. Of the Gates of the Temple, and Courts, See the Annotations on Ezek. VIII. 3. See also Ezek. VIII. 5. 14. and chap. IX. 2. and chap. XL. 3. and 2 Chr. VIII. 14. and chap. XXIII, 4, 5, 19, 20. and chap. XXIV. 8. and XXVII. 3. and XXXI. 14. and XXXV. 5.  
the Horse-gate] Of the gates of jerusalem, verse 15 or of the walls of the City, see the Observations on Nehemy III. 1.  
gather of all Israel] chapter XXIV verse 5 So much of Israel as joash had.  
from year to year] One year would not suffice to make up this Reparation.  
hastened not] For in the twenty third year of joash it was not done, 2 Kings XII. 6.  
the Collection of Moses] So ver. verse 6 9 such as Moses used, Exod. XXX. 12, 16. or Exod. XXV. But this, differing from them both: agreeing only in this; As Moses then provided for the Tabernacle, and the service of it by those Collections extraordinarily, as need then required; so were they now, by somewhat a like Collection, to provide for the repairing of the breaches of the Temple. Yet is this, because somewhat like, called the Collection of Moses; as like sins, are called by the names of the sins of Manasseh, 2 Kings XXIV. 3. of the iniquity of the fathers, Exod. XXXIV. 7. of the error of Balaam, and gainsaying of Core, judge 11. and the sign of jonas, Matth. XII. 39 is used in a like sense.  
Sons of Athaliah] In their father jehorams life-time, verse 7 before they were taken and slain by the enemy; if sons here be taken properly.  
High-priests Officer] 2 Kings XII. verse 11 10. The Highpriest himself did this. But that jehoiada was this Highpriest, is not expressed.  
day by day] i. e. time after time, so oft as the chest was full.  
in Israel] the Kingdom of judah, verse 16 Gods people, 2 Chr. XXIX. 24.  
Prince's] Hypocritical flattering Princes. See ver. verse 17 23.  
Zechariah] Zechariah slain, and mentioned Matth. XXIII. verse 20 35. seems not to be this Zechariah, But rather the Prophet Zechariah, the son of Barachiah. Zech. I. 1.  
slew his son] Cruel ingratitude. verse 22  
host of Syria] This might be a seconding of that invasion, verse 23 2 King. XII. 17, 18.  
a small company] God visible hand in it; verse 24 for the executing of his judgement against Joash, ver. 25.  
son's] Likely more slain than Zechariah, verse 25 or taken indefinitely for one, as Gen. XLVI. 7.  
Book of the Kings] Most likely some civil Records. verse 27  
Amaziah] Of the times of the reigns of Amaziah, chapter XXV verse 1 and of Uzziah; as also of jotham, and of Ahaz, 2 Kings XV. 32. and XVI. 1. And of their Concordance with the time of the reigns of the Kings of Isreel, See my Annotations on Hosea I. 1.  
But he slew not their children] See the Annotations on this text. verse 4  
do it] An Ironical concession. verse 8 See the Observations on Amos IV. 4, 5.  
top of the rock] Selah, verse 21 or Petra signifying a rock; whence the chief City in Arabia Petraea is called Petra, 2 Kings XIV. 7.  
gods of the children of Seir] Worse then that of Ahaz▪ chap. verse 14 XXVIII. 23. Punished, chap. XXV. 20, 27.  
Altar of Incense] This the Highpriest might do, chapter XXVI verse 16 Exod. XXX. 7. and other Priests also, Luke I. 9 But not the King, or any else, but Priests.  
the chief Priest] Not styled the Highpriest verse 20  
was a Leper] Yet bare the title of King to the day of his death. verse 21  
Ophel] Ophel in jerusalem, chapter XXVII verse 3 over-against the water-gate, toward the East, where the Nethinims dwelled, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 14. Neh. III. 26. and XI. 21.  
his wars] 2 Kings XV. verse 7 37.  
his God] Though himself such an idolater, chapter XXVIII verse 5 ver. 22. So ch. XXXVI. 5.  
King of Syria] Rezin, 2 Kings XVI. 5.  
slew] Slew a great number. verse 6  
Captive] A greater number. verse 8  
fierce wrath] Pekah soon slain: verse 11 And in Hosheah's time all captivated; and the Kingdom extinguished; Esay VII. 16.  
the first day] for. chapter XXIX verse 17 3. Hezekiah gins Reformation on the very first day of his reign. Or rather on the first day of the year which fell out towards the later end of the first year of Ezekiah's reign.  
sixteenth day] So that Passeover was passed, and not kept.  
seven Bullocks] Here are seven, verse 21 to represent the whole body of the Kingdom. And here are used all manner of Beasts fit for sacrifice.  
the Priests killed them] And so Levit. IU. 4. and chap. IX. 8, verse 24 15, 18. 2 Chron. XXIX. 24, 34. The Levites did flay them, 2 Chron. XXXV. 11. And in some extraordinary cases slay them also, 2 Chron. XXIX. 34. and receive the blood, 2 Chron. XXX. 16, 17. The Priests only, not the Levites, came to the Altar, to lay the wood, sprinkle the blood, and burn them, Levit. l. 7. etc. and chap. III. 2, 5. 2 Chron. XXXV. 14.  
the Song] Psal CXXXVI. verse 27 See the Annotations on Ezra III. 11.  
to Ephraim, chapter XXX verse 1 and Manasseh] See ver. 5,— 11, 18. Yet this was before their final captivity by Shalmaneser, 2 Kings XVII.  
in the second month] ver. verse 2 1, 3. As in like case, Num. IX. 11.  
Kings of Assyria, Pull, verse 6 and Tiglath Pilneaser, 2 Kings XV. 19, 29. 1 Chron. V. 26. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 20.  
mocked them] But a final judgement son followed. verse 10  
had not cleansed themselves, yet] And, verse 18 it seems, in Josiah's time, all did not eat at the very hour appointed, at Even, 2 Chron. XXXV. 14. yet where the heart is upright, God mercifully heals such offenders.  
to keep other seven days] The power of the Church seen herein; verse 23 and by God approved.  
Since the time of Solomon] And the division of the two Kingdoms, verse 26 so many out of the ten tribes came not to Jerusalem to eat & celebrate the Passeover. Yet see a larger commendation of Josiah's Passeover, which followed after this, chap. XXXV. 18. 2 Kings XXIII. 22, 23.  
finished] Presently after the foresaid Passeover, chapter XXXI verse 1 they pull down idolatry; yea in Ephraim also, and Manasseh; which belonged to Hoshea King of Israel.  
third month] Or Feast of weeks, verse 7 of Pentecost; which is called the feast of harvest: And the seventh month is called the Feast of ingathering, Exod. XXIII. 16.  
host of the King of Assyria] Though that King Sennacherib; chapter XXXIII verse 11 and his host were so slain, in the time of his father Hezekiah. chap. XXXII. 21.  
a wall] Begun by his father, chap. XXXII. 5.  
yet unto the Lord] Not to false gods; verse 14 as was in the grosser kind of idolatrous sacrificers. verse 17  
Amon] Amon worse than his father Manasseh.  
eighth year] Being then sixteen years old; chapter XXXIV verse 20 and before that, the father of Eliakim or jehojakim, verse 3 2 Kings XXIII. 36. and chap. XXII. 1. compared together.  
twelfth year] Himself being then twenty.  
cities of Manasseh] Remanants then of the Israelites; verse 6 for the body of the ten tribes were formerly carried away captives, and the Kingdom exterminated.  
eighteenth year] This Reformation and Covenant made, verse 8 and Passeover kept, chap. XXXV. 19 And yet from this, or rather from the twelfth year above mentioned gins that reckoning of the sin of judah, Ezek. IU. 6. For under so good a King yet the people continued obstinately wicked; as appears in jeremy, who began to prophesy in the thirteenth year of Iosiah's reign, jer. I. 2. and XXV. 3. and ch. III. 6. And josiah only caused, and made them outwardly to obey, 2 Chron. XXXIV. 32, 33.  
the Houses] The Houses of the Priests, which adjoined to the Temple; and of the Levites, which adjoined to the Courts.  
Levites Scribes] 1 Chron. verse 13 XXIV. 6. Ezra VII. 6. 21. Neh. VIII. 9 and chap. XII. 26. and XIII. 13. See the Annotation on 1 Kings IV. 3. More fully, thus; we read in the Old Testament of several persons that were Scribes; some, Scribes of Kings, or their Secretaries; So David had one; And Solomon two, joash one, 2 Kings XII. 10. josiah one, 2 Kings XXII. 3. Of jonathan David's Uncle, that he was a Counsellor, a wise man, and a Scribe, 1 Chron. XXVII. 32. And of Baruch, that he was jeremies' Scribe. And of families of Scribes, that dwelled at Jabez in the tribe of judah, and were of the posterity of jethro, 1 Chron. II. 55. But why so called, or what their Office was, whether as Public Notaries, Scriveners, or Transcribers of the Law, or what else, it appears not. Here in Iosiah's time we find that in his business of repairing the house of the Lord, there were appointed of the Levites Scribes. And in Nehemiah's time he made Treasurers over the Treasuries [in the Lord's House] Shelemiah the Priest, and Zadok the Scribe. And in his time also was that famous Ezra, a Priest, son of the High Priest Serajah slain by Nabuchadnezzar, and the same a ready Scribe in the Law of Moses, a Scribe of the Law of the God of Heaven, of the words of the Commandments of the Lord, and of his Statutes to Israel; and the same a public Reader, and Teacher of the Law. In the New Testament we find them much more mentioned; and to be of more esteem; and themselves affected Pre-eminence and precedencies, Mark. XII. 38, 39 Here they are often joined with the Chief Priests, and Elders, and often with the Pharisees. They pretended to extraordinary holiness, as the Pharisees did; whence is that, Matth. V 20. and Acts XXIII. 9 They were of the Pharisees part against the Sadduces. Yea he that is called a Scribe, Mark XII. 28. the same is called a Pharisee, and a Lawyer, Matth. XXII. 34, 35. We read not that they were of the Sect of the Sadduces, or Essenes'. But we find them to join with all the rest, to question, to pose, and oppose our Saviour, to entangle and ensnare him by Questions, to charge his miracles to be done by Belzebub; Himself, with Blasphemy; to apprehend and bind him; to condemn him in the Council; to deliver him to Pilate; to accuse him before Herod; to prosecute him to death; to mock him upon the Crosse. And we find that these Scribes sat in Moses-chair, Matth. XXIII. 2. and were Preachers and Teachers of the people, Mat. VII. 29. and XIII. 52. And likely were all of the tribe of Levi.  
rend his clothes] See the Annotations on 2 Kings XXII. 8. verse 19  
Huldah the Prophetess] See the Observations on Zeph. verse 22 III. 4. The High Priest Hilkiah is here sent to her; she being an extraordinary Prophetess, so near at hand.  
Put the holy Ark] It might be put out of his place, chapter XXXV verse 3 in the days of his wicked father, if not of his grandfather.  
Passeover-Offerings] So ver. verse 8 9 in the Feast of Unleavened bread, for the seven days.  
After all this] Thirteen years after the foresaid Passeover; verse 20 that being in the eighteenth, and this in the thirty one, and last year of his reign.  
by Euphrates] Heb. Phrat, or Prat, or Perath, the fourth river in Eden, Gen. II. 14. usually called the River, and the great River: made one of the Boundaries of the Promised Land, Gen XV. 18. Deut. 1. 7, and chap. XI. 24. josh. I. 4. 2. Chron. IX. 26. Cut by Cyrus into several Channels when he lay in siege before Babylon which stood upon it; and so by him much drained and dried, jer. L. 38. See 1 Chron. XVIII. 3. jer. XIII. 4. and chap. LI. 63. Apoc. IX. 14. and Chap. XVI. 12. See on Dan. IU. 30.  
Megiddo] See the Annotations on Zech. verse 22 XII. 11.  
to carry him] But he died by the way, chapter XXXVI verse 6 Jer. XXII. 18, 19  
Eight years old when he] He was eighteen when himself began to reign, verse 9 2 Kings XXIV. 8. And but eight then when his father began to reign. The like relative sense may that speech admit, 2 Kings XVI. 2.  
no remedy] Desperate sinners procure implacable wrath, verse 16 irrevocable exterminating judgements.  
Kingdom of Persia] See the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Ezra, verse 20  
threescore and ten years'] For the beginning of these, verse 21 see the Annotations on Dan. IX. 2. rather than those on Zech. VII. 3. yet many learned are of the later opinion.   

Ezra.  
THE Book of Ezra contains an History of seventy years; viz. from the first of Cyrus, or his Proclamation, chap. I. 1. to the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanus; upon this Account; viz. Cyrus, seven; Cambyses, seven; Smerdis, one; Darius Hystaspis, thirty six; Xerxes, twelve; of Artaxerxes Longimanus, seven, where Ezra end. Or, premising two of Darius Medus before Cyrus, it comes to seventy two. The four last Chapters contain the History but of that one year concerning Ezra, which was in that seventh year of Artaxerxes. See chap. VII. 7, 9 and chap. VIII. 15, 21, 31, 32, 33. and chap. X. 8, 9, 16, 17. But the six first Chapters are extended by some, otherwise learned men, yet upon less probable grounds, to a fare larger scope of time; even to one hundred thirty eight, or one hundred forty five years: And they end the Book with the nineteenth year of Artaxerxes Mnemon; which seems clean contrary to the Text, chap. VII. 7, 8.  
For the clearer knowledge of divers things in this Book; as likewise in Nehemy, and Esther; A Catalogue of the Persian Monarches, and of the years of their Reigns is very useful: which out of the best Authors, with very little variation, may be as followeth;  year. Darius Medus 2 Cyrus 7 Cambyses 7 Smerdis 1 Darius Hystaspis 36 Xerxes 12 Artaxerxes Longimanus 48 Xerxes 1 Sogdianus 1 Darius Ochus seu Nothus 19 Artazerxes Mnemon 43 Darius Ochus 23 Arsen 3 Darius Codomannus 5  
And so the Persian Monarchy continued two hundred and eight years; or there about.  
In this Book of Ezra there is mention made of six Persian Monarches; first, of Cyrus, chap. I. 1. secondly, of Darius' ch. iv 5. thirdly, of Ahasuerus, chap. IU. 6. fourthly of Artaxerxes, chap. IU. 7. fifthly, of another Darius, chap. IU. 24. and chap. V 5, 6. sixthly, of another Axtaxerxes, chap. VII. 1. Or rather thus; Of five Persian Monarches, viz: ¹ of Cyrus; ² of Ahasuerus; ³ of Artaxerces; 4 of Darius, taking him mentioned, chap. IU. ver. ⁵. 24. and Chap. V 5, 6. and chap. VI 15. to be the same man. And 5 of another Artaxerxes. And the Persons of these by sundry learned men are sundry ways understood. Some take the first Darius to be Darius Hystaspis; Ahasuerus, to be Xerxes; the first Artaxerxes to be Artaxerxes Longimanus; the second Darius, to be Darius Ochus and Nothus; the second Artaxerxes, to be Artaxerxes Mnemon or Memor. Others take Ahasuerus to be Cambyses; Artaxerxes to be Artashasta or Smyrdis Magnus; Dariuses not two, but one, to be Darius Hystaspis; and the second Artaxerxes, to be Artaxerxes Longimanus. This diversity is occasioned by the silence of Scripture, and uncertainties of Heathen Greek Histories: yet this later opinion I the rather embrace, for that it stands best with the ages of Ze●ubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Mordecai.  
Ezra a child, when his father Serajah, the High Priest, chap. VII. 1. was slain at Riblah by Nebuchadnezar, 2 Kings XXV. 18, 21. And his brother Jehozadak, the succeeding High Priest, was carried into Captivity, 1 Chron. VI 14, 15. And his son Jeshua, or Joshua, or Jehoshua, the High Priest, the son of Jehozadak, or Josedech; Neh. XII. 1. Ezra III. 2, 8. and V 2. Zech. VI 11. came up with Zerubbabel. And this Ezra came up from Babylon, in the seventh of Artaxerxes, with a gracious Commission, Ezra VII. VIII. IX. X. chapters. And he was with Nehemiah, after the building of the Walls of Jerusalem; at that solemn Reading of the Law, and Preaching: and at that singular keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles, Neh. VIII. 1,— 6, 9, 13. &c And after the Feast, chap. IX. and X. at the Dedication of the Walls, chap. XII. 26, 36. So that upon the least account, He must live upon one hundred and fifty years, that is fifty three or sixty before the Return from Babylon; twenty three to the Building of the Temple; sixty seven to the Dedication of the Walls of the City. But upon the larger, and more improbable account, he must live at least two hundred and twenty years. He was a ready Scribe in the Law of God, chap. VII. 6, 11. And is generaly reputed the holy Penman likewise of the Books of Chronicles; And, as some would, of the Books of Nehemiah, and Malachi also. And is taken by many to be the restorer and orderer, after the return from the Babylonish Captivity of all the Books of the Old Testament, in that sort, and posture, and character also, wherein now we have them.  
Now in the first year] Hebr. chapter I verse 1 And in one year. Thus coupling his Book with the end of Chronicles. As the like is in the beginning of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, and many other Books. See moreover the Annotations on Ezek. I. 1.  
One for First is an usual Scripture phrase.  
And First here, is of his Conquest of Babylon, and of his reign there: For he was King of Persia, not Monarch, many years before, chap. V 13.  
Charged me] Esay XLIV. verse 2 28. and XLV. 1, 13. This prophecy might likely be showed to Cyrus, by Daniel or some other.  
vessels] Such as were not cut in pieces, verse 7 2 Kings XXIV. 13.  
Sheshbazzar] The Chaldee or Court-name of Zerubbabel, Ezra I. verse 8 8. and III. 8, 10. and V 2, 14. As Belteshazzar was of Daniel. The same work that is ascribed to Sheshbazzar, chap. V 16. is ascribed to Zerubbabel, Zech. IU. 9  
were five thousand four hundred] This number ariseth out of the particular numbers formerly mentioned, verse 11 amounting to two thousand four hundred ninety nine, and the rest that were unnumbered. Moreover are vessels given, chap. VII. 19 and chap. VIII. 25, 27, See the carrying of them away by Nabuchadnezzar, at four several times, Dan. I. 2. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 7, 10, 18.  
Province] Judah no Kingdom now; chapter TWO verse 1 but made a Province by the Conqueror. See chap. V. 8. Neh. I. 3. and chap. VII. 6. and XI. 3.  
which came] The manifold variations for Names, verse 2,— 60. and Numbers in this Register and Catalogue, and that Nehemie VII. may arise from the diversity of names given to one man. And from this, That the one was taken at their setting out from Babylon, viz. this Ezra II. The other upon their coming to Judea and Jerusalem, Neh. VII. And so some might come to Jerusalem which had not registered their names in Babylon: and some might register their names in Babylon which yet came not up to Jerusalem, either changing their minds to stay in Babylon, or dying by the way. Or else that in Nehemie might be applied to the persons that were living and remaining in the Land of Judah in his time, or else it might be taken out of some other Register besides this in Ezra. The numbers of them that returned with Zerubbabel in this Catalogue, Ezra II. and in that Catalogue, Neh. VII. 6— 62. fall fare short of that total sum, both in Ezra and Nehemy, which is said to be forty two thousand three hundred and sixty, besides seven thousand three hundred thirty seven more of servants and Proselytes, Ezra II. 64, 65. Neh. VII. 66, 67. The number wanting seems to be supplied out of those Ezra II. 62. and out of the Relics of the ten Tribes, that were both captivated, and returned with them of Judah, and are not numericaly set down, yet after the Return, continued among them, and professed their Religion, even till the coming of our Saviour, and the final destruction of Jerusalem. See 2 Chron. XI. 3, 16. and XXXI. 6. Ezra II. 70. and VI 16, 17. Matt. IU. 14. Luke II. 36. Acts II. 5. and XXVI. 7. Of those which came up with Ezra, see chap. VIII. 1,— 14.  
Tirshatha] Tirshatha signifying Governor in their tongue seems attributed here to Zerubbabel: verse 63 And is after to Nehemiah expressly, Neh. VIII. ver. 9 and chap. X. 1.  
Urim] See the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9  
the whole] Many more returned, verse 64 then those upon record that were carried into captivity.  
Singing men, verse 65 and singing women] Most likely such as were used, not in the Temple, but elsewhere, for mirth, as 2 Sam. XIX. 35. Eccles. II. 8. Esay XXIII. 16. Amos VI 5. and for mourning, as 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. Jer. IX. 17, 18. Eccles. XII. 5. Amos V. 16.  
seventh month] Ver. chapter III verse 1 6. In this month, the first day, they first offered sacrifice on the new built after their return from the Babylonish captivity. And in the same month of the year was the solemn Dedication of Solomon's Temple, 1 Kings VIII. 2.  
In the second year of their coming] They prepare for the building of the Temple; verse 8 or rather having formerly prepared, they now begin the building.  
wept with a loud voice] Many ancient men that had seen the former Temple, verse 12 which was burnt but fifty two years before, wept at the laying of the foundation of this Temple; either at the remembrance of the wondrous glory of the former Temple so burnt and consumed; and considering the small Preparations, and Means, for the building, and furnishing of this, Ezra I. 4, 6, 68, 69. and chap. VI 8, 9 and chap. VII. 15,— 22. and chap. VIII. 25, 26, 27. 33, 34. Neh. VII. 70, 71, 72. in comparison of those for the former Temple; Hag. II. 3. In which case God comforts them, Hag. II. 7, 9 Zech. IU. 6,— 10. and VIII. 6, 9 Mal. III. 1. Or else, seeing these foundation-stones not so goodly and precious, as those were known to be that were in Solomon's Temple, 1 Kings VII. 9, 10. For as for the largeness and compass of the foundation, it was not inferior to that of solomon's, 1 Kings VI 2. Yea far superior, if that Decree of Cyrus, and the record of it found by Darius, Ezra VI 1, 2, 3. mistake not; and the Cubits be the same.  
Esarhaddon] The son of Sennacherib, chapter IV verse 2 2 Kings XIX. 37. and grandchild of Salmaneser: And this seems to be the last of the Assyrian Kings; And the same with Asnapper; and to be him that carried Manasseh prisoner to Babylon, then under the Assyrian Empire, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11. And is likely the man whom Ptolemy calls Assaradinus, and the Greeks Sardanapalus, of Sar for Esar, haddon, and Pull; Pull being much used in the names of the Assyrian, and Chaldean Kings.  
Brought us up hither So that those adversaries, ver. 1. seem to be the race of those Samaritans brought in by Salmanesar, 2 Kings XVII. 6, 24. Or a second kind of plantation by his grandchild, ver. 9 which ever continued fierce enemies to the Jews, whatever they mischeivously pretend here, John IV. 9 Luke IX. 52, 53. And this makes that Answer returned to them here, ver. 3.  
Darius'] Hystaspis  
Ahasuerus] Ahasuerus seems most probably to be the man whom Heathen Authors call Smerdis Magus, verse 5 the son of Cyrus, and younger brother of Cambyses, verse 6 reigning a very short time.  
Artaxerxes] As they had formerly done in the days of this Artaxerxes; verse 7 who most likely is Cambyses. For to understand this of Artaxerxes Longimanus, and much more of Artaxerxes Mnemon; And the Temple to be builded in the days of Darius Nothus, and much more of Darius Ochus, will no ways stand with these Scriptures, and the notation of times contained in them, Zech. III. 9 and Hag. II. 3.  
Syrian tongue] Hebr. Aramite. This was in ordinary use under the Assurian, Chaldean, and Persian Monarchy, Esay XXXVI. 11. Dan. II. 4. This we commonly call the Chaldee tongue. It differs from the Hebrew Dialect, Esay XXVIII. 11. and chap. XXXIII. 13. and XXXVI. 11. Yet in the days of our Saviour it grew common among the Jews also; and is in that regard called the Hebrew tongue in the New Testament, John XIX. 13, 17. Acts XXI 40. and XXII. 2.  
Rehum] This, verse 8 and all the rest to chap. VI 19 is penned in the Chaldee Dialect. And so chap. VII. 11, 27.  
building the rebellious and the bad City] So ver. verse 12 13. and 16. They only went about to build the Temple.  
the river] So chap. V 6. Jordan, verse 16 or rather Euphrates, ver. 17. and 20. From Persia, it is beyond the river.  
work of the House of God] Though their Letter, verse 24 and the Kings Answer mention only the City, yet they extend it here to the House of God.  
Zechariah] He is called the son. chapter V verse 1 of Iddo; And Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, ver. 2. And they were indeed their grandchilds, Zech. I. 1. 1 Chron. III. 17, 18, 19  
Tatnai] He, verse 6 and Shethar-boznai deal more fairly and truly with the Jews in their letter to Darius, than Rehum, and Shimsai did in theirs to Artaxerxes, chap. IU. 12,— 16. And they make mention only of the House of God, and not of the City.  
until now] Butler hindered and inhibited in the mean time, verse 16 chap. IV. 21, 22.  
in Babylon] Or concerning Babylon. chapter VI verse 1  
Achmetha] Called by Heathen Authors Ecbatana: signifying a Summer seat for cool refreshing; verse 2 In which City the Kings of Media kept their Court in the Summer season.  
threescore Cubits] Cubits likely are taken here for common Cubits half the length of sacred Cubits; verse 3 which sacred Cubits were unknown to Heathen. And the number of them may be reckoned from the bottom of the foundation to the top on the outside; and from the outsides of the Temple, including the thickness of the walls, and of the Chambers adjoining. And so this Temple will be less than solomon's, 1 Kings VI 2. 2 Chron. III. 3. according to that Hag. II. 3. See the Annotations on this text: and the Observations on Ch. III. 12.  
three rows] This relates to the Courts of the Temple. verse 4  
Let timber] The great zeal of this King for the Temple, verse 11 appears in this, and other passages and Decrees, in this his Letter.  
Artaxerxes] Likely one of the seven that put down Smerdis Magus, and in a sort, verse 14 at the beginning was fellow in Empire with Darius' Hystaspides.  
finished] About twenty two years after their Return: verse 15 about twenty, since the foundation was laid.  
Offered] not comparable to that, verse 17 1 Kings VIII. 5, 63. 2 Chron. VII. 5. 7.  
And the children] From this verse to Chap. VII. ver. 11. the Text again is Hebrew. verse 19  
Killed] Each family, verse 20 or master of family must not kill it themselves; as they did in Egypt; But God's Ministers, Priests and Levites, must do it, 2. Chron. XXX. 15, 16, 17.  
separated themselves unto them] Heathen Proselytes. verse 21  
King of Assyria] See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXI. 2. verse 22  
Artaxerxes] chapter VII verse 1 Longimanus.  
Ezra] See the Observations touching him in the beginning of this his Book.  
Azariah] Six generations here omitted; verse 3 1 Chron. VI ver. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. And three generations omitted between Jeroam and Pashur, 1 Chron. IX. 12. compared with Neh. XI. 12. And so three generations are omitted between Joram and Ozias, Matth. I. 8 And all done for brevity sake; conceiving those Omissions to be things evidently known, or not so material to be there inserted.  
King granted] Ezra's extraordinary power and authority was from the Kings grant, verse 6 and not otherways.  
went up] So backward were the Jews in returning back to Judea after the Proclamation of Cyrus: yea, verse 7 the Priests and Levites themselves. See Esther VIII. 8, 9  
first] Four months in going. verse 9  
King of Kings] Ezek. XXVI. 7. Dan. II. 37. verse 12 This whole Letter is in the Chaldean tongue.  
seven Counsellors] So Esther I. 14. verse 14  
freely offered] great zeal, verse 15 and forwardness here; ver. 20— 26. and 28. and chap. 8. 25, 26, 27. as was formerly in Darius, chap. VI 11.  
canst find] Grants him a free Collection, verse 16 and what he can get and gather by it.  
not lawful to impose] Artaxerxes gives Ezra the Priest a grant and power for an immunity of the Clergy; verse 24 and for setting and appointing Civil Magistrates and Judges. See the Observations on 1 Chron. XXVI. 29.  
Males] In all, chapter VIII verse 14 1496.  
Ahava] A river, verse 15 ver. 21, 31. a few day's journey distant from Babylon, in the way to Jerusalem, ver. 15, 17 21. 31.  
Levi] Levites hear distinguished from the Priests, verse 17 chap. VII. 7.  
Casiphia] Not very fare from Ahava: verse 17 but fare enough from the Caspian Sea.  
Nethinims] See the Observations on Josh. verse 20 IX. 23.  
a Fast] A good pattern here. verse 21 See the Annotations on Joel I. 14. and on Jonah III. 5.  
Talents] See the Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24. verse 26  
fine Copper precious as Gold] Rare this; verse 27 and so but two of them.  
in the chambers] Divers of the Chambers on the sides or walls of the Temple, verse 29 were for Treasuries, to keep the holy treasures appertaining to the Temple, and service of God.  
their daughters] Of marriages with Heathens, chapter IX verse 2 see the Observations on Num. XXXVI. 6. yea more, it may seem they put away their own wives to take these, Mal. II. 11. 13.  
weeping] Weep in Prayer, chapter X verse 1 twice here. So 2 Kings XX. 3. and XXII. 19 Num. XXV. 6. Judg. XX. 23, 26. and XXI. 2. 1 Sam. I. 10. and VII. 6. 2 King's XX. 3. Heb. V. 7. Psal. VI 8. and XXXIX. 12.  
a Covenant] Covenants much used between God and his People, verse 3 Gen. VI 18. and XV. 18. and XVII. 2. Deut. V. 2. Josh. XXIV. 24. 2 Kings XI. 17. and XXIII. 3. 2 Chron. XV. 12. and XXIX. 10. Neh. IX. 38. Esay LIX. 21.  
and such as were borne of them] If the mother's continued Heathens, and did not turn Proselytes; their children were not to be reputed as freeborn sons, in the number of God's people; yet the fathers were to have a fatherly care of them, for maintenance and education.  
forfeited] According to that power given to Ezra, chap. VII. 26. verse 8  
separated] By excommunication; as John IX. 22, 34. or by banishment, chap. VII. 26.  
ninth month, twentieth day] Therefore the Proclamation, verse 9 ver. 7, 8, was on the ninth month, seventeenth day, about the beginning of our December.  
of one day or two] But of three months, verse 13 ver. 16, 17.  
Our Rulers of all the Congregation] Such as Deut. XVII. 9 verse 14 In semblance whereof in after ages they builded their Sanedrin, and great Council.  
examine] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a word beside all ordinary form of Grammar. verse 16 And the like is again Psal. X. 15.  
sons of Jeshua] of the High Priests race; which haply made the High Priest absent himself in this action, verse 18 ver. 15.  
All these] Seventeen Priests; verse 44 Of the Levites, Singers, and Porters ten, of all other Tribes, eighty six. In all, one hundred and thirteen, as the great Annotations count them.   

Nehemiah.  
THE Book of Nehemiah is the last Book and History of the Old Testament, mentioning matters after Malachi. It contains an History of one hundred and twenty years, or thereabout; reckoning from the twentieth of Artaxerxes Longimanus when Nehemiah began, chap. II. 1. to the days of Jaddua, two years before the period of the Persian Empire, chap. XII. 11, 22. Some make it about fifty five; reckoning so from the twentieth of Artaxerxes Mnemon, to the period of the Persian Empire.  
The two main and differing reckon then of the years of the two Books of Ezra, and Nehemie jointly considered, stand thus; Reckoning as some do, to Ezra one hundred forty six, and to Nehemie fifty five, the sum of both comes to two hundred and one. But rather reckoning to Ezra seventy two, and to Nehemie one hundred and twenty, the sum of both doth arise to one hundred ninety two. Thus the difference between these two reckon of both Books jointly, amounteth to nine years.  
If this Nehemiah be the same that came up with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, mentioned Ezra II. 2. Neh. VII. 7. and writ this Book; then Nehemiah must needs be a very old man; And that passage, ch. XII. 10, 11. mentioning Jaddua the High Priest, must needs be inserted by some other Prophet since his days; And much more since the days of Ezra: For Jaddua lived till the days of Alexander the Great, and met him coming into Jerusalem: which is the very last Historical Passage and Record of the Old Testament: For Psalm XLIV. And LXXIV. conceived by some to be penned in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes, carry no sure ground for such an after-date. And surely so many years as include the whole continuance of the Persian Empire and more, do far pass the date of one man's life in that age of the world. Yet that Nehemiah might well reach to the 32. year of Artaxerxes Longimanus; which is the last passage of this Book, setting that of Jaddua aside. However, many make this Nehemiah this famous Governor, to be another Nehemiah, of younger and later years, than he, Ezra II. 2. This Nehemiah came to his Government, when Eliashib, the Grandchild of Jeshua, or Joshua, or Jehoshua was High Priest, chap. III. 1. and XII. 10. The whole time of his Government is set down, chap. II. 1. and chap. V. 14. and chap. XIII. 6. The first time was twelve years. And the twelve first Chapters of his Book mention the things that were done by him in the first year only of those twelve. The second time of his Government is contained in the last chapter: And the beginning and durance of it is uncertain: yet long it was, as may be gathered out of chap. XIII. 28. See the Observations on that Text.  
And it was] The first particle may seem to join this Book to that of Ezra. chapter I verse 1 And some Translatours give this Book the title of the second Book of Esdras; as supposing Ezra to be the sacred Penman of both; though Nehemiah be brought in usualy speaking in his own person.  
Chisleu] About our November.  
Shushan] Shushan signifying a Lily in the Greek; a Fountain or Well in that Country language. The chief City in Persia; the winter Mansion of the Persian Monarches. See Ezra VI 2. Esther I. 2. Dan. VIII. 2.  
the wall] Ever since the ruin made by Nabuchadnezzar. verse 3  
Nisan] which is the Hebrew Abib; chapter TWO verse 1 about our March. the vernal equinoctial.  
Artaxerxes] Longimanus, thirteen years after Ezra, chap. VII. 7.  
I took up] His waiting-course being then come: four months after Hanani his coming, chap. I. 1, 2.  
prayed] Nehemiah his Prayer, verse 4 by ejaculation, like that of Moses, Exod. XIV. 15. And specially his zeal in the building, chap. IU. 16, 17, 23. and V 11. And his speed, chap. VI 15. And his courage against all oppositions, chap. IU. and chap. VI And his care for the needy and oppressed, chap. V 11, 12, 13. And his heat and wrath against sin, chap. XIII. 25. And his wonderful bounty, chap. V 14, 15, 17, 18. are all very remarkable.  
a time] Twelve years, verse 6 chap. V 14. and XIII. 6.  
Sanballat] As the Samaritans opposed and hindered Zerubbab●l in the Building of the Temple, Ezra IU. So the Moabite, Ammonite, and Arabian disturbed Nehemiah in the building of the walls of the City, Neh. TWO, 10, 19 and IV. 1, etc. and VI 1, etc.  
Which were] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; Here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (m) is used in the end of a word; which never useth so to be. And again 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (m) proper to the end of a word, is found in the middle, in the beginning of Esay IX. 7.  
Eliashib] Eliashib the son of Jojakim, chapter III & grandchild of Jeshua, (which Jeshua came up with Zerubbabel, Neh XII. 10. Ezra II. 2. and lived to finish the Building of the Temple, Hag. I. 14.) was High Priest in the Beginning of Nehemiah's twelve years' Government, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes Longimanus, Neh. III. 1. 20. as was said before; about sixty years after the Temple was finished.  
gate] For the Gates of the City of Jerusalem we read of the Citie-gate, 2 Chron. XXXII. 6. the first Gate, Zech. XIV. 10. the Gate of Benjamin, Jer. XXXVII. 12, 13. and XXXVIII. 7. Zech. XIV. 10. situate in the wall of the City, in the Tribe of Benjamin, Northward. Yet said to be in the House of the Lord, Jer. XX. 2. that is, by it; as the particle Beth is used, Num. XXXIII. 37. Josh. V. 13. and chap. XXIV. ver. 25, 26, 32. Jer. XIII. 5. and XXXII. 7. the Gate of Ephraim, 2 Kings XIV. 13. Neh. XII. 39 the Corner Gate, 2 Chron. XXV. 23. and the Valley Gate, 2 Chron. XXVI. 9 the Fish Gate, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 14. The New Gate, Jer. XXVI. 10. because repaired new by Jotham, 2 Kings XV. 35. 2 Chron. XXVII. 3. Yet some make it the East Gate, some the West Gate of the outer Court of the Temple; wherein they will have the Sanhedrin to sit. The Gate between two walls, by the King's Garden, if this be a Gate of the City, 2 Kings XXV. 4. In Nehemiah's time, at his new building of the Walls of the City, we read of the Sheep Gate; of the Fish Gate; the Old Gate; the East Gate, Jer. XIX. 2. the Valley Gate; the Dung-Gate; the Gate of the Fountain; the Water Gate; the Horse Gate; the Gate Miphkad or Judicatory; the Gate of Ephraim; the Prison Gate, Neh. II. 13, 14. and chap. III. 1; 3, 6, 13, 14, 15, 26, 28, 31. and chap. XII. 39 Zech. XIV. 10.  
Besides Towers upon the Walls of both Cities; the Tower of Meah; the Tower of Hananeel; Neh. XII. 39 Zech. XIV. 10. on the East side of the City, between the Tower of Meah, and the corner gate, Neh. III. 1. the Tower of the Furnaces, Neh. III. 1, 11. and Ch. XII. 38, 39 and others.  
And Valleys about it; as Jer. XXXI. 40. the Valley of the dead bodies, under Mount Golgotha, West-North-West of the City: and the Valley of Ashes; likely that came from the Altar of Burnt-Offerings: the Valley of Jehoshaphat on the East, and the Valley of the sons of Hinnom also; the Valley of Savey, or the King's Vale or Dale on the South; and the Valley of Rephaim or Giants, on the South-West.  
And Fields mentioned about it, the Fuller's field on the South, Esay VII. 1. and the Porter's field, or Acheldama, on the Southeast, Jer. XVIII. 2. and XIX. 2. and XXXI. 40. Matth. XXVII. 7. And Hills about Jerusalem were, Mount Olivet on the East; Mount Calverie or Golgotha on the West-North-west, Mount Gihen West, Mount Gareb North, jer. XXXI. 39  
The Brook Kidron did run on the East-side of Jerusalem; And the Fountain of Siloam, or waters of Gihen, on the West.  
Pools, two of note were near Jerusalem, Neh. III. 15, 16. The upper Pool of Siloah, called also the old Pool, and King's Pool; on the South, 2 Kings XVIII. 17. Esay VII. 2. and XXXVI. 2. or South-West corner: receiving its water from the river Gihen. And the Lower, of which Esay XXII. 9 2 Chron. XXXII. 30. which was made long after, Neh. III. 16. on the West: and drew water from the upper.  
sanctified it] This sanctification of this Sheep-gate, built by the High Priest, and his brethren, is deemed by some to be extraordinarily ratified and graced with that miraculous gift of healing from this time vouchsafed to the Pool of Bethesda close by this Gate: of which mention is made, John V. 2.  
cover not their iniquity] See the Observations on Psal. chapter IV verse 5 CIX. and the Annotations on this text of Nehemie.  
unto the half] Of the height of the Wall. verse 6  
a great cry] Of Oppressions in three sorts; chapter V set down in the three vers. following: Their needs and wants, which made them liable to these oppressions, being the more occasioned by their labours so much employed in the public work of the Walls.  
usury] Ver. 10. Of this see the inhibitions, verse 7 Exod. XXII. 25. Leu. XXV. 36, 37. Deut 23. 19, 20. Ezek. XVIII. 8. 13, 17. And God's judgements against it, Prov. XXVIII. 8. Ezek. XXII. 12, 13. Psal. XV. V Yet the word is used sometimes in a larger sense, and lawful way; as Matth. XXV. 27. Luke XIX. 23. And so Esay XXIV. 2. Jer. XV. 10. And to a stranger the Jews might lend upon usury, Deut. XXIII. 20.  
even this day] Without delay: verse 11 as Gen. XVII. 23.  
hundreth part] Which seems to be that which they received for use and interest; likely the hundreth part by the month of what they lent.  
require nothing] Here is more than was asked; verse 12 or rather nothing more than what thou askest.  
an oath] See the Observations on Host IU. 15.  
Shook my lap] See such like Rites used Luke IX. 5. Acts XIII. 51. and XVIII. 6. 1 Kings IV. 29, 30. verse 13  
forty Shekels] Five pounds haply each day, verse 15 taken and gathered from among them all.  
daily] Yet solomon's exceeded fare, verse 18 1 Kings IV. 22, 23.  
Ono] A Valley, chapter VI and a City in Benjamin, chap. XI. 35. 1 Chron. VIII. 12. not fare from Jerusalem.  
the fifth time] Thinking to prevail by impudent importunity. verse 5  
their King] A charge of high treason. verse 6 So Ezra. iv 12, 13. John XIX. 12.  
Shemajah] His vile hypocrisy, verse 10 false prophecy, corruption by bribery, so attempting strongly to hinder or destroy Nehemiah, and his godly proceed.  
Elul] About our August. verse 15  
in fifty and two days] Wondrous speed. See the Annotations. This was in the twentieth or one and twentieth year of Artaxerxes, and first year of Nehemiah's Government.  
Nobles of Judah] Guilty likely some way in the matter of marrying strange wives, verse 17 ver. 18.  
These are the children] See the Observations on Ezra▪ chapter VII verse 6 II. 2,— 60.  
And some] These Contributions differ from those Ezra II. 68, 69. And were made at another time, verse 70 long after the other; namely when Nehemie gathered the Nobles and Rulers together, ver. 5.  
seventh month] Beginning with the Autumnal Equinoctial, and was at first the first month, but changed, Exod. XII. 1, 2. The Jews being then in their Cities; gathered themselves to jerusalem, ver. 5. and chap. VIII. 1, 2.  
seventh month] See more of this in the Annotations on 1 Kings VIII. chapter VIII 2. and the Observations on Leu. XXIII. ver. 24. This was in the first year of Nehemiah's Government. verse 2  
Also jeshuah] Here are thirteen in several places, at the same time with Ezra, verse 7 reading, and expounding the Law to the people, ver. 12.  
Wept] As weeping at Prayer, Ezra X. 1. So here weeping at Preaching, ver. 11.  
Second day] Of this seventh month. verse 13  
feast] On the fifteenth day, verse 14 for seven days together. Of this Feast, see Levit. XXIII. 34. Deut. XVI. 13.  
roof of his house That were flat, and most likely leaded. verse 16 So Deut. XXII. 8. 2 Sam. XI. 2. jer. XIX. 13. and XXXII. 29. Matth. X. 27. 2 Kings XXIII. 12. Zeph. I. 5.  
Done so] Making such Booths; verse 17 and having an holy Convocation, not only on the first, and last day, as the Law required; but on every of the seven days, ver. 18.  
Eighth day] Which likewise was enjoined by the Law, verse 18 Levit. XXIII. 36.  
twenty and fourth day] The second day after the Feast of Tabernacles was ended. chapter IX verse 1  
separated themselves] They had not yet fully performed what they had solemnly covenanted, verse 2 Ezra X. 3. or soon fell into that sin again, chap. XIII. 23, 24. And were also under the guilt of the breach of that Commandment, Deut. XXIII. 3. Hereupon they make an ample Confession of sin of their fathers, and their own, in this Chapter; and solemnly renew their Covenant with God for amendment, in the next Chapter.  
One fourth part] Which is three hours; verse 3 viz. those from our nine to twelve, in reading and expounding.  
another fourth part] From twelve to three; in prayer, confessing, and worshipping: all the time between the morning and evening sacrifice spent in those two.  
jeshua] Here are eight, verse 4 in eight several places, preaching to eight several Congregations.  
bread water] 1 Cor. verse 15 X. 2, 3, 4. Spiritual blessings also in them.  
Appointed a Captain] This explains that, verse 17 Num. XIV. 4.  
Seraiah] Chap. chapter X verse 2 XI. 11. The persons that sealed the Covenant are set down; Priests, twenty two; Levites, seventeen; chief of the people, forty four; did it in the name of all the rest.  
entered into a curse] As by Covenant, verse 29 and Seal, and Oath; so by an Execration they bond themselves. See judg. XXI. 18.  
to observe] The matter of the Covenant: set forth afterwards in seven main branches.  
third part of a Shekel] A new Ordinance for this time, and present necessity. verse 32  
year by year] As so bound by the Law. verse 35  
Shall be with the Levites] See Num. verse 38 XVIII. 26, 27, 28, 29.  
take Tithes] Or rather give Tithes.  
lots] See the Annotations on jonah I. chapter XI verse 1 7. This also was in the first year of Nehemiah's Government.  
to dwell] Chap. VII. 4 the inhabitants few: therefore here is care taken to increase the number: and by lot to take one out of ten; beside Volunteers.  
Solomon's servants] See the Observations on 1 Kings IX. 21. verse 3  
at jerusalem dwelled] The inhabitants of jerusalem after the Return are recroded here; verse 4 and 1 Chron. IX. But with much variation. And many more are recorded in that of 1 Chr. IX. as intending there all promiscuously, both such as were chosen by Lot, and also Volunteers. And moreover there is mention made of Ephraimites, Menaschites, Zerachites, and others which are not once named here. And also the account was taken likely at another time after the first Record in Nehemie. chap. VII. 5, etc.  
Ophel] See the Observations on 2 Chron. XXVII. 3. verse 21  
over the business] These for the inward business of the house of God, verse 22 to assist it, in executing their function there: as those Levites, ver. 16. had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God, 1 Chron. IX. 15, 16. and chap. XXVI. 29.  
the King's commandment] As formerly, verse 23 Ezra VI 8, 9 and Ezra VII. 2, 24. So here by the Kings grant to Nehemiah.  
Villages] From the inhabitants of jerusalem, verse 25 he proceeds now to the inhabitants of other Cities, Villages, and places: and first in the tribe of judah, ver. 25,— 30. Then in Benjamin, ver. 31,— 36.  
And of the Levites] City's, verse 36 and Suburbs were given to the Levites, in judah, and Benjamin, for the necessary use of instructing and teaching the people.  
Priest's] The chief of them, chapter XII ver. 7. that came up with Zerubbabel, and were in the days of jeshua; verse 1 in number twenty two. Many of these Priests are not mentioned in that Catalogue, Ezra II. 36,— 39 and might well be there left out, without blame.  
The Levites] The chief of them, in the foresaid time; verse 8 in number eight, ver. 8, 9  
jeshua Catalogue or Series of the High Priests from jeshua or joshua, to the end of the Persian Empire, verse 10 from Cyrus to Alexander the Great; in six generations, ver. 10, 11. Of these, Eliashib was allied to Tobia; and joiada to Sanballet; both alients, and enemies to the Jews, chap. XIII. 4, 5, 28, 29. And jaddua the last of them hath his name inserted here by some Prophet, after the days of Ezra, and Nehemiah too, specially if Nehemiah be the man that came up with Zerubbabel; as hath been said in the Observations upon the beginning of this Book. See them.  
days of jojakim] The son of jeshua. verse 12 As formerly in his father's days; so here in his days, the Prime Priests that were Heads of families, (those in his father's time being supposed to be now dead) are set down; in number twenty, from ver. 12. to 21. These relate to those ver. 1,— 7. Yet the number of the Courses of the Priests appointed by David was twenty four, 1 Chron. XXIV. 7, 18. That the number of the Priests were now but few, that place Ezra VIII. 15. doth import.  
The Levites] The chief Fathers of them; verse 22 in the times here mentioned.  
recorded] And so to be found registered by name in the public records; so as they need not here to be set down again.  
also the Priests] They likewise so recorded; and so not needful to be here recited.  
Darius'] Darius Codomannus; the last Persian Emperor, conquered by Alexander the Great.  
in the Book of the Chronicles] 1 Chron. IX. 14, 15, 16. seem to be related to in these words, verse 23 for these Levites, in the times of these High Priests.  
Porter's] See 1 Chron. XXVI. and chap. IX. verse 25  
Nehemiah] It seems hereby that Joshuah the High Priest was dead before Nehemiah came as Governor into Judea; verse 26 yea or Ezra with his Commission.  
Dedication of the wall] The former Genealogies and Records of the Priests and Levites seem to be insisted upon, verse 27 the rather because they had so prime an hand in the Dedication of the wall. And therefore they are here so carefully gathered and brought together, 27, 28, 29. And this seems to be also in the first year of Nehemiah's Government.  
purified] See the Annotations. verse 30  
I brought up] The manner of the Dedication of the wall was thus; The wall was thick and broad; verse 31 that divers went a breast on it. Nehemiah appointed two great companies, consisting of Priests, Levites, Princes, and People. They entered upon the wall about the middle of the West wall, near the Dung-gate. And there the two companies parted. And each went as in Procession in this Order; The one company had Ezra the Priest and Scribe before them. And other Priests after him, founding their Trumpets. After them the Levites, playing on sacred musical instruments; and singers of them, that sang with a loud voice; All sounding forth God's praise, and their own thankfulness and joy, ver. 31,— 42. After them the Princes and Rulers. After them the People. And last of all, some great Prince, likely next in degree to Nehemiah. And this company thus went on the right hand southward by the Fountain Gate; and about the City of David, and all along the South-wall, even unto the Water-gate on the East. The other company went in like equipage; and Nehemiah himself the last of them. And they made their Procession on the left hand North-wards, from beyond the Tower of the Furnaces, even unto the Broad wall. And all along the North-side, from above the Gate of Ephraim, and above the Old-gate; and above the Fish-gate, and the Tower of Hananeel, and the Tower of Meah, even unto the Sheep-gate, on the East; And they stood still in the Prison-gate. The two companies somewhat beyond this Gate met together, that they might in order descend from this East-wall, to go into the House of God. And likely it was from the Water-gate on the East-wall; For the street it opened upon, was one of the eminentest, and of greatest receipt in the City, deemed to be that of Millo, which lay between the Temple on Mount Morea, and the Palace on Mount Zion, by which the King and Courtiers did usualy pass to and fro, Neh. III. 26. and VIII. 3, 16. 2 Chron. XXIX. 3, 4. and XXXII. 6.  
Ezra] Some other Ezra. verse 33  
Ezra the Scribe] That famous Ezra. verse 36  
Gate] Of the Gates, and Towers in this Procession mentioned, verse 39 see the Observations on chap. III. 1.  
great sacrifices] As in like cases of joy and thankfulness: verse 43 So 1 Chr. XXIX. 21. 1 Kings VIII. 62, 63.  
for the treasures] 1 Chron. verse 44 IX. 26. And so in Hezekiah's time, 2 Chr. XXXI. 4, 5, 11. See again, Neh. XIII. 12, 13.  
And the Levites sanctified them unto] The Levites paid to the Priests the tithes of all their tithes, verse 47 Num. XVIII. 26,— 30.  
On that day] chapter XIII verse 1 Doubtful it is to what particular time this relates. Yet most likely, to that Interim of time which passed in the absence of Nehemiah, between the end of the first, and beginning of his second Government.  
written] Deut. XXIII. 3. See the Observations on that text.  
they met not] As Melchizedek did, verse 2 Gen. XIV. 17.  
separated] See that Ezra chap. verse 3 IX. and X. and Neh. IX. 2. and ch. X. 30. and chap. XIII. 23,— 30. So difficult was this point of the Reformation; and so ready they to relapse into this sin.  
a great chamber] Pulling down the Partitions, verse 5 to make two or three into one.  
I cast forth] And so ver. 9 verse 8 brought I again. By my command and authority, not in my person.  
had not been given] This, verse 10 and other matters imply the Interim of Nehemiah's absence to have been more than a year.  
Sabbath] See the Annotations on Jer. verse 15 XVII. 21, 22, 24, 27.  
dark] The sooner, because of the hills about Jerusalem: verse 19 and the Sabbath was to be kept from Even to Even.  
some of my servants] That the Merchants might not thrust in amongst those that came to the Service in the Temple.  
the Gates] The Gates of the Temple; verse 22 by keeping out persons legaly unclean from the house and ordinances of God.  
swear] And so they had sworn before, verse 25 chap. X. 29, 30.  
sons of Jojada] His grandchild, verse 28 called Menasche, and brother of Jaddua the High Priest, as Josephus writeth, Antiq. lib. 11. c. 7.  
I chased him from me] This argues this Nehemiah not to be that man mentioned, Ezra II. 2. that came up with Zerubbabel: and yet to live to a very great age, whether he were the Penman of this Book; or else this clause inserted by some other Prophet. See the Observations on the beginning of this Book.  
Remember me] So likewise, verse 31 ver. 14. and 22. and chap. V. 19 He pleads not here any merit of his own, but all he pleads is for God's mercy sake; all goodness in him still proceeding from God's mere grace. He doth cheer up himself in this, in the sincerity and integrity of his heart, and the effects thereof, as fruits and sound proofs of the truth of God's graces in him, whereupon he further with comfort expects more mere mercy to come from the Lord.   

Esther.  
THE Book of Esther contains an History of nine years, expressed in the reign of Ahasuerus; viz. the third of Ahasuerus, chap. I. 3. the seventh, chap. II. 16. and the twelfth, chap. III. 7. In which twelfth year are mentioned the first month, chap. III. 7, 12. the third month, chap. VIII. ver. 9 and the twelfth month, chap. III. 7. 13. and chap. VIII. 12. and chap. IX. 1, 13, 14, 15, 17, 21. And some more years in his reign afterwards are noted indefinitely, chap. X.  
In this Book only of all the Scripture, there is no mention made of God, nor his Name once used. The Book of Canticles speaking much of Christ the Bridegroom.  
Ahasuerus] Heb. chapter I verse 1 Ahasuerosh. It is doubted which of the Persian Monarches this was. The LXX. still name him in their Translation Artaxerxes. Others take him to be Xerxes. Others fix their several fancies upon sundry others of the Persian Monarches. But the greatest probability is for Darius Hystaspis; who first extended the bounds of that Empire so fare and wide, and over so many Provinces; and married Atossa the daughter of Cyrus, called Vasthi, ver. 9, who was the third King of Persia; omitting Darius the Mede, before Cyrus; and the Magus Smerdis, not worthy the reckoning; and was next before Xerxes, that fourth and rich King, Dan. XI. 2. See the Observations on Esther II. 5. This Ahasuerus in his third year makes that Imperial Feast of one hundred eighty seven days; And therein that good Law for drinking, as most take it; And at the end of it, he deposeth Vashti, by the learned thought to be the daughter of Cyrus, chap. 1. In his fourth year Haggai, and Zechariah do prophesy: In his sixth year the Temple is built: In his seventh year, chap. II. 16, 17. he marries Esther. After promotes Haman; And in his twelfth year hangs him, chap. III. 7. and VII. 10. And about his twenty sixth year he imposeth that tribute, chap. X. as Historians do account.  
Shushan] The chief City of the Assyrian Empire was Nineve: verse 2 of the Babylonian, Babylon: of the Persian, Shushan, and Ecbatana: of the Grecian, divers; as the divisions of it were: of the Roman, Rome. Of Shushan, see more on Neh. I. 1.  
according to the Law, verse 8 none did compel] Compel; or restrain rather. For so a learned Divine renders the word, and sense of the place; That the drinking was according to the King's Law, not of the Kingdom, but of all the Officers of his house; or that the Officers should give them royal wine, such as the King himself used, and that in abundance, according to the state of the King when now in this Feast the King's purpose was to show the riches of his glorious Kingdom, and the honour of his excellent Majesty; that none therefore of his officers should restrain, inhibit, or hinder it, but give to every one of the guests freely and bountifully what wine, and as much, and as often as he desired; that as no restraint, so no complaint should be to the contrary.  
a feast] The greatness of his Empire was, verse 3,— 9 ver. 1. and is also Ch. VIII. 9 See that, Dan. VI 1. Here is the greatness of his Feast; and chap. II. 18. And great was his riotous luxury in the Purification of the Virgins, chap. II. 12.  
bed's] Beds whereon they feasted; verse 6 after the manner of those ancient times. See chap. VII. 8. Beds, i. e. bedsteads of gold and silver. And Amos VI 4. Beds of Ivory. Those for cost and beauty. That of Ogs, Deut. III. 1●. for largeness.  
On the seventh day] On the seventh day of that Feast, verse 10 ver. 5.  
refused] She might have made some fair excuse: verse 12 and not seem in this sort to despise her husband, ver. 17.  
his anger burn] See the Annotations on Dan. III. 19  
wise men] Wise men in State affairs, verse 13 in policy, and experience, in prudence and knowledge; and so of great place and account, ver. 14. Such are Kings Counsellors. Such as those, Ezra VII. 14. and 1 Chron. XII. 32. men gathering wisdom by observation of times and seasons, for passages of State, in ages past and present: and so the ablest to give counsel and judgement, the fittest for wise plots and projects. Such were still of great use in all Nations. We find mention of wise men, chap. VI 13. Esay XIX. 11, 12. and XXIX. 14. Jer. X. 7. and chap. L. 35. Matth. II. 1. And such a great Politician, a man expert in State-skill; was Achitophel in his time, 2 Sam. XVI. 23. and Jonathan, 1 Chr. XXVII. 32. and others, ver. 34. Of such we read, Prov. XV. 22. Esay I. 26. and chap. III. 3. Micah IU. 9  
according to Law] Thus he keeps close to the Law, verse 15 and that laudable manner, ver. 13. notwithstanding his burning anger.  
deed of the Queen] Examples have in them a kind of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; verse 17 And magnates, men, or women, are in a sort magnetes, loadstones, by their example to dray on others.  
among the Laws] Irrevocable, chapter TWO verse 19 chap. VIII. verse 2 8. Dan. VI 8, 12, 15.  
Let there be] To divert his mind from Vasthi; and to prevent displeasure from him, and her, against those who any wise did counsel and animate him against her, if he should repent, and she be restored to favour. See Dan. VI 24.  
to the house of the women] Ver. 14. verse 3 Mention is made of a second house; for the Concubines: Hege, or Hegai, ver. 8. the Keeper of the first: Shaahgaz, the Keeper of the second, ver. 14.  
purification] for 12.  
Mordecai] This might well be that Mordecai, verse 5 which came up with Zerubbabel, Ezra II. 2. And evinceth this Ahasuerus to be Darius' Hystaspides; and not Xerxes, or Artaxerxes; because he and not Kish, was the man that was carried captive with Jechoniah, ver. 6. And so he lived above sixty years in the Captivity; two years under Darius Medus; seven under Cyrus; seven under Cambyses; one under Smerdis; twelve under Darius Hystaspis, when Haman conspired against the Jews, chap. III. 7. And so he was eighty nine years old at that time; besides the age that he was of, when he was carried away captive; and the time that he lived after that conspiracy. All which may well stand together. But if by Ahasuerus be meant Xerxes, then instead of those eighty nine, we must reckon one hundred thirty five, that is, adding to them twenty four more of Darius Hystaspis, and twelve of Xerxes: which, together with his age before his captivity; and after the said conspiracy, intimated chap. X. would make him outlive the age of men in that age of the world.  
Hadassah] Not the same with Atossa or Vashti who was the daughter of Cyrus; verse 7 though the Greek Historians seem to take Atossa for Esther: But this Hadassa is Esther: called so, as may seem from the Myrtle-tree, dedicated by the Paynims to Venus; or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Star of Venus.  
his Uncle's daughter] So Mordecai and Esther were cousin-germans, brothers-childrens.  
best of the house] Best places and rooms in that house. verse 9  
twelve month's] Many were purifying together. verse 12  
the turn] Which was in the fourth year since Vasthi was put away; verse 15 and in the seventh year of the King's reign. She was taken into the house a year before.  
Tebeth] The Jews after their return from the Babylonish captivity used the Chaldee and Persian names of months. verse 16 To this Tebeth our December, our tenth month, most what answereth; they beginning the year at the vernal equinoctial.  
Queen] The year after the Temple was finished, verse 17 Ezra VI 15.  
the second time] To what ends then gathered, chapter III verse 19 it is not expressed. verse 1  
the Agagite] Ver. 10. Likely of the royal stock of Agag: but sure an Amalakite. Of whom see Exod. XVII. 14, 16. Num. XXIV. 7, 20. Deut. XXV. 17, 19 1 Sam. XV. 2, 3, 8. Ever bitter enemies to the Jews, ver. 10. See the Annotations on this text.  
King had so commanded] Commanded more than ordinary bowing and reverence; verse 2 for to other no command had been needful: This sure was extraordinary, such or such like as was used to the Kings of Persia themselves, more than was fit for any mortal man to have, a kind of Divine reverence and worship, which made some Heathen men themselves, as Conon the Athenian, not to yield unto it.  
bowed not] In that sort. His pious spirit would not stoop to it, could not brook it: And the rather because Haman was of that cursed stock, which God would have rooted out for their bitter enmity against the Jews. Yet Mordecai's humility appears in returning to the King's gate, his ordinary standing and calling, presently after his so high advancement in chap. VI 6,— 12.  
had told them that he was a Jew] This he did to satisfy them, verse 4 and justify himself; which shown the true cause of his refusal; and moved Haman to such wrath.  
all the Jews] Wrath raging, verse 6 and unmeasurable: the rather out of his inveterate hatred against all Jews.  
Nisan] Nisan is the Chaldee name, And Abib the Hebrew name, verse 7 of the first month; whereunto our March doth mostwhat answer. In which month the Lots were cast that shown Adar the twelfth month, to be the lucky month for executing that bloody Decree. The Commandment for which bloody butchery, was issued forth on the thirteenth day of the foresaid Nisan, chap. III. 12.  
from month to month] All this was or might be done in one day.  
Adar] Whereunto our February mostwhat answereth; as beginning on the eleventh day of our month.  
scattered abroad] Not into Babylon only, verse 8 but also into Persia, and all the many Provinces of it: And there remained behind after the Proclamation of Cyrus, and the Return made with Zerubbabel, Ezra II. Amighty scattering, though this comprehend the ten Tribes also; And a shameful neglect of the Jews, in not Returning.  
to suffer them] Lest they infect and infest the King's good subjects.  
I will pay] The Jews paid great tributes to the King. verse 9 In recompense of that loss, if they were destroyed, Haman would pay this great sum  
Ten thousand Talents] The ten thousand Talents, at three hundred seventy five pound the Talon, comes to 3750000. See Observations on Eoxd XXXVIII. 24.  
to the hands] Of the King's treasurers.  
his Ring] See chap. verse 10 VIII. 2, 8. Gen. XLI. 42. Luke XV. 22. 1 King. XXI. 8. Dan. VI 17.  
given unto thee] The grace of Favourites. verse 11  
first month] All haste used. verse 12 Malice expedites mischief.  
young and old] Monstrous cruelty. verse 13  
twelfth month] Delayed so long, because of the lot, ver. 7. else folly in Haman to have made so long a delay. God's Providence seen in ordering the lot so as there might be so long a time between the decree and the execution, for the using of means to prevent it.  
for a prey] To encourage the enemies and murderers. Which prey the Jews, in their case, punctualy abstained from, chap. 8. 11. and ch. IX. 10, 15, 16.  
sent raiment] That he might be fit to come into the Court, chapter IV verse 4 ver. 2. and unto her.  
who is not called] This custom and law was partly for state and honour, verse 11 partly for safety and security. Some had a general calling and licence by their places and offices about the King: but this extended not to the Queen herself.  
deliverance arise] Mordecai's faith and confidence. verse 14  
but thou] Mordecai's peremptoriness with Esther in such a case of extremity, ver. 13. And assuring her of certain danger and destruction from God, if she insisted on pretended danger from the King.  
three days, verse 16 night or day] Of Fasting, see the Annotations on Joel I. 14. This length of time might be endured in that hot Country; and in a case of such extremity: yet see chap. V. 1. Haman might well know of the Jews fasting and mourning in Shushan: But not of this of esther's and her maids.  
likewise] Butler not three whole days, chap. V 1.  
and if I perish] She might suspect her countenance less beautiful upon her Fasting; and remember the King's rigour against Vasthi: yet this is her pious resolution. See Gen. XLIII. 14.  
on the third day] chapter V verse 1 Whiles they in Shushan continued the Fast.  
his royal throne] She takes the time, when most likely she might find the King, and have access.  
half of the Kingdom] Again, verse 3 ver. 6. and chap. VII. 2. So Herod, Mark VI 23. a kind of Proverbial speech; not literaly to be taken.  
the King and Haman] Both together, verse 4 that she might accuse him face to face before the King; and so prevent delays, or mediations.  
to morrow] God secret and overruling hand of Providence herein. verse 8  
nor moved for him] It seems less respect used now then before; verse 9 else Haman belies him. And hither Mordecai comes, now without sackcloth, on the third day of the Feast; upon just causes no doubt.  
of fifty Cubits high] Monstrous high; verse 14 and suddenly erected.  
on that night] God wondrous Providence. chapter VI verse 1 See the like 1 Sam. XXIII. 27. 1 Kings XXII. 34. Seen, as in esther's putting off her Petition to the next day; so here; in his ordering the Kings waking; and hearing the Chronicles read, That so the advancement of Mordecai might intervene. Of God's Providence, see in the four living Wights, and in the Wheels, Ezek. I. 5,— 25. and X. 12.  
read] Likely reading to one in bed makes him sleep the sooner.  
to Mordecai the Jew] So that the King knew Mordecai to be a Jew; verse 10 and could not forget his Grant to Haman against them; and yet thus honours him.  
nothing fail] Yet the Crown is not mentioned, verse 11 ver. 11.  
Then took Haman] Without any replies, excuses, or objections made.  
begun to fall] One Favourite falls at the rising of another. verse 13  
yet talking] High time it was considering the business already past on that day. verse 14  
could not countervail the King's damage] chapter VII verse 4 The Jews were many ways very advantageous to the Persian Monarches; as the Israelites were to Pharaoh in Egypt.  
upon the bed] For the banquet, verse 8 chap. I. 6.  
will he force] Likely Haman might clasp her feet in his hands, to show the earnestness of his Petition for his life, that he would not let her go without granting him some favour. See 2 Kings IV. 27. Matth. XXVIII. 9  
covered haman's face] See Job IX. 24. 2 Sam. XV. 30. Ezek. XII. 6, 12. as unworthy to see the King's face, verse 9 or to be seen himself.  
hang] The Kings word in those days was warrant enough.  
pacified] He was not sorry for it afterwards.  
On that day] chapter VIII verse 1 The very same day wherein the things in the former Chapter were done.  
the house] And his estate, as escheated to the King.  
came before the King] As one of those, chap. I. 14.  
had told] And so the King's kinsmanby marriage.  
Esther spoke yet again] esther's zealous care for the safety of God's people the Jews still appears, verse 3 after haman's hanging, and Mordecai's advancement, in the seconding of her Petition on their behalf, with kneeling, and tears, formerly not mentioned to be used by her to the King.  
golden Sceptre] She ventures again to go in uncalled, verse 4 for her people's sake. See chap. IU. 11. and chap. V. 2.  
writ ye] This is another way. verse 8 For the former Decree could not be reversed, nor this new one being sealed with the King's Seal. See Ch. I. 19  
third month] Two months, and ten days after Hamans' Decree; verse 9 chap. III. 12. The Lots were cast in the first month, and twelfth year of Ahasuerus, chap. III. 7. And the Decree issued out the thirteenth day of that month, ver. 12. And did stretch even to the Jews in Jury, ver. 6, 8, 13. And the execution of it was to be on the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month following. But the Edict on their behalf issued forth on the twenty third day of the third month Sivan, i. e. two months and ten days, after Hamans' bloody Edict.  
Sivan] Whereunto our May most answereth.  
and unto the Jews] Whom it so much concerned.  
crown of gold] See chap. verse 15 VI 8.  
became Jew's] Proselytes, verse 17 turned to their Religion.  
as sought their hurt] Asdruball assaulted them; chapter IX verse 2 so as they were on the defensive part, and stood for their lives, chap. VIII. 11. and chap. IX. 16.  
smote all their enemies] Wonder that they durst rise against the Jews, verse 5 considering the mind and power of the King, and Queen, and Mordecai for them; see ver. 3.  
in Shushan] These likely of Hamans' faction; verse 6 eager set to revenge his death and downfall.  
to do tomorrow] It may be necessity to preserve the lives of the Jews in Shushan, verse 13 against such as might seek an opportunity hereafter, to revenge the blood of Haman, his sons, and others that were slain, might move her to this Petition; so to rid their hands of all their enemies.  
75000] It argues a great height of malice against the Jews, verse 16 That haman's ten sons, and others in Shushan, even on a second day; and so many in all the King's Provinces, durst so assault the Jews, that in their own defence they killed in all seventy five thousand eight hundred, likely most Amalekites; considering the King's Edict for the Jews, and the power of the Queen, and Mordecai, with the King, as hath been said: yet the Jews laid not their hands on the prey and spoil, though granted to them by the King chap. VIII. 11. chap. IX. 10, 15, 16. to show they did it not for covetousness; but to preserve their own lives.  
Mordecai wrote] Some extend this to the whole Book: verse 20 but more likely it relates to the point of Deliverance and ordaining the Feasts, ver. XXIII. 29. And herein the power of the Church is seen in Ordaining set annual Feasts, ver. 27. 29, 31. And so for Fasts, Zech. VII.  
Purim] i. e. Lots. verse 26 Of Lots, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 7.  
the matters of the fastings, verse 31 and their cry] The occasions that were given of their fastings, and cries, by which they obtained such a blessing. Some take this as a part of the Ordinance and Decree, to fast on the thirteenth day: And allege for it the practice of the Jews to this day.  
in the Book] Some public record. verse 32  
a tribute] We read of a release, chapter X verse 1 chap. II. 18. whether the Jews, by Mordecai's means were released of this Tribute, the Scripture expresseth not.   

Job.  
THE Book of Job is a true History, accompanied fully with all the circumstances of a true History, from first to last: and attested, Ezek. XIV. 14. and Jam. V. 11.  
This Book is written, in the judgement of some, in Prose, to chap. III. v. 3. In Verse; thence, to chap. XLII. ver. 6. And then again concludes in Prose, thence to the end.  
Job lived most likely when the Israelites were in Egypt; His age being one hundred and forty years after his Affliction was ended: and he having seven sons, and three daughters; and being the greatest of all the men of the East, before his Affliction began; Job XLII. 16. and I. ver. 2, 3.  
Jobs patience is wonderful; and so highly commended by the holy Ghost, Jam. V 11. His Impatience too much accused, as by his friends then, so by some others now; not weighing the burden of his Afflictions, outward, and inward; from heaven, earth, and hell; and withal his fair clearing of God, and his justice; and his full acknowledgement of his own sinfulness; though not of that Hypocrisy wherewith his friends did falsely charge him, chap. VII. 20, 21. and IX. 2, 3. 14, 15, 20, 21. and XIII. 26. and XIV. 17. and XXVII. 5, 6. and XXXI. 6. 33, 35, 36, 37. and XXIII. 10. and XIII. 15. and IX. 12.  
Jobs three friends most likely were of the posterity of Abraham, viz. Eliphaz, and Zophar of the posterity of Esau, Gen. XXXVI. 11, 40. Bildad of Abraham's race by Ketura Gen. XXV. 2. 1 Chron. I. 32. And Elihu the fourth, of the race of Nahor, Abraham's brother, Gen. XXII. 21.  
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, speak in order, one after another; Eliphaz and Bildad, thrice; Zophar, twice. To every one of which, Jobs Answers are annexed and interposed.  
Elihu speaks after they ceased, without any answer made by Job to him.  
Jehovah speaks last of all; And Order all.  
Uz] Uz in Idumea, chapter I verse 1 or Arabia bordering upon it. So called from Uz the son of Dishan, of the lineage of Seir, Gen. XXXVI. 28. Of this we read, Lam. IU. 21. Jer. XXV. 20. Or in that part of Arabia the Desert, near to Chaldea, where Job had such bad neighbours, the Chaldeans on the one side, and the Sabeans on the other, chap. I. 15. 17. We read of Kings of the Land of Uz, Jer. XXV. 20. And of Uz, the grandchild of Shem, Gen. X. 22, 23. And of Us, the son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, Gen. XXII. 21.  
three thousand Camels] When God blessed his latter end, verse 3 he had six thousand Camels, chap. XLII. 12. a wondrous number for one man. They were numerous, and of much use, in the Eastern Countries. Fifty thousand taken from the Hagarites, 1 Chron. V. 20, 21. The Midianites used very great multitudes of them in war; and put ornaments, and chains of gold about their necks, Judg. VII. 12. and chap. VIII. 21, 26. Some of them were swift; all, for burden, with bunches on their backs, fit for that purpose; but not fit to go through the eye of a needle. David himself had a special officer, only over his Camels, 1 Chron. XXVII. 30.  
East] Whither Abraham sent his sons, Gen. XXV. 6.  
and sanctified them] Sent to them, verse 5 requiring them to fit and prepare themselves, by all means, in an holy manner, to come and join with him in offering a sacrifice for them, and their sins. See Num. X 1. 18. Exod. XIX. 10. Josh. III. 5. and chap. VII. 13. 2 Chron. XXIX. 5.  
continualy] On those days when their feasting was gone about.  
the sons of God] The good Angels, verse 6 Job XXXVIII. 7.  
to present themselves] See 1 Kings XXII. 19 This is spoken after the manner of men, as Rom. III. 5.  
among them] Not that Satan comes into Heaven. The similitude is taken from earthly Kings.  
escaped alone] Satan spared him, verse 15 that by him Job might quickly hear it.  
winde] a great whirlwind. verse 19  
young men] And daughters also. Satan by his Commission might have taken away his wife also, as well as his children; But he left her to vex him.  
shaved his head] Did it himself, verse 20 or by some other.  
thither] Into the womb of our common mother the earth; verse 21 whereon he fell, ver. 20.  
sinned not] Contrary to that of Satan. verse 22 He blesseth, ver. 21. not curseth, as Satan said, ver. 11.  
earth] He hath no power in Heaven; chapter TWO verse 2 no temptation is there.  
skin for skin] Any skin for his own; though even that of his children, chap. I. 19  
for his life] To save his life and person free.  
sore boiles] Satan's power, verse 7 if God give him leave.  
Curse] Hebr. Bless. Either it is an ironical scoff at Jobs piety, verse 9 and patience: Or the word beareth two contrary significations: as the Hebrew Kadesh, Levit. VI 29. Deut. XXII. 9 And with the Greeks, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and the Latins, Sacer, and sundry others do. And so Cursing is here meant; as chap. I. 11. and 1 Kings XXI. 10. Some conceive that the crime of Blasphemy was so odious and execrable in those days, that men could not endure to hear it called by the proper name; but though they had a word to express it by, yet they chose rather to understand it by the contrary. So a Sodomite, and a Whore (our English word may haply be rather Hore, from Hire; as Meretrix, from Merces) have their names in Hebrew from holiness, being both most unholy, Job XXXVI. 14. Gen. XXXVIII. 21, 22. Deut. XXIII. 18.  
and knew him not] At first sight. verse 12  
wept] When they came near, and knew him.  
Seven days] The three friends silence for seven days and nights is wonderful; verse 13 Somewhat like is that, Ezek. III. 15, 16. See Lam. II. 10. and III. 28.  
After this] Job first breaks off that strange silence; chapter III verse 1 and his former pious patience; And through infirmity he passionately falls to curse the day and night of his nativity: wisheth he had died as soon as he was born; much magnifying the state of the dead, above his woeful life; whereof he complains, that it is in being, and is so bitter to him.  
conceived] i. e. borne or brought forth. verse 3 The night of conception is unknown, and the man-child till it be borne.  
Then Eliphaz] Here gins the first Onset of Jobs three friends. chapter IV verse 1 I will sum them up together: Here Eliphaz doth accuse Jobs faintness under present miseries: glance at his former hypocrisy: maintain in the general, that no good man was ever so punished; showing the prosperous state of the godly, and the plagues of God upon the wicked: and by relating a fearful Vision, he seeks to humble the excellencies of man, and justify God in his do above him, chap. IU. Moreover, he hints, that no Saint is so afflicted as Job; and he showeth that the prosperity of the foolish sinner is but momentany: adviseth Job to submit his cause to God; who doth wonderful things and unsearchable; against the evil, and for the good: and that he despise not the chastening of the Almighty; who then shall and will deliver and defend him, preserve and prosper him and his, chap. V After Jobs answer to this; Then Bildad doth reprove him for it: doth justify God in his judgements: and that if job will seek to him, and be upright, God, who doth confound the hope of the hypocrite, will prosper him, and fill his lips with rejoicing, chap. VIII. After jobs answer hereupon; Then Zophar reproves job, more than the other did, for his former answer, as justifying himself more than God; showing that God exacts of him less than his iniquity deserved: that God and his ways are unsearchable: But if job will pray unto him, and put away iniquity; then his future state shall become secure and glorious, chap. XI.  
who can withhold?] Hearing such, verse 2. 6. and so impatient speeches.  
Is not this] This, as a touchstone, shows that formerly they were but counterfeits. Thus Eliphaz unwittingly plays Satan's part, chap. I. 9, 10, 11. and II. 5.  
Remember] Give one instance, verse 7 if thou canst, of any good man perishing by the hand of God, as thou art like to do. This, and many other speeches of Jobs friends, we must not take for Scriptural and Canonical truths; though some of their speeches be cited elsewhere in Scripture. True it is that they said thus, though all be not true that they said; specially their false charges against Job, and misapplying of things to him, chap. XLII. 7.  
Lion] Seven names of Lions in Scripture. verse 10 Whereof see the Annotations on this text; and buxtorf's Lexicon.  
Now a thing] A Vision, verse 12— 16. or Preparation for the Revelation ensuing.  
Shall] The voice speaking, verse 17— 21. or revelation itself. Now Eliphaz might misapply the speech of this Vision; as himself, and his companions did many other good grounds.  
Lo] There is no comparison between Angels and God, verse 18 much less between man and God.  
Saints wilt thou turn?] chapter V verse 1 To find a parallel for thyself, that any living Saint was ever so afflicted.  
wrath] Impatience in man; verse 2 or wrath in God.  
To set up] This might serve as an encouragement to Job. verse 11  
yea in seven] From many, verse 19 yea from all troubles. There are in the words following seven troubles reckoned up.  
thou shalt know] Now Promises of Blessings do follow; verse 24 a comfortable state, and numerous posterity, a long life, and happy death.  
Lo this] Application of all to Job, verse 27 to make use of it.  
But Job answered] Here I will sum up together his first Answers to each of the three friends; chapter VI verse 1 as I did formerly their several first speeches to him. Here then, He aments the most woeful extremity of this misery which God inflicts upon him, so that his Complaints are not causeless; he wisheth that God would cut him off, and complaineth of the unpitifulnesse of his friends towards him, chap. VI He reneweth the mention, and bemoaning of his miseries, as insupportable: he wisheth death: confesseth his sinfulness; and craveth pardon, chap. VII. He acknowledgeth man cannot contend with God; and that he will not answer God, or contend to justify himself, though he were righteous, which he is not; but makes supplication to his Judge. He saith, God destroys the perfect and the wicked; that his days are few; his sorrows are great; that God will not hold him innocent; that he cannot answer God; yet would willingly speak to him, if his rod, and terrors were taken away from him, chap. IX. He will speak to God and say, wherefore dost thou so contend with me; and search after my sin? Thou knowest I am not wicked: Thy hands have made me: If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head; I am full of confusion; Thou huntest me as a fierce Lion: Oh that I had not been borne. Cease then, that I may take comfort a little before I die, chap 10. He reproves his friends for their plead against him: He knows what they know, and say, viz. That God doth all things in the governing of the affairs and states of men; even of the great ones. chap. XII. Again reproves his friends, as before; and checks them for pleading for God, in a wrong manner: bids them hold their peace; that he may speak: professeth his trust in God; his uprightness, void of Hypocrisy; and that he shall be justified: he desires of God to know his iniquity, for which he writeth such bitter things against him, Chap. XIII. He entreateth God for favour by the shortness of life, and certainty of death; though life once lost be irrecoverable; yet he waighteth for his change: he complains that God watcheth over his sin; and concludes that God prevaileth over man, chap. XIV.  
Doth the wild Ass] So neither do I complain, verse 5 if I had not so great a cause as ver. 3, 4.  
Can that] Can it with any pleasure? verse 6 much less if it be bitter, as mine afflictions are; and your unsavoury words. So the application seems to be made in the next verse.  
Cut me off] His wealth and health were taken away before; verse 9 now he desires that his life may be so.  
not concealed] Butler professed before others, verse 10 his word and worship.  
Is not] Any help in me, verse 13 and defence for me, against these evils, and your words?  
pity should] Here he strikes at Eliphaz; verse 14 and continues on so to do to the end of this Chapter.  
Tema] That part of Arabia where the posterity of Tema, verse 19 one of Ishmaels' race, Gen. XXV. 15. did inhabit See Jer. XXV. 23.  
Sheba] In Arabia Foelix, South from judea; whose Queen came to Solomon. And whereof we read Psal. LXXII. 10. Esay XLIII. 3. and LX. 6. jer. VI 20. Ezek. VII. 22, 23. and XXXVIII. 13. These seem to be the posterity of Cush, by his fourth son Raamah, Gen. X. 7. The Ethiopians were not remote neighbours from them.  
ye are nothing] Hebr. not, verse 21 or, as the Masorets in the margin, to it; i. e. ye are like to that brook, ver. 15. See the like various reading, Ch. XIII. 15. Psal. C. 3. Esay LXIII. 9 Exod. XXI. 8.  
to reprove words] As if my speeches were words without matter, verse 26 words of a desperate brainless man?  
my righteousness is in it] Ye shall find me no hypocrite, if ye consider better.  
shall come up no more] Into this world: chapter VII verse 9 till the Resurrection, chap. XIV. 12. and chap. XIX. 26, 27.  
I will complain] Men in anguish think it some ease to complain. verse 11 Grief kept in, like fire, burns the more.  
Am I a Sea] Too bold a speech from a creature to God, verse 12 in this, and that which follows.  
not departed from me] To give me the least intermission of pain. verse 19  
I have sinned] Though not by hypocrisy; verse 20 nor more than all others. Here he confesseth sin: And petitions for pardon, ver. 21.  
How long] He seems to cut off job in his speaking; chapter VIII verse 2 as not able to endure him longer to speak so much against God; so to charge him, and complain of him.  
If thy children] Son's; verse 4 and daughters, chap. I. 18, 19  
If thou wert wouldst be, verse 6 as ver. 5, 7.  
Though thy beginning was small] After thy repentance. verse 7 As indeed it was, chap. XLII. 11.  
yesterday] See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17. verse 9  
Can the rush] No more could jobs and his children's prosperity continue, verse 11 because of their hypocrisy, without sound piety, which is the true nourisher of God's blessings. To which purpose he useth also the Similitude of a Spider, and of a tree, to set out the fleeting prosperity of ungodly men, such as he intimates job and his children to be.  
Arcturus] jobs skill in Astronomy. chapter IX verse 9 And again, chap. XXVI. 7. 13. and in XXVII. 18. in some Translations. See the Annotations on Esay XIII. 10. And we see Astronomy in God's speech to job, chap. XXXVIII. 31, 32, 33.  
without cause] High speeches against God, verse 17 and impatient passages. As likewise, ver. 22.  
should not] An angry beginning likewise, chapter XI verse 2 savouring of indignation.  
I am clean in thine eyes] Indeed no hypocrite, verse 4 otherwise this is a false charge.  
secrets of wisdom] The hidden ways of his providence, verse 6 wherein he walks in his deal with mortal men.  
wild Ass' colt] So foolish, verse 12 so unable to comprehend the ways of God in his workings towards the sons of men.  
the wicked] Concludes with the misery of the wicked; verse 20 surmising, or implying job to be such an one.  
ye are the people] The all three. chapter XII verse 2 This is an ironical scoff, with indignation. See the Observations on josh. XI. 4. and on Amos IV. 4, 5.  
who calleth upon God] Either the mocked or mocker, verse 4 calleth upon God.  
answereth him] The mocker; whereas job himself, the mocked, is not answered.  
of robbers prosper] This job proves at large. verse 6  
earth] This English word may seem to come from the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. verse 8  
Doth not the ear] So easy is this point of trial. verse 11  
with the ancient] This may relate to that, verse 12 chap. VIII. 8, 9, 10. And indeed it should be so, chap. XXXII. 7. but is not always so, ver. 20. and XXXII. 9  
are his] And subject to his authority and power. verse 16  
girdle] Bringeth them to a lower condition. verse 18  
what ye know] This relateth to chap. chapter XIII verse 2 XII. 3.  
to reason with God] Rather then with his friends; verse 3 he is weary of that. And he joins herein with Zophar in his wish, chap. XI. 5. because he could clear his own innocence, before him, who sees his heart; and that he is no hypocrite, ver. 16. as his friends take him to be, by God's harsh dealing with him.  
of lies] Against God, verse 4 and me.  
Hear now] Bids them save their labour in speaking, verse 6 unless it were to better purpose, ver. 5. And now hearken to him, and his reasonings, for God, against them, and in defence of himself.  
mock him?] Or seek to delude and beguile him; verse 9 pleading his cause by bad arguments?  
accept persons Though it be Gods own person. verse 10  
what will] What ever become of me. verse 13 Like that 2 Sam. XVIII. 23.  
my flesh in my teeth?] Grief and plagues enough to make me tear my flesh. verse 14  
put my life] Every moment be in danger to die.  
yet will I trust] Hear the Cetib, verse 15 or written in the text, is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not: And so the Reading and rendering may rather be this, should I not trust in him? And thus the denying Interrogative is equivalent to an affirming Enunciative. The like may well be admitted, Esay XLIX. 5, 6. And there are sundry Interrogatives found in Scripture where the Negative is suppressed; as Job XX. 4. Gen. XXVII. 36. 1 Sam. II. 27, 28. 2 Sam. XXIII. 19 Jer. III. 6. and XXXI. 20. Ezek. XX. 30. Amos VI 2. And the Masorets in like cases to this in Job, do usualy ascribe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to him; as their Keri in the margin. And they use this liberty more in this one word, then in any other in the Old Testament.  
before him] To plead his cause with confidence, verse 16 as I am ready to do.  
I have ordered my Cause] He prepares for his trial before God. verse 18 I am ready to plead.  
justified] For the various significations of this word, see the Annotations here.  
Only] That he may have a fair trial. verse 20  
then] I will go on in my plea.  
Then call thou] He offers the choice to God, verse 22 whether he will be plaintiff, or Defendant: such is his confidence.  
and answer thou me.] This is too much for any man, or creature, to say to God. Yet the extremity of his case brings him to this extremity.  
How many] Here gins his Plea; verse 23 and continues to the end of the next Chapter. Let me know my charge; and condemn me not before I be heard.  
wherefore] If no heinous cause be alleged. verse 24  
break a leaf] No honour to a Giant to break and bruise an infant. verse 25  
a print upon] Followest me step by step; verse 27 not one step behind me; to mark my sins, to plague me, and prevent my escape.  
woman] In the Hebrew, chapter XIV verse 1 hath her name from a man; as the first woman had her nature also.  
And dost thou] Chap. VII. 17, 18.  
me into judgement with thee?] So great a God, verse 3 to deal summo jure, most rigorously, with such a worm and wretch, and not to pity him; as if this were a main thing that God looked at in his providence.  
who can] Why then am I thus singled out? verse 4  
Turn from him] From plaguing him so sorely for sin, verse 6 as now thou dost me.  
hope of a tree] But an impossibility after man's death, verse 7 to return hither again, to enjoy any comfort here.  
and where is he?] No where among the living. verse 10  
As the waters] As the flood fed by those waters than decayeth; verse 11 So, etc.  
till the heavens be no more] As now they are; verse 12 but changed, at the Resurrection.  
shall he live again] As chap. XV. 11. verse 14 and IV. 2. Gen. XVII. 17. a wonder it is; yet true.  
Thou wilt have a desire] Thus at that time it will appear; verse 15 to Jobs comfort.  
For now] Job concludes in a passionate fit, verse 16 That yet now God deals strictly and harshly with him, and his sins.  
the mountain] The strongest creatures yield to thy power. verse 18  
Thou prevailest] Applies it to man, verse 20 and God's prevailing power over him, and his hopes.  
his soul] For the various acceptations of this word, verse 22 See the Annotations here.  
Then] Here gins the second onset of Jobs three friends. chapter XV verse 1 Wherein being angered likely by some harsh words of Job, reflecting on them, they do only lay load upun him, as upon a wicked man; drawing ill Conclusions from his Passionate Speeches; and insisting upon it still, That so many, and great calamities, as fell upon him, befell to none but to ungodly men: But they afford him not one Exhortation to Repentance, or one comfortable promise, as formerly they had done, chap. V 8, 17. and chap. VIII. 5, 20, 21. and chap. XI. 13,— 19  
And Job, in his Replies, the more sharply reproves them for their inhumanity, and uncomfortableness towards him, in his distressed condition; which sad estate he still sets out copiously; and that it ought to move them the more to pity and commiseration. He refels their false position, whereupon they stood so much, viz. the Prosperity of the Godly, and the Punishment of the Wicked only; and shows, That many times the wicked greatly flourish, and the godly extremely suffer. And he refutes the slanderous imputations fastened upon him by reason of the strange grievousness of his afflictions; He asserts and defends his own innocence, and contends more eagerly for his integrity, against hypocrisy, than he did before: He comforts himself in the certain hope of a glorious Resurrection hereafter: and moves them to Repent of their ill and hard deal against him.  
and restrainest Prayer before God] By thy ungodly speeches dost discourage men from Praying to God. verse 4  
that we know not?] See chap. XIII. 2. verse 9  
what is man] Eliphaz doth but repeat the same argument which he used before, verse 14 chap. IV. 17, 18, 19 And makes little against Job; who confesseth as much. And yet Bildad useth it again, chap. XXV. 4, 5.  
unto whom] Unto which wise worthy men God gave a continuance of undisturbed prosperity. verse 19 And therefore their say not to be slighted.  
The wicked] Here follow those wise sentences, verse 20 to the end of the Chapter. The same in substance he had said before, chapter IU. and V But here are they more lively set forth.  
and the number] How long the Oppressor shall live.  
He runneth upon him] God sets fiercely on him, verse 26 and his strongest armour.  
dwelleth in desolate] His luxury foreruns his poverty. verse 28 He shall not be rich, nor prosper; God will blast his endeavours: for all his vain confidence; as he showeth to the end of the chapter.  
Though I speak] Job acknowledgeth that all those things had, chapter XVI verse 6 and do befall him, which Eliphaz had said do befall wicked men: and he instanceth in divers particular afflictions, wherein, and whereby he complaineth of his misery, and the harsh and fierce deal of God, and his friends, against him, to verse 17. Yet denies himself to be an ungodly man; and by arguments makes it good, from verse 17. to the end of the chapter.  
a surety] Job would be glad of a Surety to be put in; chapter XVII verse 3 to have some other, and not his friends, to hear him plead and maintain his cause.  
astonished] At this dealing of God with Job. verse 8  
stir up himself] For me, against the hypocrite; to clear me, and themselves, from such men: and make better use of mine afflictions; as in the verse following.  
my hope] He was sailed past the Cape of good hope, verse 15 for any worldly prosperity: It shall lie down with him in the dust.  
for thee] Bildad bitterly reproves Job, chapter XVIII verse 4 for contemning them, and misbehaving himself.  
the light of the wicked] In a sharp and angry speech he lays out to the life the miseries of wicked men, verse 5 in life, in death, and after death, to the end of this chapter. And so he doth but enlarge what he had said, chap. VIII. And seems to imply thereby that they had not charged Job unjustly, seeing him lie under such judgements, as God did not inflict but upon ungodly men. And here he deals not with him by exhortation, and promises; as there he did; but seems also to imply and threaten these judgements to Job, as unavoidable by him.  
the firstborn of death] The most terrible kind of death, verse 13 that carrieth the principality above all other kinds of death; as the firstborn doth above all the brethren. And yet death itself, in what kind soever, is called in the next verse the King of terrors.  
How long] Hear Job again blames his friends, chapter XIX verse 2 ver. 2, 3.  
And be it] By a fresh commemoration of his miseries, verse 4 wherein he chargeth God still too heavily, he moves them rather to a Compassion and Commiseration of him, to verse 23.  
skin of my teeth] Of my lips, verse 20 or gums rather.  
Oh that my words] Fearing to find little comfort in his friends, verse 23 he betakes himself to God, and comforts himself in an assured expectation of a joyful Resurrection.  
But ye] Job admonisheth his friends to be well advised of their ill dealing with him; verse 28 and to fear God's wrath; seeing the root of right and Religion is in Job, and will be found so in the end.  
that the triumphing of the wicked is but short] Being driven from that part of their argument, chapter XX verse 5 That God did not use to give prosperity to wicked men; Zophar now insisteth upon this; That though it be so, Yet their Prosperity is but for a moment, or short; and ruin and destruction shall befall them. And this he pursues to the end of the chapter.  
sweet in his mouth] Zophar seems to insist upon this similitude, verse 12 to verse 23.  
bow of steel] Of the Bow, verse 24 see the Annotations on Zech. IX. 13. and chap. X. 4. Here is mentioned a Bow of steel. And so Psal. XVIII. 34. such, it seems, were in use.  
Wherefore do the wicked live] Job overthrows Zophars assertion of the short prosperity of wicked men in this world, chapter XXI and their sudden downfall; verse 7 and shows their flourishing estate in themselves, ver. 7. in their children, ver. 8. in their families, ver. 9 in their wealth, ver. 10. in their pleasures, ver. 11, 12. in their life and death, ver. 13. yea though they were notoriously wicked men, ver. 14, 15. yet their counsel, and course is fare from Job, ver. 16. And he shows that God doth oftentimes break off their prosperity; and plagueth them verse 17,— 21. And that God deals both ways thus diversely with them, out of his unsearchable wisdom, whereunto we cannot reach, verse 22,— 26. He concludes with an application of the premises to his own case; relating their false doom of him, and his, upon their false grounds, ver. 27, 28. And refelling the same, by the testimony of passengers themselves, and their better judgement, that many wicked men live and die prosperously, and peaceably, 29— 33.  
Then Eliphaz] Here gins the third Onset, chapter XXII verse 1 by Eliphaz, and Bildad, only. Wherein being convinced by Job of the falsehood of their grand plea and position; Eliphaz now doth charge him home with particular sins; tells him the justification of himself, and his righteousness, cannot be profitable to God; and Exhorts him to Repentance, with Promises of Mercy, chap. 22. And Bildad having little more to say, Concludes with this, That neither Job, nor any man can be justified with God; And therefore Job should not contend with God, as if he had done him some wrong in afflicting him more than was fitting, chap. 25.  
And Job in his Replies, longeth yet to appear and plead before God, in confidence of his mercy. He asserts his innocency against Eliphaz; and promiseth to himself an happy issue, though for the present God do seem to him inexorable. He shows that God often winketh at many gross wickednesses committed by ungodly men, which God punisheth not in this world, but suffers them still to prosper and flourish, chap. XXIII. and XXIV. And checking Bildad's impertinencies, He speaks more magnificently of God Power, and Wisdom, than Bildad had done, chap. XXVI. And seeing his three friends at a Nonplus, He goes on the more confidently to maintain his Cause, and clear his own innocence, against hypocrisy. He acknowledgeth that God's judgements light on ungodly men in this world, and that their Blessings are turned into Curses; though not always, chap. XXVII. And this by God's wonderful wisdom, which passeth man's deepest wisdom, and is unsearchable, and carrieth things fare above the reach of the wisest men; whose highest wisdom is to Fear the Lord, chap. XXVIII. And Job, it seems after some intermission of speech, finding his friends still silent, goes on, And in his last speech, bemoanes himself and excuseth his impatience, by his great fall from so great prosperity, chap. XXIX. to so great misery, chap. XXX. And for conclusion, He stands upon the clearing of his own integrity, much more than before. And that by a solemn Protestation of his uprightness, and piety in sundry several duties, without any gross wickedness committed by him, chap. XXXI.  
for fear of thee? Lest thy wickedness should hurt him? verse 4 or, thy fear of him and piety could help him?  
Is not] He chargeth Job home, and in particulars: verse 5 But falsely.  
old way] Haply relating to the time of the Flood. verse 15  
By the pureness of thine hands.] God will not only do good to thee, verse 30 but to others also for thy sake.  
but he is not there] I cannot so see and find him, chapter XXIII verse 8 that I might reason with him.  
in one mind] To lay load on me. verse 13  
that is appointed for me] In his infinite wisdom, verse 14 and irresistible will: he will not cease afflicting me till all be done.  
cut off] By death; verse 17 Gods Executioner.  
Why] Why may not God hid his times of punishing the wicked, chapter XXIV verse 1 even from the knowledge of the godly themselves; that they could never observe that he punisheth many ungodly men, according to their deeds, in this world? The wicked make ill use of this; as thinking, God sees not, or cares not.  
yet God] Calls them not to account for their foolish sinful actions. verse 12  
the way of the Vineyards] He walketh not in those ways where men use to travel to their work, verse 18 lest he should be seen and taken.  
He evil intreateth] The oppressor doth so in this, verse 21 and in what followeth. Yet some understand it of God and his judgements upon the wicked; in this verse, and in those also that follow.  
ears of corn.] The not pronouncing this word rightly did cost so many Ephramites their lives, verse 24 Judg. XII. 6.  
peace in his high places.] chapter XXV verse 2 In and above the heavens. No Angel doth or dare question or complain of his proceed, much less should Job.  
How] Job ironicaly taunts Bildad. chapter XXVI verse 2  
Dead things] Job now makes a more majestical discourse of God's infinite power, and knowledge, verse 5 seen in the works of creation, and administration, than Bildad had done; so that his speech was impertinent and needless.  
crooked Serpent] Some understand this of the Orbs; verse 13 or of a fiery Meteor, called the flying Dragon; or of the Whale.  
God liveth] He further asserts and clears his own innocence against hypocrisy, chapter XXVII verse 2 to ver. 11. These words are in the form of an oath.  
will he delight himself] Even in times of adversity? verse 10 The hypocrite cannot. But Job doth so.  
I will teach you] Even that which you so much insist upon; verse 11 and I confess; that is, God's judgements upon the wicked, and his turning their blessings into curses, many times, to the end of this Chapter.  
Surely] Job shows how far man's wisdom goes, chapter XXVIII verse 1 in natural things. He instanceth in his digging in mines, searching minerals, and finding out gold and precious things, to ver. 12.  
But where shall Wisdom] He puts a period to humane wisdom; verse 12 implying that it is not able to find out a reason of God's proceed in his various dispensations, prospering some good and bad, and crossing others of both sorts: And he shows, that this wisdom cannot be found any where, ver. 13, 14. nor gotten by any price, ver. 15— 19 by any living man, ver. 20, 21. But is proper to God, who alone hath it: and teacheth man a more humble wisdom, the best for him, ver. 23— 28.  
Mereover] In this Chapter Job wisheth for his former prosperity, chapter XXIX which he sets forth at large; and his own upright, and pious behaviour in it.  
But now] Job bemoaneth his present misery; chapter XXX verse 1 which is so much the greater, by considering such a Fall, from such an height of prosperity, to such a depth of misery. This misery he sets forth by injuries received from others, even most base people, in words, to ver. 10. in deeds, to ver. 16. by describing his own grief and pain by reason of his sores, to ver. 19 by God's rough handling of him; to ver. 25. by lamenting his woeful estate, and the sad effects of it, though not so deserved, as he conceives; to the end of the chapter.  
I made] In this Chapter Job most of all doth clear his innocence, chapter XXXI verse 1 and the uprightness of his former life: Implying thereby, that these extraordinary plagues and punishments came not upon him for his extraordinary sins, or hypocrisy, as his three friends would needs have it. He clears himself in many main particulars, That he was clear from fornication; and Adultery; ver. 1,— 12. from ill dealing with his servants, ver. 13, 14, 15. from unmercifulness to the poor; or wronging the widow, 16,— 23. from trusting in riches, ver. 24, 25. from Idolatry, ver. 26, 27, 28. from desire of Revenge, ver. 29, 30. or unkindness to strangers; or hiding his own sins ver. 32, 33. or provoking and wronging others, ver. 34— 37. or detaining other men's lands; or the hirelings wages, ver, 38, 39, 40. And he annexeth several solemn imprecations against himself, if all the premises were not so in truth.  
or my mouth hath kissed my hand] Kissing the Idols was Idolatry, verse 27 1 King. XIX. 18. Host XIII. 2. The Sun and Moon being at such a distance, could not be kissed; therefore Idolaters used to put their hand to their mouth, in a way and sign of their idolatrous Kissing and worshipping of them.  
Oh that we had of his flesh] The flesh of him that hated Job. verse 31 Jobs domestics provoked him to take revenge on his hating enemies; professing, themselves could not be satisfied, no not though they had eaten them up quick. Yet Job free from any revenge.  
of Job are ended] Which he had with his three friends. verse 40  
of Elihu] Elihu, chapter XXXII verse 2 the Buzite, descended of Buz, the son of Nachor, Abraham's brother, Gen. XXII. 20, 21. who had been present all the while, taking occasion of the silence now on all hands used; and being partly offended at some things passed, on either side; He gins his speech; yet modestly excusing the necessity of it; And he continues it in six Chapters. He speaks to Jobs friends, by way of Preface, most for Attention chap. XXXII. To Job himself, after a like Preface, in four several Orations: wherein he repeats divers of Jobs sayings; yet with some strainings of some of them; and gathering Collections out of them; and so thereupon, blaming him; and answering them, ch. XXXIII. XXXIV. and XXXV. And in the XXXVI. and XXXVII. chapters, He seeks to allay jobs Complaints of God, with a magnificent setting out of God's justice, mercy, power, glory, and wisdom, which job seemed to obscure by his bitter complaining of God's harsh proceeding with him. Elihu speaks more uprightly and wisely in this cause, than jobs three friends had done; As appears, in that he stopped jobs mouth, that he answers nothing, though he gave him liberty three or four times to speak; And God himself blames not him at all, as he doth the other three friends.  
God thrusteth him down] God by his judgements on him, verse 13 gives sentence on our side, that job is an hypocrite and wicked man: though none but God can thrust him down from his own immovable confidence; which God may haply do by the efficacy of his words in the mouth of Elihu; As in a like sense joseph speaks, Gen. XLI. 16. And Daniel, chap. II. 28.  
They were amazed] Thus Elihu speaks of jobs friends; verse 15 turning his speech to some other persons.  
wherefore job] Now Elihu speaks to job. chapter XXXIII verse 1 And after a Preface first used, ver. 1,— 7. He falls close to his work, in that which followeth.  
surely thou] Here Elihu gins to charge job with undiscreet speeches, verse 8 touching himself, and touching God, ver. 9, 10, 11.  
I am clean] This charge seems gathered out of chap. X. 7. and chap. verse 9 XVI. 17. and XXIII. 10, 11. and XXVII. 5. And yet elsewhere job acknowledged his sinfulness.  
Behold, verse 10 he finds] This seems gathered out of chap. IX. 17. and XIII. 24, 27. and XIV. 16, 17. and XVI. 9 and XIX. 11.  
Behold, verse 12 in this] Elihu's Confutation; from God's greatness, giving not account of any of his actions, ver. 12, 13. And therefore jobs expressions against God were too unsavoury and irreverent: And from man's weakness, not apprehending God's ways of revealing his mind and will; nor God's aim and end in his proceed with man; the issue, effects, and fruits of his chastisements; which he sets down in particulars, ver. 14,— 28. And sums up all together, ver. 29, 30. And makes a Conclusion and application of this his first speech to job, ver. 31, 32, 33.  
Furthermore] Elihu's second speech to job, chapter XXXIV verse 1 in this Chapter, wherein the Preface is, ver. 1,— 4.  
job hath said] His charge against job, and the heinousness of it; verse 5 ver. 5,— 10. This seems gathered out of chap. XIII. 18. and XXIII. 10. and XXVII. 2, 6. and XXXI. 1, etc. And again out of chap. IX. 22. and XXI. 7, 8. and XXX. 26. where he complaineth, that God had handled him like an ungodly man; and would not let him clear himself: And that God destroyed good men, as well as bad; and prospered evil men, and afflicted him so fearfully.  
Therefore harken] His Confutation of job, verse 10 wherein he speaks to jobs friends, ver. 10,— 15. to Job himself, ver. 16,— 33. and to his friends again, ver. 34,— 37. To Jobs friends, he argues against job, from God's justice, ver. 10, 11, 12. And from God's absolute Authority and Power, ver. 13, 14, 15.  
If now thou] To Job himself; verse 16 Coming closer to him; He proceeds here to new arguments, and seeks to convince job of injury done to God, ver. 17,— 31. That he injuries God, he argues from God's just government, ver. 17, 18. from the effects of it, upon Princes, ver. 19 upon whole Nations, ver. 20,— 23. upon strong and stout men; With God's end in such proceed, ver. 24,— 30. Then he teacheth Job how to carry himself better, ver. 31, 32, 33. And lastly he turneth his speech to Jobs friends again; being confident of their consent with him, That Job hath spoken foolishly.  
Elihu spoke] Elihu's third speech; chapter XXXV verse 1 and the shortest; in this Chapter.  
Thinkest thou] His charge against Job, ver. 2, 3. verse 2 That in effect job said, That the righteousness of his cause, [not person] was more than that of Gods: which he would gather by consequence out of jobs words, ver. 3. and chap. IX. 22. and X. 15. See chap. XXXIV. 9  
I will answer] Elihu's Answer, verse 4 and confutation of job. He shows that jobs sin, or righteousness cannot either hurt, or help God, ver. 4,— 8. that the Oppressed and afflicted cry; but not to God; and therefore he doth not deliver them, ver. 9,— 13. And he applies this case to job, ver. 14, 15, 16. Therein withal seeming to refute a saying of job, ver. 14. taken out of chap. XXIII. 9 by averring; that God will judge; that Job should trust in him; that because he doth not so, God doth visit him in anger, though in the extremity of his affliction Job so well heeds it not; And so, vainly multiplies words, without knowledge.  
Elihu] This is Elihu's last speech, and largest; chapter XXXVI verse 1 contained in this, and the next Chapter. And herein, after his Preface, ver. 2, 3, 4. He propounds to Job, and dilates upon God's Wisdom, Power, Justice, Mercy; the good he aims at in sending afflictions, ver. 5,— 15. He applieth this last point to Job. telling him what might have been, if he had carried himself well in this affliction, for 16. What is on him, because he did not, ver. 17. What will be, if he repent not, ver. 18,— 21. He adviseth him to remember himself, what God is, in himself, and in his ways, ver. 22, 23. And in his works; in the Meteors of the air, the rain, the clouds, the lightnings, whereby he can work good to his, and hurt to his enemies; And whereby Job should be moved to magnify him, and his infinite wisdom, rather than to stand on his own innocence, and quarrel so much at his rigorous dealing with him, ver. 22,— 33.  
At this also] Elihu proceeds on to speak of God's works of Lightning and Thunder; chapter XXXVII verse 1 haply the cracks of it then sounding, ver. 1— 5. Of the Snow; storms; Whirlwind; Frost; Clouds; And this either for correction, or for mercy. And that Job should weigh, and wonder at all this, ver. 1,— 14. These natural things fare surpass the knowledge of man: and much more Gods strange and various proceed with the sons of men: And therefore job must not so censure God, though he be in such misery. And Elihu further pursueth this same point; with the use, and application of it, to the end of his speech, ver. 15,— 24.  
Then the Lord] Hear Jehovah himself, chapter XXXVIII verse 1 out of a Whirlwind gins to answer job. And this continues in two majestical speeches; far beyond those of Elihu for matter, and manner. And herein by his manifold, and marvellous works chap. XXXVIII. and XXXIX. And particularly by his creatures, Behemoth, chap. XL. and Leviathan, chap. XLI. he convinceth job of ignorance, and of impotency; and therefore that he should not take upon him to contend with God; to condemn God, that himself might be righteous. To each of which speeches there is adjoined jobs humble and penitent submission. And lastly the Lord prefers job, and his Cause, before his three friends; Order their Submission, and Sacrifice, and jobs Prayer for them; Accepts job, and blesseth him, giving him as many sons and daughters, and twice as much in all particulars of his substance and wealth, as he had before, chap. XLII.  
answer thou me.] job had desired this more than once: And Zophar too, chap. XI. 5. verse 3 job had been right in the main; yet some rash, if not raging speeches, had escaped from him; complaining of God, and his justice, if not injustice, in his dealing with him. For which, as Elihu before, so Jehovah here more calls him to answer.  
where wast thou] Thou that takest upon thee to censure me, verse 4 and my actions, in governing the world; the various dispensations and administrations of my Providence towards the sons of men, Tell me, Where wast thou when I made the world; the Earth, ver. 4,— 7● the Sea, ver. 8,— 11. And need I thy counsel now in governing all? Hast thou caused and commanded the morning, and dayspring to know his place? ver. 12,— 15. Knowest thou the springs, and depth of the Sea? the gates of death? the breadth of the earth? where light and darkness dwelleth? the treasures of the Snow, and Hail, ver. 16,— 23? Knowest thou who causeth and ordereth the lightning and thunder; the Waters, and watercourses, the Rain; Ice; Profit? ver. 24,— 30. And yet takest thou upon thee to know and censure the depth of my ways, and wisdom? Canst thou order the Influences, and Ordinances of heaven? Or call for and command clouds, and lightnings, and rain? or give wisdom to man? ver. 31,— 38. Wilt thou hunt the prey for the Lion? or provide the Raven his food? If not these things; then much less order me, and my ways, and wisdom.  
Knowest thou] Having spoken of the Lion, chapter XXXIX verse 1 and of the Raven; Jehovah adds more in this Chapter of the wild Goat; of the Hind, ver. 1,— 4. Of the wild Ass, ver. 5,— 8. Of the Unicorn, ver. 9,— 12. Of the Peacock, and Ostrich, ver. 13,— 18. Of the Horse, ver. 19,— 25. Of the Hawk, ver. 26. Of the Eagle, ver. 27,— 30. God shows his power in these; in making and ordering them; in his Provision for them, which men take no care for, nor cannot effect; in the extraordinary strength, and other qualities, which he hath bestowed upon them, in some whereof they fare excel men. In all which particulars jobs weakness, and insufficiency doth more than sufficiently appear▪ And will job then contend and debate his quarrel with God? this God? reprove him? or think to apprehend, or comprehend the invisible reasons of his proceed?  
Moreover] Hear the Lord calls upon job to answer; chapter XL verse 1 turns him over to his own desire. chap. 13. 22.  
Then job] Jobs Submission. verse 3  
Once] His sin is already too great, in speaking presumptuously against Gods proceed. verse 5 He will do so no more.  
Then] Here the Lord proceeds yet further to press Job, verse 6 and convince him, and humble him. Where, after his Preface, in this verse; and challenge in the next; He reproves him thus; Wilt thou disannul my judgement? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? ver. 8. Wilt thou be like God? ver. 9 Then do as he doth, ver. 9— 13. And so God will confess it, ver. 14.  
Behold now Behemeth] The Lord bids Job consider of the Elephant; verse 15 and of God's power in making such a creature, which he describes and sets forth, ver: 15,— 24.  
Canst thou] The Lord doth further argue by an instance in Leviathan, chapter XLI the Whale; verse 1 in this whole Chapter. And shows Jobs weakness to encounter and grapple with him by strength, ver. 1,— 10. And applies it thus, Who then is able to stand before me? ver. 10, 11.  
I will not] Here follows a magnifical description of the Whale; verse 12 of the particular parts and members of his body; and of his qualifications, and actions. All to the end aforesaid, ver. 10, 11. Yet Whales seem nowadays to be by Art more easily caught and conquered, than they were in Jobs days.  
Then Job] Here Job makes a more full profession of his Repentance, chapter XLII verse 1 ver. 1,— 6.  
have I uttered] More than was fitting, verse 3 in things so fare above my capacity.  
And it was so] Gods sentence upon Jobs three friends, ver. 7, 8, 9 verse 7  
seven bullocks] A great sacrifice for sin. verse 8  
a burned offering] There is in Leviticus a difference between Burnt-Offerings, and Sin, and Trespass-offerings; yet likely not known in Jobs time.  
the Lord turned] The restitution and restauration of Job, after all his misery, verse 10 ver. 10,— 17.  
After this lived] His age shows probably that he lived about that time of the Israelites being in Egypt. verse 16   

Psalms.  
PSALMS, Luke XXIV. 44. Or Book of Psalms, Luke XX. 42. Acts I. 20. is divided by the Hebrews into these five Parts: The first part ending with Psal. XLI. The second part, with Psal. LXXII. The third, with Psalm LXXXIX. The fourth, with Psalm CVI The fifth, with Psalm CL.  
The Division of them, from the Subject-matters of them, is very various. There are Psalms Laudatorie, of Praises; gratulatory, of Thanksgiving: Psalms of Supplications; of Deprecations; of Consolations; of Comminations; of Imprecations: There are Penitential Psalms; Psalms to teach; to give instruction; Psalms to bring to Remembrance, things past; Psalms Prophetical, of things to come: And many Psalms are mixed of many, or most of these matters. So as out of them, as out of a store-house, every man may richly fit and furnish himself for all and every particular occasion, either public, or else private, according to his several conditions, in prosperity, or adversity, in all his devotions, and addresses to God; still finding his own estate in some one Psalm or other; These Psalms containing the very Anatomy of the soul, the characters and representations of the thoughts, meditations, affections, and workings of it, towards God, towards man, towards herself, throughout all the changes of her pilgrimage in this world.  
The number of them is one hundred and fifty. The LXX. and vulgar Latin, do divide the ninth Psalm into two. And so their reckoning of the number doth constantly go on to exceed ours by one, unto the CXLVII. Psalm: which Psalm doth contain their CXLVI. and CXLVII. And so in the conclusion all agree in the same number of CL.  
Of these, eighty two bear David's title. Whereof these are upon several special occasions, as appears in their Inscriptions▪ viz. the III. VII. XXX. LI. LII. LIV. LIX. LX. LXIII. And at Gath, before Achish or Abimelech, XXXIV. LVI. And when he was in the Cave, Psalm LVII. and CXLII. His Psalms of Prayer are Psalm 17. and 86.  
Some are his Psalms, and yet without his name in the Title as Psal. II. Acts IV. 25. And Psal. XCV. Hebr. IU. 7. See also Psal. XCVI. and CV. and CVI See 1 Chron. XVI. 7. and LXXII. 20.  
Other Psalms, without David's name, which have special Titles, are Psalms XLV. LXXII. And, of or for Asaph, Psalms, L. LXXIII. to LXXXIII. See 2 Chron. XXIX. 30. Of, or for the sons of Korah, LXXXIV. LXXXV. LXXXVII. Of Heman, for the sons of Korah, LXXXVIII. Of Ethan, LXXXIX. Of Moses, XC. For the Sabbath, XCII. A Prayer of, or for the Afflicted, CII. Psalms of Degrees, CXX. to CXXXIV. Having Titles, are 125. The rest being XXV. the sixth part of the whole number, are without any Title or Inscription at all.  
In the Titles we have the persons, by whom they were written; or for whom they were written; or to whom they were committed. And these last are either generally described, by their skill in Music; or more particularly named to be of the Choir or Posterity of Jeduthun, of Korah, or of Asaph.  
In some we have also the Times when they were made; or when to be used. In some also their Quality and Excellency. In some their Matter Subject, as of Prayer, of Deprecation, as Destroy not; of obtestation; of Gratulation or Thanksgiving; of Praise; of Instruction, and Doctrine; of Commemoration, or for Remembrance; of nuptial love.  
The Music, either by voice, or instrument mentioned in some Titles, is but little known in our days; yet for the voice, some Psalms may seem to point to the Base, some to the Tenor, some to the Counter-tenor: And again, in some men's opinions, some Psalms do intimate that the voice should lead, and the instrument follow; as in those Titles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: Some, that the instruments should lead, and the voice follow; as in those Titles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But the truth is, That howsoever Selah in the Text, used some seventy times in this Book, and three times in that prayer of Habakkuk, chap. III. sometimes in the middle of a verse, but mostwhat in the end; may seem to be a Musical Note; And Neginoth to be an hand or stringed instrument; Shoshannim, of six strings; from Shesh, six, as Shalishim of three strings, 1, Sam. XVIII. 6. Sheminith, of eight strings; Nehiloth, a wind-instrument; Mahalath, likewise. And so other guesses may be made of other words mentioned in sundry Titles of sundry Psalms; as Shoshannim Eduth, Shushan Eduth, Mahaloth Leannoth, Muthlabben, Altaskith, Gittith, Alamoth, Hammagneloth, Aijgeleth Shahar, Jonath-Elem-rehochim: As also of Higgajon, Michtam, Maschil: All which belonging to those instruments, Music, or Poetry, then in use, now unknown, nor greatly material for us now to know, may admit of conjectural probabilities; yet no certainties can be had for the exact notions and significations of them.  
Psalm XIV. and LIII. are much the same. And so again, Psalm LX. and CVIII. and Psalm XVIII. and 2 Sam XXII. are more the same. And Psal. CVIII. 1,— 5. are the same with the end of the LVII. Psalm. And ver. 6,— 18. are the same with the end of the LX. Psalm. Psalm XXV. gins each verse almost with the several letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, in order. And so in a manner doth the XXXIV. Psal. CXI. and CXII. begin each half verse with the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet, in order: save that the two last verses in both Psalms, take up three letters apiece, to fill up the number of the two and twenty letters of the Hebrew Alphabet. Psal. XXXVII. gins every second verse with the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet in order. Psalm CXIX. without David's Title, gins each of the first eight verses with the first letter of the Hebrew Alphabet: and each of the eight next verses with the second letter of the Hebrew Alphabet. And so continues along to the end of the Alphabet. Psalm CXLV. gins each verse with the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet; omitting only the letter Nun.  
Some Psalms composed long before David was borne; as Psalm XC. Some long after he was dead; as Psalm LXXIV. LXXXIII. CXXVI. CXXXVII. Whereby it appears that the Psalms were put into the form and order they now have, after the return of the Jews from Babylon.  
Some are set-formes, as Psalms XX. XXI. CII. CXXXVI. Esay XXVI. 1.  
The Book of Psalms authentical with the Papists, and by them fathered upon Jerome, is confessed by him to be but a Translation out of the Greek LXX. not out of the Hebrew text. And the Popish Bonaventure ventures but badly when he substitutes the word Mary, or Lady, in stead of Lord or God; and with some other alterations applies them to the Virgin Mary.  
This Book of the Psalms is much cited in the New Testament: As doth appear in this Table following.  
Psalms; Alleged, or Alluded to in 2. 1. Acts 4. 25. 7. Acts 13 33.  Hebr. 1. 5. 9 Apoc. 2. 27.  19 15. 5. 9 Rom. 3. 13. 8. 2. Matth. 21. 16. 4, 5, 6. Heb 2. 6, 7, 8.  1 Co. 15. 27. 10. 7. Rom. 3. 14. 14. 2. Rom. 3. 10. 16. 8— 11. Acts 2. 25— 28. 31.  13. 35. 18. 2. Hebr. 2. 13. 49. Rom. 15. 9 19 4. Rom. 10. 1●. 22. 1. Matth. 27. 46.  Mark 15. 34. 7, 8. Matth. 27. 35, 39, 43. 16, 18. Mark. 15. 24.  Luke 23. 33.  John 19 23. 24. 34. 37 22. Hebr. 2. 12. 24. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 26, 28. 31. 5. Luke 23. 46. 32. 1, 2. Rom. 4. 6, 7, 8. 34. 12— 16 1 Pet. 3 10, 11, 12. 37. 11. Matth. 5 5. 40. 6, 7, 8. Hebr. 10. 5 6 7. 41. 9 John 13. 18. 44. 22. Rom. 8. 36. 45. 6, 7. Hebr. 1. 8, 9 49. 4. Matth. 13. 35. 50. 12. 1 Cor. 10. 26. 51. 4. Rom. 3. 4. 53. 1, 2, 3. Rom. 3. 10, 11, 12. 62. 12. Matth. 16. 27. 68 18. Ephes. 4. 8. 69. 9 John. 2. 17.  Rom. 15. 3. 21. John 19 28, 29. 22, 23. Rom. 11. 9, 10. 78. 2. Matth. 13. 35. 25. John. 6. 31. 81. 12. Acts 14. 6 82. 6. John 10. 34. 90. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 8. 91. ●1. Matth. 4. 6.  Luke 4. 10. 94. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 20. 95. 8— 11. Hebr. 3. 7— 11.  4. 7. 97. 7. Hebr. 1. 6. 102. 25, 26, 27 Heb. 1 10, 11, 12. 104 4. Hebr. 1. 7. 105. 41. 1 Cor. 10. 4. 109. 8. Acts 1. 20▪ 110. 1. Mat. 22. 43, 44.  Mark 12. 36.  Luke 12. 42.  Acts 2. 34, 35.  Hebr. 1. 13. 4. Hebr. 5. 6.  7. 16. 112. 9 2 Cor. 9 9 116. 10. 2 Cor. 4. 13. 1●. Rom 3. 4. 117 1. Rom. 15. ●1. 118. 6. Hebr. 13. 6. 22, 23. Matth. 21. 42.  Mar. 12. 10, 11.  Luke 20. 17.  Acts 4. 11. 25, 26. Matth. 21. 9 132. 11. Acts 2. 30. 17, 18. Luke 1. 69, 70. 140. 3. Rom. 3. 13, 14. 143. 2. Rom. 3. 20.  Gal. 2. 16. 144. 3. Hebr. 2. 6.  
In these Citations and Allegations, and Allusions, The Penmen of Scripture regard more oftentimes the sense and intent of the Text cited, than the precise terms, where the one swerves not much from the other, and what is in the words so read or employed, is of undoubted truth. And sometimes they cite not the entire Text, nor tie themselves to the precise words of the place, nor observe strictly the Order of them, as they lie in the Text; but pick only out of them so much as may serve for their present purpose; which in quotation of places is sufficient. So John XII. 40. Matth. IU. 15, 16. Ezek. XX. 7. And in Citations in the New Testament, the holy Penmen in some places follow the LXX. as than most in use in Synagogues, & Schools, publicly, & privately, though therein departing from the Hebrew, but yet only in matters of no concernment as to the present Allegation. Some are Accommodations only; when Prophecies besides their Litteral sense; have sometimes another in this sort affixed to them, To which when they are accommodated, they are said to be fulfilled, i. e. to have a more eminent accomplishment in a higher sense; As Esay IX. 1, 2. the great Light and comfort and deliverance from Sennaoherib, and out of Babylon, is accommodated, Matth. IU. 13,— 16. to Christ's preaching the Light and comfort of the Gospel, and his deliverance of them from the bondage of Sin and Satan.  
Blessed] This is the main end man aims at. chapter I verse 1  
Walketh not] Some here observe a Climax, or triple Climax, gradation, or ascension, from the less and lower, to the greater and higher: And so there is indeed in the sins here mentioned: But not in the shunning and avoiding of sin, as some conceive. For so the first degree here mentioned seems to them to be the highest of the three, in that kind. And so the speech doth not ascend, but descend lower, in each degree. A true Climax is that Rom. VIII. 29, 30. And again, ver. 34. And Jer. XV. 5. The sense here agrees with David's words, Psal. XXVI. 4, 5.  
He shall be like] Jer. XVII. 7, 8. verse 3 Job VIII. 16, 17. Ezek. XIX. 10. and XXXI. 4. Psal. XCII. 12, 13, 14.  
a tree] No mind or mention here of the Palm tree, or allusion to the tree of Life in Paradise.  
not so] Thus are these words used, verse 4 Gen. XLVIII. 18. Exod. X. 11. Num. XII. 7. Deut. XVIII. 14. Prov. XV. 7. Esay XVI. 6. repeated Jer. XLVIII. 30. Ephes. IU. 20. And in Matth. XX. 26. where Christ forbids not the exercise of Superiority among Christians, or among Ministers of the Gospel, or requires parity of authority among them; but saith, that those things, though good and lawful in themselves, yet have no place in, nor relation to, his spiritual Kingdom, which is in the soul.  
not stand] As Num. XXX. 5, 12. verse 5 Josh. II. 11. and VII. 12, 13.  
Knoweth] Acknowledge and own; verse 6 approveth, regardeth, rewardeth. As Exod. III. 7. Deut. XXXIV. 10. Psal. XXXI. 8. and XXXVII. 18. and CXLII. 5. and CXLIV. 12. Prov. XII. 10. Host XIII. 5. Matth. VII. 23. Rom. VII. 15. John X. 14. Job XXIII. 10. Prov. II. 8.  
Why] I his Psalm by many of the Ancients is joined to the former, chapter TWO verse 1 as a part of it; And they take the former, as a Preface to this; or rather to the whole Book of the Psalms. But Saint Paul doth distinguish them, Acts XIII. 33. And the Church doth ascribe this Psalm to David, though it bear not his Title, Acts IV. 25. And in this Psalm David bears a Type of Christ, who is here more realy, properly, principally, and immediately intended. All which appears Acts IV. 25, 26. and XIII. 33. Heb. I. 5. and V 5. So that the first and open sense points to David; the mystical and more abstruse to the Messiah. And no doubt, but this, and such allusions more, were out of all question, even from the beginning so forecast, and appointed, as it were, by the holy Ghost.  
Why] The Psalmist demands, and wonders at the banding and conspiring of all, and all sorts of enemies, against David and his Kingdom typically, as did Saul, Ishbosheth, Abner, the Philistines, Jebusites, and others: But against Christ, and his Kingdom principally, as is the prime purpose▪ main scope, and intent of this Psalm, Acts IV. 25, 26. Mark III. 6. John XI. 53. Luke XIX. 14. Though all in vain, ver. 1, 2, 3.  
The Kings] 2 Sam. VIII. and X. verse 2 Chapters.  
heaven's] 1 King. VIII. verse 4 27. Jer. XXII. 24. Psal. CXXXIX. 7. The King of heaven against those Kings of the earth, ver. 2.  
laugh] And have them in derision, as Job XLI 29. dictum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; intelligendum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Psal. XXXVII. 12, 13. and LIX. 8. Prov. I. 26.  
wrath] No passion properly hath any place in Gods will. verse 5 It is not in him, but without him; not in his affection, but in his act. These expressions are but condescensions to the weakness of our capacities, Psal. LXXVI. 6,— 9 and CIV. 32.  
yet have I] God the Father who makes and order all earthly Kingdoms, verse 6 Dan. IV. 14. and II. 21. and VII. 14. Ezra I. 1.  
my King] Prov. VIII. 22,— 30. Acts II. 36.  
Zion] See the Observations on Deut. III. 9 and on 1 Chron. XI. 5. See Psal. LXXVIII. 68 and LXVIII. 17. and CXXXII. 13. and LXXXVII. 2. Esay II. 2, 3, 4. and IV. 4.  
I will declare] David typically; verse 7 Christ principally who is in the bosom of the Father, the Word and Wisdom of the Father.  
The Lord hath said] Hebr. V. 5. Psal. CX. 1.  
my son] Not as holy men. Princes, David, or Angels are called the sons of God, John I. 12. Jer. XXXI. 9 Psal. LXXXII 6. Job I. 6. But in a peculiar manner fare above all these, Hebr. I. 4, 5, 9 not by adoption or grace, but by nature.  
This day] Relates to his Nativity, as man; not to his Divinity, as God. And as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, he is called the Son of God, Luke I. 35. Heb. I. 5. And that raising up of Jesus, Acts XIII. 33. relates to this Exhibition of him in the flesh, mentioned also, ver. 23. That other raising him from the dead speaks plainly of his resurrection from the grave, Acts XIII. ver. 34,— 37. Rom. I. 4.  
have I begotten thee] Not relating here to his eternal generation as the Son of God, the second Person and Hypostasis in the Trinity: But to his gigniture 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, when he revealed him to the world.  
Ask of me] God Decrees, verse 8 as the End, so the Means. As Assuerus to Ester, chap. V 3. And Herod to the daughter of Herodias, Mark VI 23. And God himself to Solomon, 1 King. III. 5. So, and much more here God the Father to Christ his Son, the Mediator. Thus Christ asked and prayed, in the days of his flesh; and was ever heard in whatsoever he asked, according to the nature of his ask, John XI. 22, 42. Heb. V. 7. John XVII. 9  
and the uttermost] Psal. XXII. 29, 30. Heb. I. 2. Dan. II. 44.  
them] Thine enemies, verse 9 ver. 1, 2, 3.  
rod of iron] Esay XXX. 14. Jer. XIX. 11. See the actual execution, Apoc. II. 26. and chap. XII. 5. and XIX. 15. Esay XI. 4.  
Be wise] Take better counsel than that, verse 10 ver. 2; use better wisdom.  
now] Heb. V. 7. Prov. V. 7. and VII. 24. and VIII. 32. Esay XLIV. 1. Delay is dangerous.  
King's] Ye, ver. 2.  
serve] Kings; verse 11 and all other yet enemies serve him, Luke I. 74, 75. Psal. CXVI. 16.  
with fear] A filial fear, which is joined with joy, Psal. C. 2.  
rejoice with trembling] These two also are coëxistent; joy, Rom. XIV. 17. Ps. IX. 2. 14. Phil. IU. 4. Trembling, Phil. II. 12. The regenerate man is a kind of mixed person; hath, as Rebecca, two struggling in him.  
Kiss] A sign, verse 12 of Love amongst equals, Gen. XXXIII. 4. 1 Sam. XX. 41. Rom. XVI. 16. 1 Cor. XVI. 20. Of Subjection in inferiors, Gen. XLI. 40. 1 Sam. X. 1. Prov. XXIV. 26. Of religious adoration, 1 King. XIX. 18. Job XXXI. 27.  
the Son] 1 John II. 23. John V. 23.  
lest he be angry] Gen. III. 3. Certainly he will, ver. 5. 2 Thes. I. 8. Apoc. VI 16, 17.  
and ye perish from the way] The way of happiness; you, and your way perish, Psal. I. 6. or your way of combination against Christ, ver. 1, 2. or in the way of your conceited peace and secure prosperity.  
Blessed] Apoc. XIX. 9 Rom. IX. 33. John III. 36.  
ten thousands of people] And likely more now gathered against him, chapter III verse 6 by means of Absolom. Most of David's Psalms in order of time go before this Psalm.  
my glory] The glory of my Kingdom which God hath promised me, verse 2 and whereunto he hath anointed me.  
godly] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, chapter IV verse 3 In an active signification. Whence the Asideans, 1 Macc. 7. 13. 2 Macc. XIV. 6. may seem to have their name. And whence the Pelican hath the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, from the pious benignity it shows, as to her young ones, so to her dam when overgrown with years, as some writ. And from her Greek name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ariseth the Greek Proverb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to denotate a retribution and recompensation of pious duties, offices, and benefits, such as the Pelican useth. The same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is taken also and used by some for the Stork, as Jer. VIII. 7. the Stork having the like pious benign properties and qualifications.  
stand in awe and sin not] Ephes. IV. 26. verse 4 Be anrgy, and sinne not. And that sense the word here used will bear; David speaking thus to his friends; Let not your indignation, and just resentment of these scandals and confusions in my sufferings, proceed to a sinful murmuring against God; but consider of it wisely in your most retired thoughts, and be silent, contented, and quiet.  
into thy house] chapter V verse 7 So fare as it was lawful for David.  
toward thy holy Temple] And so David, Psal. XXVII. 4. and XXIX. 9 and LXV. 4. and LXVIII. 29. and CXXXVIII. 2. And yet in David's days the Temple was not built. He minded that which after his days he knew presently should be: And mean time he styles the Ark, or Tabernacle, by the name of the Temple. See the Observations on Exod. XXXIII. 7.  
rebuke me not] Psal. chapter VI verse 1 XXXVIII. 1.  
heal me] David was in some soar sickness at this time. verse 2  
bed to swim] See the Observations on Josh. XI. 4. verse 6  
If I have done this] Whereof Cush saul's Courtier or Favourite, chapter VII verse 3 one of his Tribe, doth falsely accuse me.  
return thou on high] To ascend, verse 7 and set thyself on thy high tribunal and judgement-seat, 1 Kings X. 19 And this; to judge for me; and against Cush; as it followeth in the rest of the Psalm.  
Out of the mouth] This is alluded to Mat. chapter VIII verse 2 XXI. 16.  
What is man] This, verse 4 and ver. 5, 6. are applied to Christ by the Apostle, Heb. II. 6,— 9 1 Cor. XV. 27. Ephes. I. 22. so taking in both Christ the head; and mankind, specially the faithful, as members; showing thereby that mysticaly and propheticaly in these words is intimated the humiliation and exaltation of the man Christ Jesus.  
O thou enemy] A kind of scoff and derision, chapter IX verse 6 whereby David upbraids him for his bloody designs and threats.  
Know thy name will] Know-worth experimentaly, verse 10 practicaly, verse 20. in all their hearts, and souls; in themselves; as the phrases of Scripture are, Josh. XXIII. 14. 1 Sam. VI 9 Heb. X. 34. Of this knowledge is that john XVII. 3. and 1 john II. 3, 4, 5. and chap. III. 19 24. and chap. IU. 6, 7, 8, 13. and chap. V. 2. 18, 19 20. Noëtical, speculative knowledge, swimming only in the brain, and not sinking into the heart, is none of this knowledge.  
till thou find none] Rid the world of them, chapter X verse 15 and their sins, at once.  
flee a bird] 1 Sam chapter XI verse 1 XXVI. 19  
If the foundations] In Church and Kingdom. verse 3  
what can] He help; but suffer in such a general ruin?  
The fool] Psal. chapter XIV verse 1 X. 4. and LIII. 1. The three first verses of this Psalm are by Saint Paul applied to all mankind in general, in the state of the Fall, and natural corruption, Rom. III. 10, 11, 12.  
usury] Of this see Exod. chapter XV verse 5 XXII. 25. Levit. XXV. 36, 37. Deut. XXIII. 19, 20. Neh. V 17. Levit. XXVIII. 8. And the Annotations on Ezek. XVIII. 8. and XXII. 12, 13. Mat. XXV. 27.  
that hasten] Or give gifts to another god. chapter XVI verse 4 See Ezek. XVI. 33, 34. The true God needs them not, ver. 2. But false gods do; which gifts do redound in the end to the damage and sorrows of the givers.  
their drink-offerings of blood] Their Offerings and Sacrifices of man's blood. The drink-offerings to the true God, were of wine, according to his Law, Num. XV. 5. But Idolaters in stead thereof did many times offer man's blood. Paul's readiness to be offered, Phil. II. 17. 2 Tim. IU. 6. imports no more than his willingness to die and spend his blood, for Christ's cause, and the good of his Church and people.  
their names] See the Observations on Josh. XXIII. 7.  
I have set the Lord] Acts II. 25,— 31. verse 8 and XIII. 35,— 37. David speaks here of himself, in this regard, as having Christ in his loins, in a Prophetical spirit relating to Christ.  
right hand] Psal. CIX. 31. & CX. 5. & CXXI. 5.  
not be moved] Psal. CXVIII. 6. CXXXV. 1. Rom. VIII. 31, etc.  
my glory] My tongue, verse 9 Acts II. 26. Psal. XXX. 12. and LVII. 8. and CVIII. 2. Gen. XLIX. 6.  
my flesh also] As Rom. VIII. 19 21.  
my soul in hell] A Prophecy of Christ's Resurrection. verse 10 David speaks here in the Person of Christ.  
Soul] Sometimes is taken properly, sometimes improperly, for the whole person of man, Gen. XIV. 12. Acts XXVII. 37. sometimes for the life of the person, sometimes for the body, Gen. XVII. 21. sometimes for the dead carcase, Levit. XIX. 28. and XXI. 1, 2. Num. VI 6. and V 2, 9, 10. Hag. II. 14. And so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken also. Here, my soul, i. e. myself.  
hell] the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken for the grave, Psal. CXLI. 7. and LXXXVI. 13. and XXX. 13. and LV. 15. Gen. XXXVII. 35. and XLII. 3. 1 Kings II. 6, 9 Num. XVI. 30. Jonah II. 1, 2. Not for a place of souls under the earth. See Doctor Rainolds, Praelect. 81. & 82. upon the Apocryphal books: and Robert Parker upon Christ's Descent into hell; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is taken for death, or the state of the dead: for the place invisible; for the grave, in relation to the body, Acts II. 27. And in relation to the soul, for heaven to the godly soul, as in our Creed; and for Hell, to the soul ungodly; and so most usualy. Christ's soul did not descend to the lower parts, or that imaginary place of Limbus Patrum. This place here meant is a place of punishment, and therefore it is mentioned as a mercy, that Christ was thence delivered; Christ's soul was not therefore there in triumph. The scope of the Apostles in citing this place is not to deal about the deliverance of Christ's soul out of Hell, but punctualy of Christ's Resurrection: They infer nothing else out of this Text. But Resurrection is properly of the Body, not of the Soul. Gehenna is sometimes taken for the Grave; and most-times further, for Hell itself. The true meaning and sense of the Article of Christ's Descent into Hell, as the Latins very improperly translate the words, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, seems to be thus rendered rather, he went into the place of invisible souls: and to be understood of Christ's Soul; for his body remained in the Grave; And his soul in that interim to pass to the place of souls; to Heaven or Paradise; as the souls of the godly did, and his principaly. As the souls of the wicked went to Hell. For 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as a general name doth certainly and evidently signify both places. And thus the Articles go on methodicaly, without any tautology; That after Christ's death, his body was buried in the Grave, his Soul went to the place of blessed souls; and the third day, both soul and body were reunited in his Resurrection. This verse then, and two before, and one following, are most properly meant of Christ, and of his Resurrection. Acts II. 25,— 28, 31. and XIII. 35, 36, 37.  
Thou wilt show me] Experimentaly.  
me] Christ spea●s of himself.  
the path of life] Of glory after his Resurrection. verse 11 All this true of Christ the head; and in and by him, true also of David, of all his members. Christ's Resurrection, and Glorification is the beginning of ours; he the Author, and means of it to us; in our first Resurrection here by Regeneration, to the life of Grace; whereby Christ lives in us, Gal. II. 20. He in us, and we in him by Faith, Ephes. III. 17. Rom. I. 17 And in our second Resurrection, to the life of Glory; as follows in. this verse.  
In thy presence] Before thy face; in the light of thy countenance. See Gen. XXXII. and Exod. XXXIII. 14, 15. Num. VI 23. Psal. IU. 6. and XXXI. 16. and LXXX. 3. Deut. XXXIV. 10. Esay VI.  
fullness] Yet all the former but in part, whiles we are in the way; in fullness, when we come to our country, or heavenly Canaan, Job XIX. 26, 27. 1 John III. 2. 1 Cor. XIII. 12. Matth. V 8. And yet this beatifical Vision of God in glory shall be to our fullness; not to his. The fullness of his infinite Essence, by any created power of Saint, or Angel by the eye of flesh, though glorified, or by the intellectual eye of a soul or spirit glorified cannot be seen, 1 Tim. VI 16. But to our fullness, as fare as creatures are capable of, our vessel thrown into this infinite Sea, shall be brim full, though it contain not all this Ocean, Psal. XVII. 15. And how great then shall this fullness then be, when of things in this kind revealed of God to his Apostles in this life, by his Spirit, the Apostle so speaketh, as we read, 1 Cor. XI. 9 out of Esay LXIV. 4? This is a fullness beyond all that of Faith, and Hope, a fullness that fills up all desires, a fullness of fruition, of satisfaction, without satiety. Apoc. III. Consider that saying of the Queen of Sheba, 1 King. X. 8. and of the Disciples at Christ's Transfiguration, Mat. XVII. 4.  
At thy right hand] And by thy right hand, Psal. XX. 7. LXIII. 9 CXVIII. 16.  
for evermore] Without which eternity there were no true felicity.  
right] My plea for my righteous cause; chapter XVII verse 1 my righteous cause and complaint, ver. 2.  
I am purposed] Psal. XXXIX. 1. verse 3  
of thy lips] Guiding and directing me. verse 4  
when I awake] Our of the sleep of death, verse 15 Esay XXVI. 19  
with thy likeness] 1 Cor. XV. 49. 1 John III. 2. Apoc. XXII. 4.  
Horn] Signifieth power, chapter XVIII verse 2 and glory, Psal. XCII. 10. Amos VI 13. And Christ called the Horn of Salvation, Luke I. 69.  
earth shook] Here, verse 7 and hereafter are sublime expressions, not of what historicaly happened, but of the marvellous manner of God's mighty presence, assistance, and concurrence in David's victories, in some sort Poeticaly set forth.  
thundered] Thunder is called God's voice, verse 13 Apoc. X. 3, 4. and XIX. 6. Of thunder. See Psal. XXIX. 3, 10. and LXXVII. 18. and CIV. 7. Exod. XIX. 16. & XX. 18. Jer. X. 13. Job. XXVI. 14 & XXXVIII. 25. Esay XXIX, 6. Apoc. IU. 5. and 8. 5. Some proud blasphemers have laboured to imitate the thunder: and some impious Tyrants have exceedingly feared it.  
according to my righteousness] The justness of my Cause against Saul, verse 24 and others; and my sincere desire and endeavour to serve and obey God: though not for any merit of my works.  
thyself froward] Meet with them in their own way. verse 26 As Levit. XXVI. 23, 24.  
Bow of steel. verse 34  
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee] This verse is applied, verse 49 Rom. XV. 9 to the Calling of the Gentiles to the faith of Christ, and praise unto God therefore. And so formerly, ver. 43, 44. and again, verse 50. are more truly verified in Christ, then in David.  
to his Anointed, verse 50 to David, and to his seed for evermore] To his Messiah, his Christ, as Psal. II. 2. to David literaly; to Christ mysticaly called by the name of David, Jer. XXX. 9 Ezek. XXXIV. 23, 24. and chap. XXXVII. 24. Host 5. to his seed, both himself properly, called the seed of David, Rom. I. 3. Acts XIII. 23. as the seed of Abraham, Gal. III. 16. and to his seed, Esay LIII. 10. Heb. II. 13. And thus properly it is for evermore.  
Day unto day] Or day after day: chapter XIX verse 2 the vicissitude or continual succession of day and night speaketh much divine knowledge. The assiduity, and constancy without any intermission by the Heavens preaching is hereby expressed.  
There is no speech] Among all variety of Languages, verse 3 yet this language and idiom of the heavens is one and the same, understood of all, and heard of all, ver. 4.  
Their line] Rom. X. 18. verse 4 the Apostle hath it their sound, or voice. And such a like difference is found in Micah V. 2. with Matth. chap. II. 6. And again in Rom. IX. 33. with Isa. chap. XXVIII. 16. The Apostle fits this Testimony to his own purpose; not derogating thereby from the truth of the literal sense. As that Exod. XVI. 18. is applied, 2 Cor. VIII. 15. Or rather the Apostle retains the literal sense, for the preaching of the Gospel to all the world, Rom. XV. 19 Col. I. 6, 23. And out of this testimony of the Psalm in its literal sense proves that the Gentiles had heard and learned somewhat of God and piety before, out of the book of the Creation, Rom. I. 19 Acts XIV. 17. Which was a forerunner to this more ample Doctrine and School of the Gospel, which now God was pleased to vouchsafe unto them. In sum, the Apostle herein follows the LXX. And applies this to the preaching of the Gospel to the Heathens; as God had formerly taught them, in another & a weaker manner and degree, by his works of Creation. They had as a voice to speak; so a line to write, rule, direct, and instruct, as Esay XXVIII. 10.  
sun] The carbuncle of heaven; the eye, and heart of the world, for its light, and heat.  
to run a race] His race, is without intermission, or weariness; and the swiftness of his running, verse 5 being so great a body, in its own orb, is even to amazement, and astonishment, almost beyond imagination. That the Sun should stand, and the Earth so move, as some brains fancy, is no less than a prodigious Paradox.  
The Law] From the Book of God's works, verse 7 he comes now to the Book of his Word, in five verses. And in this School, each verse in a manner doth express the name, the nature, the effects, the preciousness of this Word; much against all those imbasements and impeachments which the Papists would put upon it.  
gold] Gold of Havilah, verse 10 good, Gen. II. 11, 12. Ophir, 1 Kings IX. 28. Uphaz, Jer. X. 9 This is the chiefest gold, Dan X. 5. Job XXVIII. 15. Psal. CXIX. 72. See the Observations on Esay XIII. 12.  
great reward] Which reward yet is of grace, verse 11 not of merit, Rom. VIII. 3. through God's free grace and bounty; not the merit of our works. The Apostle doth thus distinguish of merit, Rom. IU. 4, 5. and XI. 6. There is no merit properly, if the work be not properly out own; and not otherwise due debt; and justly equal to the reward. They are justly due out of his true and free promise.  
who can] Where then is that possibility, verse 12 and facility of fulfilling the Law, even unto works of Supererogation, whereof Papists do so much brag?  
dominion over me] There are sins reigning; and not reigning, but rebelling, verse 13 Rom. VI 12, 22. and VII. 15,— 20.  
The Lord hear thee] This Psalm, chapter XXI verse 1 and the next, are composed by David, for a public form of a Prayer in the one, of a Thanksgiving in the other, to be used by the people, for himself the King. They seem to stretch this Psalm too fare, and that without ground, who make it to be a Prophecy of Christ's Sufferings, and his deliverances out of them, for which the Church with him triumpheth. As also the next Psalm to gratulate the victory and Salvation of Christ.  
Save Lord, verse 9 let the King hear us] Most here understand God, or the Messiah. Some David. The LXX. not observing or keeping the Hebrew distinction Athnach, render it thus, Lord save the King, and hear us when we call upon thee.  
for ever and ever] Psal. chapter XXI verse 4 LXXXIX. 29, 36, 37. and LXI. 6, 7. David lived but seventy years: yet in his royal posterity, for many ages; and in Christ, the Son of David, Matth. XXII. 42. for ever and ever, eternaly, Rom. VI 9 Apoc. I. 18. Heb. VII. 25. See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.  
Thine hand] King david's hand. chapter XXII verse 8  
In some Psalms there are passages that properly and literaly belong to David; and to Christ only, as David was a Type of him. But in this Psalm, are some Passages, as ver. 16, 17, 18. (besides many other which are applied to Christ in the New Testament, as ver. 1, 7, 8, 22, 27.) which literaly and properly belong to Christ, and are appliable to him only, or to him more than to David. Then here is no place left for that question of the Eunuch, Acts VIII. 34. The allegations out of this Psalm, Matth. XXVII. 46, 35, 43. Heb. II. 12. and the body of the Psalm itself do show, that little of it can be applied to David, as a Type, most of it is proper and peculiar to Christ alone, as I formerly said, 1 Pet. I. 11, 12.  
my God] Jesus on the Cross little before his death, verse 1 about the ninth hour, cried out these words with a loud voice, Matth. XXVII. 46. Heb. V. 7. upon the weight of God's wrath, under the burden of our sins; The Deity by a special providence and dispensation withdrawing and suspending its influence from the Humanity for this time; God withdrawing all sense of his favour from him. Not that the hypostatical union of both natures was then or ever severed or dissolved. But yet he suffered chief in his soul, all the pains, pangs and agonies of a justly angry and punishing God, even more than can either be expressed or imagined, even so fare above the measure of ordinary sufferings, as himself was above ordinary men; without any influence, or joy, or comfort streaming from the Vision of God upon his mind and will for that time. So that he suffered as in body, so in soul, in his whole man; as in his sensual part, so in his intellectual also, in his whole soul, and body, and in all the parts, powers, and faculties of them. And the greatest sufferings, as was said, that could be sustained in this life, Lam. I. 12. yet without any derogation to the integrity, purity, innocence, dignity of the person of Christ our Surety and Saviour. These words than are not a complaint out of impatience, ignorance, disobedience, or diffidence. They are the words of sense, not of infidelity. See ver. 24. Luke XXIII. 46. He strongly calls him his God, even in that instant of these suffering; so expressing his firm faith in him. But they are a Protestation of the bitterness of his Passion, so stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted, and so fare prevailing on him, in whom the spirit of fortitude had his residence.  
forsaken me] This sense of dereliction and carencie of Divine favour for the time, as it was the Father's pleasure to have it so, so the Son's office called him unto it; and he did not contract it by any fault of his, but did voluntarily undertake it for our sins, and the expiation of them: as he did the death itself. So that in this then there could not be any defect or defanlt of faith, and hope requisite in him, And likewise that Prayer and Speech, Matth. XXVI. 39 betrays the sense of the flesh; but joined with the obedience of the Spirit in him: A double Will in him, against Monothelites: but joined both in one holy obedience and subjection. All which show the nature of sin, the infinite wrath of God against it; the infinite Love of the Father, and the Son, towards the children of men; and the verity of Christ's Humane Nature, both in body and soul.  
roaring] Like that of Lions Psal. XXXII. 3. and XXXVIII. 8. Matth. XXVI. 38. Mark XIV. 33. Luke XXII. 44. so that he had need of an Angel for his Comforter. Yet he so wrestles and prevails, that no sign of halting was left remaining after; no sign or voice of despair; as some are shamelessly wronged to charge upon him. All the agonies of Christ's soul ceased with his death.  
but thou hearest not] We read that God ever heard him, verse 2 ver. 24. John XI. 42. Heb. V. 7. But here this Prayer was only conditional; a signification of a natural desire; not an absolute, and plenary Prayer.  
inhabit the praises of Israel] Whose praise thou art, verse 3 Deut. X. 21. And they praise thee, in thy House and Sanctuary. Thou art still praised by them for thy benefits to them, and acknowledged their holy one.  
Our fathers] And shall I be so forsaken, verse 4 not heard, nor helped, nor delivered? Thus he aggravates his complaint, rouzeth up his faith, bows and moves God to mercy.  
Cried] Crying or clamour, verse 5 and Prayer, are oft conjoined, Psal III. 4. and XVIII. 7. Jer. VII. 16. Ionas III. 8. Micah III. 4.  
a worm] So vile and contemptible in the eyes of men, verse 6 Esay LIII. 2, 3. as Job XXV. 6. Esay XLI. 14. Not only made lower than the Angels, Psal. VIII. 5. Heb. II. 7. but disesteemed more than Barrabas, or the two theives.  
All they that see me] This verse, verse 7 and the next, we see fulfilled in the History of Christ's Passion, Matth. XXVII. 39,— 44. Luke XXIII. 35. Not that Christ herein murmurs against God; but declares and deplores his own misery, whereunto for man's sake, and his redemption, he willingly subjects himself.  
laugh me to scorn] Matth. XXVII. 39  
He trusted] Matt. verse 8 XXVII. 43.  
But thou art] This verse, verse 9 and the next, show his Hope in God. The like see in David, Psal. LXXI. 5, 6, 7.  
out of the womb] By a natural, not miraculous way; as David was, Psal. LXXI. 5. by the opening of the womb, without any loss or laesion of Blessed Mary's Virginity; not by a miraculous penetration of dimensions and substances, to keep the womb still closed and shut.  
breasts] So Job XXXI. 18. Psal. LXXI. 6. 2 Tim. III. 15. Esay XLVI. 3. and XLIX. 1. Luke I. 15, 41.  
I was cast] By him saved from Herod's intended murder, verse 10 Mat. II.  
Be not fare from me] Therefore he was not utterly forsaken, verse 11 ver. 1. So Psal. X. 1. and XXXVIII. 22, 23. So again, Esay XLVIII. 9  
for trouble is near] Death itself.  
none to help] Esay LXIII. 3, 5. His Disciples fled; Peter forswears him: none but God could help him.  
Many Bulls] So afterwards Lions, verse 12 ver. 13. Dogs, ver. 16, 20. Such were his enemies to him; the Devil and his instruments; the Priests, and Rulers of the Jews, in our Saviour's days.  
Bashan] See the Annotations on Micah VII. 14.  
roaring Lion] Even they forced Pilate, verse 13 notwithstanding all his plead for Jesus, to condemn him. See Matth. XXVII. 17.— 26. John XIX. 1,— 13.  
like water] Such is his state. verse 14 As 2 Sam. XIV. 14. His bones, heart, bowels, melted, burnt, as it were, with the heat of God's wrath.  
the Assembly] In their Councils, verse 16 Mark XIV. 55. and XV. 1. John XI. 47.  
They pierced] Our Hebrew Bibles have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as a Lion. Which yet by anomaly in Grammar may signify 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, they pierced. And such anomalies are found sometimes in the Hebrew text, as Ezra X. 16. 44. Psal. X. 15. And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is confessed to be found in some ancient Copies, or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; So that the text here may be said to admit divers readings. Yet the Spirit of God in the New Testament doth constantly render it, they pierced. The ancient Jews maintain this reading; And some of the modern. The other reading as a Lion, is but a various reading; and though in the text, yet in good sense it seems not so well to stand; and therefore this foderunt, set in the margin, is to be read. And some Copies have foderunt in the text; yea, and the other reading as was said by anomaly in Grammar, not unusual in Scripture, will signify foderunt also. And thus they dealt with our Saviour Jesus Christ, John XX. 25. Luke XXIV. 40. Zech. XII. 10. compared with John XIX. 37.  
stare upon me] As Psal. XXXV. 21. verse 17 and LIV. 9 They fed their eyes with my miserable spectacle; with all pleasure, and without any pitying of me.  
parted my garments] John XIX. 23, 24. verse 18 The four soldiers that had the charge of the execution, did so. But other soldiers, with their Captain or Centurion, were there present.  
lots] Of Lot's, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 7. Lots are for division; or consultation, and Divination.  
my darling] Psal. verse 20 XXXV. 17. or my only one, which is without an helper, ver. 11.  
Unicorns] See the Observations on Num. XXIII. verse 21 22.  
I will declare] Recount, verse 22 publish, and praise; thy bounty, and goodness, all thy Divine attributes, perfections, and actions.  
unto my brethren] Heb. II. 10, 11, 12. brethren in that one and common sanctification.  
ye that fear the Lord] Christ's speech and exhortation to his Church, to praise, verse 23 and worship God, Psal. CXXXV. 1. etc.  
hath not despised] Christ, in his low and base estate; verse 24 though men did, Esay LIII. 3.  
he heard] Heb. V. 7.  
my praise] As Christ exhorted others; so himself will not be behind, verse 25 but an example to them, to praise his Father.  
vows] See the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.  
The meek] Spiritual feeding, verse 26 and blessings are here mainly intended; by allusion likely to the feast at Peace-offerings; as at that 2 Sam. VI 18, 19 See Esay LV. 1, 2. Prov. IX. 5, 6.  
All the ends] The large bounds of the Church of Christ, verse 27 Psal. II. 8. Gen. XVII. 18. and XLVIII. 10. Esay XLIX. 22. Acts XIII. 47. and XIV. 14.  
worship] 1 Sam I. 3▪ 19, 28. John IU. 20,— 24.  
For the Kingdom] His Kingdom of Grace, verse 28 revealed to the Gentiles, whereby he reigneth in their hearts, Esay II. 4.  
All they] All sorts and conditions of men shall worship before him, verse 29 James I 9 the rich and great ones, Psal. XLV. 12. Esay XLIX. 23. and the poor hungry ones ready to die and perish, Matth. XI. 5.  
A seed] Christ's Church shall be Catholic, verse 30 as for places, and persons; so here for time and duration, Esay LIII. 10. Those worshippers in the former verse, shall have a seed and succession to continue from generation to generation, Psal. LXXXVII. 5, 6. Acts XV. 16.  
They shall come] They that are first in Christ, verse 31 begotten by the immortal seed of his Word.  
shall declare his righteousness] In performing his promises, in the exhibition of the Messiah, and the benefits of redemption and salvation by him, Psal. XL. 10. and LXXI. 15.  
that he hath done this] Like that Psal. XXXVII. 5.  
Shepherd] A frequent similitude: chapter XXIII verse 1 none oftener used in Scripture; yet may David the more willingly use it, as having been a Shepherd himself. It is used of God; of Christ; and of Magistrates, and Ministers under them. And the godly are called by the name of sheep. The texts are numerous.  
I shall not want] 1 Cor. III 21. Mat. V 33.  
in green pastures] Ezek. verse 2 XXXIV. 14. Esay XLIX. 10.  
thou art with me] Gen. XV. 1. and chap. XXI. 22. 1 Chron. XI. 9 2 King's VI. verse 4 verse 16 Judg. VI 12. Acts XVIII. 9 Jer. XV. 20. Esay XLIII. 2.  
Thy rod and thy staff] Micah VII. 14. Zech. XI. 7.  
dwell in the house of the Lord] The place of God's worship, verse 6 Judg. XIX. 18. Psal. LXVI. 13. and XXVII. 4. yet God dwells not in Temples made with hands, Esay LXVI. 1. Acts VII. 48.  
The earth] 1 Cor. chapter XXIV verse 1 X. 26, 28. twice alleged by the Apostle; and to two several purposes; and both appositely  
hill of the Lord] Though all the earth be the Lords, verse 3 verse 1. yet the hill of Zion, Psal. II. 6. is his holy place. As Exod. XIX. 5. Deut. X. 14. Of this hill, see Esay II. 2, 3. Micah IU. 1. See Psal. XV. 1.  
holy place] Place, not capable of holiness in itself, of any inherent holiness: But of a relative holiness, in a relation to God's presence therein, for the time, either by extraordinary signs and tokens as Exod. III. 5. or by appointing his ordinary means of worship therein; ceremonial under the Old Testament; which now is done away, and not to be recalled; or spiritual, under the New. The former, though of God's appointment and ordination, had not in themselves, nor could give absolute holiness to the worship therein performed: And much more now the Places of God's worship do not make holy the Services therein performed; but by them rather are made holy only relatively, being appointed to such holy uses.  
He that hath] Esay XXXIII. verse 4 15, 16.  
clean hands] Psal. XVIII. 21. Esay LVI. 2. Ezek. XVIII. 8.  
pure heart] Matth. XV. 19 Prov. II. 19 Jer. XVII. 9 yet Acts XV. 9 1 Tim. I. 5. Psal. CI. 2.  
nor sworn deceitfully] Oaths are taken in a strict and proper sense; or at a great latitude. They are assertory, or promissory; single, or with a curse or execration annexed; lawful in themselves; an act of Religion, Esay XIX. 18. Lawful in the Old Testament, by God's precept, promise, and examples of holy men. Lawful in the New Testament by same nature, and use of them, as in the Old, Hebr. VI 16. by those warrants, Esay XLV. 1. Jer. XII. 16. speaking of the times of the New Testament; by the example of the Angel, Apoc. X. 16. of the Apostle, Rom. I. 9 2 Cor. I. 23. That text, Matth. V 34. and so that James V. 12. is not to be understood simply and absolutely; but relatively, as Christ thereby opposeth the corrupt practice of the Pharisees, and their false interpretation of God's Law concerning swearing, as if swearing, so as God's name were not directly used in it, and no falsehood or perjury contained in it, were no sin with them; but ever and altogether lawful, though it were never so lightly and slightly, vainly, and customarily, unnecessarily, and causelessly done, where yea and nay had been sufficient. Thus Christ opposeth and forbiddeth even all swearing as much as lieth in us; but forbids not lawful swearing, upon just, urgent and necessary occasions. Of Oaths, see more in the Observations on Host IU. 15.  
He shall] He is a true member of the invisible and Catholic Church, verse 5 and he only; whereas hypocrites and wicked persons may be members of the visible and of particular Churches, by reason of their external profession only, Rom. IX. 6. Matth. VII 21. The former are members properly, univocaly, essentialy, formally, inwardly, in truth, and in the judgement of God; The later only equivocaly, externaly, materialy, not formally and essentialy, in show, in the opinion of men as rotten members, or ill humours in the body, 2 Tim. III. 5. Gal. V 24. These are in the visible Church, as chaff is among the wheat.  
receive] Not by merit of condignity, for the worth of his works, Dan. IX. 18. Rom. VIII. 18. For the works are imperfect in themselves; and again, not our own, and wholly from ourselves, and besides due debt otherwise, without this reward; and lastly no wise equivalent, and equipollent to this reward. But receive the blessing and reward by and because of God's free grace, rich mercy, bountiful promise, whereby he hath freely engaged himself to give such and so superabundant a remuneration. And so he gives it in justice now because engaged and obliged thereunto by the truth of his so free, gracious, and bountiful a promise. God is just to perform his promise, 1 John I. 9 2 Tim. IU. 7.  
Blessing] Gen. XII. 2. Gal. III. 9 Eph. I. 2. Mat. XXV. 34.  
righteousness] Of Justification, and of Sanctification; Righteousness, with the increase, fruit, and reward of it, according to God's righteous promise and performance.  
This is the generation] This kind of men. verse 6 As Luke XI. 29. and XVI. 8. Matth. XII. 39 Not those that brag of being Abraham's or jacobs' seed, Matth. III. 9 john VIII. 33. but these are the true seed and generation, Gal. III. 7, 29. Rom. IX. 6, 7. These are the true Israel of God, that seek him.  
that seek] Deut. IV. 29. Psal. XXVII. 8. 2 King's XX. 3, 4. which grace comes of God, Esay LXV. 1, 2.  
thy face O jacob] O God of Jacob. Or, this in Jacob; or the generation of Jacob, that seek God's face; as Jacob did, Gen. XXXII. 24, 30. See John I. 47. Rom. IX. 6. and II. 28, 29.  
Lift up] Having mentioned the hill of the Lord, verse 7 and his holy place, ver. 3. This may seem to relate to the gates and doors of the Temple, vowed by David, and to be built by Solomon; and to the coming in of the Ark into it: or rather, proceeding from the Type to the Truth, we may mysticaly refer this to the Church of Christ, and the true members of it, to lift up the gates and doors of their hearts and everlasting souls, that the Lord whom they seek may come into his Temple, Mal. III. 2. that they prepare themselves to receive and entertain him at his coming in the flesh, at his coming into their hearts, Apoc. III. 20. who is indeed the true King of glory. Apoc. XVII. 14. 2 Cor II. 8. the true Jehovah, Exod III. 15. Psal. LXXXIII. 18. Col. II. 9 and Christ, compare Num. XXI, 5. with 1 Cor. X. 9 and Esay VI 1. with John XII. 41. Even jehovah our righteousness, jer. XXIII. 6. the mighty God, Esay IX. 6. the increase of whose Kingdom and government shall have no end, Esay IX. 7. Dan. VII. 14. Mat. XXVIII. 18. for whose incoming the doors of our hearts and affections should lie open.  
To make the Alphabetical order perfect in this Psalm, chapter XXV some would have the verses in it not to be rightly all distinguished: as namely, the second, and the fifth. And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to seem wanting in the beginning of the seventeenth verse. And, the last verse to be only the later part of the foregoing verse.  
without cause] Given on my part; verse 3 not provoked by me.  
for it is great] And so needs much mercy, verse 11 great mercy.  
seek ye my face,] chapter XXVII verse 8 Deut. IV. 29. David's soul did most seek it, to be near where the Ark of God was, and so before the face of the Lord, as the Scripture phraseth it: being out of heart when he was barred from it, ver. 4. Psal. LXV. 4. Psal. LXXXIV. and XLII. 1 Sam. XXVI. 19 God's command here was David's request, and the thing he aimed at.  
regard not] Esay V chapter XXVIII verse 5 12. do not attend, and wisely consider of them; of the mysteries of God's providence and ways; in bringing David to the Crown; in managing the matters of this world, as to the godly, and as to the wicked; in husbanding man's salvation by contraries, etc. Rom. XI. 33.  
in the beauty of holiness] chapter XXIX verse 2 In the comely honour of the Sanctuary, Psal. XCVI. 9 the glorious, holy Sanctuary.  
The voice of the Lord] Of thunder, verse 3 see Exod. IX. 23. Job XXXVII, 4, 5. and XL. 9 See the Observations on Psal. XVIII. 13.  
Sirion] See the Observations on Deut. verse 6 III. 9  
but a moment] Esay XXVI. chapter XXX verse 5 20. and LIV. 7, 8.  
in my blood] By any violent death, verse 9 through saul's means.  
into thy hands] Luke XXIII. chapter XXXI verse 5 46. 1 Pet. IU. 19  
My times] And troubles, verse 15 and changes therein.  
O how great] Esay LXIV. verse 19 4. 1 Cor. II. 9  
in a] As in a fenced City. verse 21  
in my haste] 1 Sam XXIII. 26. verse 22 Or in my hasty thoughts, through the extremity of my imminent instant danger. So Psal. LXXVII. 7. etc. 2 Cor. I 8, 9 yet this might stand mixed with faith; as Psal. XXII. 1. And as Fear and Confidence are not altogether inconsistent, Phil. II. 12. Heb. III. 6, 14.  
Blessed] Saint Paul, chapter XXXII verse 1 Rom. IV. 6, 7, 8. allegeth this to prove justification by Faith, without Works. Faith and Works are inseparable, Ephes. II. 8, 9, 10. James II. 14, 17, 18, 20,— 26. That Faith which is without Works is dead, no true Faith. But Faith only acteth in the point of our justification before God, applying Christ and the Promises, believing according to the Covenant of the Gospel; whereby Christ doth become ours his righteousness our justification; and all the benefits of his redemption do redound and amount to our salvation.  
imputeth] Frequent is the use of this word in the point of justification. verse 2  
mule] See the Annotations on Gen. verse 9 XXXVI. 24.  
near unto thee] To hurt thee: or not near to thee to do thee service, unless forced by the bridle, jam. III 3.  
Harp] Invented by jubal, chapter XXXIII verse 2 Gen. IV. 21. made by Solomon of Almug trees, 1 Kings X. 12. called the pleasant Harp, Psal. LXXXI. 2 much used for mirth and joy, Gen. XXXI. 27. job XXI. 12. Esay V. 12. Ezek. XXVI. 13. And much used in God's worship and service, in the praising of him, by ordinance in the Temple, 1 Chron. XV. 21. and XXV. 1, 3, 6. And upon other religious occasions● both public, as 1 Sam. X. 5. 2 Sam. VI 5. 1 Chron. XV. 16. 2 Chron. V. 12. Nehem. XII. 27. and private, wherein David excelled, 1 Sam. XVI. 16, 23. and abounded, Psal. LVII. 8. and CVIII. 3. And much in holy use with others also; as here; and so XLIII. 4. and LXXI. 22. and XCVIII. 5. And of spiritual harps we read in the Revelation, chap. V 8. and XIV. 2. and XV. 2.  
psaltery] Or Lute, or Viol. In Hebrew Nebel. Whence the Greeks and Latins seem to have the names of their instruments Nablium, Naulon.  
a new Song] So Psal. XL. 3. verse 3 and XCVI. 1. and XCVIII. 1. and CXLIV. 9 New still, upon new and fresh occasions renewed. As Love is said to be both an old and a new Commandment. Yet in Scripture phrase very much, Things appertaining to the times of the Gospel, are called New; as a New Covenant, Heb. VIII. 13. a New Testament, 1 Cor. XI. 25. a New jerusalem, Apoc. III. 12. New Heavens, and a New Earth, Esay LXV. 17. a New name, a New man, Eph. II. 15. Esay LXII. 2. a New Commandment, John XIII. 34. a New way, Heb. X. 28. a New heart, Ezek. XXXVI. 26. yea and all things New, 2 Cor. V 17. Apoc. XXI. 5. See that Song, Luke II. 14.  
Abimelech] The common name of the Kings of the Philistines, chapter XXXIV signifying my-father-King: Achish being the proper name for this King of Gath, a City of the Philistines, 1 Sam. XXI. 10. The LVI. Psalm is also upon this same occasion. And this one of the Alphabetical Psalms: Only Zain is omitted, and Phe twice used.  
They looked unto him] To God; verse 5 and to his dealing with David.  
afflictions] They serve to them as cures, verse 19 or preservatives from spiritual evils, Psal. CXIX. 67, 71. Heb. XII. 6, etc.  
not one of them is broken] See Exod. verse 20 XII. 46. Num. IX. 12. John XIX. 36. The sense here is more general.  
Let them] See the Observations on Psal. chapter XXXV verse 4 CIX.  
False witnesses] Mat. verse 11 XXVI. 59  
my prayer returned] Though they got no good by it, verse 13 yet I did.  
my darling] Psal. XXVI. 20,— 23. verse 17  
within my heart] I verily believe it of them, chapter XXXVI verse 1 by reason of their heinous transgressions, which indeed proclaim it.  
not good] Extremely bad. verse 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. See the Observations on Prov. XX. 23.  
great mountains] Mountains of God. verse 6 See the Observations on Jonah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15.  
The matter of this Psalm, chapter XXXVII or the first main part of it, is that grand point, of the prosperity of the wicked, and afflictions of the godly, in this life; and of God's Providence therein. Heathens have much debated this matter. Job is much upon it, as chap. XXI. 7. etc. and chap. XXIV: and chap. XXVII. and in other places. Divers other Psalms also insist upon it more or less; as Psal. XLIX. and LXXIII. and XC. Jeremy professedly, chap. XII. 1. etc. And Habakkuk somewhat, chap. I. 13. The case in point of fact is plain and undeniable. The Providence, Wisdom, and Justice of God in it, is a Mystery to man. Yet to the Christian who believes the Resurrection of the body, and eternal life, things not so clearly revealed in the infancy of the Church, the difficulty is now soon dissolved. And the well and wise weighing of the point by an Heathen, or natural man, may much avail him for his further and better information in matters of great consequence and concernment. See the Annotations on Psal. XLI. 1. The greatest doubt arising hence to the godly, may seem to be this, How these same occurrences of administrations in God's Providence may stand with such constant, continual, and abundant promises of God's blessings in temporal things to the godly in this life, 1 Tim. IV. 8. and with his like threaten of plagues and punishments to the wicked in this world. The issue will be, That these Promises and Threaten, specially under the Law, are spoken to vulgar capacities, in those times; and yet have their exceptions and limitations in the Word: And that the prosperity of the wicked is but a seeming prosperity; and a short, and momentany prosperity in relation to eternity; and many ways disadvantageous and hurtful to them; and ends with an overthrow sudden, and terrible, and everlasting: And again, That the affliction of the godly is but momentany, nothing to eternity, and mainly profitable for the work of Grace here, more than abundantly recompensing and over-poizing their afflictions; and for the increase of Glory hereafter. Yet super-adding this, That God's wisdom and ways of Providence are not commensurate with man's finite and shallow capacity, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Rom. XI. 33. Gen. XVIII. 25. Esay LV. 8, 9  
Fret not] Another Alphabetical Psalm. verse 1 Wherein, not every verse, but every second verse, gins with the letter of the Hebrew Alphabet in order. Only verse 7, 20, 29, 34. stand single in their due order, without any other letter or verse interposed.  
cease from anger] Upon unjust causes, verse 8 in an unjust manner, and measure, Ephes. IU. 31. yet in itself lawful, Ephes. IU. 26. Mark III. 5.  
A little] Prov. XV. verse 16 16. and XVI. 8. and X. 22. Eccl. IX. 7.  
I have been young] This was David's experience in his time. verse 25 It follows not to be so in all ages.  
to bring to remembrance] That he might remember God's chastisement upon him for his sin; chapter XXXVIII or that God might remember him to help and deliver him out of it.  
lest otherwise] A like argument or expression God useth, verse 16 Deut. XXXII. 27.  
to Jeduthun] Or for him, chapter XXXIX and his posterity, 1 Chron. XXV. 3. So Psal. LXXVII. title.  
Even from good] Not much unlike that idiotism and expression, verse 2 Gen. XXXI. 29. Num. XXIII. 25.  
the fire burned] See Jer. XX. 9 Job XXXII. 18, 19 verse 3  
a moth] The moth is suddenly crushed, verse 11 Job IV. 19 and doth insensibly consume a garment, Job XIII. 28. Host V 12.  
That this Psalm should wholly be understood of Christ; chapter XL excluding David; may seem not so safe and warrantable.  
I waited] They are David's words throughout this Psalm. verse 1 Yet he being in some things a Type of Christ; and was to be the Father of Christ according to the flesh, he useth some words propheticaly of Christ, speaking them as in the person of Christ, which are directly applied to Christ by the Apostle, Heb. X. 7, 8, 9  
and heard my cry] Thus from experience of mercy formerly received, in Gods hearing his Prayers, and delivering him from deepest dangers, in the former part of the Psalm; he strengthens his faith in Prayer for obtaining like mercy, and deliverance, in the later part of the Psalm: so as there is no show of opposition or contradiction, between the beginning, and ending of it.  
an horrible pit] Not that imaginary Limbus Patrum: verse 2 nor that state of sin before regeneration; whereunto their own preparatory dispositions, to their conversion, did avail and prevail, whiles they were in that state of sin, to their deliverance out of it, by merit of congruity. But this pit is the depth of miseries, the evils of punishments, the gulf of temporal afflictions, wherein David was plunged after his conversion, and the graces of faith, hope, and invocation appearing in him, ver. 1.  
a new song] For new benefits and deliverances; verse 3 and those such and so new, as the like were scarce heard of before.  
many shall] Psal. XXXII. 6.  
fear, and shall trust.] These two conjoined in a pious soul; fear, and faith; a reverend fear, and trust in God's mercy, Psal. CXXX. 4.  
unto our God] To god, and Christ.  
his trust] Whose sure mercy to them is such, verse 4 as we read, 1 Tim. IV. 10. Deut. I. 31. and XXXII. 10, 11, 12. John III. 16.  
Many, O Lord my God] David speaking to God and Christ; verse 5 if not in the person of Christ, as his Type, with admiration of his infinite goodness and mercy towards man, and in ordering the means of his salvation. So that he riseth up now to a more general admiration of God's wonderful works and thoughts towards his; and of the number, quantity, and quality of them.  
Sacrifice] Christ's words, verse 6 Heb. X. 5. So that these words, and the next are spoken unto God, in the person of the Messiah, who was to come of the seed of David, Heb. X. 5, 6, 7. See the like before, XVI. 10. David having spoken in the former verse of God's wonderful works and thoughts towards mankind, doth in this manner in the words of the Messiah rise up to the very highest of them all in these two verses. For Sacrifices, see my Table of them in Leviticus.  
not desire] Jer. VII. 22. Host VI 6. Prov. XXI. 3. 1 Sam. XV. 22. Psal. L. 5,— 16. Matth. XII. 7. Mark XII. 33. And Christ was now to put an end to them, Dan. IX. 27. as not able in themselves to purge away sin, Heb. X. 4. Therefore God desired them not simply of themselves, without inward piety concurring, as the very life and soul of them; Or, in comparison of the spiritual worship of God; or, in comparison of that all-sufficient Sacrifice of Christ, which he was to offer in the body of his flesh, Heb. X. 1, 4. Rom. VIII. 3, 4. After which these Legal Typical Sacrifices were to be abolished, as was said. And that Sacrifice of Christ one offered never to be reiterated, Heb. IX. and X. chapters; contrary to that blasphemous sacrifice of Christ in the Popish Mass.  
mine ears hast thou opened] Digged open, or pierced; made me obedient to thy voice: or bored, to make me thy servant for ever; in allusion to the Law Exod. XXI. 6. For these words here, we read, Heb. X. 5. but a body hast thou prepared me, or fitted me. Wherein the Apostle either followeth the LXX. or citys, not the words, but the sense, Rom. VIII. 3. Phil. II. 7. it being the same both ways, in issue. Besides that varieties of readings in both places are alleged out of ancient Copies by the learned. Papists themselves deny not this text to be incorrupt. The Apostle faithfuly retaining the sense and scope of the place, without tying himself to the letter of the words in his quotation. The variation is but a change of the figurative phrase into a proper, to express the ready obedience of Christ to do the will of his Father in the work of the redemption of mankind, John V. 30. VI 38. and IV. 34. whereunto by framing him a body God had fitted him.  
Sinne-offering] Heb Sinne. Put often in the Law for the Sinne-offering. So Levit. IU. 3. 24. Exod. XXIX. 14. In which sense Christ is called Sin, 2 Cor. V 21.  
Then said I, verse 7 Lo, I come] When thou hadst so fitted me, Mark X. 32, 33, 34.  
In the volume] or Scroll rolled up, Jer. XXXVI. 2. Ezek. II. 9 The Volume of the Law and Scripture, Luke XXIV. 27, 44. John V. 39  
of the Book] Sepher, or Book generally signifies any writings, Court-rools, etc. Deut. XXIV. 1. 2 King's V. 5, 6. Jer. XXXII. 11.  
it is written of me] So Christ himself saith, Matth. XXVI. 24 John V 46. See Luke XXIV. 44, 46. Acts XIII. 29.  
I delight] Luke XXII. 15. Heb. X. 10.  
to do thy will] Heb. X. 10. John VI 38. Luke XXII. 42. In all things to be performed by me in my flesh, which are required by thee for the redemption and salvation of man; even to my obedience in suffering the death of the Cross, Phil. II. 8. Thus Christ in regard of his humane nature was truly less than the Father, John XIV. 28. was subject to him; his will to the will of his Father; took upon him the form of a servant, Phil. II. 7. was truly a servant, Esay XLII. 1. obeyed the mandates of the Father, John XII. 49. and XIV. 31. and XV. 10. Being our Surety, was made under the Law, Gal. IU. 4. under the Law of Moses, Moral, and Ceremonial; that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, Rom. VIII. 4. And these are not figurative and metaphorical, but proper elocutions, in regard of Christ's humane nature; not making a Person in itself, distinct from the Person of the Son of God, with Nestorius; nor yet hereby making the Person of the Son of God hypostaticaly uniting to himself the Humane Nature, inferior to the Person of the Father, as Arius would.  
I have preached] Though God's works were such as the fifth verse expresseth; verse 9 and specially that work of man's redemption; yet Christ, as he took a body, by the sacrifice of it, as a Priest, to satisfy the Father; so here as the great Prophet of the Church, he doth preach and publish it, John XVII. 6. Luke XXIV. 47. even Gods righteousness, faithfulness, truth, loving-kindness, salvation, to the great Congregation of his people, Rom. III. 21, 22. Esay LXI. 1, 2, 3. and XLIX. 6. which office and duty David also the Type, in his degree, and all Christ's messengers in their place and function, do perform.  
withhold not thou] David prays here for what he had preached in the former verse, verse 11 containing in it the fountain, and the epitome of blessings and happiness to man.  
heart faileth me] Psal. verse 12 XXII. 14. and XXXVIII. 10.  
Be pleased] Hence to the end of the Psalm agrees with Psal. LXX. David petitions, verse 13 for his deliverance, in this verse; the confusion of his enemies, verse 14, 15. to the joy of the godly, and the glory of God, verse 16.  
confounded] David's imprecation against his enemies. verse 14 This is more than a passionate unfolding of their injuries, and leaving the revenge to God: more than that 2 Sam. XV. 31. and Acts IV. 29. and Psal. LXXXIII. 16. more than a mere prophetical prediction of evils to befall them. Here is more: And so Psal. XXXV. 4. and LXX. 2, 3. and CIX. 7. etc. & LIX. 13. and 2 Tim. IV. 14. And in many other places. David here, and other holy Prophets do not thunder thus against their enemies, desperate sinners, out of any immoderate carnal passions, of private hatred, or desire of revenge; or out of any rash and inconsiderate zeal; but moved and inflamed rather by the Spirit of God; acting herein the public cause of God, and of his glory; against those whom they knew by the spirit of discerning, 1 Cor. XII. 10. to be Gods, and their forlorn foes. Yet possible that in some of these imprecations some mixture of humane infirmities might be: as in Jeremy XV. 15, 16, 17. But for us; touching private and personal enemies, our duty is, as we read, Matth. V 44. as we find in the example of Christ, Luke XXIII. 34. and of Stephen, Acts VII. 60. and 1 Pet. II. 23. And for public enemies of God and his Church; we may not absolutely use execrations against their persons; as not knowing but God may convert them afterwards, of saul's make them Paul's; and lest we incur that rebuke, with those Disciples, Luke IX. 55. Let us stay till we know that we be of their spirit before we do as these Prophets did. Of imprecations, see more in the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14. and the Annotations on Neh. IU. 5.  
Let all those] David's prayer for those that seek God, verse 16 and love his salvation.  
But I] He concludes with commending his own case to God, verse 17 his help, and deliverer.  
Blessed] This Psalm by some is applied to Christ; chapter XLI verse 1 but very hardly.  
deliver him] That is, the poor or sick weakling: David so comforts the poor afflicted. So we must judge charitably, that God in his ordinary course of providence will in due time, raise and restore them whom for a while he hath cast down. Some by him understand him that considereth the poor.  
his bed in his sickness] Make it to his ease. verse 3  
verse 8 an evil disease] As Acts XXVIII. verse 4  
eat of my bread] This our Saviour applieth to Judas, John XIII. 18. See Psal. LV. 12, 13, 14. verse 9  
Amen] A concurrence of wishes, verse 13 and confidence. An end of the first Book of Psalms.  
Korah] This, chapter XLII and ten other Psalms, without David's name in the Title, are inscribed for Korah's posterity, to be sung in the Temple, with voice, and instrument. Heman the singer, the grandchild of Samuel the Prophet, being one of his posterity, 1 Chron. VI 33,— 43. See the Observations on Num. XVI. 32.  
This Psalm seems written by David; and when he was banished by Absolom, or Saub rather, from the Sanctuary, and sacred Assemblies, and Solemnities, verse 1, 2, 4, 6. 9  
As the Hart] Or Hind. verse 1 The LXX. hath it, the Hind; reading the Hebrew here in the feminine gender; for which the Hebrews render divers reasons. And though the Hebrews have a word of the masculine gender for the Hart, and of the feminine gender for the Hind; yet by either of them many times the other sex is understood. And so it is also in other names of beasts with the Hebrews. As in Zech. IX. 9 the word for Ass is of the masculine gender, yet the female sex is thereby understood, Matth. XXI. 2. So the name of the fish which swallowed Ionas is named both in the masculine, and in the feminine termination. See Jer. II. 24.  
Kept holy day] Three solemn feasts in the year. verse 4 At their solemn Assemblies, and Sacrifices they kept feasts, with dancing and joy; Exod. XXIII. 14. and XXXII. 5, 6 19 Deut. XVI. 14, 15. Judg. XXI. 19, 21. Esay XXX. 29.  
for the help of his countenance] Or, his presence is salvations i e. verse 5 most ample, firm, absolute, and perfect salvation. For so the Plural number is used to advance and amplify the matter subject whereunto it is applied, as in this word, Ps. XVIII. 2. & XXVIII. 8, and XLIV. 4. and LXXIV. 12. So in others; as may be seen in the Observations on Psal. LI. 17.  
from the land of Jordan] From the places of his banishment, verse 6 in the borders of the land.  
Deep] Afflictions upon afflictions, breaking in as billows, wallowing as waves, verse 7 upon me: and the noise of one calling as it were for another.  
Seems written by David, chapter XLIII and upon the same occasion with the former.  
hill, and to thy Tabernacles] The Ark was then at the hill of Kiriathjearim; verse 3 and the Tabernacle at Nob, or Gibeon.  
This Psalm of Instruction, chapter XLIV concerning afflictions, and the right use of them. And seems written, in the time of oppressions under the Philistines immediately before david's reign; or of the Babylonish captivity; and not to be extended to the days of Antiochus Epiphanes.  
and cast them out] Or rather didst propagate, verse 2 send forth, make spread, as the word signifieth, Psal. LXXX. 12. Ezek. XVII. 6.  
them] That is, our fathers.  
command] Psal. XLII. 8. Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 3. verse 4  
Butler] Having remembered God's former mercies, verse 9 he now bemoans their present miseries for want of God's help. So Psal. LXXXIX.  
Yet] They profess their integrity. verse 17  
neither] In Hebrew it is, verse 18 and. But this particle is divers times taken to signify neither. And so Psal. L. 8. and Prov. XXXI. 3. Esay XLI. 28. and chap. XXVIII. 27, 28. See the Cinnus p. 182, 183.  
for thy sake are] Applied by Saint Paul, to the present state and condition of himself; verse 22 the Apostles, and Christians, in their times, Rom. VIII. 36.  
Awake,] They beg his help, and mercy.  
a song of loves] A marriage song or Epithalamion of the wellbeloved (Virgins) verse 9, chapter XLV verse 23 10, 14: sung by them. To this Hymn we may apply those words, Ephes. V. 32. It setteth forth Christ in his glory; and his Spouse, the Church, in her beauty. See Heb. I. 8. John III. 29. Apoc. XXI. 9, 10. Typified here in Solomon, and Pharaohs daughter; wherein yet some things are proper only to the Antitype.  
My heart] Matth. XII. 34.  
touching the King] My Poems of the King. verse 1 He the matter subject of this Song.  
Thou art fairer] Cant. V. 10,— 16. verse 2 John I 16. Heb. VII. 26.  
lips] Cant. V. 13. Luke IU. 22. Esay L. 4. John I. 18. and III. 37.  
gird thy sword] The spiritual sword is the Word of God, Ephes. VI 17. verse 3 Therefore Christ's sword properly cometh out of his mouth, Apoc. I. 16. And with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked, Esay. XI. 4.  
ride prosperously] As in a triumphant Chariot, verse 4 Esay LIII. 10.  
because of truth, etc.] Sitting and riding as it were, upon these three royal virtues and graces; & they, as it were, drawing the Chariot.  
truth] Ephes. 1 13. Prov. XX. 28.  
Meekness] Matth. XXI. 5. and chap. XI. 29. and chap. XII. 19, 20. Esay XLII. 2. Zech. IX. 9  
righteousness] Verse 7. Dan. IX. 24.  
teach thee] Experimentaly, by its own actings, Psal. XCVIII. 1. Esay LXIII. 5.  
Thine arrows] Heb. IV. 12. 2 Cor. II. 14, 15. and X. 4, 5. verse 5 This verse not so properly suits to Solomon, or befits him. Therefore a greater than Solomon is here, Matth. XII. 42. Esay XLIX. 2. Of these arrows is that true, 2 Sam. I 22. and 2 King. XIII. 17.  
Thy Throne] Heb. 1 8. 2 Sam. VII. 16. Psal. X. 16. Esay IX. 7. Luke I. 33. Dan. III. 44, 45. and VII. 14 Psal. CXLV. 13. John XVIII. 36. verse 6 Neither doth this sixth verse properly pertain to Solomon, either for the perpetuity of his Throne; or righteousness of his Sceptre: But to Christ, who is here called God.  
the Sceptre] Esay XI. verse 7 3, 4. Psal. XCVI. 10.  
Thou lovest righteousness] Esay XI. 3, 4, 5. and chap. IX. 7. and LXI. 8.  
Therefore] To that end and purpose anointed; not anointed for that cause and merit, because he loved righteousness. As Esay LXI. 1. And so is therefore to be understood in the second verse aforegoing. So Gen. XVIII. 5. and XIX. 8.  
God thy God] The first of these may be read either in the Nominative, or Vocative case. The later is God anointing; who is truly the God of the Messiah; as Psal. XXII. 1.  
hath anointed] God anointed him to his Offices of Prophet, Priest, and King: as such Officers were of old anointed, Exod. XXIX. 7. 1 Sam. IX. 16. 1 King. XIX. 17. But this anointing here is to be understood of spiritual, inward, invisible anointing, Acts X. 37, 38. And so Psal. CV. 15. The Patriarches are styled anointed, who never were so outwardly with material oil. And this spiritual Anointing here is the superabundant infusion of the gifts and graces of the holy Ghost, not into the Divine nature of Christ properly, which is incapable of grace infused, or of having any thing added to it; but into his Humane nature, plentifuly furnishing him with all abilities and graces for his execution of his said Offices, Luke IU. 17,— 21. Esay LXI. 1. Dan. IX. 24. Yet as he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Emmanuel, the Mediator, reserving ever the property of either nature entire to itself, He may be said to be anionted in both natures, taking anointed in that sense as it denotes the designation and inauguration of him to his said Offices. And this Anointing may be appliable specially to the time of his Incarnation, of his Baptism, and of his Rising from the dead.  
above thy fellows] Both Kings, Priests, and Prophets, Psal. LXXXIX. 27. above all his fellows, in nature, Heb. II. 14. in Christian Prerogatives, 1 John II. 20, 27. Apoc. I. 6. 1 Pet. II. 5, 9 And this both extensively, and intensively; Esay XI. 2. John I. 16. and III. 24.  
garments] Aretina odoriferous, verse 8 as these aromatic spices and smells; ot by suffumigation of them.  
out of the Ivory palaces] 2 Kings XXII. 39 Amos III. 15. 1 Kings X. 20. Meaning, that either the King cometh out of them, as the bridegroom; like that Psal. XIX. 5. Or that the garments were taken out of such palaces or coffers.  
Whereby they have made thee glad] By those odoriferous smells and perfumes: Prov. XXVII. 9 Or those that meet thee, or the bridegrooms friends John III. 29. by their joyful acclamations and congratulations. Or, as some, more than theirs that make thee glad, i. e. thy garments more odoriferous than theirs, thy fellows and friends. All this was true in Solomon literaly. Much more in Christ spiritualy and mysticaly. Whereof his Spouse makes use, Cant. I. 3. Esay LXI. 10.  
King's daughters] The daughters of minor-Kings, verse 9 or great Princes: or such as for their deportment, port, and abiliments, might be so esteemed. As Judg. VIII. 18.  
thy honourable women] Those beloved Virgins, intimated in the Title; honoured also by their invitation to this marriage, and honouring it, as the bride's maids.  
thy right hand] The prime place next the King: as the left hand is the second place; the King being in the middle. So Bathsheba, 1 King. II. 19 So Christ in respect of his Humanity, Matth. XXVI. 65.  
did stand] Or sit; had her seat, or station. So both standing and sitting on God's right hand, in one and the same sense, are ascribed to our Saviour, Mark XVI. 19 Acts VII. 56. For us, See Ephes. II. 6.  
the Queen] This royal and honourable English word is very nigh the dishonest name of a Quean. And so the Hebrew word here used 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a Queen, a wife, is very nigh to the unseemly word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: for which the Massorets, as more mannerly forsooth, still in the margin put another word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Deut. XXVIII. 30. Esay XIII. 16. Zech. XIV. 2. Jer. III. 2.  
in gold] In cloth of gold; of threads of gold, of fine glistering gold, with ring's, chains, and bracelets of gold, the most pure and splendent gold, Job XXXI. 24. Cant. V 11. Dan. X. V Of the several names of gold in the Hebrew, see the Annotations on Job XXVIII. 15,— 19  
of Ophir] See the Observations on 1 King. X. 11.  
He arken] Matth. XVII. 5. Rom. X. 17. verse 10  
O daughter] John 1 13. Apoc. XXI. 9, 10.  
forget also] Luke IX. 23. and XIV. 26. Matth. X. 37. As Abraham did, Gen. XII. 1. and Ruth, chap. I. 16, 17.  
So shall] Upon these terms, verse 11 more and more.  
greatly desire] This true in Solomon. But Christ loves his Spouse first, 1 John IU. 10. Loves her in her blood, Ezek. XVI. 6.  
thy Lord] 1 Pet. III. 6. Judg. XIX. 26. And that no common or vulgar person. In the highest degree is Christ so to his Spouse the Church, even her Lord and God.  
Worship thou him] Pharaohs daughter was with civil worship to do it to Solomon, with civil reverend incurvation and adoration. The Church to Christ, with religious worship.  
of Tyre] Of this City, verse 12 see the Annotations on Amos I. 9 This rich Merchant-Citie, the prime Mart for traffic, should bring to Solomon's Spouse gifts and nuptial presents. And much more, Tyre and all Heathen Nations should bring themselves, and their Gifts, with all offices of submission and subjection, to the Spouse of Christ, Esay XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12. Psal. LXXXVII. 4.  
the rich] Esay LX. 3, 10, 11, 16.  
glorious within] 1 Pet. II. 4, 5. verse 13 Not Helen without, and Hecuba within. This true in Solomon's Spouse partly. But in Christ's Spouse true altogether, by her bridegroom's donation and operation, Ephes. V. 27.  
brought] With pomp, verse 14 joy, and jubilation.  
of needlework] As formerly costly for matter; so here curious for Art and work. As the like, Exod. XXVIII. 6, 8, 15, 39  
with gladness] Asdruball is fit in marriage solemnities. verse 15  
they be brought] The Spouse first; the Virgins and brides maids, following and waiting on her; Cant. IU. 8. Apoc. XIX. 7, 8, 9 2 Cor. XI. 2.  
palace] As the wise Virgins, Matt. XXV. 10.  
thy children] We read not that Pharaoh's daughter had any child by Solomon. verse 16 But this is abundantly verified in the Church, the Spouse of Christ; Esay XLIX. 18,— 21. and LIV. 1, 2, 3. Heb. II. 13.  
I will] Saith the Psalmist; by himself; verse 17 and by informing others so to do.  
thy Name] The name of the Bridegroom.  
therefore] By my example; as well as for all the reasons foregoing in this Psalm.  
praise thee] Christ the Bridegroom, for ever and ever: whereas Solomon by his foul fall worthily merited and inherited shame and dispraise.  
present help] Deliverer; chapter XLVI verse 1 or Assistant.  
will not we fear] Though a natural fear; as Prov. XIV. 16. and XXII. 3. verse 2 Matth. VIII. 26. yet not a godless, and faithless fear. Here faith triumphs over such a fear.  
though the earth] Hyperbolical expressions, usualy intimating the fearful alterations of States, and Polities; or the most dreadful dangers.  
a river] Alluding to that of Kidron, Gihen, verse 4 and Shiloah: intending chief that, Ezek. XLVII. 1. Joel III. 18. Apoc. XXII. 1. Or, the meaning of this seems best expounded in the next verse; and in the two verses following.  
He maketh] Esay XLV. 7. Amos III. 6. Psal. LXXVI. 3. verse 9  
Exalted] Esay XXXIII. 9, 10. and XXX. 15. verse 10  
O clap] A sign of joyful acclamation used at the coronation of Kings 2 Kings XI. chapter XLVII verse 1 12. and upon other joyous occasions. Ezek. XXV. 6. See Psal. XCVIII. 8. Esay LV. 12. Psal. LXVI. 1. The Psalmist exhorteth all people to sing Praises unto God, ver. 1. 7. A thing usual in the Psalms.  
For the Lord] Reason's, from God's nature and properties; verse 2 appliable also to Christ; terrible to the wicked, his enemies: and a great King above all earthly Kings, Mal. I. 14. Matt. XXVIII. 18.  
He shall subdue] The Jews enemies. verse 3 And he had done so; the Canaanites, and others. And he will do so; the Church's enemies; Christ will call the Nations, and bring them into subjection under him, and his Church, Ezek. XX. 37.  
He shall choose] He did choose Canaan for his people Israel, Psal. LXXVIII. 55. verse 4 And will choose and prepare that heavenly Canaan, that inheritance incorruptible, 1 Pet. I. 4. for all that believe and hope in him.  
for us] The Jews seeming here to include the Gentiles, as called by Christ into the same communion of the Covenant, for grace, and glory, John X. 16. Eph. II. 14.  
the excellency of Jacob] High and glorious excellency, whereby jacob's posterity excelled, Ezek. XXIV. 21. Amos VI 8. and VIII. 7. Nahum. II. 2. viz. the Temple, Priesthood, etc. all those most excellent and precious promises and blessings made in Christ unto jacob, and his posterity.  
God is gone up] When the Ark was carried from Kiriathjearim to the house of Obed Edom: verse 5 thence to the City of David: thence by Solomon into the Oracle: 1 Chron. XIII. 8. and XV. 28. and 2 Chron. V. 13. Spiritualy and mysticaly, when Christ ascended with triumph into heaven. See Eph. IU. 8. Col. II. 15.  
the King of all the earth] The universal Kingdom of God, and of Christ. verse 7 So again, verse 8. Differing from earthly Kings.  
with understanding.] 1 Cor. XIV. 15. The word Maschil is here used for Psalm, which is the Title of sundry Psalms, signifying an instructing Psalm. Thereby to instruct yourselves, and others, of the Kingdom of God, and Christ; and of your duty.  
of throne of his holiness] Psal. IX. 4. Apoc. IU. 2.  
The Princes] The voluntary, verse 8 bounteous Princes, and people, subject themselves to this King.  
of the God of Abraham] His spiritual seed, Luke III. 8. verse 9 John VIII. 33. etc. Rom. IU. 16, 17.  
Shields] He is the great Shield, Gen. XV. 1. Psal. V. 12. and XVIII. 35. the great conqueror, and protector of all. And Magistrates Shields under him; Host IU. 18. Psal. LXXXIX. 18.  
greatly exalted] Psal. XCVII. 9  
A Song and Psalm] chapter XLVIII Wherein both voice and instrument were used; the voice began, and the instrument after; And where the Inscription is a Psalm and Song, there likely the instrument began, and the voice followed. Of the former sort are, as this Psalm; to Psal. LXVI. LXXXIII. CVIII. Of the later, are Psal. LXVII. LXVIII. LXXV. LXXXVII. and XCII.  
whole earth] Or Land of Judea. verse 2 As Exod. X. 15. and most likely Matth. XXVII. 45.  
the sides of the North] The Temple on Mount Moriah, and the City of Jerusalem, joined North to Mount Zion. Moriah is the North part of Zion. So Esay XIV. 13.  
the Kings were assembled] The Philistian Princes, 2 Sam. V or those verse 4 in the days of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. XX. or of Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. Upon some of which occasions this Psalm seems to be composed and inspired, Psal. XLVI. 6.  
marvailed, and were troubled] At Sions beauty, verse 5 and at her strength, and their own overthrow.  
Thou breakest] As in a Shipwreck; verse 6 so thou didst break them. As 2 Sam. V 20.  
Tarshish] See the Observations on 1 Kings X. 22.  
East wind] See Ezek. XVII. 10. and XIX. 12. Host XII. 1. and Ch. XIII. 15. Jonah IU. 8.  
As we have heard] Psal. XLIV. 1. verse 8  
seen] By experience.  
because of thy judgements] In confounding thine enemies, verse 11 and defending the people.  
tell the towers] Mark if any of them be demolished, verse 12 or hurt by the enemy.  
that ye may tell it] How God had preserved and kept them. verse 13  
a parable] A sententious, chapter XLIX verse 4 grave, witty, dark saying, Prov. I. 6. not beseeming simple ones, Prov. XXVI. 7. used by Balaam, Num. XXIII. and XXIV. by Ezekiel at God's command, chap. XVII. 2. and XX. 49. and much by our Saviour himself in his preaching, Matth. XIII. 35. sometimes in plainer manner, Mark IV. 33 sometimes in intended obscurity, Luke VIII. 10. requiring sharpness of wit to understanded and expound them. Here the Psalmists extraordinary Preface ushering it in; and this enigmatical manner of delivering it, argues the matter to be of great weight and difficulty. As indeed it is that which so much troubleth and puzleth the wisest and the best men of the world; the afflictions and miseries of the godly, and the prosperities of the wicked. See Psal. XXXVII. 1. and LXXIII. 2, 12. and XCIV. 3, 4. Job XXI. 7, 13. Jer. XII. 1. Hab. I. 4, 5. And the wicked thereby take encouragement to evil, and nourish impious conceits in their hearts touching God, and his providence; job XXI. 14, 15. Psal. X. 3, 6, 11, 13. and XIV. 1. and XCIV. 7, 8. Mal. TWO, 17. and III. 15. See more of this in the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1.  
should I fear?] The godly should not fear, verse 5 dismay, or be discouraged at the evils and miseries of this life.  
boast] The wicked, and wealthy, verse 6 cannot save the life of others, or their own life from death. And that ends all their jollity and prosperity.  
wise men die] Eccl. II. 16. and III. 19 verse 10  
Their inward thought] They hunted after honour, verse 11 and a famous memorial.  
Nevertheless] They shall have no more good by their honours, verse 12 then the others had by their riches; they abide not in life thereby one night the longer, Psal. XXXVII. 36. 1. john II. 17.  
abideth not] Heb. Abideth not for a night. Which text many Jews, and other Writers, both old and new, do urge for their opinion, that Adam fell the same day wherein he was created; which point the great Linguist and Chronologer Master Hugh Broughton doth press and prosecute, even with some heat, and overmuch passion, at large. But the learned Gataker doth clear this text from any such meaning, and gives reasons most probable, That Adam did not fall the same day wherein he was created, in his Cinnus, p. 189.— 198.  
yet their posterity] Not warned thereby; verse 13 but commend their father's foolish courses, and continue in them, Psal. X. 3.  
like sheep] Rotten sheep that die of themselves. verse 14  
feel on them] And devour them.  
and the upright] The righteous in Christ, men of sincere integrity.  
in the morning] Of the resurrection; when Christ the Sun of righteousness shall arise at his second coming.  
But God] This answers that question, verse 15 verse 5.  
will redeem, etc.] Raise up my body, and receive me into everlasting life; which is here opposed to all the worldly prosperity of faithless wicked men. See Gen. V. 24. Psal. LXXIII. 24. John XIV. 3. Acts VII. 15. 1 Thes. IU. 14. A clear testimony of the resurrection of the body, the immortality of the soul, and the life everlasting.  
Be not thou afraid] Stumble not, verse 16 nor be offended at the prosperity of the wicked.  
never see light] Job XXXIII. 28, 30. Psal. LVI. 13. nor the light of heaven, verse 19 Matth. VIII. 12.  
man] Verse 12. verse 20  
beasts] The Sheep, verse 14.  
Asaph] Either the Author, chapter L 2 Chron. XXIX. 30. Or chief Singer; to whom, and his sons, and posterity it was committed, 1 Chron. XVI. 5, 7. and XXV. 2. to tune it, and sing it, and play it upon musical instruments. And thus, Psal. LXXIII. to LXXXIII. are entitled all to, or for Asaph.  
The mighty God] God himself is brought in as a Judge upon the Bench, verse 1 arraigning, convincing, sentencing, and judging his people.  
the perfection of beauty] Psal. XLVIII. 2. Lam. II. 15. verse 2  
a fire] As at Mount Sinai, verse 3 when he gave his Law, Heb. XII. 18, 19  
call to the heavens] As Deut. IV. 26. verse 4 and XXX. 19 and XXXI. 28 and XXXII. 1. Esay I. 2. Micah VI 1, 2.  
not reprove thee for thy Sacrifices] Jer. VII. 22. verse 8 They used to weary God with outward Offerings; Esay I. 11, 14. and LXVI. 3. Micah VI 6, 7 Host VI 6. Amos IU. 4, 5. The meaning here is according to that 1 Sam. XV. 22.  
Offer] The inward, verse 14 and real, and substantial part of the Covenant, is the thing which God requireth; obedience and service in spirit and truth. The rejecting the former; and the exacting this later, is the main matter of this majestical Psalm, verse 23. Host XIV. 3. Heb. XII●. 15.  
pay thy vows] Of vows, see the Annotations on Jonah I, 16.  
But unto the wicked] Hear God sentenceth those gross hypocrites that place all Religion in outward Rites and Ceremonies: verse 16 neglecting the main duties of Piety and Righteousness. Against whom is the main bent and drift of this Psalm.  
And speakest against] Psal. LXIX. 13. verse 20 The godly do otherwise, Psal. XXVI. 4. 5.  
Nathan] To reprove him for his sin, chapter LI so long unrepented, 2 Sam. XI. and XII. chapters. Written, upon that argument, though not at that time.  
gone in] Gen. VI 4.  
Bathsheba] The daughter of Eliam, 2 Sam. XI. 3. called also Bathshua, daughter of Ammiel, 1 Chron. III. 5.  
Have mercy] A rare example of repentance: verse 1 and useful against despair: as his fearful fall should make us watchful over ourselves; not presume of our own strength; but ever to eye, trust to, and depend upon God and his preventing, assisting Grace. Mercy here, and the multitude of God's tender mercies, is his City of Refuge, and shute-anchor. No defence for himself, no other plea can he make.  
wash me] And so verse 7. verse 2 alluding to the Legal washings, Levit. XI. 25, 32. Exod. XIX. 10. Num. XIX. 19 Thus he prays, and thus he deals throughout this Psalm; even after nathan's absolution. And thus true Penitents will do.  
For I acknowledge] Prov. XXVIII. 13. 1. verse 3 John I 9 So Esay LIX. 12. Jer. III. 13.  
Cited, Rom. III. 4. with no variation in sense.  
thee only] Not because he a King, and so exempt from the power of others: verse 4 But because this was his greatest grief, to offend God, 1 Sam. II. 24, 25. and such a God, so good to him, 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19 and that God should so suffer in this his sin; 2 Sam. XII. 14. who yet only could pardon his sin, Matth. IX. 3. as against whom, and whose commandment properly, all sin is committed.  
in thy sight] God than sees the sins of his Saints; yea more, he is offended with them, reproves them, makes his Saint's smart for them; as in the Scripture plentifully appears. That place Num. XXIII. 21. is blindly brought against this truth, as if they would make God a blind idol, and not an omniscient God. Or, as if that text had not relation to the Saints under the Old Testament, before that grace, which they say, is given in the New.  
that thou mightest be justified] Acquitted, glorified, by this my confession, Josh. VII. 19  
when thou speakest] In thy reproof by Nathan.  
and be clear] Clearly overcome, be unreprovable, and win the victory in judgement.  
when thou judgest] In sentencing my sin, and my punishment for it: Or, when thou art judged; in the opinion of men, and in their censures, for thy dealing with me. Saint Paul citing these words, Rom. III. 4. applies them from the hypothesis, in David's singular case; to the thesis, to God's general faith and truth in all his promises and proceed. And thus the injustice of man doth commend the justice of God.  
in iniquity] This we call Original sin. verse 5 The Apostle calleth it inhabiting sin, Rom. VII. 17. whereby all men are carnal, sold under sin, John III. 6. Rom. VII. 14. The fountain of actual sins, John IX. 34. Ephes. II. 1. So as whole man is in evil, and whole evil is in man.  
the hidden part] The hid man of the heart, 1 Pet. III. 4.  
thou shalt make me] Thus rising up by faith to this hope: verse 6 Or, hast made me; thus opposing that integrity which God requires, to his present state of corruption by his foul fall contracted.  
to know wisdom] 1 John II. 4. by his sin now eclipsed.  
with hyssop] Exod. XII. 22. Levit. XIV. 4, 6, 49. verse 7 Num. XIX. 6, 18. Heb. IX. 19  
Create] Ephes. II. 10. and IV. 24. Jer. XXXII. 39 verse 10 Ezek. XI. 19 and XXXVI. 26.  
take not] Yet God's holy Spirit was in him; even in this case, verse 11 and state of extremity.  
free spirit] Freely and bountifully bestowed, verse 12 freeing me from the bondage of sin, making me free to righteousness, 2 Cor. III. 17. Rom. VI 18. 22.  
blood-guiltiness] Bloods of Uriah, and others slain with him. verse 14  
Open thou my lips] Give me new occasion by the pardoning of my sin: verse 15 yea, give me the grace both to will, and to do; the habit and ability, and the grace to bring the habit into act, to act it effectualy.  
not Sacrifice] See the Observations on Psal. XL. 6. Indeed we find not expressed any sacrifice for murder, verse 16 or adultery, or any capital crime.  
the Sacrifices] The plural number is here used for the greater emphasis, and amplification. verse 17 And so judg. VII. 10. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. and chap. XXVIII. 3. Prov. I. 20. Mal. I. 6. Lam. III. 22. 2. Sam, XXII. 1.  
unto Zion] The whole Church was in danger of God's judgement by his sin: verse 18 as 2 Sam. XXIV. 15.  
and whole-burnt-offering] See Levit. verse 19 VI 23.  
the Edomite] Of Edom, chapter LII or Idumea▪ or Adonite, from Adam, a City in Reuben; or Admah, a City in judah; or Adam▪ a town in Naphtali; or Adummin, in the borders of judah and Benjamin. The History of this is in 1 Sam. XXI. and XXII. chapters. Here we have David's 〈◊〉 ●ation of Doeg; and imprecation against him; and his own glorious 〈◊〉 in God.  
This 〈◊〉 ●uch like the fourteenth Psalm. chapter LIII And so as I have said, the LX. and 〈◊〉 CVIII. Psalm are much alike.  
〈…〉 fear was] Deut. verse 5 XXVIII. 65. Levit. XXVI. 36. job XV. 21. 〈…〉 XVIII. 1.  
〈…〉 Citizen's of Ziph in the tribe of Judah, chapter LIVIA Josh. XV. 24. having 〈…〉 and Wilderness of that name by it.  
said 〈…〉] This they did twice, 1 Sam. XXIII. 19 and again, chap. XX●I. 1.  
stranger's] Though of the same tribe, verse 5 yet at least they carried themselves so to him: as Job complains, chap. XIX. 13, 14, 15. and so estranged from God, Psal. LVIII. 3. No strangers more strange than they that cast off the bands of civility, and nature, wherein they were bound.  
cut them off in thy wrath.] Psal. CXLIII. 12. Of Imprecations, see the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14.  
and make a noise] In the earnestness of his Prayer, verse 2 a doleful noise.  
cast inquity upon me] From themselves upon me, chapter LV verse 3 by unjust imputation and defamation.  
my heart] Psal. verse 4 XXXI. 9,— 12.  
O that I had] A passionate with, verse 6 as Psal. XIV. 7.  
flee away] As a bird, Psal. XI. 1. swiftly and speedily.  
wilderness] As Apoc. verse 7 XII. 6, 14.  
divide their tongues] Their language, verse 9 and counsels, as Gen. XI. 7. 2 Sam. XVII. 1, 5, 14.  
not an enemy] Psal. verse 12 XLI. 9 John XIII. 18.  
mine equal] My Peer, verse 13 and chief Counsellor. This most likely aims at Achitophel: and the whole Psalm, to his distress in his flight from Absolom, and his conspiracy.  
quick into hell] As Num. verse 15 XVI. 32, 33.  
Evening, verse 17] Dan. VI 10. Acts III. 1. and chap. X. 9  
battle] 2 Sam. verse 18 XVIII. Psal. XXVII. 2, 3.  
because they have no changes] In their temporal estate and prosperity, verse 19 Job X. 17. (David therefore blesseth God for afflictions, Psalm CXIX. 67, 71.) which yet should have made them change from evil to good; but it wrought no change in them, but the contrary; they were in evil unchangeable, Jer. XIII. 23.  
drawn swords] Psal. verse 21 LVII. 4. and LIX. 7. and Prov. XII. 18. and XXX. 14.  
cast thy burden] 1 Pet. verse 22 V 7. the duty, and triumph of Faith.  
half their days] Job XV. verse 23 32, 33. and XXI. 21. Psal. XXXVII. 35, 36. Jeremy XVII. 11. Eccles. VIII. 12, 13.  
Jonath Elem Rechokim] Many take not these words for a musical instrument; chapter LVI but thus translate them, concerning the dumb Dove in a fare place; understanding them of David himself, and his case and condition now in Gath. See Psal. XXXIV. and the Title. Of Gath, see the Annotations on Amos VI 2. Michtam is a jewel, or golden Psalm.  
I am afraid, verse 3 I will trust in thee] Faith and Fear stand together. And so Fear and Love.  
In God I will praise his Word] So again verse 10. 1 Sam. XXX. 6. in his word and promise. verse 4 The Popish Text and Translation, and their wrested, and forced senses upon it, both here, and very frequently throughout this Book of the Psalms, is not worth the while to take notice of them.  
shall they escape by iniquity?] It is not fit so to do. verse 7 Let their painful iniquity breed their pain; as Psal. VII. 15. and IX. 15. and X. 2. Prov. V. 22.  
my wander] From saul's presence to Gath. verse 8 And he had many wander after this; to the Cave of Adullam; to Mizpeh in Moab; to the Forest of Hareth in Judah; to Keilah; to the Wilderness of Ziph; of Maon; to Engedi: hunted as a Partridge in the Mountains.  
wilt not thou] Verse 9 2 Cor. I. 10. Surely thou wilt, verse 13 Psal. CXVI. 8. 9  
Al-taschith] That is, chapter LVII Destroy not: which seems to be the subject-matter of this Psalm. The same is in the Titles of Psal. LVIII. LIX. LXXV. Possibly the word here may relate to that, 1 Sam. XXVI. 9 though that fell out after his being in the Cave.  
Cave] 1 Sam XXIV. 3. And in the Cave he made a Prayer, which is the CXLII. Psalm.  
performeth all things for me] Psal. verse 2 CXXXVIII. 8. Phil. I. 6.  
Some understand this Psalm in this sense, chapter LVIII to admonish Judges and Magistrates of their duties and offices: minding them of their high power received from God: who they are against whom they must exercise it, even wicked men, such as are here described. And so shall men count them worthy the title of gods, and acknowledge God in them, and their do: Yet I would not in this Psalm, exclude all, or any relation had to Saul, and his wicked Courtiers.  
Do ye] He appeals to their consciences. verse 1  
speak righteousness] Or dumb justice: boasting so to do, when indeed justice was dumb, and opened not her mouth.  
O congregation] O assembly, company of saul's Courtiers and Counsellors; complying with the King against David.  
you weigh] Not justice; verse 2 but wrong for right, to serve your violence as you are able.  
from the womb] Esay XLVIII. 8. John IX. 34. Ephes. IU. 18. verse 30 inbred, inveterate, incorrigible, Jer. XIII. 23.  
Charmers] The Adders craft against them is recorded by divers Authors. verse 5 Some sinners like the Adders, Acts VII. 57 Charmers seem to practise thus upon Adders, Eccles. X. 11. Jer. VIII. 17. And Charmers are forbidded by God's Law, Deut. XVIII. 11. Yet this may seem a proverbial speech used by David, without any purpose to maintain either the truth of the thing in matter of fact, no more than Sirenum voces, or Cygnea cantio do prove such things to be; or else the lawfulness of it in relation to God and his Law. And Proverbs and Similitudes may be taked from things in themselves unlawful; as from a thief, Apoc. XVI. 15. the unjust Steward, Luke XVI. 18.  
O God] The plural word Elohim here used is most times meant of one true God in the singular number. verse 6 See Gen. XX. 13. and XXXV. 7. And so may be understood that in Exod. XXXII. 1. and verse 4. comparing therewith Neh. IX. 18.  
Before your pots can feel the thorns] The general meaning is plain, verse 9 of the suddenness of the destruction of those wicked men, in the former verses. Yet this proves a thorny text, to expound aright the simiiude of thorns here used, and the rest of the words contained in this verse. Pots, thorns, living, are words here of various significations; whence three main renditions and interpretations do arise, thus: Before your pots can feel the fire of thorns, which is short, Eccles. VII. 6. so shall God take them away, as raw (flesh) by the heat of his indignation. Or thus, as quick, or as yet living, and flourishing, in his wrath. Or thus, Ere men shall perceive your young springs of thorns grow to a perfect pricking bramble, God will as with a whirlwind destroy every one of them, even as alive or quick, even in wrath as in burning anger. Thus speaking to the wicked, of their sudden destruction. Or thus, As raw flesh is snatched out of the pot, or flesh snatched out of the pot, being yet raw, before the heat of that light bramble-fire be come to it; so God, etc. Thus variously we may extend our minds and meanings; without any peremptory determination of any one particular.  
wash his feet] As Psal. verse 10 LXVIII. 23. See Esay LXIII. 3. Mal. IU. 3. Apoc. XIV. 20.  
at evening] saul's messengers watching the house to kill David. chapter LIX verse 6 And so verse 14.  
of his strength] saul's. verse 9 Or, suddenly changing the person, as is sometimes in the Hebrew, as Deut. V. 10. Dan. IX. 4. Mich. I. 2. meaning David's strength. And so it is verse 17.  
my mercy] So by the vowels, verse 10 and in the margin of the Masorets. But in the Hebrew text, his mercy.  
Slay them not] At once; verse 11 but by little and little. Yet verse 13. he saith Consume them— that they may not be. And in the next words, and let them know. All which may so well agree together, as needs no words of reconciliation.  
Shushan-Eduth] Shushan signifieth an instrument of six strings, chapter LX from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 six; or a Lily called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because it consists of six leaves: Eduth signifieth Testimony; either implying this Psalm to be a testimony of David's faith and thankfulness; or to be sung by the Priests before the Ark of the testimony; or rather, being joined to the former word by a Maccaph, as in some kind a part of it, it makes up the name of the musical instrument.  
to teach] The Doctrine in this Psalm contained; that all might learn it. As Deut. XXXI. 19 2 Sam. I. 18. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25.  
when he strove] See the Histories, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. 1 Chron. XVIII. 12. And see the Observations on 2 Sam. VIII. 5, 13.  
Edom] The Edomites joining with the Syrians.  
in the valley of salt] At the South end of the dead Sea. Or, that called the valley of Siddim, Gen. XIV. 8. Or the valley of Saveh, verse▪ 17.  
twelve thousand] And after in the pursuit of the victory, six thousand, or these six thousand, by Abishai, before the main battle. From both doth arise the number of eighteen thousand. Which victory being archieved by David's two Generals, Joab and Abishai, both under him, is ascribed to each of these three, in the places afore cited. And as David, and his Generals, obtained a victory here, 2 Sam. VIII. 13. So afterwards did Amatziah slay of Edom in the valley of Salt 10000 And other 10000 were cast down the top of the rock, or Selah, or Petra; which Amatziah took by war, and they all were broken in pieces, 2 King. XIV. 7. 2 Chron. XXV. 11, 12.  
Thou hast given] Now a banner of conquest and victory.  
That] From hence to the end accords with Psal. CVIII. 6, verse 4— 13.  
I will rejoice] David by reason of God's truth, verse 5 word, and promises, verse 6 will triumph over his enemies, within the Land of Judea, and those bordering about it.  
I will divide] This implieth a possession first.  
Shechem] It was a City in Mount Ephraim near Samaria; given to the Kohathites-Levites, and a City of Refuge. Abram came thither. Jacob had his daughter Dinah ravished there. Joshua thither gathers all Israel, and renews God's Covenant with them a little before his death. The Shechemites conspire against the house of Gideon to make Abimelech King, and he destroys them. Thither Rehoboam came to be made King; but Jeroboam gains the Kingdom of Israel, builds, or repairs Shechem, and dwells in it. Of this see the Annotations on Host VI 9  
Succoth] Not that in Egypt, Exod. XII. 37. But that where Jacob built booths, Gen. XXXIII 5. Afterward a City in the Tribe of Gad, upon the river Jabbok, East of Jordan; justly destroyed by Gideon, Judg. VIII. But repaired after.  
Gilead is mine] Thus David triumphs in having, verse 7 or in assurance to have▪ upon Gods word and promise, these utmost bounds, and Tribes of Judea beyond Jordan, though they stood longest out for Ishbosheth, saul's son.  
Moab is my washpot] I can and will use it to base offices, verse 8 as to wash my feet, use it as a conquered Nation, in servile and abject condition. See 2 Sam. 2. VIII. Psal. CVIII. 9  
Over Edom] Trample it under foot, or use it to base offices. See Matt. III. 11. as to pull off my shoe, to wipe my shoe; or as Sapores the Persian used Valerian the Romand Emperor; or Temerlan the Scythian used Bajazeth the Turk; or Pope Alexander the third used Frederik the Emperor; and Pope Celestine the third did to Henry the Emperor: bring it to a base and ignominious subjection.  
triumph thou] An ironical apostrophe, or bitter mock to Philistia, or the Philistines, in the West border of Palestine. And divers such ironies are in Scripture; See the Observations on Amos IV. 4.  
who will] The answer is in the two next verses. verse 9  
Through God] david's wish, verse 12 and confidence. See 1 Chron. XIX. 13.  
From the end of the earth] Of Judea; chapter LXI verse 2 being now likely driven thither, by Saul, or Absalon rather, 2 Sam. XVII. 24.  
prolong] In this likely David hath a principal eye to Christ. verse 6  
once, chapter LXII verse 11 twice] See the like Job XL. 5.  
mercy; verse 12 for thou renderest] Even reward itself is of mercy.  
in the wilderness of Judah.] chapter LXIII 1 Sam. XXII. 5. and XXIII. 14, 15. Thus David's Psalms are not set down in this Book according to the Order of time, and occasions, wherein, and whereupon they were made and inspired.  
seen thee in the Sanctuary] david's desires to the Sanctuary, verse 2 and to God's Ordinances therein, Psal. XXVII. 4. and LXV. 4.  
meditate] david's night-meditations. verse 6  
my soul followeth hard after thee] 1 Cor. VI 17. verse 8 Phil. III. 13, 14.  
that sweareth by him] Swearing here taken for the whole worship of God, verse 11 Deut. VI 13. Esay XLV. 23. and LXV. 16. Of Swearing; see the Observations on Host IU. 15.  
O thou that hearest prayer, chapter LXV verse 2 to thee] An heavenly encouragement to Prayer.  
choosest, verse 4 and causest] Gods free grace; not man's free will.  
Thou visitest the earth] This Psalm may seem composed after some year of famine. verse 9  
with the river of God] The rain, Deut. XI. 10, 11.  
submit] Though feignedly and falsely, chapter LXVI verse 3 Psal. XVIII. 44. 1 Sam. XXII. 45. As the faithful shall obey God willingly and sincerely.  
with the incense of rams] Meaning their fat which was burned on the Altar: verse 15 or incense with it; as in Peace-Offerings, Levit. II. 1, 2, 16. and VI 15.  
If I regard] John IX. 31. verse 18 James IV. 3. Job XXVII. 8, 9 Prov. I. 28, 29. Esay I. 15. Micah III. 4. Ezek. VIII. 18. Prov. XV. 29. He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, his prayer is abomination, Prov. XXVIII. 9  
David penned by inspiration this Psalm; chapter LXVIII It seems; after his victories over the Philistines, and other neighbouring enemies; and upon the occasion of that public joyful solemnity in bringing the Ark into the City of David, 2 Sam. VI 1 Chron. XIII. XIV. XV. chapters. It consists most of Praises, and Prophecies.  
Let God] These words Moses used, verse 1 Num. X. 35 at the removing of the Ark and Tabernacle from Mount Sinai. And may be taken as a Prayer, or a Prediction; or an assertion of what is done when God thus ariseth.  
arise] To help his: to scatter his enemies. See Psal. III. 7. and X. 12. and LIX. 5.  
extol him that rideth upon the heavens] Verse 33. Psal. XVIII. 10. Deut. XXXIII. 26. Esay 19 1. some translate thus, verse 4 make an highway for him; prepare it, as Esay XL. 3, 4. Matth. III. 2. Luke I. 76. as Matth. XXI. 8. And thus was done. Or thus, him that rideth in the Deserts; that is, as he did in the Wilderness of Arabia before his Ark and people, verse 7. This variety of interpretation is of small concernment.  
Jah] Some would have it the contract of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, if not of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to signify the strong God. Jah is used again, ver. 18. God is called also by the Heathens 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Jove or Jupiter, that is jah-father; deemed by Varro to be the God of the Jews. This is the proper name of God, Esay XLII. 8. Exod. VI 3. 2 Chron. VI 33. Acts XVII. 23, 25, 28. Psal. LXXXIII. 18. See more in the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4.  
habitation] Of heaven; verse 5 and of his Sanctuary, 1. ●ings VIII. 30, 38, 39  
solitary in families] Senseless here is the Popish text; verse 6 throughout the verse: and foolish is Bellarmine's interpretation, and application. See Exod. I. 21. Psal. CXIII. 9 Ruth IU. 11.  
a dry land] Without fountains of waters, or showers of rain. A special judgement in those hot countries.  
when thou goest forth] judg. verse 7 V 4, 5. God's praise in bringing his people out of Egypt; in giving them the possession of Canaan; in destroying the Kings their enemies, verse 7— 13.  
The earth shook] Ezod. verse 8 XIX. 18. judg. V 4. Psal. CXIV. and CIV. 32. Heb. XII. 18.  
Sinai] An hill of a great height. Of Sinai see more in the Observations on Exod. II. 11. and on XIX. 3.  
a plentiful rain] God did bless his inheritance of the Land of Canaan which he gave to them, verse 9 with rain, and all temporal blessings; which was an argument for their praising of him: And specially, as the inheritance of Canaan, and all temporal promises, and earthly blessings to them were shadows and types, intimations, and pledges of spiritual blessings, and eternal life in heaven; Heb. XI. 13,— 16 and 26. john V. 39  
gave the word] The occasion; verse 11 it was his doing; he ministered the matter and speech unto them, in the glad tidings of victories. As Psal. CXVIII. 23.  
of those that published it] The word here is of the feminine gender; and so may be understood of maids and women, entertaining, and publishing these good news of victories with Songs and melody. As Exod. XV. 20. Judg. V. 11. and XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 6. Or of men, as the feminine is used for a masculine, in Koheleth, Eccl. I. 1. Such publishers, as 2 Sam. XVIII. 19  
did flee] Deut. verse 12 XXVIII. 7. As Exod. XIV. 25, 27. Josh. X. 11, 16. Judg. V. 19, 22. and VIII. 12. 2 Sam. V 25. And in this verse again, the Popish text scarce bears any sense; and their interpretations are suitable.  
though ye have lain among the pots] A promise and consolation for the future: verse 13 ministering more arguments of praising God. Though in the times of Heli and Saul ye have lain in black darkness of afflictions, as a Scullion lies in a Camp or Leaguer among pots.  
as the wings of a Dove] Shining and bright.  
When the Almighty] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, verse 14 the alsufficient.  
scattered] Dispersed, discomfited, vanquished the Kings by his powerful presence, that they did flee apace, verse 12. Or, when he shall so do: so continuing and amplifying the former Promise.  
King's] His, and their enemies, in Canaan.  
in it] In thy inheritance, wherein thy Congregation did dwell.  
it was white] An emblem of prosperity and joy; shall be black no more, as verse 13. but joyous and prosperous: or, white with the dead bones of the scattered slaughtered enemies.  
Salmon] Judg. IX. 48. A Mountain nigh Shechem, and Samaria, in the tribe of Ephraim, not fare from jordan: likely snow was much upon it.  
as the hill of Bashan] Of Bashan, verse 15 see the Annotations on Micah VII. 14. The hill of Zion doth equal, yea excel it; by reason of all its spiritual prerogatives and privileges; as verse 16. Or thus, the Hill of Bashan is an hill of God, i. e. a most excellent hill; for so the Hebrews express the most excellent things. See the Observations on jonah III. 3. and on 1 Sam. XIV. 15. It is an high hill. All this is true: yet falls short of the hill of Zion; as it is in the next verse.  
Why leap ye] Insult proudly, verse 16 vaunt it above the hill of Zion.  
dwell] Psal. LXXXVII. 1, 2. and CXXXII. 13, 14. This doth infinitely advance this humble hill of Zion above you.  
for ever] And not flit with his Ark and Tabernacle from place to place, as formerly.  
The Chariots] God's glory in Zion by the multitudes of his ministering Angels, verse 17 Heb. XII. 22. as it was in Sinai, when he gave the fiery Law, Deut. XXXIII. 2. Gal. III. 19 Acts VII. 53. Or rather these words may have a direct relation to the glorious manner of Christ's Ascension, with the attendance of infinite Angels. Angels appeared and ministered at his Incarnation, Luke II. 9, 13. Heb. I. 6. And why not so, or more, at his Ascension into the highest heavens? See Acts I. 10. well might the Angels than sing that song, Apoc. V. 11, 12. We read of a Chariot of fire, and horses of fire at the rapture of Elias. And of a mountain full of horses and Charets of fire round about Eliseus in his defence. And why not these Angels here to attend our Saviour's triumphant Ascension, set down in the next verse.  
Thou hast ascended] Literaly and typically true, verse 18 after a sort, in Gods dealing with David. But without any type, it is Mysticaly most tr●e, and most verified in Christ, and his Ascension into Heaven. And so David here turns his speech to Christ himself. Whereunto the Apostle doth apply it, Ephes. IU. 8. Ascended in his humane nature properly. In Eph. IU. 8, 9, 10. He is said to descend; which being understood of his Divine nature, is spoken improperly. But Christ being God and Man in one person, That one Person without dissolving it, by reason of the Union of both natures in it, admits properly and truly of such speeches as contain the Proprieties of either Nature; the natures themselves, & their properties, nevertheless remaining ever realy distinguished. The person then of Christ, without the conversion of the one Nature into the other, in proper speech did ascend in his Humanity, by the power of his Deity; localy from mount Olivet, into that third heaven of Paul, which our Saviour calls his Father's house, john XIV. 2. above these visible heavens, Eph. IU. 10. Our Saviour's humane Nature than is contained in Heaven, Acts III. 21. is not in the Popish hosts; and much less every where, according to the Ubiquitarian fancy. Though a time was, when Christ in his body was in the grave; in his soul in Paradise, in his Divine nature or Deity every where; yet without dissolving the Unity of his Person.  
captivity captive] Lead and taken them captives; or a multitude of captives; subdued thine enemies unto thee, made them thy captives Judg. V. 12. Not leading the Fathers out of Limbus Patrum; but captiving the World, and the Flesh, Sin, and Satan, Death, and Damnation, which otherwise held God's people in captivity and slavery. Col. I. 15.  
received gifts for men] Taken gifts for them i e. receiving, gave; as the phrase is, Exod. XXV. 2. And in divers other places taking is used for giving, 1 King III. 24▪ and XVII. 10. Judg. XIV. 2. And giving is sometimes used for taking, as Gen. XLII. 30. What the chief of the Gifts were, are specified, Ephes. IU. 11, 12.  
rebellious also] Even the most averse and rebellious of them, that God might dwell in them; as Soul made a Paul, Tit. III. 3, 4, 5.  
dwell in them] Jah in them; not they dwell in the Church.  
Blessed] David blesseth God, verse 19 as it may seem, for the fruits and benefits of Christ's Ascension, which do follow.  
loadeth us] With those gifts and blessings which Christ received for us, verse 18.  
and unto God the Lord] Here 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath the points of Elohim, verse 20 not of Adonai▪ And so still when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Adonai are joined together, lest otherwise Adonai should be twice read. But where Adonai is not conjoined, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath the pricks of Adonai more often then of Elohim. Or, Jehovi here may be used as a more pathetical kind of expression; as in Gen. XV. 2, 8. Deut. III. 24.  
issues from death] As 1 Cor. X. 13.  
But God] This seems to be the fruit and powerful effect of Christ's Ascension, verse 21 upon his enemies.  
The Lord said] Num. verse 22 XXI. 34. and Exod. XIV. 13, 14. i e. as I did from Og, King of Bashan; and from Pharaoh at the red sea. Thus he recals to their memories these two great victories: and to strengthen their faith for like victories over their enemies in David's days, or in times of future extremities.  
thy foot may be dipped] So great should the slaughter of them be. verse 23 When God takes public vengeance, and executes his judgements upon his enemies, the godly who execute the same, may therein rejoice, and say as Jehu did, 2 Kings IX. 10, 36.  
thy go] In the procedure of the verse, verse 24 the Prophet goeth from the second person, to the third person. So Gen. XLIX. 9 And it is very frequent with the Hebrews to pass from one person to another. Thy go then and thy do, thy ways and administrations, i. e. when God marched out of Egypt, through the Wilderness before his people: or when David brought the Ark into Jerusalem.  
The singers] All sorts, verse 25 in their ranks, praised God.  
damsels] As Exod. XV. 20, 21. judg. V 1. and Chap. XI. 34. 1 Sam. XVIII. 9, 7.  
Bless ye God] The beginning of their song, verse 26 or part of their praise. from the fountain of Israel] Ye that flow from that fountain, are of that progeny, Esay XLVIII. 2. Deut. XXXIII. 28. Deut. V. 15, 18.  
There is] Both those near, verse 27 and those a fare off, meet and join in this praising of God. See Psal. LX. 9  
little Benjamin] The youngest son of jacob; and least Tribe, since their fatal blow, judg. XX. and contesting most for saul's house against David. Yet he hear one, if not first among them. And all the rest likewise●joyne.  
ruler] Of the enemies; or rather, of the Benjamites; but no way of the other Tribes.  
Thy God] He petitions for strength and growth of blessings; verse 28 as God had formerly begun to work for them.  
hath commanded] So Deut. XXVIII. 8. Psal. CXXXIII. 2. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXXI. 3. See Psal. XXXIII. 9 Matth. VIII. 8, 9  
thy strength] The strength of the King, and of the people.  
Because of thy Temple] Because of thy Promises made to thy Church, verse 29 and thy presence at thy Temple, Ark, and Tabernacle; therefore thou wilt grant and do according to the foresaid Petition.  
Shall Kings] David, and his successors shall therefore with all grateful and thankful acknowledgement worship thee.  
Rebuke] He petitions against the adversaries of the Church, verse 30 proud, cruel, and malicious▪ Rebuke them in word, and deed. The meaning is contained in the last words of the verse.  
the company of spear-men] Of enemies armed with Lances and Spears; or Reeds fitted and used for Spears; or arrows, as the manner of those times was.  
bulls with the calves] The robustick and strong enemies; with the rest of the rude and Epicurish multitude, Psal. XXII. 12. Amos. IU. 1.  
submit himself with pieces of silver▪] Though hypocriticaly. Or rather, that glories and vaunts himself in his brave attire embroidered with pieces of silver▪ and out-braves and tramples upon others; or is so rich, as he seems to tread silver under foot, yet indeed trusts in it, and boast himself of it. And such usually, though unprovoked, delight to break forth into war and wrong-doing: such enemies of thy people rebuke and break.  
Prince's] Prophesying of the calling of the Gentiles to Christ, verse 31 he exhorteth them to praise God, Ephes. III. 5, 6. Esay XLIX. 6. and LXVI. 19  
stretch out her hands] In prayer, in offerings, in way of subjection.  
a mighty voice] Psal. XXIX. His thunder, verse 33 Heb. IV. 11.  
Ascribe] Adds arguments for God's praise. verse 34  
terrible] To be had in reverence in the assembly of his Saints; verse 35 and dreadful to his enemies.  
fail while I wait] The constancy and earnestness of David's hope and expectation. chapter LXIX verse 3  
For the zeal of thine house] Literaly true in David, verse 9 Psal. XXVII. 8. Principaly true in Christ the Son of David; and to him applied by his disciples, John II. 15, 16, 17. And so are the later words of this verse, by the Apostle, Rom. XV. 3.  
They gave me also gall] Verified in our Saviour: verse 21 and in relation had to this text, John XIX. 28, 29.  
Let their table] This used by David against his enemies: verse 22 applied by the Apostle against the Jews in his time, Rom. XI. 9  
Let their habitation] That which David speaketh here of his enemies; verse 25 and, as Type of Christ, of Christ's enemies, Saint Peter applieth to Judas the traitor, Acts I. 20.  
blotted out] Phil. IV. 3. Apoc. III. 5. Luke X. 20. Heb. XII. 23. verse 28 Of Imprecations, see the Observations on Psal. CIX. 14, 15.  
Zion] The Type of the Church. verse 36  
inherit it] Under the temporal promises of the Land of Canaan, verse 35 are comprehended the promises of life everlasting to the faithful, and their posterity, Psal. CII. 28. to the true Israel of God, the true members of the Church, Esay XLIV. 26.  
for to bring to remembrance] For to record. chapter LXX See the Title of Psal. XXXVIII. Both Psalms are, not to remember any notable deliverance or benefit already received: But rather a time and case of affliction and distress. For the matter of both show, that they were inspired in such a time; and do make earnest petition for deliverance.  
to deliver me] This Psalm is in a manner the same with Psal. XL. 13,— 17. verse 1  
Cause me to escape] Likely from Absalon. chapter LXXI verse 2 For this Psalm may seem to be penned by David, though his name be not in the Title, and in his old age.  
God.] This word is Jehovih, verse 5 that is, with the vowels of Elohim. So again verse 16. and Psal. LXVIII. 20. And so it is usually written when, as I have said, Adonai goeth before it, or next followeth it. At other times having the vowels of Adonai, it is pronounced Lord. See 2 Sam. VII. 18, 19, 20.  
a wonder] Esay VIII. 18. verse 7 Heb. II. 13. Zech. III. 8. and 1 Corinth. iv 9  
even of thine only] not mine own: verse 16 which is none to thine.  
quicken me again, verse 20 and shalt bring me up] Me, me, in the Hebrew margin; but us, us, in the text.  
For Solomon] Made by David for him; chapter LXXII verse ult▪ by David in his old age. The like inscription is Psal. CXXVII.  
This Psalm is composed, as in the name of the Church. And contains a Prayer, a Praise, and a Prophecy, of the just, peaceable, righteous, merciful, plentiful, flourishing estate, and large extent and bounds of the Kingdom of Solomon; set out indeed with some hyperbolical expressions; scarcely appliable to him, or to any mortal man. So as Solomon may be the immediate object of the words, he literaly intended in them. But yet he so, as a Type of Christ, and of his Kingdom; who is in truth the main subject of this Psalm. For all in a mystical sense is appliable to Christ more truly, then to Solomon; appliable to him in a spiritual sense, exactly without any hyperbole. For Solomon, see that 2 Sam. VII. 14. etc. For Christ, see that Heb. I. 5. And that passage, Psal. LXXXIX. 19,— 37. is not unlike the subject matter of this Psalm. This premised, may serve to clear the hardest places of this Psalm.  
The prayers] Psalms, verse 20 Hymns, Songs.  
are ended] As the like is said of David's words, 2 Sam. XXIII. 1. The one may be as an Appendix of the other. This his last Prayer, though not placed in the last place. Or the last of those that David set in order before his death: or the last in this second part or book of the Psalms, as they are all divided into five parts. Or his last, touching Solomon; and his prophesying of Christ and his Kingdom. So various may our thoughts and interpretations be; and so uncertain and unsafe to pitch and fix upon any single one.  
Truly] The Psalmist premiseth this, chapter LXXIII verse 1 as his undoubted ground against all conflicting doubts; as a pacificatory protestation before this his contesting plea, Touching the prosperity of the wicked, and his own afflictions. See jer. XII. 1. and Hab. I. 12, 13.  
covereth them as a garment] They wear it, verse 6 and show it openly as their garment. See the like phrase of cursing, Psal. CIX. 18, 19 But the meek, and godly cover and array themselves otherwise, Ephes. IU. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Phil. IU. 5. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14. Ephes. III. 17. cum Gal. IU. 19  
Their eyes stand out] Stand out in the Hebrew is in the singular number. verse 7 Whereupon the plural number is here to be understood distributively, for either or each of their eyes. The like is Gen. XLIX. 22. Exod. XVII. 12. and XXXI. 14. Josh. II. 14. Job XII. 7. Prov. III. 18. and XIV. 1. and XXVII. 9 Joel I. 20.  
Therefore his people return hither] Gods own people turn to these thoughts and tentations following; verse 10 when they see withal their own mournful miseries.  
verily I] Thus subject to these dangerous tentations. verse 13  
As a dream when one awaketh] Job XX. 8. verse 20 Like to that, John XVI. 21. and to that Acts XII. 9 and to that Psal. CXXVI. 1.  
when thou awakest] To judgement, Psal. LXXVIII. 65. and VII. 6. and XXXV. 20.  
thou shalt despise their image] their pageant of worldly pomp, and pride, make it to be despised. Yea, in their own eyes, if God awake their consciences.  
Maschil] An instructing Psalm. chapter LXXIV  
of Asaph] See on Psal. L in the Title. This Psalm most likely was committed to some of Asaphs posterity, long after David's time, to tune, sing, and play it.  
The time of desolation which this Psalm mentions, and bemoanes, seems not to be that in the days of Antiochus Epiphanes; who profaned and polluted much the Temple of Jerusalem; but did not cast it down, and burn it to the ground. And he himself was long after the Canon of the Old Testament was concluded. But that rather in the days of Nabuchadnezzar, and Nebuzaradan, 2 Kings XXV. 8.  
the rod] Or tribe; verse 2 which thou hast measured out for thine own inheritance as with a line or rod, Jer. X. 16. Deut. XXXII. 9  
thy congregations] Meaning the Temple, where the holy Congregations assembled. verse 4 And verse 7. it is in the Hebrew, thy Sanctuaries in the Plural number, meaning the Temple. The Plural number being used discretively to note out, and design one of many. And so is that Gen. XXIII. 6. Judg. VII. 10. and XII. 7. 2 King's V. 13. 2 Chron. XXIV. 25. john VI 45. Acts XIII. 40. Zech. IX. 9 Mat. IU. 3 compared with Luke IV. 3. And so we may understand that, Matth. XXVII. 44. compared with Luke XXIII. 40▪ And that 2 Chr. chap. XXVIII. 3. compared with 2 Kings XXVIII. 3. And that Matth. XXVI. 8. compared with john XII. 4.  
no more any Prophet] Ezekiel, verse 9 and Jeremy, were now dead. Others haply not so well known or regarded, Lam. II. 9  
Dragon's] The Princes of Pharaoh.  
Leviathan] Pharaoh. verse 13  
gavest him to be meat] Him, verse 14 and his, drowned, and cast upon the shore, to be meat to the wild beasts, and fowls of prey, called a people; as Prov. XXX. 25, 26. Or, their spoil, as meat to the Israelites. Or gavest meat, that is, Manna, to him, that is, thy people in the Wilderness.  
When I shall receive] This Psalm seems to be penned by David, chapter LXXV verse 2 for Asaph to use; and likely at the time, and upon the occasion of the State of affairs at, and upon the murder of Abner by Joab, 2 Sam. III. which being then much shaken and shattered, he promiseth to uphold, and rectify. And rebuking the foolish, proud, and presumptuous opposers of his Promotion, he reneweth his resolution to proceed in judgement towards the wicked, and the righteous, uprightly.  
the pillars of it] He did so, verse 3 by erecting, and sustaining, and maintaining good Magistrates, and chief Religion and righteousness, the main pillars of a Kingdom. See Gal. II. 9  
cup See Esay LI. 17. verse 8 Ezek. XXIII. 32. jer. XXV. 15. Apoc. XIV. 10.  
In Salem] Of Salem, chapter LXXVI verse 2 see the Observations on josh. X. 1.  
There broke he] This likely was done in the Assyrian Cam God's Angel, verse 3 in the days of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. XXXII. 21. ●●p by  
then the mountains of prey] A proverbial expression of greatest glory. verse 4 See Esay IX. 3. and LIII. 12. Or, from the mountains of prey, where the Assyrian armies were preying upon thy people, and now slain by thy glorious power, and given by thee as a prey to thy people.  
their sleep] of death. verse 5  
shall praise thee] Turn to thy praise. verse 10  
the remainder] Keep within compass the further attempts of our enraged enemies.  
to jeduthun] Psal. chapter LXXVII XXXIX. and LXII. 1 Chron. XXV. 2, 3.  
my soar ran] Or, my hand was stretched out, verse 2 that is, in Prayer.  
and was troubled] Or, verse 3 made a troubled noise.  
Thy way, verse 13 O God▪ is in the Sanctuary] Or, in sanctity; most holy. And thy manner of administration and proceeding is to be learned in thy Word, which is taught in the Sanctuary, Psal. LXXIII. 17.  
The waters saw thee] Psal. CXIV. 3, 5. verse 16 the waters of the red-Sea.  
The clouds] Exod. XIV. 24. verse 17 Psal. LXVIII. 7, 8, 9, 33. and XVIII. 13, 14.  
Thy way is in the Sea] The red-Sea, verse 19 Exod. XIV. 21.  
footsteps are not known] Before or after; the waters returned, and hid that way, Exod. XIV. 27. Or more generally, God's ways are unsearchable, job XXVI. 14. Psal. CVII. 23, 24. Rom. XI. 33, 34.  
in a parable] Matth. chapter LXXVIII verse 2 XIII. 35. cited there by the Evangelist, in an allusion only to the word parable; and therefore with some alteration of the words of the Psalmist. And that form of allegation is usual with the Evangelists, as well in allusive and indirect, as in more direct and proper applications. Of Parables, see more in the Observations on Psalm XLIX. 4.  
The children of Ephraim] Some make this relate to that, verse 9 1 Chron. VII. 21, 22. while their father lived in Egypt. Others to the Ephramites flight before Jephthah, Judg. XII. 46. Others understanding all the Israelites under that name, refer this to their flight before the Philistines, 1 Sam. IV. 10. Or before Abijah, 2 Chron. XIII. 17. And others understanding by Ephraim, the ten Tribes, whereof Ephraim was the head, make it to relate to the final extirpation of that Kingdom, 2 Kings XVII. 7. etc. whereof Hosea prophesied, chap. X. 11, 14. So various expositions may these general words admit.  
By sending evil angels] As job I. 12, 16. verse 49 as executioners of his fierce anger. Or angels, i. e. messengers of evils; which may be understood, either of good Angels; or of Moses and Aaron.  
hinder parts] 1 Sam. V 1, 6, 9, 12. verse 66 and VI 4.  
he refused] Shiloh, verse 67 in the tribe of Ephraim, the son of joseph: The Ark never came thither again.  
his Sanctuary] Temple, verse 69 by Solomon. By this, and some other passages, this Psalm may seem not to be composed by David; but by some later inspired Prophet.  
the Heathen This Psalm seems composed, chapter LXXIX verse 1 not in the times of Antiochus Epiphanes; but in the times of the Babylonish captivity rather. Bemoaning those miseries which were brought upon them by those barbarous Babylonians.  
Pour] jer. X. 25. verse 6  
our neighbours sevenfold] That did not pity us in our calamity; verse 12 but insulted over us. Gen. IU. 15, 24. Esay LXV. 6, 7.  
Shoshannim Eduth] See the Observations on Psal. chapter LXXX LX. 1. and XLV. 1. some make Eduth here, which signifieth a testimony, to import the Church's testimony and profession of her faith in the promise of God for her deliverance out of the Babylonish captivity, at the end of seventy years, jer. XXIX. 10. And so this Psalm to be made in the time of that captivity.  
Asaph] See the Observations on Psal. L.  
upon the man of thy right hand] Thy beloved one; verse 17 as Benjamin was, Gen. XXXV. 18. And here may be meant, David, in his posterity, Psal. CXXXII. 10, 11. and LXXXIX. 19, 20, 21, 35. Or, Zerubbabel particularly. But both as shadows and types, of Christ the substance, principaly intended, Col. I. 13. Psal. XLV. 3. Luke XXIV. 19 Heb. II. 18.  
in the new moon] chapter LXXXI verse 3 This Psalm seems sung at the Jewish Feasts.  
When he went] Or had gone.  
I heard a language] Was a stranger.  
in the secret place of thunder] In that pillar of a cloud, verse 7 Exod. XIV. 24. haply troubling the Egyptians with thunder, lightning, and tempest, Psal. LXXVII. 17, 18.  
gave them up] See the Observations on Esay VI 9 verse 12  
congregation of the mighty] Assembly, chapter LXXXII verse 1 Assize, and Session, of God, of Magistrates, whose office is the Ordinance of God, Rom. XIII. 1, 2. and they so called gods, Exod. XXII. 8, 9, 28. John X. 34, 35. And the cause before them, the cause of God, Deut. I. 17. 2 Chron. XIX. 6.  
all the foundations] Law's, verse 5 Orders, estates, are all in confusion, turned up-side down.  
Alleged by our Saviour, verse 6 john X. 34.  
like men] As Adam did. verse 7 As Host VI 7. job XXXI. 33. But rather the sense is more general; ye shall die as other men do, that last line of death shall put an end to your height and haughtiness, Psal. CXLVI. 3▪ 4. Ye die as the meanest men do; for so the word is most what taken, specially when it is put in opposition, as here, Psal. XLIX. 2. and LXII. 9 Esay II. 9 and V 15. Death makes no distinction between man and man; as is excellently expressed by Heathen Poets: die all shall, equally and alike, one with another.  
like one of the Princes] As one of the other Princes of the world, as other mortal men; as one, or any one, even the meanest, who among the rest of men make but a number, as it were.  
A Song as Psalm] See the Observations on Psal. chapter LXXXIII XLVIII. title.  
This Song seems composed and inspired, as a form of Prayer, when the Church and people of the Jews were in great danger by many enemies conspiring against them, to destroy them: And this likely either in the days of David, 2 Sam. VIII. or rather long after David's time, in the days of Jehoshaphat; or of Ezekiah.  
thy hidden ones] Hidden as his peculiar treasure, verse 3 Exod. XIX. 5. secret, preserved under the shadow of his wings, Psal. XVII. 8. & XXVII. 5. and XXXI. 20. Whose life also is hid with Christ in God, Col. III. 3.  
Hagarens] And Hagarites, verse 6 1 Chro. V. 10, 19, 20. So called from Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, Gen. 16.  
Gebal] The Giblites, verse 7 near Sidon, whence Solomon had stone-cutters, 1 Kings V. 18. Ezek. XXVII. 9 See Josh. XIII. 5.  
Endor] In Manasseh; verse 10 East from Dor, which lay on the midland sea▪ Saul goeth to a Witch at Endor; which indeed was not fare from the mountains of Gilboa, where Saul was slain. Taanach, and Megiddo not far from it.  
whose name alone is Jehovah] Which hath his being of himself, verse 18 Exod. III. 14. Deut. VI 4. An eternal Being, Esay XLIV. 6. Apoc. I. 4, 8. and IV. 8. and XI. 17. and XVI. 5. And giveth being to all things, Acts XVII. 25. to his word, and promises, and threaten, Exod. VI 3. Ezek. VII. 27. See the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4▪ of Jehovi, see the Observations on Psal. LXXI. 5. Of Jah, see the Observations on Psal. LXVIII. 4.  
Gittith] So Psal. chapter LXXXIV VIII. and LXXXI. And Obed-Edom, a Levite, and Porter or Singer in the Tabernacle, is called a Gittite, 2 Sam. VI 10. haply from Gathrimmon, a City of the Levites, josh. XXI. 25. And there is Gath a City of the Philistines. The word than may signify an Instrument of music, not such as our Gittern; such as was used in Gath; or rather used by the posterity of Obed-Edom the Gittite: Or it may import that those three Psalms were sung upon occasion of David's removing the Ark from Kiriathjearim to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite; and from thence to Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XIII. and XV. chapters. More certainty is not found out.  
Korah] See the Observations on Psal. XLII. Title.  
thine Altars] The places near them might haply become the nests of birds, verse 3 Josh. XXIV. 26. Or this may relate to the Psalmists longing and crying after them, by an abrupt and pathetical exclamation and naming of them, Oh thine Altars, thine Altars: not yet excluding the force of that argument from the birds nestling, either near, or elsewhere. Some hence conceive, That this Psalm was penned by David in the time of his Exile and banishment from God's house and service by the means of Saul, verse 9 not so likely of Absalon.  
the ways of them] Of the travellers that go up to God house, verse 5 and of such as have liberty so to do: or the highways and causies themselves that lead to thy house.  
of Baca] Or Mulberry trees, verse 6 which use to grow in dry places. A valley of this name was nigh Jerusalem, 2 Sam. V 22, 23. Joshua XV. 8.  
make it a Well] By digging Wells therein for water: no drought, or difficulties shall hinder them from coming to God's house, but they will break through them. Or, make him a Well; that is, God in stead of a Well to them, Jer. II. 13. and XVII. 13. Psal. XXXVI. 9  
the rain also filleth the pools] Which they digged; God so provides for them. Or, the bountiful rain of God's blessings, of grace and comfort, shall cover and comfort them.  
from strength to strength] increasing so, verse 7 as Rom. I. 17. 2. Cor. III. 18. Or, from company to company; from troop to troop; as by troops they came up to God's house thrice a year.  
of thine anointed] David the type; verse 9 Messiah, the truth.  
a doorkeeper] Fixed▪ and a servant, verse 10 in the meanest office there; then to be free, and frolic, and flourishing in the highest degree, in the bravest tents of wickedness.  
grace and glory] Many refer grace to this life, verse 11 and glory to that which is to come. But grace rather may seem here to signify favour, estimation, honour, as Prov. III. 34. james IU. 6. 1 Pet. V 5. Exod. III. 21. Num. chap. XII. 36. and XXXIII. 12. Gen. VI 8. and XXXIX. 4. and L. 4. Esther II. 15. 17. and V 2. Prov. XXII. 1. and chap I. 9 and IV. 9 Luke II. 52. and I 28. compared with verse 30.  
Thou hast been] chapter LXXXV verse 1 Formerly.  
brought back] Out of Babylon. Some understand this of the bringing back of David to jerusalem after the rebellion of Absalon. But not so likely.  
covered all their sin] See the Observations on Psal. LI. 4. verse 2  
Turn us] Do now so again. verse 4  
I will hear] Complain no more; verse 8 but hearken to God, speaking, his promises to his people, and their duty.  
are met] Will meet.  
have kissed] Will kiss, verse 10 though for the present things are otherwise, verse 4, 5. This, and what follows had it most complete fulfilling in and by the coming of Christ.  
A Prayer] So is the Title of Psal. chapter LXXXVI XVII. And this seems to be as a set form of prayer for the godly in distress; without any particular circumstances used in it of persons, places, or times; appliable to all; and may not unfitly be applied to Christ.  
I am holy] So rather than as in the margin, verse 2 one whom thou favourest. The Hebrew word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which imports an active, rather than a passive signification. And so Psal. IU. 3. and XXXII. 6. and L. 5. and LXXIX. 2. This word is actively taken, and that rightly in our translations; though many learned men, not so well advised therein, render it passively, to denote, not the author and agent, and his quality, but the object spoken of.  
Among the gods] Verse 10. verse 8 Psal. LXXXIX. 6. Deut. XXXII. 39 Esay XXXVII. 16▪ and XLIV. 6. 1 Cor. VIII. 4, 5, 6. Exod. XV. 1●. From the first Hebrew letters of which four words in Exodus came the name of the Maccabees, as is thought.  
unite my heart to fear thy Name] Lose it from all other things, verse 11 and cares, and fears,; and knit it fast to thy fear only, without back-sliding ever.  
give thy strength] john XV. 5. verse 16 Phil. II. 13. and IV. 13.  
a token] as in the end of the verse. verse 17  
His foundation] God, chapter LXXXVII verse 1 and his Churches.  
Mountain's] Moriah, and Zion. Not now in a flitting Tabernacle.  
Glorious things] See Esay LIV. and LX. verse 3 and LX. and LXII. and LXV. Apoc. XXI. and XXII. And see the Observations on Josh. 10. 1.  
Rahab] So LXXXIX. 10. verse 4 Esay LI. 9 See the Observations on Gen. XII. 10. Egypt is meant hereby: And the calling of Egypt to the fellowship of the Church. Of whose calling, see Esay XIX. 19, 21, 25.  
to them that know me] Or among them; as of my known familiars.  
Philistia] Palestine, the Philistines, Psal. LX. 8.  
this] And the rest afore named, were born in the City of God; by regeneration spiritual made the sons of God, and of the Church, verse● 5, 6. 1 Pet. I. 23. james I. 18. Esay XLIV. 5.  
Singers] The spiritual joy both great, verse 7 and general, and of the Psalmist in particular, which shall be in those days, in the Church, and of, and for the Church; in an allusion haply to the Jewish service.  
Spring's] Of my joy, and of God's spiritual gifts and graces also; john VII. 38. Esay XII. 3. Ephes. III. 10.  
A Song] See the Observations on Psal. chapter LXXXVIII XLVIII. title.  
Mahalath] A kind of wind-instrument, Psal. LIII.  
Leannoth] May either make up the name of the Instrument; or may seem to signify to sing by turns or courses, as Exod. XV. 21. Ezra. III▪ 11.  
Heman] The next Psalms is of Ethan. These were sacred Singers and Musicians, descended of Levi, 1 Chron. XV. 17, 19 and XVI. 41, 42. and VI 44. Of Heman, see 1 Chron. XXV. 1. 4,— 7. He was of the posterity of rebellious Korah, and grandchild of Samuel the Prophet, 1 Chron. VI 33. and himself King David's Seer, 1 Chron. XXV. 5. There were two brethren, Heman, and Ethan, of the posterity of Judah, 1 Chron. II. 6. men renowned for their wisdom, 1 King. IV. 31.  
This Psalm is one of the most doleful of all the Bible: And may serve as a set form of a sad complaint to any man in his greatest distress. Some make application of it to Christ in his Sufferings.  
free among the dead] Psal. XXXI. 12. verse 5 Job. III. 18, 19  
I am shut up] As a close prisoner in the Dungeon of sorrows, verse 8 and distresses.  
wilt thou] Psal. VI 5. verse 10 and XXX. 9 & CXV. 17. Esay XXXVIII. 18.  
prevent thee] Psal. V. 3. verse 13 Hab. II. 1.  
into darkness] That they hid themselves from me, verse 18 none will appear to my relief; by reason of the darkness wherein I am, buried as it were in the black Dungeon of calamities.  
a Covenant] In faithfulness, verse 3 verse 1, 2. How then comes it to be made void? verse 38,— 45.  
David] The figure, and father of Christ; who is also called David, Ezek, XXXIV. 23. Jer. XXX. 9 Host III. 5. Of him this Psalm is chief to be understood; though not in all the particular passages.  
Rahab] See the Observations on Psal. LXXXVII. 4. verse 10  
Tabor] Westward, verse 12 see the Observations on Judg. IV▪ 6.  
Hermon] Eastward, see the Ohervations on Deut. IV. 48.  
joyful sound] Of the Trumpet, verse 15 and other sacred musical instruments, calling them to, and used in the sacred services, and solemnities.  
to thy holy one] To Samuel, verse 19 who anointed David.  
laid help upon one that is mighty] Or, help against the mighty: both ways meaning David: who yet here may be taken as a Type of Christ.  
I will set] Psal LXXII. 8. verse 25  
my Father] This, verse 26 and verse 27, 28, 29. universally and plenarily belong to Christ: And only imperfectly, as in a weak type, are appliable to David, or Solomon, 2 Sam. VII. 14. Heb. I. 5. Luke I. 32, 33.  
my firstborn] The firstborn had the privileges of double portion, verse 27 chief Rule, and Priesthood: This true in Christ, Col. I. 15, 18. Matth. I. 25. Rom. VIII. 29. Heb. I. 6. Apoc. I. 5.  
His seed] Verse 36. Christians, his spiritual seed; Esay LIII. 10. Heb. verse 29 II. 13. whence Christ is called the everlasting Father, Esay IX. 6.  
his throne] Verse 37. Heb. I. 8. Dan. II. 44. and VII. 14. Luke I. 33. The accomplishment of these Promises cannot be found in Solomon.  
If his children] So 2 Sam. VII. 14, 15. verse 30 True of Solomon, and of his children; and cannot be understood of Christ's person; who was not the natural of son of Solomon; but of his brother Nathan; And who was without sin, 1 Pet. II. 22: But as he bore our sins, and was made a Sacrifice for sin for us, 2 Cor. V 21. Esay LIII. 6. Yet this may have a right understanding of Christ's spiritual children, who are subject to the lapses and infirmities of sin, 1 John I. 8. Rom. VII. 15.  
sworn] Of Oaths, verse 35 see the Observations on Host IU. 15.  
as the Moon] Which although it sometime waxeth, verse 37 and sometime waineth, and sometime seems to be gone, (a fit resemblance of the state of Christ's Church) yet is continually renewed, and so stable.  
Witness] See Jer. XXXIII. 20, 21. And Christ is so called, Apoc. I. 5. Esay LV. 4.  
But thou] The Psalmist complaineth of the miseries of the Church, verse 38 whereby all the former Promises seem to be frustrated.  
youth hast thou shortened] Wherein by thy promises he should have flourished, verse 45 and grown up as a youth.  
how short] How vain, verse 47 momentany, and uncertain; yet am I thy creature.  
the footsteps of thine Anointed.] verse 51 This may be referred to Christ, and his Offices, and Works in us, and for us: or to Christians, which follow his footsteps.  
Blessed] The voice of faith, verse 52 and joy; as finding an issue out of the temptation, and rejoicing in the midst of tribulation. This is the end of the third Book of Psalms. See the Observations on Psal. XLI. ult. and on LXXII. ult.  
of Moses] This seems inspired and penned by Moses for the use of the people, chapter XC when upon the return of the Spies, they had murmured against God, and he had sentenced to death all above twenty years old, Num. XIV. 22, 23, 29, 34.  
Return] The body to the earth; verse 3 the soul to God that gave it.  
watch] The night divided into four Watches; verse 4 the evening, midnight, cock-crowing, dawning.  
threescore years and ten] So for the most part, verse 10 And so in David. And none of the Kings of Judah, or Israel, after him attained to those years. Or seventy here, in regard of that judgement denounced, Num. XIV. 29.  
even according to thy fear, verse 11 so is thy wrath] Thy wrath is as thy fear teacheth it to be: which teacheth us to fear thee for thy wrath. But who knoweth the power of it?  
to number] They might number the utmost extent of them, verse 12 upon that judgement, Num. XIV. But not how much sooner they might die.  
establish] Esay XXVI. 12. verse 17  
he shall deliver thee] Having practised in the second verse what he taught in the first; chapter XCI verse 3 Here he teacheth others to do the like, applieth his example to them.  
not be afraid] Esay XLIII. 2. verse 5 emphatical expressions, and rhetorical amplifications, allowed in all humane Authors. Not yet implying that we are actualy delivered in all such dangers; but that at least they shall work for our good, if we be not delivered out of them, Rom. VIII. 28.  
his Angel's charge over thee] Alleged by the Devil to Christ, verse 11 Mat. IV. 6.  
in all thy ways] Of holiness and righteousness. These words the Devil omits; as making against his temptation, which was against the mind of the text.  
tread upon the lion] Esay XI. 6,— 9 verse 13 Host II. 18. without harm or damage. Not as the Pope applied it to his treading upon the neck of the Emperor.  
on high] Safely above all perils and dangers. verse 14  
with long life] If God shall see it good and fit for him. verse 16 Otherwise a good man may be cut off by Plague, or war.  
for the Sabbath day] For the Rest on this day, chapter XCII see the Observations on Exod. XII. 16. For Hallowing it; That was, by an holy convocation; by offering of Sacrifices; singing Psalms; reading, and expounding, and hearing Scriptures; Praying; Disputing, and Conferring; by meditating on God's word, and works; and doing works of mercy, Exod. XX. 10. Esay LVIII. 13. Jer. XVII. 21, 22. Levit. XXIII. 3. Num▪ XXVIII. 9, 10. Acts XIII. 15. and XV. 21. and XVI. 13. and XVII. 2. and XVIII. 4. Matth. XII. 2,— 7, 8, 11, 12.  
as the Palm tree] The LXX. read, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, verse 12 which signifies indeed a tree. As the Hebrew word here doth; And the meaning of the whole verse imports. Yet hence many learned men, taking it up one from another, have raised that fable of a wondrous bird called a Phoenix, which yet never was seen, or known in the world.  
holiness becometh thy house] In the services, chapter XCIII verse 5 and servants of it; and all professors of so holy a God.  
The Lord knoweth] Cited, chapter XCIV verse 11 1 Cor. III. 20.  
But judgement shall return unto righteousness] Though they might seem awhile parted; verse 15 yet they shall return and meet; and the wicked shall be punished, and the godly rewarded.  
O come] David's Psalm; chapter XCV verse 1 though without his Title; as appears, Heb. III. 7. and IV. 7.  
to day] This extends to the whole time wherein Christ speaketh by his Gospel, verse 7 Heb. III. 7. 13, 15. and IV. 7, 8. So 2 Cor. VI 2.  
Provocation] Meribah, verse 8 in the Hebrew.  
temptation] Massah, in the Hebrew. See Exod. XVII. 1,— 7. Num. XX. 1, 3, 13. Deut. VI 16.  
tempted me] Tempted Christ, verse 9 1 Cor. X. 9  
my work] Works, Heb. III. 9 of miraculous mercies; and judgements.  
I swore] At Kadesh-barneah, verse 11 Num. XIV. 21, etc. Heb. III. 17, 19  
my rest.] Canaan; a Type of a better Rest, Heb. IU. 3, 8, 9, 11.  
O sing] This Psalm, chapter XCVI verse 1 and Psalm CV. 1,— 15. with small alterations, make up that Psalm composed by David, upon the bringing of the Ark from Obed-edoms' house, into the City of David, 1 Chron. XVI. 8,— 36.  
a new song] See the Observations on Psal. XXXIII. 3.  
beauty of holiness] In the glorious holy Sanctuary.  
searoare] In token of joy. verse 9  
the trees] Humane affection's ascribed to insensible creatures; verse 11 thereby to set out man's duty. verse 12  
for the cometh] Or, when he cometh. Which may relate to Christ's coming into the world, verse 13 Matth. XII. 20. Acts X. 42. and ch. XVII. 31. Psal. XCVIII. 9 and CX. 6. Esay II. 4. and XI. 3, 4. and XVI. 5. 2 Tim. IU. 1. Apoc. XIX. 11.  
The Lord reighneth] Here seems the Kingdom, chapter XCVII verse 1 both of God, and of Christ to be majesticaly described.  
a new song] See the Observations on Psal. chapter XCVIII verse 1 XXXIII. 3.  
made known] Esay LII. 10.  
Let the sea roar] Psal. verse 2 XCVI. 11.  
let the people tremble] And so, chapter XCIX verse 7 the earth be moved; that is, with a reverend fear at his Presence and appearance. verse 1 Or, though they be stirred up with anger; Apoc. XI. 17, 18. Acts XVII. 13.  
The King's strength] God mixeth his power with justice, verse 4 Job XXXVI. 5.  
Moses and Aaron among his Priests] Moses did many things of the Priestly office. verse 6 And the word Cohen here used, doth signify also a Prince, and principal officer, as 2 Sam. VIII. 18. and in many other places.  
though that tookest] Even when thou tookest vengeance of their inventions, verse 8 yet even then a forgiving God, a God answering their prayers.  
and not we Or, chapter C verse 3 and his we are; as the Hebrew in the margin readeth it, Deut. VII. 6, 7. and chap. IX. 4. etc. Psal. XCV. 5.  
A Psalm of David] This seems inspired and written by David, chapter CI when he was new made King. Or, as some, He promiseth what to do when he shall be made King; and how he will govern his own house in the mean time.  
not know] Matth. chapter CII verse 4 VII 23.  
of the afflicted] Or, for the afflicted. A set form of Prayer for him, for any in a poor afflicted estate. And so divers other set forms of prayer are found in Scripture, in a set form of words. As Num. VI 24, 25, 26. Matth. VI 9,— 13. And again at another time, and upon another occasion, Luke XI. 1,— 4. Psal. XX. and XXI. This Prayer may seem inspired and composed by Daniel, or some other Prophet towards the end of the Babylonish Captivity, verse 13, 16. Zech. I. 12, 13.  
the appointed time] Jer. verse 13 XXIX. 10. Dan. IX. 2, 24. etc.  
in her stones] Neh. verse 14 II. 13. etc. and IU. 2. Zech. I. 22.  
Of old] This verse, verse 25 and the two next are cited, Heb. I. 10, 11, 12. and applied to prove the Deity of Christ.  
This Psalm, chapter CIII and the four following; contain the Praises of God; and the arguments of his Praise, both Ordinary, and Extraordinary, in relation to his Church, and to all his Creatures.  
thy youth is renewed like the Eagles] Thou keepest thyself fresh and vigorous, verse 5 as in thy youth; thou returning to the days of thy youth, Job XXXIII. 25. And like the eagle's youth, or strength and vigour; which abides so long, even to and in old age, and length of very many years; and seems to renew her youth by the casting of her feathers yearly, not her bill; the upper beak whereof groweth at last in an extreme old age, so to overgrow and bend over the lower beak, as causeth the Eagle to die of famine, not of feebleness, Arist. lib. 9 cap. 32. de historia animalium. See Esay XL. 31.  
hosts ye Ministers] Both Angels, verse 21 and men, and all his creatures, Ephes. 3. 10. Col. I. 16. 1 Kings XXII. 19 Gen. XXXII. 2. Psal. CIV. 4. Dan. VII. 10 Apoc II. 1. Esay LXI. 6. Neh. IX. 6.  
This Psalm is exquisite for loftiness, chapter CIV and other ornaments,  
with light, as with a garment] Gen. verse 2 I. 3. 1 Tim. VI 16. He wholly so shines, as the eyes of any, no not of the Angels, are able to behold the lustre and splendour thereof. As neither we, that of the Sun.  
the beams of his chambers in the waters.] Maketh and distinguisheth the regions of the air, verse 3 as into lofts or upper chambers, in and by the watery clouds, ver. 13.  
his Angel's spirits] Alleged and interpreted of Angels, verse 4 Heb. I 7. useth them being spiritual substances, as speedy, active messengers, ministers, and executors of his will, Heb. I. 14.  
his ministers a flaming fires] The Angels such, 2 Kings II. 11. and chap. VI 17. Or, the flashes of lightnings, and other meteors are his ministers to do his will.  
waters stood above the mountains] At the Creation, verse 6 Gen. I 2. And at the Flood, Gen. VII. 20.  
to cover the earth] Job XXXVIII. 8, verse 9 10, 11. Jer. V 22. Gen. IX. 11, 13, 15.  
oil] Psal. XXIII. verse 15 5. and XCII. 10. Eccles. IX. 8. Matth. VI 17.  
her house] In them is her house, verse 17 Psal. LXXXIV. 4. Job XXIX. 18. Matth. VIII. 20. Luke IX. 58. Dan. IU. 12.  
Coney's] Prov. XXX. 24, verse 18 26.  
in wisdom hast thou made them all] By wisdom here to understand Christ punctualy, verse 24 is more than the Text yields: Or, that Text either Prov. III. 19 though that be a sacred truth, Heb. I. 2.  
Sea] Not that Psal. verse 25 CXIV. 3. but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that; which particle doth distinguish the great Midland Sea, from the other lesser.  
go the ships] See verse 10. verse 26 Gen. II. 14. Esay XXXIII. 21.  
Leviathan] The Whale, Job XLI.  
renewest] By causing new creatures to come in the place of the old, verse 30 Eccles. I 4.  
Praise ye the Lord] In the Hebrew, verse 35 Halelujah, Praise ye Jah. This Halelujah is kept in the Greek, and in other languages; set sometimes in the beginnings, sometimes in the end of Psalms. Apoc. XIX. 1, 3, 4, 6.  
O give thanks] See the Observations on Psal. chapter CV verse 1 XCVI. 1. whereby most likely it is, that this is David's Psalm.  
his strength, seek his face] The Ark, where God declared his power, and presence, Psal. LXIII. 2. and LXXVIII. 61. See the Observations on Psal. XXVII. 8.  
his judgements] Esay XXVI. 9 verse 7 Specially those upon the Egyptians, are famously known and spoken of.  
oath unto Isaac] To Abraham, verse 9 in the Presence of Isaac, Gen. XXII. 17. and XXVI. 3.  
mine anointed] This is spoken of the Patriarches: verse 15 not of Kings.  
my Prophets] So Abraham is called, Gen. XX. 7.  
with fetters] Gen XXXIX. verse 18 20.  
his word came] God's word in dreams touching his advancement, verse 19 Gen. XXXVII. 7, 9 came to be fulfilled. Or, joseph's word in the interpretation of the dreams of Pharaohs Officers, and of Pharaoh himself.  
He turned] See the Observations on Esay VI. verse 25 10.  
they rebelled not] The Signs and Wonders did not: verse 28 Or, Moses, and Aaron did not rebel, etc.  
hail for rain] Raine rare in Egypt, Zech. verse 32 XIV. 18. much more hail.  
firstborn] Thus all the ten plagues of Egypt are reckoned up; verse 36 save the fifth of Murrain of Beasts; and the sixth of Boyles upon Man and Beast.  
a cloud for a covering] A large cloud to cover all that host from the parching heat of the Sun. verse 39  
Quailes] Twice; verse 40 Exod. XVI. 13. Num. XI. 31.  
dry places] In the deserts of Sin, verse 41, and Zin: from the rocks of Rephidim, Exod. XVII. and Kadesh, Num. XX.  
That they might] Obedience the end of all God's mercies, verse 45 Exod. XIX. 4, 5, 6.  
leanness] By their ratson, chapter CVI verse 15 or lust, they purchased to themselves razon, leanness; yea, a plague and death, Psal. LXXVIII. 30, 31. Esay X. 16.  
Dathan] Korah is omitted here. verse 17  
Ox] Elsewhere the term of Ca●● is used. verse 20  
Ham] Gen. verse 22 X. 6.  
pleasant land] Deut. verse 24 XI. 11, 22. Ezek. XX. 6. See the Observations on Zech. VII. 14.  
Baal-Peor] See the Observations on Judges VIII. verse 28 33. Baal signifieth Lord, Master, Husband, or Patron. Peor is the name of a mountain: And Beth Pehor the name of Baal's Temple there, Num. XXIII. 28. Deut. III. 29. For the idolatry committed to this idol, the Scripture sometimes for the word Baal, useth Bosheth, which signifieth shame. Host IX. 10. See Jer. III. 24. and XI. 13. and the Annotations of learned Master Gataker upon those places. verse 31  
of the dead] Offered to those dead idols, Num. XXV. 2. Jer. X. 5.  
And that was counted unto him for righteousness] i. e. this fact of Phineas was approved of God as just and righteous, and for such ever to be esteemed. The same phrase used Gen. XV. 6. hath another sense of justifying Abraham's person before God by faith, though a man without faults in himself otherwise. And so is rightly applied by Saint Paul, Rom. IU. 3, 5, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24. to the justification of sinner before God by Faith merely.  
for righteousness] A right and just action; not the fruit of a rash zeal; though done without ordinary authority.  
unadvisedly] Num. XX.  
Devil's] Levit. verse 33 XVII. 7 See the Observations on Judges VIII. 33.  
his Covenant] This, verse 37 and his Name sake, verse 8 are the ground of God's free mercies. verse 45  
among the heathen] among whom divers Israelites were scattered, verse 47 in the times of the Judges, and Saul, by reason of their often troubles at home, till the Kingdom came to David, whose words these are, 1 Chron. XVI. 35, 36.  
This Psalm hath much elegancy and sublimity in it. chapter CVII  
South] In the Hebrew, verse 3 Sea; meaning the Red Sea, which was South from Canaan. But much more usualy in Scripture by Sea is understood the West, because the great Mediterrane Sea lay West from Canaan.  
mount up] And hyperbole. verse 26 Of them see the Observations on Josh. XI. 4.  
them] Mariners, verse 30 and passengers.  
river's] Watery fruitful places. verse 33  
dry] Barren, thirsty.  
will observe] Not that such deliverances are vouchsafed always to all in such dangers: verse 43 Gods ways of his governing Providence are a great deep unsearchable: But those deliverances when they come, they come from him.  
A Song, chapter CVIII a Psalm] See the Observations on the Title of Psalm XLVIII.  
This Psalm is composed of Psal. LVII. 7,— 11. and Psal. LX. 5,— 12. See the Observations on both those Psalms.  
glory] See the Observations on Psal XVI. verse 1 9  
wash-pot] So Psal. verse 9 LX. any washing pot, to wash the filth of my feet in. Without any allusion to the Marshes of Moab; or their Land to be washed in blood; or themselves wiped clean away, as a pot is wiped. But rather to be used to servile, sordid, base offices.  
of David] By the matter of the Psalm, chapter CIX it seems to be penned and inspired towards the end of saul's reign, when all things were grown to a forlorn and wicked state. See 1 Sam. XXVI. 19  
unto Prayer] The use and comfort of Prayer.  
Set] Many Imprecations follow. verse 4 And the like see in Psal. XXXV. verse 6 4,— 8. and LIX. 5, 13. and LXIX. 22,— 28. and LXXIX. 10. and CXIX. 84. and CXL. 10. Job XXXI. Nehem. VI 4. 5. and VI 6, 14. Esay II. 9 Jer. XI. 20. and XV. 15. and chap. XVII. 18. and XVIII. 21, 22, 23. and XX. 12. 2 Tim. IU. 14. And these with exquisite forms of speeches. And uttered by David, and the rest, against transcendent sinners, rather as Prophets, but of zeal to God and his glory therein, then in relation to their private passions of revenge, or respect to themselves as parties. And yet these, or the like Prayers and Imprecations may possibly be mixed with Humane infirmities; as those in Jeremy. See the Annotations on Nehem. IV. 5. Or in some they may be understood with silent limitations and reservations.  
right hand] He plead and prevail against him.  
condemned] God out guilty, verse 7 or wicked.  
become sin] Let no suit, or defence of his avail for him, but rather hurt him.  
8 his office] Applied to Judas, Acts I. 16, verse 8 20, 26.  
their desolate places] Their houses and families that are desolate and destroyed. verse 10  
fathers] Thus God punisheth to the third and fourth generation, verse 14 the wickedness of the parents on their wicked children, Exod. XX. 5.  
As he clothed himself with cursing] See the Observations on Psal, verse 18 LXXIII. 6.  
Let it be unto him] The curse wherein he delighted in cursing others; which pleased him as water, and oil, Let that same be unto him. Or, let a curse thus cover, and cleave unto him; and come into his bowels and bones. See the Observations on Psal. LXXIII. 6.  
shaked their heads] Psal. verse 25 XXII. 7.  
This Psalm is all Prophetical; chapter CX all of Christ; foretelling his Person, Natures, and Offices, specially his Kingdom, and Priesthood. And of his Victory over his enemies, and of his Triumph afterwards. And hereupon it is cited, and made use of, Matth. XXII. 44. Mark XII. 36. Luke XX. 42. Acts II. 34. Heb. I. 13. and V 6. and VII. 17.  
The Lord] The Messiah himself applies, verse 1 a●d appropriates this verse to himself, Matth. XXII: 44. Mark XII. 36. Luke. XX. 42. Saint Peter from this verse proves Christ's Ascension into heaven, Acts II. 34. Saint Paul relates to it in the point of Christ reign over all enemies, 1 Cor. XV. 25. Denying that the words of this verse were used, or could be used to any of the Angels, Heb. I. 13. And therefore they cannot be appliable to David himself, or to any mere man.  
The Lord] Heb. Jehovah. See the Annotations of learned Master Gataker on Esay I. 2. and XXVI. 4. See also my Observations on Psalm LXXXIII. 18. and on LXXI. 5. and on LXVIII. 4. This Name of Essence never admits any affix in the Hebrew tongue. And it may lawfully be pronounced; though the ancient Jews refrained from doing so, to gain thereby the more reverence to it. And this Name is common to the three Persons; yet according to the sense and circumstances of divers texts and places, chapter CIII specially when relation is had to another Person of the Trinity, it is taken Personaly. And so here for God the Father. As likewise, Psal. II. 7.  
said] In his eternal Decree, predestinating his Son to be the Messiah, to execute in time the Office of Mediatorship.  
unto my Lord] David's Lord, as well as his Son.  
sit thou] This, and other phrases here, are not proper, but figurative: to be understood, not corporealy, but spiritualy. Christ is said in Scripture promiscuously, both to stand, and to sit at the right hand of God, Heb. I. 3. Acts VII. 55, 56. 1 Pet. III. 22.  
at my right hand] The right hand signifies power and strength, Psal. CXVIII. 16. Exod. XV. 6. Psal. CXLIV. 8. Power to help, verse 5. Psal. XVI. 8. and CXLII. 4. Eccles. X. 2. To be or sit there, imports dignity and honour, 1 Kings II. 19 Matth. XX. 21. And such is the meaning here. And this dignity here expressed by this phrase is ascribed to Christ; not in relation to his Deity, for so he and the Father are one. Herein he is, and always was of equal dignity with the Father: But in regard of his Humanity whereby the Father was greater than he: And wherein formerly he had emptied and humbled himself, and suffered, even to death; and so was made a little lower than the Angels. But now hereby he is crowned with glory and honour. Yet this dignity here is not ascribed to his Humanity singly in itself considered, but in supposito, as it hypostaticaly subsists in the Person of the Son of God. And this Dignity is not an elevation and exaltation of the Humanity of our Saviour into the Majesty and essential properties and prerogatives of the Divine-nature; and so to have a parity of Dignity with it, an equality in all points; realy communicated to the Humanity in itself, as the Ubiquitaries contend and plead for, and which they refer, not to the Person only; but to the very Humane nature also in the Person of the Son of God. But this Dignity of Christ's Humanity is that which is next in degree under God and the Father, above that of the Angels, and all creatures, Heb. I. 3, 4. Ephes. I. 20, 21, 22, 23. given to him in time, after his Ascension, as a consequent and reward of his exinanition and passion, Phil. II. ult. Heb. II. 9 Luke XXIV. 26. This Dignity Saint Paul declares, 1 Cor. XV. 25. and Saint Peter, Acts V 31. and X. 42. john V. 27. In sum then, as Christ emptied himself, and subjected himself to the Father, not in regard of his Divine nature, but in regard of his Person God-man, and that only out of his Voluntary dispensation; So out of the same his voluntary dispensation it is, that he exercises this office of Mediation in both natures, And here after his Ascension; not before; in the Personal Union of both Natures; he receives this Dignity of sitting on the Father's right hand; his Person reigning so in both natures. It is not then the Humanity in itself singly taken that sits on the right hand of God; but the Humanity of that Person that sits at the right hand of God: as in the Incarnation it came to pass, not that the Humanity became God, but that the Humanity became then the Humanity of God. And Christ now sitting at the right hand of God doth reign every where▪ even as Man also; though his Humanity be not every where: as a King doth in his Kingdom, though his body be not every where▪ as the Head in the Body, though the Head be not every where as the Sun in the firmament enlightens, heats, cherisheth, quickeneth things below, though the Sun remain in its own place above.  
until] 1 Cor. XV. 14, 25, 28. Not yet that the Son shall then leave off all Rule and Reign, and be subject to the Father simply: But that then he shall leave off his Office of Mediation, having then overcome his enemies, and fully gathered his Church; he shall not thenceforth use those means, and actings which formerly he did; the whole work being then finished; then shall he leave off the administration of that delegation which he had formerly freely undertaken, there being then no more need of it. But thenceforth shall he reign together with the Father to all eternity; Dan. VII. 14. Luke I. 23. In a sense not unlike is this particle until used, Psal. CXXIII. 2. Matth. ult. ult. Gen. XXVIII. 15. what is affirmed of the time past, is not denied for the time to come.  
I make] I God the Father. Not excluding God the Son. For the same action is attributed to him, 1 Cor. XV. 25. john XVI. 33, Opera Trinitatis ad extra sunt indivisa.  
thine enemies] The Devil, John XIV. 30. 1 Cor. XV. 24. The World; John XVI. 33. and XV. 18. Antichrist; and all wicked men; Luke XIX. 27. Not, but that these are the enemies of God, and the Father also; John V. 23. And so both are joined together, Psal. II. 2. yet more immediately and directly enemies to Christ the Son, who came into the world to destroy the works of the Devil, 1 John II. 8. enemies to his Kingdom, and his inheritance, Matth. XXI. 38.  
thy footstool.] All utterly subdued, and put under thy feet, 1 Cor. XV. 14. As judg. I. 7. Psal. XLVII. 3. and Psal. XVIII. 39, 40. 1 King's V. 3. josh. X. 24. 25. Thus did Sapor the Persian King; Tamerlane the Scythian; and Pope Alexander the fourth to the Emperor Frederick the first. This Conquest was made by Christ's Resurrection and Ascension, Col. II. 15. Ephes. IU. 8. john XII. 3. and chap. XVI. 11. 33. They touch not Christ's person now, as they did when he was upon earth. They have not power over his mystical body; and true members, to domineer over them, subdue them, or deadly destroy them: yet they have power to by't and bruise their heel; and so to persecute Christ in his members, Acts IX. 4. and ch. XXII. 7.  
Zech. II. 8. And so the victory is not yet fully complete, Rom. XVI. 20. And this makes for Christ's greater glory, and his children's good. But at the last day, in the end of the world, all the enemies shall be altogether utterly subdued, and destroyed, and punished everlastingly, 1 Cor. XV. 25,— 28. Matth. XXV. 41, etc.  
The Lord shall send] The Prophet David here turns his speech to his Lord and Son; and speaks here of jehovah, what he shall do to, and for him.  
the rod of thy strength] Thy royal Sceptre, or Shepherd's staff; thy Kingdom, and the Dominion thereof, jer. XLVIII. 17. Ezek. XIX. 4, 11. thy royal power; which shall be strong, to overpower all the strength of the world opposing it, Rom. I. 16. And this is his Word and Gospel; not any temporal arms or power.  
out of Zion] There began the promulgation, and thence sprang the Propagation of the Gospel, and of Christ's Kingdom; which wondrously subdued all the world, Ps. II. 6, 8. Esay II. 2, 3. Mich. IU. 2.  
rule thou in the midst of thine enemies] Here is the success of Christ's Kingdom, even among his enemies. He, and his Church Militant in this world shall still have enemies, Matth. X. 6. Yet he shall rule and reign in the midst of them, in despite of them; and that with all confidence and boldness  
Thy people] As by right of Creation; so chief here, verse 3 by right of Redemption. Here is the success of Christ's Kingdom, among his subjects.  
shall be willing] Their first property; to be prompt, ready, devout, cheerfully obedient, 1 Pet. II. 9 freely led thereto by God's free Spirit, Psal. LI. 12. Rom. VIII. 14. Psal. LIV. 6. 2 Cor. IX. 7. As judg. V. 9 Nehem. XI. 2. Acts II. 41. Made such by Christ, of unwilling, to be so willing; john VI. 44. Psal. CXIX. 10, 11. 108. and in many other places of that Psalm, Esay ELIX. 18. and LV. 5. and LX. 4.  
in the day of thy power] When by the powerful preaching of thy Gospel, thou shalt rule in the midst of thine enemies; and powerfully convert thy people to so willing an obedience unto thee. The word here translated Power, signifies also an army; and may relate to Christ's mustering of his people, as armies, in the days of their solemn assemblies for his worship and service.  
in the beauties of holiness] Or in the comely honours of the Sanctuary; meaning either the comely or honourable places of holiness, the Sanctuary, or Church; or rather, in the beautiful ornaments of holiness, that is, holy graces and virtues, which with admirable variety adorn the faithful, and their inner man.  
from the womb] The second property or condition of the subjects of Christ's Kingdom, to be very numerous: as willing; so numerous: as the dew from the womb of the morning, 2 Sam. XVII. 12. by a sudden, unusual and wonderful increase and multiplication, Esay LIV. 1. Micah V. 7. Esay LXVI. 9 so numerous shall his youth be; his newborn people; john I. 13. and III. 3. Gal, IV. 19 Heb. II. 14. 1 Pet. II. 2. See Esay LIII. 10. So that these words are not to be understood of the temporal Nativity of Christ from the Virgin, or his eternal generation from the Father as some do; but of his active spiritual generation of his children, the subjects of his Kingdom.  
The Lord hath sworn] The Vocation of Christ to his Office of verse 4 Priesthood. Jehovah is the Author of it.  
hath sworn] Jehovah swears, to confirm matters of greatest moment: when, and where his wisdom pleaseth. And upon this point here of Christ's eternal Priesthood man's salvation dependeth. He swears by himself; though that is not here expressed; because he hath no greater to swear by; Heb. VI. 13, 16. Gen. XXII 16. And so by his life, Esay XLIX. 18. by his soul, Jer. LI. 24. by his right-hand, and the arm of his strength, Esay LXII. 8. The result of all which is the same with himself. And implying thereby thus much, Let me not be accounted what I am, namely God, the living God, the omnipotent God, if that which I speak be not true, or my promises or threaten do fail of performance. Of Oaths, See the Observations on Jer. LI. 14. and my Annotations on Host IU. 15.  
and will not repent] Will not change or retract what he hath sworn, Num. XXIII. 19 James I. 17. Repenting is sometimes ascribed to God; as Gen. VI 6, 7. Psal. CVI 45. 1 Sam. XV. 11. 35. Not that there is any change of mind of will in God; as there is in man's repenting: But the change is in the work; God eternally and unchangably decreeing both, as to do the thing, so again to change it upon man's repentance, or disobedience; Jer. XXVI. 3, 13, 19 Of this see more in the Observations on Jer. XV. 6. In all this God condescends to man's weakness, Heb. VI 17, 18. Shows the greatness, and excellency of the thing here avowed; that the Lord Christ was lawfully Called and Ordained to be an eternal Priest for us, and our salvation; for our greater confirmation, and consolation herein.  
Thou art] The Lord Christ well knew this, and could not doubt of the will of the Father herein. What then needed this Oath to be made unto him? Answ. It was made to him, for the use of his Church; that his Church might know and be assured of it. As that John XI. 42.  
art] God saying, is as much as doing.  
a Priest] So Gen. XIV. 18. Heb. VII. 1. Melchizedec in type; Christ in truth, the Antitype. The Priest's office was to Teach, Pray, and Sacrifice. The High Priest among the Jews once a year entered into the most Holy place. Yet he in all things was not an absolute and sufficient Type of our High Priest Christ the Lord. For he is an eternal High Priest; and both King and Priest; and his Sacrifice of another nature; and himself of another Tribe.  
for ever] Not so the Priests after the order of Aaron, Heb. VII. 23. 34 and chap. IX. 12.  
after the order] Or similitude, Heb. V. 6. and chap. VII. 15.  
of Melchizedec] Much question who this Melchizedec was. He was not the Son of God himself, our Lord and Christ. Very many take him to be Sem the Son of Noah, who saw both worlds, before, and after the Flood; and lived to the one hundred and fiftieth year of the age of Abraham. Yet because Sem's genealogy is exactly set down in Scripture; and that the Levitical Priests themselves came from him after sundry descents: and the Land of Canaan seems not to be Sem's habitation, which took its name from his younger brother Cham, or from Cham's son Canaan: Neither would Abraham so long have forborn his due respects and visitation of Sem in Canaan, if Sem had lived there: Therefore divers learned men take this Melchizedec to be rather some eminent man in Canaan, raised up by God in those corrupt times, both good and godly, both King and Priest, living in Salem, after called Jerusalem; whose King in Joshuahs' time was called Adonizedeck, that is, Lord of righteousness, Josh. X. 1. As this man here is called Melchizedec, that is, King of righteousness. By which place, or near to it, Abraham in his return from this war and victory, was to pass.  
Of this Melchizedec, and his Priesthood, and the difference of it from Aaron's Priesthood, the Apostle to the Hebrews, chap, VII entreateth at large, and observeth divers things; his Name and Title; his greatness in that he blessed Abraham, and received Tithes of Abraham; his being mentioned in Scripture without any Pedigree, without father without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life. All these he had; as our Saviour himself had them; but none of them recorded or registered in the Scripture; that he might so become a Type of the eternity of Christ's Person, and Priesthood; verse 3. The Apostle further observeth his Offices, that he was both King and Priest; and that our Saviour was made such, with an oath of God the Father; and a Priest of a better Priesthood, Covenant, and Commandment; and that he was made, not after the Law of a carnal commandment, having carnal successors in his Priesthood; but after the power of an endless life, consecrated for evermore, having an eternal Priesthood, and unchangeable, continuing ever, and living ever to make intercession, and by his one, offering up himself once for all, saving them to the uttermost that come to God by him. In all which there are manifold resemblances between Christ and Melchizedec; and manifold differences between theirs and the Aaronical Priesthood. As for those fond and forced dreams of the Papist, That Melchizedec offered up to God the sacrifice of bread and wine; And therein was a Type and Figure of their sacrifice of the Mass; And that thereupon Christ our Lord is said to be a Priest after the order of Melchizedec; These may well befall to them, who for want of the love of the truth, are given up to believe lies; but are too weak, poor, and silly, for us to trouble ourselves withal.  
The Lord at thy right hand] The prophecy of Christ the Lord his administration of his Kingly Office, verse 5 in this, and the next verse.  
The Lord, God, the Father, who will make thine enemies thy footstool, He at thy right hand, ready to assist thee. O Christ; as Psal. XVI. 8. and CIX. 31. Shall strike through Kings, Psal. II. 2, 4, 5. even the highest Powers and Potentates that oppose Christ and his Kingdom, 2 Cor. X. 5. In the day of his wrath, the time appointed in God's wisdom, the time of his just will so to punish them with plagues temporal, eternal, in this life, in that to come, 1 Thes. I. 9, 10. Not that Christ the Lord shall be exempted from this powerful conquest, and overthrow of his enemies; the Son being in all things coequal, consubstantial with the Father; And so the Act coming from the Father, by the Son; But in this speech relation is had to Christ, as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, God and Man, as the King Mediator, and receiving his Office from the Father.  
He shall judge] The Lord at thy right hand shall execute judgements and punishments. verse 6  
among the heathen] Psal. II. 1. Acts IV. 27. all his enemies whatsoever.  
he shall fill the places with the dead bodies] All places with the carcases of the slain. See Jer. XVI. 4. A figurative and poetical expression of an huge slaughter; such as was that of the Jews at the final destruction of Jerusalem, after the death of our Saviour.  
he shall wound the head in many countries] Wound, or strike through. Head for heads collectively, Psal. LXVIII. 21. in many or great countries. See that Apoc. XX. 9, 10.  
He] Christ the Lord. verse 7 Thus the Prophet passeth from the Father, to the Son. The Father acteth by the Son; the Son from the Father.  
shall drink of the brook in the way] In pursuing the victory over his enemies; he shall do, as gideon's soldiers did, Judg. VII. 7. admit of no delays; which occasioned that interdict, adjuration, and curse of Saul, 1 Sam. XIV. 24. Or rather, these words seem to have relation to Christ's state of Humiliation; and the rather because of that opposition thereunto in the words following. And so here we have Christ's exinanition, and exaltation; his passion, and resurrection; whereby he was brought to sit at the right hand of the Father, verse 1.  
drink] In passing through this valley of tears, in this world, he shall drink deeply of the cup of sorrows: the waters, floods, and torrents of afflictions and miseries should overtake and encompass him, if not overwhelm and drown him, Psal. LXXXVIII. 7. 17. See Jer. XXV. 15, 16. and chap. XLIX. 12. Matth. XX. 22. John XVIII. 11. Matth. XXVI. 39  
in the way] Of this life; the way of doing his father's will for the work of man's redemption, Phil. II. 7, 8. He hide for the time the lustre and beams of his Divine Majesty; that it might not hinder the sufferings and death of his Humanity, 1 Cor. II. 8. Matth. XVII. 9  
therefore] Thus Christ came from his humiliation to his exaltation, from his Priesthood, to his Kingdom. Therefore here notes not a Merit preceding in Christ, meriting for himself this exaltation; or his glory either in body, or soul, his life eternal; All necessarily followed upon that hypostatical Union, which he could not merit to himself. All Christ did, was to merit for us. The particle here notes the consequence or sequel, and order, the means and manner how he came to this exaltation.  
shall he lift up the head] Be exalted; sit at God's right hand. See for the phrase, Psal. III. 3. and XXVII. 6. Jer. LII. 31. Lam. II. 10. sublimi feriet sydera vertice.  
Praise] This is one of the Alphabetical Psalms. chapter CXI verse 1 And so is the next Psalm. Thereby to help memory, and to mark out the excellency of these Psalms. See the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalms.  
wonderful works] In Egypt. verse 4. 5.  
meat] Manna and Quails.  
Covenant] Though they by their sins often and grievously provoked him.  
heathen] Canaanites. verse 6  
Praise] chapter CXII verse 1 See the former Psalm.  
wealth] See the Observations on Psal. XXXVII. 1. verse 3  
light in darkness] Esay LVIII. 10. Job XI. 17. Psal. XXXVII. 6. verse 4  
of evil tidings] Prov. 1 33. Otherwise is it with the wicked, verse 7 Jer. XLIX. 23.  
gnash with his teeth] See that Luke XIII. verse 10 28.  
who humbleth himself to behold] Psal. chapter CXIII verse 6 CXXXVIII. 6. and CXXXIX. 1, etc. Job XXXIV. 21, 22. Prov. V. 21. Jer. XVI. 17. contrary to that, Psal. LXXIII. 11. and LXIV. 6. and XCIV. 7,— 10. Job XXII. 12, 13.  
He raiseth] 1 Sam. II. 8. verse 7  
mountains skipped] Sinai, chapter CXIV verse 4 Horeb, quaked and shaked, Exod. XIX. 18. Hab. III. 6, 10. Psal LXVIII. 8.  
Their idols are] Not like unto our God, chapter CXV verse 4 verse 3.  
are like unto them] As much without sense and reason, verse 8 as blocks and stones.  
their help] Theirs that trust in him: or one person, verse 9 put for another, which is not unusual.  
hath he given] To their use, verse 16 in this world. Or, the earth also is the Lords, which he hath given to the children of men.  
The dead praise not] Psal. verse 17 VI 5. and XXX. 9 and LXXXVIII. 10, 11, 12. Esay XXXVIII. 18.  
I love] This may seem to be David's Psalm, chapter CXVI verse 1 upon his new coming to the Kingdom.  
Therefore] The experience of Gods hearing our prayers, verse 2 doth hearten us to pray the more.  
Pains of hell] The sorrows and straits of death, verse 3 and the grave, Psal. XVIII. 5, 6.  
Gracious] The issue and effect of Prayer. verse 5  
thy rest] Thy quiet comfortable estate in God without trouble of conscience, verse 7 and that because of God's goodness, and good dealing towards thee.  
I believed] 2 Cor. verse 10 IU. 13. upon consideration of the Premises, his Faith thus triumphed; notwithstanding his afflictions.  
I was greatly afflicted] The Hebrew word here hath an Active form, but in a Passive signification. As sometimes an Hebrew word in a Passive form, is of an Active signification. See Esay XXI. 10. and chap. XXV. 9 and LIII. 7. and Ezek XIV. 4, 7.  
haste, verse 11 All men are liars] Even the Prophets, as Samuel that promised to me the Kingdom. Yea, all men, in comparison of God; unable to help in time of need, Rom. III. 4.  
cup of salvations] Used in the Israelites Peace-offerings of Thanksgivings, verse 13 and in the Meat-offerings joined to them, and to their whole-burnt offerings: and used in their holy Feasts, 1 Chron. XVI. 1, 2, 3 whence that seems to be, Luke XXII. 17.  
vows] Made in mine adversity. verse 14 Of vows, see the Annotations on Jonah I. 16.  
Precious] Psal. LXXII. verse 15 14. which God shows in preserving my life from death, in the midst of all mine enemies.  
Praise] The Apostle allegeth this to prove God's mercy to the Gentiles, chapter CXVII verse 1 that they should therefore glorify him.  
O give thanks] This may seem to be David's Psalm; chapter CXVIII verse 1 and likely inspired and composed upon his return from his last victory over the Ammonites, 2 Sam. XII. 29.  
on my side] Heb. verse 6 XIII. 6. Psal. LVI. 4. 11.  
All nations] David had to deal with all the neighbouring nations round about him. verse 10  
Thou] Speaking to the enemy. verse 13  
Open to me] The gates of the Sanctuary, verse 19 or house of God; the gates of the Court thereof; which the Levitical Porters were to do, for men to come and serve the Lord.  
of righteousness] For the righteous and clean only were to enter in thereat, 2 Chron. XXIII. 19 See Esay XXVI. 2. Apoc. XXI. 27.  
The stone] David Typically; verse 22 His Son, the Messiah, Realy; Mat. XXI. 42. Ephes. II. 20.  
bvilders refused] The Rulers refused David in the reigns of Saul, and Ishbosheth. The Priests and Elders refused Christ, Mark XII. 2, 10. Luke XIX. 14. 1▪ Pet. II. 7.  
the head stone] Acts IV. 11. Luke XX. 17. Of this stone see more, Esay XXVIII. 16. Dan. II. 34, 35, 45. Zech. III. 9 Rom. IX. 33.  
the day] A chief and choice day of God showing his mercy. verse 24  
Save now●beseech thee] Heb. Hoshiah● na, verse 25 in Greek sounded Hosanna; wherewith Christ is welcomed to Jerusalem, and the Temple; Mat. XXI. 9, 15. Luke XIX. 37, 38.  
we have blessed you] These seem to be the Priest's words, verse 26 relating to Num. VI 23.  
light] Prosperity, verse 27 under the Kingdom of David, and Christ.  
even unto the horns of the Altar] Likely the horns of the Altar Exod. XXVII. 2. intended for that use. Or, sacrifices abundantly all the Court over till you come to the horns of the Altar, Levit. IU. 7.  
Blessed] Of this Psalm see the Observations on the beginning of the Book of Psalms. chapter CXIX verse 1 David probably is the penman of it. The stile is plain, fitted for all capacities. And the Alphabetical order was used for help of memory. It is full of the ardent pious affections of a religious soul. Petitions for saving knowledge, and gracious assistance from God, and Promises of all holy sincere obedience thereupon, are in every octonary; with wondrous art and variety of sense; yet running much upon the same words, without any tautology.  
Before I was afflicted] So verse 71. verse 67 Before I spoke or answered, is not so proper an interpretation of this place, though it pleased Junius; unless we understand it thus, Before I cried out by reason of affliction.  
my soul is continually in my hand] i. e. verse 109 my life is daily in danger. As judg. XII. 3. 1 Sam. XIX. 5. and chap. XXVIII. 21. Many read this text in thy hand, or hands, understanding God's hand, which imports, not danger, but safety and security, as Psal. XXXI. 5. Luke XXIII. 46. 1 Pet. IU. 19 And is indeed a wrong reading; and breeds sundry senses, not consonant, or consisting with the tenor of this verse.  
any iniquity] either in me, verse 133 subjective; or of others against me, objective. And so the later way may be understood that Gal. II. 7, 90 Ephes. VI 12. Heb. XII. 4. Psal. XLIX. 5. and XL. 12. and LXV. 3. and XXXIX. 8.  
A song of degrees] or ascensions, chapter CXX heights, or excellencies. This, and the fourteen Psalms following, have this Title prefixed. The meaning whereof is variously conjectured; As thus, That they were to be sung with a loud voice, as 1 Chron. XV. 16. Or, upon the steps and degrees of the stairs ascending to the Court of the people, or to that of the Priests, which, they say, were fifteen in number, according to these number of these Psalms. Or, in the coming of the Ark into the Temple. Or in their return out of Babylon. Or to be sung in their return into their own land in the time of the Messiah. Others have other conjectures; yet without any certain determination; neither is it much material. Of these, four bear David's title, and some of the rest not unlikely were penned by him.  
I] David likely. verse 1  
from lying lips] Of such as falsely accused him to Saul. verse 2 1 Sam. XXIV. 9 and chap. XXVI. 19  
what shall be given] What good or profit shalt thou get or gain by it. verse 3  
sharp arrows] Such is a false tongue: verse 4 or, such are the plagues God will render as a reward unto it.  
Woe is me] Laments, verse 5 that in his exile he was forced to dwell so long with the cruel and barbarous posterity of Mesech, the son of Japhet, Gen. X. 2. and of Kedar, the son of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. or rather, with men of like evil cruel conditions to them.  
hills] Moriah, chapter CXXI verse 1 and Zion; where God dwelleth. But most to God himself, verse 2.  
The Sun] By its parching heat; verse 6 as jonah IV. 8. Nor the Moon, by its cold vapours. Gen. XXXI. 40. nor any discommodity shall be able to annoy thee, Psal. XCI. 5.  
I] David having brought the Ark of the testimony to jerusalem, chapter CXXII verse 1 and settled the Thrones of judgement there, pens this Psalm of joy and gladness therefore: Praising the City; and praying for the prosperity of it.  
testimony] The Ark. verse 4 See the Observations on. Ex. 25. 16.  
thrones of judgement] Both Ecclesiastical, verse 5 and Civil: as God had commanded, Deut. XVII. 8, etc.  
the captivity of Zion] Out of Babylon: chapter CXXVI verse 1 which return figured our Redemption by Christ.  
that dream] So incredible it was, and the joy of it, that we half doubted whether it were true, or but a dream. As Peter did, Acts XII. 9, 11. See Esay XXIX. 7, 8. And the like speech we read of in Abdolominus when he was taken from manuring the earth, to possess a Kingdom: and in Isaacus Angelus, when he was suddenly lifted up to the Empire: and in that famous john chrysostom, when he was first chosen into the Presbytery.  
Turn again] Prays that the deliverance begun, verse 4 may be carried on, and brought to perfection. For it had many stops and hindrances; as appears in the books of Ezra, and Nehemiah.  
They that sow in tears] That went mournfuly into captivity, verse 5 shall return joyfuly.  
for Solomon] Seems to be inspired and penned for Solomon, chapter CXXVII by David, a little before his death, Psal. LXXII. title  
Except the Lord] This is true generally: verse 1 yet may relate to the future building of the Temple by Solomon, and the safe keeping of the City jerusalem: or rather to the building of Solomon's house and posterity.  
so] By building, verse 2 keeping, blessing their labours without sorrow.  
he giveth] Or surely will give, or rightly doth give.  
his beloved] Whom he loves, and who in assurance of his love commits himself to him and his care. The Hebrew word jedid seems to allude to Solomon's name jedidiah, 2 Sam. XII. 25. his darling.  
sleep] Or quiet rest, without carking care and sorrow. The Hebrew word is written with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a quiet dumb letter, otherwise then usual, to denote the more quietness. And this rest, not your care and toil, but God's blessing, will bring unto you, Prov. X. 22.  
Blessed] The Blessings that ordinarily follow them that Fear the Lord▪ chapter CXXVIII verse 1 Take in with this the main matter of that in Psal. LXXIII.  
eat the labour] As on the other side it is true of the wicked, Prov. I. 31.  
the cords] Wherewith they drew their Plough; chapter CXXIX verse 4 to make long furrows upon the back of the Church.  
his bosom] Or arms; verse 7 as Esay XLIX. 22.  
The blessing] As Ruth II. verse 8 4.  
Out of the depths] Psal. chapter CXXX verse 1 LXIX. 1, 2.  
forgiveness with thee; that thou mayst be feared] Hos III. verse 4 5. God's fidelity, and the truth of his promises for the forgiveness of our sins, his mercy, and our plenteous redemption, is the true cause of our fearing of him, and hoping in him, verse 7. If without this, God did strictly mark our iniquities, our hope in him, and reverential fear and worship of him, would utterly fail and perish.  
shall redeem] Psal. verse 8 XXV. 22. and CIII. 3, 4.  
not haughty] In aspiring to the Kingdom; chapter CXXXI verse 1 and that by saul's ruin and destruction.  
as a weaned child] That is, verse 2 free from such ambitious thoughts. I rested quiet in thy will and promise.  
Let Israel] By my example. verse 3  
A Song] This seems to be David's, chapter CXXXII at his bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem. Some say, solomon's; acting what his father purposed and ordered, 2 Sam. VII. 8. with 2 Chron. VI 41.  
his afflictions] In coming to the crown; verse 1 and his afflicting cares, to bring home the Ark, and build God an House; as in the verses following.  
surely] If I enter. verse 3 A form of an oath, or curse, Let me perish if I enter.  
my house] Newly built, and mentioned, 1 Chron. XV. 1.  
sleep] In that house. verse 4 Or at least he would never do so quietly, till the Ark were in its resting place.  
we heard of it] We Bethleemites heard of the Ark. verse 6  
at Ephratha] That it was, or had been at Shiloh in the tribe of Ephraim: or much rather, we at Bethlehem Ephratha, in our own country, heard of it, Micah V. 2. Gen. XXXV. 16, 19 1 Sam. I. 1. See the Annotations on Micah V. 2.  
we found it in the fields of the wood] Or Jaar; in Kiriath-jearim, a City seated in the woods, as the name importeth. And of Kiriath-jearim, See the Observations on 1 Sam. VII. 1.  
Arise] 2 Chron. verse 8 VI 41. Num. X. 35. Psal. LXVIII. 1.  
thy rest] Ver. 13, 14. still flitting and wandering before.  
clothed] As with their sacred garments. verse 6 See Apoc. XIX. 8. Eph. IU. 24. Col. III. 10, 12, 14. Gal. III. 27. Rom. XIII. 14.  
For thy servant David's sake] Verse 1. verse 10 thy Covenant, and Promises made to him, 1 Kings 8. 25. Psal. LXXXIX. 20. Esay XXXVII. 35. And for Christ's sake, called David, Host III. 5. See the Annotations upon that text.  
of thine anointed] Me, thine anointed King.  
of thy body] This relates to Christ, verse 11 Acts II. 30.  
If thy children] Thus conditional to David's posterity, verse 12 2 Sam. VII. 14. Psal. LXXXIX. 30— 33.  
for evermore] Verified only in Christ, the Son of David.  
the horn of David to bud] Psal. LXXXIX. 24. Luke I. 69. verse 17  
a lamp] 1 Kings XI. 36. and XV. 4. 2 Kings VIII. 19  
Hermon] See the Observations on Deut. chapter CXXXiif. verse 3 IU. 48. Hermon and Zion here are fare distant mountains. And so the dew of Hermon descends not upon the mountains of Zion; but the similitude is twice repeated, of the dew falling upon those two several distinct and distant mountains.  
commanded] Psal. XLII. 8. and XLIV. 4. and LXVIII. 28. and LXXI. 3. Deut. XXVIII. 8.  
by night] 1 Chron. chapter CXXXiV. verse 1 IX. 33. Psal. XCII. 3. and CXIX. 147. Luke I●. 37. 1 Sam. III. 3. Some think that this, and the next Psalm, were made for the use of such worshippers by night.  
for the rain] Or, chapter CXXXV verse 7 with the rain; or to show that rain is coming.  
repent] Even in the judging of his people; verse 14 he will be so tender towards them.  
River's] May comprehend here Euphrates, chapter CXXXvii. verse 1 and Tigris, or Eulaeus or Chabor, being then all under the Babylonish Empire.  
of Babylon] In the seventy years' captivity. Of Babylon, see the Observations on Dan. IU. 30.  
of Edom] Obadiah, verse 7 verse 10,— 16. Ezek XXV. 12. Jer. XLIX. 7. Lament. iv 2.  
thy little ones] Sin enough in Babylon, verse 9 in the Land of Shinar, Zech. V. 8, 11. Sin enough in these little ones: as in the little ones of the old world drowned with Noah's flood: as in the little ones of Sodom, burned with brimstone: etc.  
thy Word above all thy name] Or, chapter CXXXVIII verse 2 thy name above all things by thy Word. Or, thy Word with all thy name. Thy Promise in Christ concerning thy people is greater than all other things whereby thou hast made thyself known.  
with strength.] Ephes. verse 3 III. 16, 20.  
in the ways of the Lord] Or, verse 5 of the ways, Psal. CIII. 7. when they shall be converted.  
will perfect] Phil. verse 8. 8. I. 6. Psal. LVII. 2.  
my bed in hell] In the grave. chapter CXXXiX.  
in the lowest parts of the earth] His mother's womb, verse 15 Eccles. XI. 5. So Ephes. IV. 9 may be understood of Christ's Incarnation. Sometimes this phrase is meant of the Grave; as Psal. LXIII. 9  
when I awake I am still with thee] Still meditating of thee, verse 18 and finding new occasions to think of thee, and praise thee. Or, I watch night and day to be found still cleaving to thee. Or, when I have spent the whole day in those precious thoughts of thee verse 17. the next morning I am where I was, I am but at the beginning still; the more I think of them, the more wonderful they appear to me still.  
Surely] This may be rendered here as a Wish. verse 19  
violent man] Saul, chapter CXL verse 1 and his Agents.  
O God] Jehovih. verse 7 See the Observations on Esay XXVI. 4. and on Psal. LXXI. 5.  
the strength of my salvation] Ephes. VI 17.  
of David] This may seem inspired and composed by David when he was in the Wilderness of En-gedi, chapter CXLI 1 Sam. XXIV. about the same time when the next Psalm, and Psalm LVII. were composed.  
door] In the Hebrew dal is contracted here for dealeth: verse 3 as Chaji, 2. Sam. XXIII. 23. for Chajil, 1 Chron. XI. 22.  
incline not] By Satan, verse 4 or my own corruption, James I. 13, 14. So Matth. VI 13.  
not eat of their dainties] Lest by their prosperity I should be alured to be wicked, as they are.  
for yet my prayer] I will requite them with my best prayers, verse 5 when they most need them.  
when their Judges] The Chieftains and Senators of mine adversaries. verse 6  
in stony places] Where they persecute, and pursue me.  
they shall hear my words] Then; that they are sweet, pleasing, and inoffensive to mine adversaries.  
Our bones] david's, verse 7 and his followers; they are in such like present danger.  
when he was in the cave] Psal LVII. 1 Sam. XXIV. 4. The later part of this prayer seems, chapter CXLII as spoken in the cave. Yet it all might be composed after his deliverance out of it. As that Prayer Jonah II.  
prison] This Cave, verse 7 wherein I am shut up, as in a close prison.  
faithfulness] chapter CXLIII verse 1 For performance of thy faithful and true promises made to me.  
righteousness] To maintain and defend a righteous cause.  
Enter not] Though my cause be just; verse 2 yet my person is sinful and unjust, not able to abide thy judgement, Rom. III. 20. So Job XXII. 4. and XIV. 3. Gal. II. 16.  
no man living] Heb. not all living, i. e. not any living. As Mat. XXIV. 22. 1 John II. 21. 2 Pet. I. 20. Psal. LXXVI. 5.  
is desolate] Or wondrously amazed, verse 4 upheld only by God's power.  
cause me] The work is Gods. verse 8 He the actor of it. And therefore to him he lifts up his soul. So verse 10.  
good; lead me] Or, verse 10 by thy good Spirit lead me: Thus prayer-wise: or shall lead me; spoken in way of assurance.  
of David] It seems composed after he came to the crown, chapter CXLIV verse 3 and had got some victories over his enemies; and yet other enemies were ready to invade him, 2 Sam. V & VIII.  
what is man] Psal. VIII. 5. Job VII. 17. Heb. II. 6.  
Bow the heavens] Shew thyself present on earth, verse 5 for my help; and my foes ruin, who are like mountains, in comparison of other men, 1 Sam. XXII. 10.  
a right hand of falsehood] Though they shake hands, verse 8 yet they keep not promise.  
whose God is the Lord] This is opposed to all the other worldly wealth; verse 15 as fare more than over-poising it all.  
of praise] His Hymn. chapter CXLV And the whole book in Hebrew is called the book of Hymns, or Praises. This is an Alphabetical Psalm. Only the letter Nun is wanting. See the Observations on Psal. XXV. 1. and on the beginning of the book of Psalms.  
over all his works] Or, verse 9 towards.  
upholdeth all that fall] Psal. verse 14 CXLVI. 8. all whom he in his goodness knows are to be upholden; without whom, and his goodness none are upholden. But some fall, and never rise.  
wait upon thee] Psal CIV. verse 15 27. 28.  
in truth] This in Prayer requireth sincerity, verse 18 without hypocrisy; faith, repentance, earnestness, and constancy.  
the desire] Or will. We pray that Gods will may be done, verse 19 Matth. VI 10 Here he doth his servants will. So he honoureth them that honour him, 1 Sam. II. 30. And their will agrees with his, 1 John V. 14.  
Praise ye the Lord] Heb. chapter CXLVI verse 1 Halelujah. And thus do begin, and end likewise, the rest of the Psalms that follow. In the Greek, it is Alleluia Apoc. XIX. 1. Halelujah, is in Psal. CIV. and CVI and CXXXV. and in many others.  
which executeth judgement] Who succours and relieves all, verse 7 in, and according to their several necessities; He it is that doth it; But that when, and how, in his wisdom and goodness it seemeth to him best.  
outcasts] Deut. chapter CXLVII verse 2 XXX. 4.  
telleth the number] Esay XL. verse 4 26. though to man they are innumerable, jer. XXXIII. 22. at least in common opinion, and of him indeed cannot be all seen. The number of the stars is counted by ancient Astronomers; And all within, and without their several Constellations, in their several magnitudes, are reduced by all, much under the number of two thousand. Yet their number, in Scripture-phrase, is marshaled with the sands of the sea, as innumerable. Which is spoken according to vulgar opinions and apprehensions; as that of the Sun, and Moon Gen. I 16. And divers other things are in Scripture in like sort spoken of. And yet the innumerable multitude of them appears the more, in our times; Wherein Galileus, and others after him by their new instruments and Tubi Optici, have made such strange discoveries of many many numbers of them, never seen before.  
young ravens] job XXXVIII. verse 9 41. Psal. CIV. 27, 28. Matth. VI 26.  
fat of wheat] Psal. verse 14 LXXXI. 16. Deut. XXXII. 14.  
runneth] Psal. verse 15 XXXIII. 9  
snow like wool] accordingly the phrase is, verse 16. 17. 19 fleeces of snow.  
his ice like morsels] Frost, or frozen hailstones.  
his word unto Jacob] This is singular mercy, and peculiar to his Church: fare beyond all those formerly mentioned: for which his Church is so bound to praise him.  
stars of light] Job XXXVIII. chapter CXLVIII verse 3 7.  
havens of heavens] The heaven of heavens is the highest heaven; verse 4 called the third heaven, 2 Cor. 2. XII. The sky where the stars are, is the second heaven. And the air under it, and next us, is the first heaven: In the upper part whereof are the waters here mentioned. For this Text, and Gen. I, 6, 7. yield not a sure foundation whereon to build an Orb of supercelestial waters, above the starry heavens; nor from the windows of that Orb came the waters in Noah's flood. But from the lowest region of the air, called Heaven, and the firmament of Heaven, wherein the winds, clouds, and fowls do fly; and do divide between the sea-waters, and the watery clouds which moisten the earth, and make it bring forth fruit for the sustenance of man, and beast. See Gen. I. 20. Jer. LI. 16. Dan. VII. 2, 13. Psal. LXXVIII. 23. Mal. III. 10.  
a decree] Statute, verse 6 Rule, and Ordinance, whereby every creature is bound to his set time, place, and function, Job XIV. 5. and XXVI. 10. and XXXVIII, 33. Jer. XXXI. 35. and XXXIII. 25.  
the horn of his people] Psal. verse 14 LXXV. 10. the power, glory, and Kingdom of his people and Church: and that by Christ, who is the horn of salvation, Luke I. 69.  
him that made him] Heb. chapter CXLIX verse 2 his makers. Likely relating to the Trinity of persons, as Gen. I. 26. and III. 22. and XI. 7. Job. XXXV. 10. Eccles. XII. 1. Esay VI 8. LIV. 5.  
King] Christ, of whom King David was a Type. As Mat. XXI. 5. Cant. I. 4,  
upon their beds] Night and day, verse 5 Psal. LXIII. 6. Job XXXV. 10.  
and a two-edged sword] Heb. verse 9 two-mouthed. This chief at least aims at the spiritual sword, Ephes. VI 17. Heb. IU. 12. Apoc. I. 16. which is the Word of God, coming out of Christ's mouth.  
To execute vengeance upon the heathen] Chief in and by the power and preaching of the Gospel, verse 7 2 Cor. X. 4, 5, 6, 8. See Esay XLI. 15, 16. John XVI. 8, 9  
To hinder their Kings] Psal. verse 8 II. 2, 3, 9, 10. Esay XLV. 14. Mark VI 20. Acts XXIV. 25. Apoc. XXI 24. Matth. XVI. 19  
the judgement written] This may have reference to that Law, verse 6 Deut. VII. 1, 2. Or, to the exact rule of God's Word, without any addition, or diminution. Deut. XII. 32. Apoc. XXII. 18.  
This honour] Deut. IV. 6, 7, 8.  
Sanctuary] His holy place. chapter CL verse 1 Or, sanctity, in and for his holy essence.  
firmament of his power] His power seen in the firmament, in the stretching out and spreading abroad of it, Psal. XIX. 2. Dan. XII. 3.  
that hath breath] Apoc. verse 6 V 13.   

Proverbs.  
THE Book of Proverbs contains the chief of those three thousand Proverbs which Solomon spoke, 1 Kings IV. 32.  
They are Proverbs and instructions of Piety, and Wisdom; and the Praises of it; with Exhortations to it, and Dehortations from the chief avocations and impediments of it, in the nine first chapters. All which serve well, as a large Preface and preceding Introduction. And then do follow Proverbs, or choice sentences, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or wise Apothegines, Solomon's Ethics, our Digesta, and Pandects; All of Morality, and prudential Civility, in the rest of the Book.  
Wherein coherence of Sentences is not much minded: A Repetition of the same things, by reason of the several Collections of them, is found sometimes: And the verity of some of them, is not like that of Mathematical Theorems; but consists in such a generality of truth, as stands good, and is so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for the most part; And yet admits of alteration by variety of circumstances, and other incident occasions.  
Throughout the Book, Solomon speaks, one while in his Own name; Another while in his Fathers; Then in Wisdoms; Elsewhere, in his Mothers; and sometimes in God's name.  
It may seem thus; That he speaks in his Own name, Chapters I, TWO, III. He sets down the sum of his Father David's Instructions, Chapters IV, V, VI, VII. Then brings in Wisdom speaking, Chapters VIII. IX. After he sets down those Proverbs of his Own, which he had set in order in his Life-time, Chapters X,— XXIV. Then others are added that were gathered by the Servants of King Hezekiah, Chapters XXV,— XXIX. Then follows the Prophecy of Agur, Chap. XXX. And lastly, the Instruction which solomon's mother taught him, Chap, XXXI. So that the Collection was made by sundry; and at sundry times. For explanations, where most need shall be, I shall give some short touches; And therein willingly make choice to use such expressions as I can best judge in other Author's helpful this way: And by way of collection and contraction pick out the pith of them.  
of Solomon] Of his wisdom, chapter I verse 1 see 1 Kings III. 12. and IV. 29, 30, 31. and X. 23, 24. Eccles. XII. 9, 10.  
to give subtlety] Sacred sagacity, verse 4 a sharp wit, a deep reach, 1 Cor. II. 10. 2 Cor. III. 18.  
The fear of the Lord] It is Wisdom itself, verse 7 Job XXVIII. 28. He sets it here in the Beginning; and he makes it the End of all, yea, the All of man, Eccles. XII. 13.  
wisdom] The wisdom of God; verse 20 and Christ himself chief, Col. II. 3. 1 Cor. I. 30.  
wisdom crieth] john VII. 37. The Hebrew is, Wisdoms crieth. The plural number is here used, by way of excellency, to denote the singular eminency of the thing so spoken of. And so Behemoth, signifying beasts, for that singular beast, job XL. 15. And so, If I be masters, in the Hebrew, Mal. I. 6. And so likewise Elohim pluraly is used for one only God. Unless, by way of Ellipsis, we will take the meaning thus; the wisdom of wisdoms; the beast of beasts; the master of masters; the God of Gods. In like sense the plural is used, Lam. III. 22. Psal. LI 17. 2 Sam. XXII. 1.  
and ye refused] This is a step towards the sin unpardonable. verse 24. 26.  
I also will laugh] Psal. II. 4. Then man hath cause to weep. The poison of sin thus working upon God, and Christ. Esay I. 24.  
Then shall they call] Prov. verse 28 XXVIII. 9 1 Sam. XXVIII. 6. Psal. XVIII. 41.  
the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.] verse 32 Their prosperity are as gay clothes, with a plague-soar in them. They shipwreck upon the sands of prosperity, as well as others do on the rocks of adversity.  
quiet from fear of evil] Psal. verse 33 XLVI. 2, verse 3 3. verse 4  
if thou criest] Host chapter TWO VI 3. A dull suitor begs a denial.  
and searchest for her] Till ye get all those dimensions of Knowledge, Ephes. III. 18. Rom. XV. 14.  
who rejoice to do evil] Who cannot be merry, verse 14 unless the Devil be their playfellow, jer. XI. 15.  
none] For the most part, verse 19 2. and so generally.  
Length of days] If a short life be not a blessing, chapter III as 1 Kings XIV. 13. Esay LVII. 1. when there is a fire in an house or a town, men carry out their jewels. But then God makes them up in his Cabinet, Malachi III. 17.  
Be not wise] Bis desipit qui sibi sapit. verse 7. 11. ch. XXVI. 12.  
the chastening] Is cited, Heb. XII. 5, 6. Schola crucis, schola lucis. Adversity is the best University.  
she is a tree of life] Alluding to Gen. verse 18 II. 9 See XIII. 12. and XV. 4.  
and happy is] The retainers of her. So in the Hebrew. And the meaning is well rendered in our English, every one that retaineth her. The like phrase and use of the plural, joined with a singular, and in a distributive sense, in the Hebrew, is found, chap. XIV. 1. Gen. XLIX. 22. Exod. XVII. 12. and XXXI. 14. josh. II. 4. Job XII. 7. Psal. LXXIII. 7. Joel I. 20. 2 King's V. 13.  
The Lord by wisdom] By his essential wisdom, verse 19 by the Lord Christ, chap. VIII. 30. Apoc. III. 14. Heb. I. 2. Col. I. 16.  
go, verse 28 and come again] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
surely he scorneth the scorners▪ but he giveth grace to the lowly] Jam. verse 34 IU. 6. 1 Pet. V 5. Those scorners are such through pride. And the grace here given is not meant of inward sanctifying grace, but of external favour, repute, and estimation with men. And so chap. I. 9 and IV. 9 Eccles. VII. 1. and chap. IX. 11. Luke II. 52. Acts II. 47. And so also may be understood, Luke I. 28. and Ephes. 1. 6.  
scorneth] Psal, I. 1. chap. I. 22. and IX. 7, 8. See the Observations there. As also chap. IX. 12. and XIII. 1. Esay XXVIII. 14. and chap. XXIX. 20. Host VII. 5. 2 Pet. III. 3. jude 18.  
Only] Not borne; chapter IV verse 3 but beloved, by his mother, Bathshebah. His Father loved also other of his sons but too well.  
He taught me] The substance of his Father David's doctrine, verse 4 Solomon doth briefly set down to the tenth verse. And then proceeds in his own words.  
Forsake her not] Falling Stars were never but Meteors. verse 6  
with all thy getting] With any pains, verse 7 for any price. This gold cannot be bought too dear.  
For they sleep not] Et si non aliquà nocuisset, verse 16 mortuus esset. verse 23  
thy heart] This is the chief Monarch in this Isle of man, verse 25 c. XXIII. 26  
Let thine eyes look right on] On right objects. If thine eye offend thee, pull it out of the old Adam, and set it in the New man: Else better to pull it out indeed.  
Ponder] By the weight of the Sanctuary. verse 26  
feet] Affections. For by these maids, Satan woos the Mistress.  
a strange woman] Verse 3,— 23. chapter V verse 3 and chap. VI 29. and chap. XXII. 14. and chap. XXIII. 27. and chap. XXIX. 3. Luke XV. 13.  
Lest] She by her ways labours to prevent this. verse 6  
Jest strangers] Chap. verse 10 VI. verse 15 26. verse 16  
own cistern] Cant. IV. 12.  
let thy fountains] Thy children by lawful marriage: or the good use of thy goods and wealth.  
only thine own] Sow there where thou mayst reap, verse 17 and not another with thee.  
if thou be surety] Of suretyship, chapter VI verse 1 see Prov. XI. 15. and chap. XVII. 18. and chap. XXII. 26. and XX. 16. and chap. XXVII. 13.  
sluggard] Solomon is oft upon him in the Proverbs. verse 6 Once for all take it thus; He paints him out in this wise; Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, chap. VI 10. and chap. XIX. 15. and chap. XXIV. 33. whereupon he bespeaks him thus, How long wilt thou sleep O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? chap. VI 9 and chap. XIX. 15. As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth a slothful man upon his bed, for all its turn it hangs there still, chap, XXVI. 14. He hideth his hand in his bosom, and it grieveth him▪ he is weary, he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again, chap. XIX. 24. and chap. XXVI. 15. and chap. XII. 27. His way is an hedge of thorns, chap. XV. 19 He saith, A lion is in the way, a lion is in the streets, ch. XXVI. 13. I shall be slain in the streets, chap. XXII. 13. a lion without, and a lazy lozel within. I went, saith Solomon, by the field of the slothful, and by the Vineyard of the man void of understanding. And lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone-wall thereof was broken down, chap. XXIV. 30, 31. He will not plough by reason of the cold, chap. XX. 4. He roasteth not that which he took in hunting, chap. XII. 27. As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoak to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him, chap. X. 26. His soul desireth, and hath nothing, chap. XIII. 4. his desire killeth him, for his hands refuse to labour, chap. XXI. 25. And so he is brother to him that is a great waster, chap. XVIII. 9 whereupon his poverty comes as one that traveleth, and his want as an armed man, chap. VI 11. and ch. X. 4. and ch. XIX. 15. and ch. XX. 13. and XXIII. 21. and XXIV. 34. that he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing, chap. XX. 4. but be under tribute, XII. 24. and be clothed in rags. And yet this sluggard is wiser in his own conceit, than seven men that can render a reason, than the seven wise men of Greece, c. XXVI. 16. Howbeit the wise man here sends him to the Ant, to consider her ways, and be wise. See Mat. XXV. 26.  
no guide] As in the Bees is an umbrage of Monarchy, verse 7 so in the Aunts of Democracie.  
He winketh] Doth twinkle with his eyes, verse 13 and tinkle with his feet; to promote frowardness, mischief, and discord.  
without remedy] A dreadful and dismal doom, verse 15 when he dreams not of danger.  
thou wakest] Psal. verse 22 CXXXIX. verse 24 17, verse 25 18. verse 29  
to keep thee] To be as an amulet to that end.  
her beauty] Helen without, but Hecuba within.  
not be innocent] flagitium & flagellum, sicut acus & filum. Culpam Paena premit comes, saith Horace. Abraham might see Sodom burning; but Lot must not look that way.  
sevenfold] Often restore, verse 31 as he often sins in that kind, Psalm XII. 7. But is not punished with death, as the adulterer is. We read in the Law, of double, of fourfold, and fivefold restitution, in several cases of theft, Exod. XXII. 1, 4. 2 Sam. XII. 6. Here by sevenfold is meant manifold, as Psal. XII. 6. a plentiful restitution.  
the apple of thine eye] The least moat offends the eye; chapter VII verse 2 that little man in the eye cannot be touched, but is distempered.  
I have peace-offerings] Pretends religion to her filthy practices. verse 14  
with me] For thee; as she likely pretended.  
my vows] She is a Votary too; such as many Popish Nuns are.  
the day appointed] Rather so, verse 20 then either new Moon, or full-moon; as some render it.  
all plain] In things necessary to salvation; chapter VIII verse 9 in matters of faith, & practise.  
witty inventions] Not toilsome toys, which are but laborious loss of time, of no use or worth. But to be wise as Serpents; as Eph. V 15, 16, 17. Deut. IU. 6.  
By me King's reign] Rom. verse 15 XIII. 1, 2. by God and his wisdom; by Christ the wisdom of God, who is made unto us wisdom.  
I love them that love me] Here is not love lost, verse 17 John XIV. 21, 23. Ephes. VI 24. and Christ is wholly lovely, Cant. V 16. Hag. II. 7. 1 Cor. XVI. 22.  
I lead in the way of righteousness] I meddle not with the Mammon of iniquity; verse 20 lead not to wealth by right or wrong. God forbidden that I, or any of mine should take of Satan, from a thread, even to a shoe-latchet, lest he should say, I have made you rich.  
possessed me] i. e. verse 22 Christ. So the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; and so Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, accordingly: not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, created me; as the LXX. read, and the Arrian would have it; denying thereby the eternal Deity of Christ. And yet that Col. I. 15. the firstborn of every creature, stands well in an Orthodox exposition, with the Catholic Doctrine of Christ's eternal Deity. And the words in the verses following, do agree unto Christ; compared with Psal. II. 6. and XC. 2. Matth. III. 17. John I. 14. As moreover the words in the beginning of the next Chapter do agree to him likewise, who is the wisdom of the Father, Col. III. 2. And that Christ is God, see among other places, Heb. I. 3. John I. 3. Col. I. 16, 17.  
foundations of the earth] Yet hangs in the air, verse 29 as it were by Geometry, ver. 30. John I. 1.  
and my delights were] With his Church especially. verse 31  
findeth life] John XIV. verse 35 6. and chap. X. 28. and chap. I. 12.  
Wisdom] Hebr. chapter IX verse 1 wisdoms; the most excellent wisdom. See ch. VIII 1. and the Observations on chap. I. 20.  
seven pillars] So many polished pillars as might be sufficient to uphold and adorn her.  
mingled her wine] This usual in those hot countries, verse 2 verse 5. In relation to the Gospel, see that Matth. XXII. 4.  
come eat of my bread] As the Virgin Mary is not meant by wisdom, verse 5 verse 1. so neither the Eucharist by this Bread and Wine here; as some Papists would poorly seek to persuade us.  
Reprove not a scorner] Chap. verse 8 XXIII. 9 and chap. XXIV. 9 and XXVI. 4. Matth. VII. 6. The basest can mock: As the abjects did David, Psal. XXXV. 15.  
thy days shall be multiplied] Chap. verse 11 X. 27. and III. 2, 16. Exod●s XX. 12. if short life would not prove a blessing to thee, 1 Kings XIV. 13. Esay LVII. 1, 2. as it was to Enoch, to Josiah, and others; who did live long in a little time here, and then lived for ever in heaven.  
clamorous] The most lewd, verse 13. 17. are the most loud.  
stolen waters] Those pleasures where the Devil is a playfellow. But such morsels of sin are murdering morsels, not nourishing.  
The Proverbs] Here the name of Solomon is prefixed again; chapter X as it seems to a second Head, verse 1 or Collection of Proverbs; wherein the Opposition of Contraries in the same verse is very much used; and the first part often serveth much to usher in the second.  
from death] The second death; verse 2 and from the first too, many times, and always as to the evil and sting of it.  
The Lord will not suffer] Though he refuse to enrich himself by evil arts, verse 3 and though he give to the poor, yet he shall not want necessaries, Psal. XXXVII. 25. and XXXIV. 9  
Blessing's] Chap. verse 6 XXVIII. 20. Gen. XXVII. 33. a confluence of all, and of all kinds, of Blessings.  
The memory] Their name is heir to their life; verse 7 their stock remains, goes forward, and shall do, till the day of doom. Chap. XXII. 1. and chap. XV. 30. Eccles. VII. 1. 3 john verse 12.  
but the name of the wicked shall rot] A frequent phrase and speech with the Hebrews; which they abbreviate, and write thus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
shall receive commandment] Be subject to Gods holy word, verse 8 without replies, and cavils.  
winketh] Winketh wiles. verse 10  
sorrow] Sin, and sorrow, to himself, and others.  
a well of life] Flowing as an ever-flowing fountain. verse 11 Psal. XXXVII. 30, 31. Matth. XII. 35. Heb. VIII. 10.  
love covereth] 1 Cor. verse 12 XIII. verse 20 7. verse 21 1 Pet. 4. 8.  
as choice silver] Prov. XXV. 11.  
feed many] Luke XIX. 48. 2 Cor. VI 10. They are empty Vines that bear fruit to themselves only, Host X. 1.  
no sorrow with it] Wealth without woe, verse 22 store without sore, gold without guilt of sin, or guilty conscience.  
a sport] These dance to hell. verse 23  
hath wisdom] For his sport and delight, Rom. VII. 22. Job XXIII. 12.  
The fear] job XV. verse 24 21. and ch. XXIX. 25.  
shall be granted] If they fail not in the matter, manner, intention, or duration of their desires and prayers; being content either to wait, or to want the thing desired, being hearty willing that God should be glorified, though themselves be not glorified.  
Whirlwind] job XXVII. 20,— 23. verse 25  
shortened] Eccles. verse 27 VII. verse 28 17.  
The hope] Psal. CXXX. 5. Prov. XIV. 32. Heb. VI 18, 19  
Pride] Where pride is in the saddle, chapter XI verse 2. 7. shame is in the crupper.  
the hope] His hope made a bridge of his own shadow; and thinking to go over it, he falls into the water: he as a child grasps at a shadow on the wall.  
in his stead] As it befell Haman, verse 8 daniel's enemies in the den of lions, and others, 2 Thes. I 6, 7.  
holdeth his peace] From despising words, verse 12 opprobrious language; not seeking to wash off dirt with dirt.  
concealeth] Tacitus to him is the best historian. verse 13  
own flesh] As Baal's Priests, verse 17 and some popish merit-mongers. verse 18  
sure reward] Only he must have patience, and not look to sow and reap all in one day, James V. 7.  
pursueth evil] As Asahel followed Abner. verse 19 Ephes. IV. 19 adding drunkenness to thirst, with both hands; Hell gapeth for him.  
a froward heart] A man may die by inward bleeding, verse 20 Jer. IV. 14. The Heart appears in the life; as the candle in the lantern.  
only good] Rom. verse 23 VII. 22. Heb. XIII. 18. Yet when the flesh gets the wind, and hill of the Spirit, it sometimes over-bears: as a gust of wind forceth the ferryman backward.  
is wrath] Proves such, Rom. II. 8, 9  
that scattereth] The five loaves in the Gospel were multiplied by division, verse 24 and augmented by substraction.  
trusteth] Riches were never true to any that trusted in them, verse 28 Luke XII. 15. Psal. LII. 6, 7. exoriuntur ut exurantur; as the grass.  
winneth souls] James V verse 30 20. Dan. XII. 3. One soul more worth than all the world; as he tells us who only went to the price of it, Mat. XVI. 26.  
recompensed] Chastened. verse 31 Their afflictions are not penal, but medicinal, or probational.  
in the earth] Which is their house of correction: not in hell.  
much more] Totaly and finally, Nahum. I. 9 as 1 Sam. XXVI. 8. 1 Pet. IU. 17, 18.  
not be established] chapter XII verse 3 Though he may flourish for a time.  
not be moved] Chap. X. 25. Psal. LXII. 2, 6.  
a crown] A choice and chief ornament. verse 4  
but the mouth] Hence are those many Apologies of the Christians, in all times, verse 6 and ages.  
according to his wisdom] James III. verse 8 13, 17. 2 Cor. X. 18. Rom. I. 22, 23. 1 Cor. II. 4,— 8.  
the net of evil men] Such a net as that Hab. verse 12 I. 15. that they may do the like, use all cunning arts and crafts of doing mischief; he so furiously pursueth his lusts, as if he desired to be entangled in the net of his own destruction. Or, he desireth the fortress against evils; but all in vain; or, the fortress of evil men, to be secured and defended by them, and their strength. Thus various may be the reading and sense of these words.  
is snared] The venom of his heart blisters his tongue, verse 13 that it breaks out at his lips to his own ruin.  
A fools wrath] He hath no power over his own passions. verse 16 chapter XXIX. 11.  
covereth shame] 1 Sam X. 27. Passeth by an offence, covereth an injury.  
no evil] Esay XXVII. verse 21 9  
filled] He that makes a match with mischief, shall have his belly full of it. chap. I. 31. and XIV. 14.  
deal truly] Psal. verse 22 LI. 6. verse 23 Esay LXIII. 8. Ephes. IU. 15. 1 John I. 6. 8.  
concealeth] Love's not to out-lash. Yet is not niggard where there is need, chap. XV. 7.  
proclaimeth] In it is, and out it must, what ever come of it.  
a good word] As cordials of comfort, verse 25 breasts of consolation, wells of salvation.  
more excellent] As a Prince of God among them; verse 26 as Abraham among the Hittites, Gen. XXIII. 6. Psal. XVI. 3.  
no death] No sting in it. verse 28 And they pass from the jaws of death, to the joys of heaven.  
heareth not] But jeers at it. chapter XIII  
Keepeth his mouth] God hath set a double guard of lips, verse 1 and teeth, verse 3 before this gate; yet unless God himself keep the watch, all will be lost, Psal. CXLI. 3. and CXXVII. 1. See chap. XII. 13. and chap. XVIII. 21. and chap. XXI. 23.  
diligent] Affection without endeavour is like Rachel, verse 4 beautiful, but barren; we must work, as well as will and wish. and 2 Cor. VIII. do, as well as desire; perform as well as promise.  
loathsome] Stinks as it were above ground. verse 5 And cometh to shame by his lying.  
The ransom] Jer. XLI. 8.  
heareth not rebuke] As a man not worth the chiding, verse 8 not considerable; having nothing to lose.  
the lamp of the wicked] As a candle, verse 9 Job XVIII. 5, 6. and ends in a snuff, Eccles. VII. 6.  
wisdom] Meekness of wisdom, verse 10 wisdom peaceable, James III. 13, 17.  
Hope deferred] Many lie long languishing at Hope's Hospital; verse 12 as he at the pool of Bethesda.  
The Law] Chap. verse 14 XIV. verse 15 27.  
good understanding.] Both gaineth favour, as in Joseph, Daniel, and others. And favour or grace gaineth a good understanding or good success, chap. III. 4. Psal. CXI. 10.  
is hard] Harsh, rough; 2 Tim. III. 3, 4. Tit. III. 3.  
prudent man] Observes seasons, verse 16 and circumstances, deports himself with discretion, Amos V. 13.  
his folly] By his headstrong, verse 17 headlong exorbitances.  
a wicked messenger] Chap. XXVI. 6.  
is sweet] Specially in spiritual things. verse 19  
abomination] To be pulled from their evil lusts and sinful courses.  
walketh] Converseth, verse 20 is a constant companion.  
companion] 1 Cor. XV. 33. which Saint Paul takes out of Menander the Poet.  
pursueth] Heard at heels. verse 21 Sin and Punishment are linked together with chains of adamant.  
repaid] By God a liberal paymaster.  
to his child] Personal goodness is profitable to posterity, verse 22 1 Kings XV. 4. Exod. XXXIV. 7. where the Hebrew word N●tser, keepeth, hath a great N. to note likely the greatness of God's mercy to the good man's posterity.  
Wealth] As nabal's was for David; haman's for Mordecai; the Canaanites for the Israelites. Job XXVII. 16, 17. Though this be not so always, and universally, Psal. XVII. 14.  
want of judgement] In tillage; verse 23 or managing, and husbanding what is gotten.  
hateth his son] As it proves in the issue. verse 24 As we see in Eli to his sons: and in David to his Absalon, and Adonijah. See chap. XXIII. 13. and XIX. 18. And thus we are said to will and do many things, which properly and directly we do not so; but because we do such things whereupon the other will follow. So chap. VIII. 36. and chap. XVII. 19 Matth. XXVI. 12. John XII. 7. Luke XI. 48. Ezek. XVIII. 31. and XXXIII. 11. Psal. CVI 24.  
satisfying] With contentation, verse 25 be it more or less. verse 6  
seeketh] As a coward seeketh his adversary; chapter XIV in hope not to find him.  
is easy] Chap. I 20. and chap. VIII. 1, 17.  
a mock at sin] These dance with the Devil. verse 9 Chap. X. 23. 2 Thes. II. 12. 2 Pet. II. 13.  
favour] From God: or a complacency in their righteous dealing: or gains them favour among themselves.  
not intermeddle] 1 Pet. verse 10 I. 8. Phil. IU. 7. 2 Cor. V 4. It is an handsel of heaven. The cock on the dunghill knows not the worth of this jewel.  
seemeth] Chap. verse 12 XVI. 25. Sin comes clothed with a show of Reason. Exod. I. 10. And thereupon we willingly deceive our own hearts, James I. 26. as Micah, judg. XVII. 13. and jer. VII. 4. And self-delusion is an epidemical disease, and deadly.  
even in laughter] Some frothy and flashy mirth the wicked may have; verse 13 but there is a snare or cord in their sin which strangles their mirth, that they rejoice in the face, not in the heart, 2 Cor. V 12. Esth. V. 13  
heaviness] job XXI. 12, 13. Luke 6. 25. Eccles. II. 2.  
filled with his own ways] have made a match with mischief, verse 14 and shall have enough of it; hath sold himself to wickedness, and shall be sure of his payment.  
from himself] 1 Tim. VI 6. Heb. X. 34. Psal. XIX. 11. Goodness is its own reward, in hand, and in hope.  
The simple believeth] As jeroboam that old baby. verse 15  
looketh well] Looks before he leaps; tries before he trusts. 1 john IV. 1. Ephes. V. 15.  
feareth, verse 16 and departeth] Feareth the judgements whiles they hang in the threaten: counts them, not words so much, as thunderbolts, Hab. III. 16.  
The evil bow] The worst cannot but think well of them; verse 19 and do homage to the image of God stamped upon the natures and practices of the good and righteous.  
his neighbour] Poor neighbour, verse 21 and needy.  
that devise evil? That plot and plough it, verse 22 dig and delve it; are they not heavenly wide, utterly out?  
labour] That is honest, verse 23 not that whereby they do wickedly with both hands earnestly.  
talk of the lips] Great talkers, are commonly do-littles.  
is their riches] For God gives them wisdom to use them well. verse 24  
fools] Richardo fools. Riches to them is as a sword put into a mad man's hand.  
strong confidence] Dan. verse 26 III. verse 28 17. 2 Kings XVIII. 5.  
multitude of people] Which wars waste and consume. See 2 Sam. XXIV.  
slow to anger] Anger may rush into a wise man's bosom; verse 29 not rest there, Eccles. VII. 9 james I. 19, 20.  
exalteth] Proclaims it aloud; verse 30 sets it on the theatre.  
A sound heart] Well freed from passions and perturbations holds out long.  
envy] A corroding disease it is: an hel-hag that feeds upon its own marrow, bones, and strongest parts: it is as rust is to iron; as the viper: It both sins, and is punished together, so quick and speedy justice accompanies it, job V. 2.  
his maker] 1 Sam verse 31 II. 7. A poor man's livelihood is his life, Luke VIII. 43.  
honoureth him] That is, honoureth God. God so takes it; chap. III. 8. And God honours him; Matth. XXV. 34. etc.  
driven away] Being arrested by the Sergeant death, verse 32 in the Devil's name and so hurried away, and hurled into hell.  
hath hope] Death to them is as the valley of Anchor. justus etiam dum exspirat sperat.  
in the heart] Is not vainglorious, verse 33 sets not forth his good parts and practices a sunning, to be seen and cried up.  
in the midst of fools] Their zeal must be seen; 2 Kings X. 16. Their piety must be shored up with popularity.  
a reproach] Sin's are the snuffs of our candlesticks, verse 34 and threaten the removal of it, and will render us a reproach and a taunt; Deut. XXVIII. 37. jer. XXV. 9 Ezek. V. 14, 15.  
a wise servant] So to Joseph by Pharaoh; verse 35 so to Daniel by Darius. And much more is the favour of the King of Kings to his servants; Matth. XXIV. 45, 46, 47. and XXV. 21, 23.  
his wrath] So to Haman, Shebna, and others.  
A soft answer] Chap. chapter XV verse 1 XXV. 15. As gideon's to the Ephraimites, Judg. VIII. And Abigaels' apology to David, 1 Sam. XXV. 32, 33. Yet roughness & hard language in some cases, & circumstances, is necessary.  
The tongue] Which David styles his glory; verse 2 and he used it accordingly.  
The eyes of the Lord] As a well-drawn picture views all that come into the room. verse 3 The sinner vainly thinks to hid himself from God, by hiding God from himself. But the world, and our thoughts are to him as a sea of glass. God like the Optic virtue in the eye sees all. job XXXIV. 21, 22.  
tree of life] Gen. verse 4 II. 9 Ezek. XLVII. 12. Apoc. XXII. 2.  
breach] A sting and a stain, in the conscience, and spirit: yea, and grieves the spirit of God.  
is prudent] Wise he is, verse 5 and wiser he will be, Psal. XIV. 5.  
much treasure] The righteous man is always rich; verse 6 and rich in all estates: rich in the most precious spiritual things; rich in reversions, in sure Bills and Bonds; rich in propriety, he holds all in capite, in Christ, he is no usurper of them, 1 Cor. III. 22. Rom. VIII. 32.  
trouble] In getting, keeping, and fears of losing: together with sting of conscience, job XX. 15.  
disperse knowledge] As Stars diffuse their light Phil. verse 7 II. 15.  
The sacrifice] As good words uttered with a stinking breath, verse 8 from rotten lungs. Their sacrifice is abominable, quoad fontem, & quoad finem; not proceeding from a right principle; nor tending to the right end, which is God's glory, that should consume all other ends, as the Sun puts out the light of the fire. See chap. XXI. 27. Amos V. 22. Esay I. 11. and LXVI. 3. Jer. VI 20. and VII. 22.  
but the prayer] Esay XLV. 11. command ye me.  
The way] Prov. verse 9 XXI. 4. Their very consciences send up continual poisonous vapours unto God.  
followeth after] With might and main; as ravenous creatures have in chase their prey. Phil. III. 11,— 14. resurrection of the dead that is, that height of holiness that accompanieth the resurrection.  
Correction is grievous] Being in love with his own ruin. verse 10  
hateth reproof] Being embittered, not bettered by it.  
Hell] Job XXVI. verse 11 6▪ Psal. CXXXIX. 12. Heb. IU. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; though invisible to us.  
loveth not] Yea hates, verse 12 Amos V. 10.  
neither will he go] As he should. Dan. XII. 4. 2 Kings IV. 23. Psal. LXXXIV. 7. Esay LXVI. 20. He saith, as Jeroboam, 1 Kings XII. 28.  
A merry heart] Acts VI. verse 13 15. and V 41. Cant. II. 4. This chief is true spiritualy.  
broken] Is as a limb out of joint. A dejected spirit takes off as it were the wheels of the soul.  
seeketh knowledge] As an hungry man seeks meat; verse 14 or a covetous man gold; the more he hath, the more he desireth.  
feedeth] As swine do on swill.  
a continual feast] This is eminently true in a good, verse 15 clear, and cheerful conscience, 2 Cor. I 9, 12.  
a little] It is not the great cage makes the bird sing: verse 16 neither do they sing when they are on the ground, but when got up into the air, or on boughs of trees, from the ground. See chap. XVI. 8. and XVII. 1, 15. Psal. XXXVII. 16. 1 Tim. IU. 8. and VI 6.  
appeaseth strife] Is busy to stint it, verse 18 not to stir it up. See chap. XXII. 24.  
is made plain] By much practice having gotten an habit, verse 19 he dispatcheth duty with delight, and comes off with comfort. Esay XL. 31. Christ's yoke is no more burdensome to him, than the wing is to the bird.  
is above] In heaven; verse 24 and thitherward he goes, Phil. III. 20. Col. III. 1. He deals in low and earthly things, as a wise man may sport with children: but that is not his business.  
hell beneath] That when the cold grave shall have his body, hot hell may not hold his soul.  
widow] That hath none to stick to her, verse 25 and stickle for her. So to the Shunamite, the widow of Sarepta, and of the poor Prophet, 2 King, IU.  
The thoughts] Thoughts are not free, verse 26 Jer. VI 19  
pleasant words.] Mal. III. 16. chap. X. 20. and XXV. 11.  
troubleth] Fires his own nest, verse 27 when he thinks to feather it: and troubles all his household with haste, and hurry, to get gain.  
studieth] His tongue runs not before his wit. verse 28  
heareth the prayer] Psal. verse 29 CXLV. 18. 1 Pet. III. 12. the breathing, Lam. III. 56. the mind of the spirit, Rom. VIII. 26, 27. Baal hears not, though they call on him never so long, never so loud, 1 Kings XVIII. See 2 Chron. XXXIII. 13.  
The light] Light and sight are comfortable, verse 30 Eccl. XI. 7.  
reproof] Better the Vine should bleed, verse 32 then die.  
before honour is humility] The lower the ebb▪ the higher the tide. verse 33 The lower this foundation of humility is laid, the higher shall the roof of honour be over-laid. Honour followeth him that flies from it; as the shadow doth the body.  
The preparations] Or disposings, chapter XVI verse 1 verse 9 and chap. XVI. 9 and chap. XIX. 21. and chap. XX. 24. jer. X. 23.  
is from the Lord] By the obstetrication of his assistance; and by his secret influence, and disposing providence, beyond man's own imagination Acts XVII. 28. Esay X. 7.  
in his own eyes] Chap. verse 2 XXI. 2. He thinks his penny good silver. But all is not gold that glisters, Luke XVI. 15. Rom. II. 29. judg. XVII. 13. we set up a counter for a thousand pounds.  
weigheth the spirits] Chap. V. 21. the inside; and there discovers a Newfound world of wickedness.  
Commit] Luke XII. 29. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, Psal. LV. 22. as it were, verse 3 by a writ of removal. 1 Pet. V 7. Psal. XXXVII. 5.  
established] Till than it flickers up and down, as Noah's Dove, till it return to the Ark.  
for himself] His own glory, verse 4 and the demonstration of his goodness, properties, and attributes, Rom. XI. 36.  
for the day of evil] job XXI. 30. as they are wicked men; and as such looked upon by God: though he created them good; and he be the absolute Sovereign Lord of all his creatures, and his will be both recta and regula. He justly keeps, orders, and ordains such for the day of their deserved punishment, Rom. IX. 17. 21, 22.  
though hand] Chap. verse 5 XI. 21. Heb. X. 31.  
By mercy and truth] Of God; Chap. XIV. 22. verse 6 his mercy in promising, his truth in performing. Or, where these graces are in man, there iniquity is purged. Piety, and grace, and the fear of God, are a sure token of remission of sins.  
even his enemies] Sin is the makebate. verse 7 Please God; Esay XXVII. 4, 5. and all his creatures are at his beck and check. God made Laban, and Esau, at peace with jacob; Gen. XXXI. and XXXIII. Chapters.  
A divine sentence] Is, verse 10 or should be, and best becomes them. See it in Solomon, 1 Kings III. 24. in David, 2 Sam. XIV. 17, 20. a discerning power and sagacity was in them, which God gave them.  
his work] His Ordinance. verse 11 Stones were used for weights. And they usualy put into a bag, Deut. XXV. 13.  
to Kings] For they are more obliged to God than other men: verse 12 and their sins are exemplary. Magnates' are Magnetes.  
throne] jer. XXII. 13,— 20.  
love him] Chap. verse 13 XXII. 11. yet ofttimes it falls out otherwise with wicked Kings.  
pacify it] As Abigael did david's; verse 14 and Benhadad's servants did Ahabs. No other way is to be taken.  
of the later rain] Deut. XI. verse 15 14. James V. 7. Amos IU. 7. See my Annotations on Joel. II. 23. and on Zech. X. 1.  
The high way] This is his road, verse 17 and trade, Psal. CXXXIX. 24. Acts XXIV. 16.  
Pride] Swelling is dangerous in a wall, verse 18 Esay XXX. 13. dangerous in man's body; so is the swelling of pride. Examples many of the fall of such.  
Better] to be spoiled, verse 19 then to spoil: to suffer wrong, then to do it.  
wisely] With due deliberation and circumspection. verse 20  
trusteth in the Lord] Not in his own wisdom. God can crack the strongest sinew in all the arm of flesh, Esay XXII. 11.  
sweetness of the lips] Eloquence gives an addition of weight to learning. verse 21  
teacheth] Seasoneth it with salt of grace; verse 23 ere it sets it by utterance, as a dish, before the hearers.  
pleasant words] Such as those, verse 24 Eccles. XII. 10.  
lips] James III. verse 27 6.  
He shutteth his eyes] With more freedom of mind to beat his brains, verse 30 and study, to excogitate, and revolve, and resolve of mischief.  
moving his lips] Mumbling and muttering to himself.  
than he that taketh a City] Fortior est qui se, verse 32 quàm qui fortissima vincit moenia, Nec virtus altiùs ire potest.  
The Lot] God's Providence extendeth to things in our account merely contingent and casual. verse 33 Matth. X. 29. See Josh. XIV. 2. 1 Sam. X. 20. Acts I. 24, 25, 26. See my Annotations on Jonah I. 7.  
sacrifices] Good cheer used at Sacrifices, chapter XVII verse 1 chap. VII. 14. alluded to James V. 5. See chap. IX. 2.  
trieth] Zech. verse 3 XIII. 9 Mal. III. 2. 3. God trieth us, that we may know what is in ourselves: and by his trying to refine us, 1 Pet. I. 7, or to punish us, jer. XVII. 9, 10. See chap. XXVII. 21.  
giveth heed] Is apt to believe scandalous reports. verse 4  
poor] chap. XIV. 31.  
children's] If they, verse 6 and their fathers be good.  
it prospereth] Chap. XIX. 6. verse 8 most love gain; love with shame, Give ye.  
covereth] For even in friendship faults will fall out, verse 9 chap. X. 12. 1 Cor. XIII. 4.  
repeateth] Rips up, and rakes into his friends frailties.  
A reproof] A word to the wise. verse 10  
an hundred stripes] Beaten he is, but not bend or bowed thereby to goodness; amerced he is, but not amended. God's spirit did not set it on. Chap. XXVII. 22.  
only rebellion] Against God, and Man.  
a cruel messenger] God executioners, all, and every of his creatures; Hab. II. 11. And man's executioners, the hangman, and officers.  
Whelps] Which she licketh into form, verse 12 and loves above measure. Yet her danger may be sooner shifted and shunned.  
evil for good] This ingratitude is a monster in nature. verse 13 To render good for evil, is divine; good for good, is humane; evil for evil, is sinful and brutish; evil for good is devilish. jer. XVIII. 20, 21. Psalm CIX. 4, 5.  
The beginning] Therefore stop it betime; verse 14 as one would a breach of the Sea. Quench it, whiles a spark. james III. 5. It is hard to be disengaged from contentious quarrels when one is once in. 1 Thes. IV. 11.  
justifieth] These frame mischief by a Law, verse 15 Psal. XCIV. 20. and sin cum privilegio. Neither must Judge do thus: nor private men in their Censures. They must not hold him, or handle him as a just man.  
a price] Principaly appliable to those that neglect so great salvation, verse 16 Heb. II. 3. and let slip the opportunities put into their hands for heaven; and so trifle and fool away their time, and eternal happiness. The vulgar Latin and LXX. make another translation, and sense; not rightly.  
A friend] A true friend, verse 17 chap. XVIII. 24. and XXVII. 17. not such as those Psal. XXXVIII. 11. and chap. XIX. 7.  
Scilicet ut fulvum spectatur in ignibus aurum,  
Tempore sic duro est experienda fides.  
strife] Chap. verse 19 XXIX. 22. and XV. 18. and XXVI. 21. James III. 16. Psal. XXXVII. 8. It opens the gap to many mischiefs.  
gate] High and broad gates break men many times. Or rather, setteth open a wide door to strife and contentions, let's in many destructive mischiefs; though not in his intention, yet in issue.  
begetteth a fool] solomon's own case, verse 21 chap. X. 1. and chap. XV. 20. and chap. XIX. 13. Better were a miscarrying womb, and dry breasts.  
A merry heart] Chap. XV. 13. and XII. 25. Eccles. IX. 7, 8, 9  
a broken spirits] Chap. XVIII. 14. Psal. XXXII. 3. and CII. 3, 4, 5 and CXIX. 83.  
A wicked man] A Judge in taking, verse 23 or receiving; a briber in giving, chap. XXIX. 4. chap. XV. 27. and chap. XXI. 14 Psal. XV. 5. and XXVI. 10. Job. XV. 34. Deut. XVI. 19 and chap. XXVII. 25.  
before him] Easie to him, verse 24 chap. XIV. 6. and chap. VIII. 9 Or, in his face and eye, appears there; chap. IU. 25. Eccles. II. 14 But the fools eyes up and down, wandering; and he as one that hath lost his way, nor knows where he is, or which way to turn, is besides himself.  
to punish] They should be cherished. verse 26  
nor to strike Princes for equity] Rulers, for doing right in their offices. Or, Princes should not strike well-doers. Or, to strike Princes and worthy men, besides and against right and equity.  
spareth] James. I 19 verse 27 chap. X. 19  
Even a fool] Job XIII. verse 28 5. Sitacuisses philosophus fuisses.  
counted] Not that he is so. Or is wise in being silent. Whence is that, Loquere ●tte videam.  
separated himself] From the world, chapter XVIII verse 1 and all other impediments, to apply himself to seek wisdom. Or, the Separatist stirs busily in every thing that is done, whereby he may effect his design, and come off with his credit a●d reputed wisdom. And this is true in quarrelsome and meddling men: And in Separatists and Schismatics, that rend the Unity of the Church.  
A fool] It wilful to follow his own humour, verse 2 against all that can be said to the contrary. Or, is vainglorious, setting his good parts a sunning; only to seem wise and understanding, and to gain applause, chap. XIV. 33. Or phantastickly affects singularity, to be cross to all men.  
Then cometh contempt] It comes into the world with him, verse 3 being vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Col. II. 18. and contemning others. Job XI. 12. And as he contemns God, and good men; so contempt from God and good men comes upon him, chap. III. 34. they are paid in their own coin; they are with ignomy repaid reproach.  
deep waters] Which can never be drawn dry, verse 4 chap. X. 11. and ch. XIII. 14. and XIV. 27. and XX. 5. John VII. 38.  
brook] That the simplest may understand. The holy Scripture indeed is both text and gloss.  
It is not good] But very bad, verse 5 ch. XXIV. 23. and XXVIII 21. Levit. XIX. 15. Deut. XV. 7. and ch. XVI. 19 and I 17. James II. 1,— 4.  
strokes] By his desire upon others; verse 6 but by desert and issue upon himself; as in the next verse.  
A fools mouth] Chap. verse 7 X. 14. and XII. 13. and XIII. 3.  
Tale-bearer] Chap. verse 8 XII. 18. 1 Tim. III. 8.  
is brother] Is alike. verse 9 The slothful, and prodigal, both have the same event; both come to want and poverty.  
The Name] His Attributes.  
a strong tower] Esay XXVI. 4. and XXXIII. 16.  
and is safe] And set aloft. All other refuges will fail.  
wealth] Hard to be rich, verse 11 and not to trust in riches, Mark X. 23, 24. 1 Tim. VI 17. Yet this his trust is not like that in the former verse: This shall fail; this trust is but only in conceit.  
haughty] Chap. verse 12 XI. 2. and chap. XVI. 18. and chap. XV. 33.  
who can bear?] Many are the examples thereof; verse 14 yea, even in heathen, and in wicked men; worldly comforts here are but as a fair shoe to a gouty foot, or a silken stocking to a broken leg.  
Gift] Chap. verse 16 XVII. 8, 23. This Jacob knew well, Gen. XXXIII. 11.  
He that is first] Therefore Judges, verse 17 and all men, had need to keep one ear for the defendant. Tertullus pleaded fairly till Paul came to answer. And so Ziba against Mephibosheth. A man is not easily to be believed in his own tale against another.  
The lot] Josh. verse 18 XIV. 2. Acts I. 26. See my Annotations on Jonah I. 7.  
A brother offended] A brother natural, verse 19 or spiritual; a sworn brother. Too many are the sad experiences of this. The vulgar Latin, and LXX. read, and render otherwise.  
tongue] That best and worst member of the body. verse 21 James III. 2,— 11. Mark XII. 37.  
a wife] A good wife. verse 22 As a Name, for a good name, Eccles. VII. 1. He obtains favour of the Lord; chap. XIX. 14. and XXXI. 10.  
The poor] Speaks supplications. verse 23 Much more should poor man to God.  
hath friends] Love is the whetstone, verse 24 and loadstone of love.  
a friend] Chap. XVII. 17. as ones own soul, Deut. XIII. 6.  
Better] Chap. chapter XIX verse 1 XXVIII. 6.  
perverse in his lips] Speaketh wickedly, roughly, and roboustiously.  
without knowledge] An ignorant man is in the dark; verse 2 nor can be good. Knowledge is much magnified in this Book of the Proverbs.  
hasteth] Rashly, without premeditation and forecast. Such is blind zeal; as mettle in a blind horse.  
perverteth his way] And God walks contrary to him, verse 3 Levit. XVI. 24.  
frets] As 2 Kings VI 33.  
wealth] Chap. verse 4 XIV. 20. Donec eris foelix multos numerabis amicos. Tempora si fuerint nubila solus eris.  
neighbour] Who turns strange to him, or enemy against him.  
unpunished] By God. And when known, by man also. verse 5 There is a pillorie-perjury. See verse 9 and chap. XXI. 28. and ch. XXV. 18. Exod. XXIII. 1 Deut. XIX. 16,— 21.  
Prince] For their own commodity. verse 6  
Poor] Ch. verse 7 XIV. 20.  
Delight] Butler stripes rather. verse 10 Ch. X. 13 Ch. XXX. 22.  
a servant] As Abimelech the bramble, judg. IX. 15. As Pontifex Romanus, the bridgmaker of Rome; who writes Servus servorum, chap. XXX. 22. Eccles. X. 7.  
deferreth] Ch. verse 11 XIV. 29. But it must not be so, as Absalon did toward Ammon.  
pass by] As winking at it, or forgiving it, or overcoming it with goodness.  
King's wrath] Chap. verse 12 XVI. 14. and XX. 2. and XXVIII. 15. Eccles. VIII. 2, 3, 4. 2 Tim. IU. 17.  
A foolish son] Chap. verse 13 X. 1. and chap. XV. 20. and XVII. 21, 25.  
contentions of a wife] Chap. XXI. 9 and XXVII. 15, 16. This is like a tempest in the haven.  
inheritance] More immediately. verse 14  
from the Lord] Chap. XVIII. 22. By his peculiar providence, Tobias VI 22.  
Keepeth] Evangelicaly: verse 16 thinks upon them to do them, Psal. CIII. 18. 2 Cor. VIII. 12. Esay XXVI. 12. Let us ask him to give, what he commands us to have.  
his ways] God ways; or, his own ways, living loosely, and carelessly, and lawlessely.  
dareth] Matth. verse 17 X. 42. and chap. XXV. 40. 2 Cor. IX. 6, 7. Eph. IU. 28. Psal. XLI. 1. 1 Tim. VI 17, 18, 19 Heb. XIII. 16. 1 John III. 17. He lends it to the Lord upon usury; as the vulgar Latin renders it.  
Chasten] Chap. verse 18 XIII. 24. and XXII. 15. and XXIII. 13. and ch. XXIX. 15, 17.  
of great wrath] Choleric and wrathful men; verse 19 their Passion, after their deliverance, will bring them in danger again. Or, if thou in great wrath, yet pardon thy son's fault, yet threaten him with greater punishment if he fault again.  
Hear] This may be the father's lessoning his child whom he hath lashed. verse 20 Or may be taken in a greater latitude, and sensed more generally.  
many devises] Chap. verse 21 XVI. 1, 9 Job. XXIII. 13. Psal. XXXIII. 10, 11. and XLVI. 10.  
The desire] A man's will is to be accepted for the deed, verse 22 if he have nothing to give. Or, man's desire is to be counted kind and bountiful. Not he that brags what he would do if he had wherewith; and yet having it, fails of performance.  
a poor man] Having a giving affection, is better than such a bragging liar.  
The fear] Chap. verse 23 XXII. 4. and chap. XIV. 27. and I 7. and VIII. 13.  
Smite a scorner] Though not he, yet the simple will beware by it, verse 25 chap. XXI. 11.  
devoureth] Job XV. verse 28 16. Ephes. IU. 19  
wine] Chap. chapter XX verse 1 XXIII. 29,— 35. Host VII. 5. Esay XXVIII. 1. Gen. IX. 21. 1 Sam. XXV. 36.  
not wise] When the wine is in, the wit is out.  
of a King] Chap. verse 2 XVI. 14. and chap. XIX. 12.  
to cease from strife] Gen. verse 3 XIII. 8, 9 1 Cor. XIII. 4, 5, 7. Brawling becomes not a man of a magnanimous spirit.  
Counsel] Verse 27. chap. XVIII. 4. draw it out; verse 5 for his use and imitation.  
his own goodness] So all Heretics; verse 6 and ambitious men, Matth. VI 1. V 16. But few faithfuly perform what they proudly proclaim.  
his children] Personal piety is profitable to posterity, verse 7 2 Kings X. 30. Exod. XX. 6. Psal. CXII. 2.  
scattereth] Verse 26. Psal. verse 8 CI. 5. The sword of justice is to be furbished with the oil of mercy; yet there are cases wherein severity ought to cast the scale. And this Kings best do, when they sit in the throne themselves; and leave not all always to Judges under them.  
my heart clean] The Pharisee, verse 9 and Popish justiciary saith it. Not Paul, Rom. VII. 15. 1 Cor. IU. 4 nor job, chap. IX. 30, 31. and XIV. 4. nor David, Psal. CXXX. 3. and LI. 5 Eccles. VII. 20. 1 John I. 8.  
a child] Is, or should be known by his do: verse 11 early shows his inclination; and how he is like to prove afterwards: and from his childhood itself should be a plain dealer, without any hypocrisy.  
eare] Exod. IV. 11. Psal. XCIV. 9 Therefore he sees, hypocrites, and all, and will punish. Yea, he makes, and opens the spiritual ear, and eye, 1 Cor. II. 9, 10.  
sleep] Chap. verse 13 XIX. 15.  
open] Be vigilant, and diligent, chap. XII. 11. and XXVIII. 19  
the lips of knowledge] Chap. verse 15 V 2. Psal. XLV. 3. Cant. V 1. John VII. 46.  
is sweet] Chap. IX. 17.  
but afterwards] Job XX. verse 17 15 after the meal comes the reckoning: we must not think to dine with the Devil, and afterwards to sup with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of heaven.  
Every purpose] Deliberate oft ere thou resolve once. verse 18 Take Counsel: Esay XXX. 1. Psal. CXIX. 24. See chap. XV. 22. and XXIV. 6.  
war] Chap. XXIV. 6. be neither timorous, nor temerarious. Ahab, or Jehoshaphat rather in this might have been a good precedent to Josiah, 1 Kings XXII. 5. 2 Chron. XXXV. 22.  
tale-bearer] Chap. verse 19 XI. 13. Meddle not with such.  
Curseth] Chap. verse 20 XXX. 17. Exod. XXI. 17. Levit. XX. 9 Matth. XV. 4.  
lamp] Chap. XXIV. 20.  
gotten hastily] Chap. verse 21 XIII. 11. and X. 2. and XXVIII. 20.  
I will recompense] Chap. verse 22 XXIV. 29. Deut. XXXII. 35. Rom. XII. 17, 19 1 Thes. V 15. 1 Pet. III. 9  
Wait] It belongs to him. This is the way to be even with him that wrongs thee; yea, to be above him.  
divers weights] Verse 10. verse 23  
not good] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Man's go] Chap. verse 24 XVI. 1, 9 and chap. III. 6. Psal. XXXVII. 23. Jer. X. 23.  
a snare] As the fish that swallows the hook. verse 25 Against Sacrilege. Acts XIX. 37. Rom. II. 22. Let Princes, and all look to this.  
make inquiry] How the vow may be made void.  
candle] The mind and conscience is such, verse 27 Matth. VI 23. 1 Cor. II. 11. It is God's Spy, and Man's overseer; a kind of middle thing betwixt God and Man; Our God, as well as Moses was Pharaohs God, and Aaron's God, Exod. IV. 16. and VII. 1.  
the King] Chap. verse 28 XXIX. 14. Psal. CI. 1. Yet this rule is not without all exception; as in our late King of blessed and bleeding memory: and in many others.  
grey head] Chap. verse 29 XVI. 31.  
cleanseth] Corrections beat out corruptions. verse 30 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, nocumenta documenta, chap. X. 13.  
The King's heart] Jer. chapter XXI verse 1 X. 23. Ezek. XXI. 19, 20, 21. Though never so absolute, is ruled yet, and overruled by him who is higher than the highest. Yea, to do his will, though unwitting to the King.  
then Sacrifice] To obey is better than sacrifice. verse 3 God will have mercy, and not sacrifice. Mark XII. 33. Heathens could see, and say so much. See Esay I. 11. Host VI 6. Micah VI 7.  
the ploughing] Whether they plot, verse 4 or plough. Tit. I. 15. As a plague-sore will render the richest robe infectious. Even their Prayer is sin.  
diligent] Chap. verse 5 X. 4. and chap. XII. 24.  
hasty] Rashly, make more haste then good speed to be rich.  
treasures] Chap. verse 6 X. 2. and chap. XI. 4. and chap. XIII. 11. and chap. XX. 21. So in Achan. Joshuah that could stay the Sun in his course, could not stay him from fingering those accursed treasures.  
The robbery] Robbing and spoiling others, verse 7 by bribery, wrong judgement, and wrong dealing.  
a brawling woman] Verse 19 verse 9 chap. XXV. 24. and chap. XIX. 13. and XXVII. 15.  
desireth evil] Evil to all, verse 10 but to himself.  
finds no favour] Whether he sink or swim, is no part of his care. Psal. LXIX. 26. 2 Tim. III. 3.  
wisely considereth] That it shall be overthrown; verse 12 and so envies not at their present prosperity; but makes their destruction his instruction, Esay XXVI. 11. 1 Cor. X. 11. Psal. LII. 6.  
not be heard] Of God; verse 13 or man, Matth. XVIII. 30. Esay LVIII. 7, 9  
A gift] Chap. verse 14 XVII. 8. and chap. XVIII. 16. and XIX. 6. This Abigael knew well, 1 Sam. XXV.  
It is joy] Psal. CIX. verse 15 162. Rom. VII. 22.  
workers] Jer IX. 5. Psal. VII. 14. Esay V. 18.  
wandereth] He cannot wander so fare as to miss of hell, verse 16 Prov. II. 18. Esay L. 11. in that Congregation-house of Gehenna-gyants; where is punishment without pity, misery without mercy, sorrow without succour, crying without comfort, mischief without measure.  
loveth pleasure] Luke XVI. verse 17 13.  
a ransom] Chap. verse 18 XI. 8. God causing that to fall upon the wicked, which was intended against the righteous.  
spendeth it up] Foolishly lavisheth it. verse 20 1 Pet. IV. 3, 4. Whereas it should be husbanded thriftily, for necessity, and honest affluence, and comfortable livelihood.  
followeth after] Though not overtake it: verse 21 si faciat, etiamsi non perficiat; though he cannot open the door, yet if he lift at the latch; be an active apprentice, though not yet his crafts-master.  
A wise man scaleth] Prudence is better than Puissance, verse 22 Eccles. VII. 19 and IX. 15, 16. Prov. XXIV. 5. 2 Sam. XX. 16, 21, 22.  
Proud] Chap. verse 24 XIII. 10. and chap. XV. 25.  
giveth] Chap. verse 26 XI. 25. and chap. XXII. 9 Esay LVIII. 7. Psal. CXII. 9 2. Cor. IX. 9 Deut. XV. 10. Matth. XIX. 21, 22. Rom. XII. S. Eccles. XI. 2. Ephes. IU. 28. See on Prov. XIX. 17.  
heareth] What he witnesseth. verse 28  
against the Lord] The arm of humane policy (as Jeroboams) in that case shrinks up presently. verse 30  
The horse] Though so serviceable; verse 31 Job XXXIX. 19,— 25. Yet avails not. Psal. XXXIII. 17.  
A good name] Eccles. chapter XXII verse 1 VII. 1. See the Observations there. Omnia si perdas, famam servare memento.  
meet together] Chap. verse 2 XXIX. 13. Have mutual need one of another, Deut. XV. 11. Matth. XXVI. 11. And meet many times, as travellers in the midway; by an alteration and exchange of their conditions, Luke I. 53.  
forseeth] Eccles. verse 3 II. 14. and X. 2. looks before he leaps; sees a tempest in the clouds, and seeks seasonable shelter under the hollow of God's hand.  
passeth on] Pusheth on without fear or wit, desperately into danger, chap. XIV. 16. and XXVII. 12. These after-wits, and post-masters may prove prudent, but too late.  
fare from them] From those thorns and snares; verse 5 from the miseries, and misdemeanours too, of the froward man.  
Train up a child] Young Saints, verse 6 old Angels Yet it faileth sometimes, which is the case of most of these moral observations.  
is servant] As it were a servant. verse 7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, saith the Heathen Author.  
rod of his anger] Wherewith he whipped others, verse 8 his underlings.  
scorner] Psal. verse 10 CI. 5. That takes and turns every thing to the worst.  
loveth] Affects, verse 11 though he can never effect it.  
strange women] Chap. verse 14 TWO 16. and V 3 and VII. 5, 27. and chap. XXIII. 27, 28. Eccles. VII. 26.  
of a child] Chap. verse 15 XIII. 24. and XIX. 18. and XXIII. 13. and VI 23. and XXIX. 15, 17.  
giveth to the rich] With a mind to get more than he gave; verse 16 and by his countenance to colour and cover his oppressive practices, and scape with them: by such bribery he shall not thrive.  
Bow down] Here seems to begin some alteration of stile and method; verse 17 He seems to assume a new kind of bespeaking his son, differing from that in the twelve preceding Chapters; and much like that in the nine first. Wherein the several documents and instructions are prosecuted in more verses than one.  
a pleasant thing] Psal. XIX. 11. verse 18 and CXIX. 103. more pleasant than all the tastlesse fooleries of this present world.  
fitted] Whereby to get a singular dexterity and volubility in holy language, Matth. XII. 24.  
thy trust] Ephes. 1 13. verse 19  
even to thee.] We must read the Scripture, as men do Statute-books, holding themselves as much concerned therein, as any others; binding themselves in every precept, threatening themselves in every threat, blessing themselves in every promise. For these are verba vivenda, non legenda.  
excellent things] Princely things; verse 20 rare and royal sentences, chap. VIII. 6.  
the certainty] Col. II. 2. verse 21 2 Cor. IV. 13.  
Rob not] By might, verse 22 as the greater fish devour the lesser; nor yet by false judgements, Zech. VII. 10.  
plead] Without fee, verse 23 for they come forma pauperis, chap. XXIII. 11. Job XXI. 21.  
spoil] Pay them in their kind, chief when the cold grave shall hold their bodies, and hot hell hold their souls.  
angry man] Anger is a short madness. verse 24 He rageth, and casteth firebrands, Fit to live alone, as dragons, and wild beasts; to be looked on only as through a grate, chap. XV. 18. and XXVI. 21. and XXIX. 22.  
least] Sin is as a leprosy, and infectious plague.  
landmark] Deut. XXVII. 17. verse 28 and chap. XIX. 14. and XXIII. 10.  
diligent] Chap. XXVII. 23. verse 29 Ezra. VI 13. and VII. 26. Gen. XLI. 39, 40, 46. and chap. XLVII. 6. 1 Kings XI. 28.  
to eat] feed not without fear. chapter XXIII verse 1 Judas verse 12.  
a knife] Bridle thy appetite. verse 2 Or, otherwise thou dost put a knife to thy throat, and diggest thy grave with thy teeth; for meat and the board, kills more than the musket, and the sword, Luke XXI. 34.  
deceitful] An hook under that bait. verse 3  
to be rich] 1 Tim. VI 9, 10. verse 4 James III. 15. 1 John II. 15, 16, 17.  
wilt thou] Cast a leering eye after such vanities? verse 5 and fly a fool's pitch?  
is not] Hath no solid subsistence; though we call riches substance, 1 Cor. VII. 31. Earth is hanged upon nothing, as Job speaketh. And so all earthly things, Amos VI 13. Esay XXVIII. 15.  
eat thou not] A miserly fordid muckworme. verse 6  
thinketh] Grudgeth at his guests: as one willing to starve even his own genius.  
sweet words] Which he hath spoke to thee; verse 8 or rather thy cheerful words at his table.  
speak not] Chap. IX. 7, 8. verse 9 Matth. VII. 6.  
land mark] Chap. XXII. 28. verse 10 Deut. XIX. 14. and XXVII. 17. Ovid ad Deum Terminum, Omnis erit sine te litigiosus ager.  
Plead] Chap. XXII. 23. verse 11 Job XXXI. 23. and XXVI. 14. Psal. XC. 11. Eccles. VI 10. God is the great Master of the wards.  
apply] Busie them about the best things. verse 12  
withhold not correction] Chap. XIII. 24. verse 13 and Chap. XIX. 18. and chap. XXII. 25.  
and shalt deliver] This a means for it. verse 14 And if it succeed not, yet thou hast done thy duty, and so shalt deliver thine own soul; and have thy reward. As the Physician hath his fee whether the Patient live, or die.  
shall rejoice] Chap. X. 1. verse 15 and chap. XV. 20. 3 John. 4. 1 Thes. III. 9  
envy sinners] Chap. XXIV. 1, 19 verse 17 and chap. III. 31. Psal. XXXVII. 1. and LXXIII. 3.  
fear] This cures one of the fret.  
all the day long] Waking, walking, and lying down in his fear; in continual communion with him, and conformity to him, ch. XXVIII. 14. 1 Pet. I. 17. Phil. II. 12. 2 Cor. VII. 11.  
an end] Chap. X. 28. verse 18 An end of the sinner's prosperity, Job VIII. 13, 14. and chap. XI. 20. and XVIII. 14. Psal. CXII. 10. And an end and reward to those that fear God, Psal. XXXVII. 37, 38. and LVIII. 11.  
Winebibbers] Verse 29,— 35. verse 20 Rom. XIII. 13. Ephes. V. 18. Mat. XXIV. 49.  
Buy the truth] Tit. I 9 verse 23 Phil. I 27. jude 3. Either live with it, or die for it.  
The father] Chap. X. 1. verse 24 and chap. XV. 20.  
thy heart] This the seat of our affections, verse 26 and fountain of our actions, Mark VII. 21. Matth. XII. 34, 35. And therefore that care and caveat is given of it, Prov, IV. 23. And God so craveth, and wisheth it, Deut. V. 29. and complains of the want of it, Matth. XV. 8. yea, and deals, as joseph with his brethren concerning Benjamin, Gen. XLIII. 3. no seeing his face without it.  
thine eyes] Look well to this pattern and copy, get a full prospect, and fix and feed thine eyes hereupon.  
a whore] Chap. XXII. 14. verse 27 See chap. V. 15.  
who hath woe?] Chap. XX. 1. verse 29  
mixed wine] Chap. IX. 2. Psal. LXXV. 8. verse 30  
moveth] Sparkleth; verse 31 as the most generous wine useth to do.  
strange women] drunkenness ushers in whoredom. verse 33 Wine the milk of Venus; and strange things and sights, disturbing the brain. Et geminum solemn, & duplices consurgere Thebas.  
midst of the Sea] Thy brains shall turn round; verse 34 thyself reel as a ship tossed at Sea, Psal. CVII. 27. Or, thy brains swim, as if at Sea; and so drunckenly dream as if thou wert at Sea. Or, be so stupid and senseless in this drunken lethargy, as to be fearless and careless in the greatest danger whatsoever; and not refuse or forbear to sleep on the top of ma●●.  
not sick] A drunken man, verse 35 we say, takes no hurt, feels no blows, no smart: is turned into a beast; yea, a block.  
I will seek it yet again] Though they be sick with it, yet after their recovery, and that fit past, they will to it again. For drunkenness inflaming, increaseth thirst, Deut. XXIX. 19 and thirst drunkenness; and so the drunkard irrecoverable!  
to be with them] In their state, chapter XXIV verse 1 and at their stay. For this David befools, and bebeasts himself, Psal. LXXIII. 10, 22.  
studieth] Great students, verse 2 to be wittily wicked.  
lips] It blistereth out at their tongue's end.  
Through wisdom] Chap. III. 13, 19 verse 3  
is strong] Chap. XXI. 22. verse 5  
war] Chap. XX. 18. verse 6 and chap. XV. 22. and chap. XI. 14.  
too high] Chap. XIV. 6. verse 7 and chap. VIII. verse 9 and chap. IX. 1. Yet the highest and saving wisdom is too high for the wisest natural man, 1 Cor. TWO 14.  
openeth not] He were two fools if he did.  
deviseth] Is an Artist at any evil. verse 8  
The thought] Chap. XIV. 22. verse 9 and chap. VI 18. and chap. XII. 5. and chap. XV. 26. Esay LIX. 7. Jer. IU. 14.  
If thou faint] Gen. XLIX. 23, 24. verse 10 Man hath no trial of his strength till he be in trouble.  
If thou forbear] Psal. LXXXII. 4. verse 11 Esay LVIII. 6, 7. It being in thy power to deliver such innocent persons, Mark III. 4. Job XXIX. 17. and XXXI. 8, 9  
If thou sayest] Sin's are not to seek for excuses. verse 12 But they avail not with God, Psal. XI. 4. job XXXIV. 22. jer. XVII. 9, 10.  
When thou hast found it] Experimental knowledge is the only true knowledge, verse 14 Heb. X. 34. josh. XXIII. 14. A literal notion of the brain comes short of it.  
a reward] Psal XIX. 10, 11. and CXIX. 103. chap. XXIII. 18.  
falleth] Into trouble. verse 16 It is not here meant of falling into sin, Micah VII. 8.  
and riseth] job V. 19 Psal. XXXIV. 19, 20. and XXXVII. 24. and XCI. 3. James. I. 2.  
the wicked fall] As Nahum I. 9 into an Only evil, Ezek. VII. 5. Esther VI 13. Job V. 12. Amos VIII. 14. Jer. XXV. 27. Esay XXIV. 20.  
Rejoice not] Chap. XVII. 5. verse 17 Job XXXI. 29. Psal. XXXV. 12,— 16. Obad. 12. 2 Sam. I. 11, 12. Matth. V 44. Rom. XII. 19  
thine enemy] But only so fare as God's glory is concerned in it. And still pity his person, Psal. LVIII. 10.  
from him] To thee. verse 18  
no reward] The pain of Loss. verse 20 And sure the tears of hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of heaven.  
fear] Who would not fear thee O King of Nations, verse 21 jer. X. 7. And the King must be feared, 1 Pet. II. 1●. Rom. XIII. 3. under God, Acts IV. 19  
suddenly] When it comes; though delayed awhile, verse 22 Had Zimri peace that slew his master?  
of them both] That fear not the Lord, and the King.  
These things also belong to the wise] Concern wise men to look unto. verse 23 Not that the sentences following were taken out of wise men's books, or saying; after Solomon, and before the time of Ezechiah.  
not good] Very bad, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The like is chap. X. 2. and chap. XX. 23. Psal. V. 5. 1 Cor. XVI. 22. Exod. XX. 7.  
respect of persons] Chap. XVIII. 5. chap. XXVIII. 21. Levi. XIX. 25. Deut. I. 17. and XVI. 19  
Thou art righteous] Chap. XVII. 15. verse 24 Esay V. 23. Exod. XXIII. 7.  
that rebuke him] Job XXIX. 11,— 17. verse 25  
a good blessing] Of every good man.  
Kiss] Gen. XLI. 40. verse 26 Shall do him honour, Psal. TWO, 11.  
afterwards build thine house] First be sure of the means how to compass it, verse 27 Luke XIV. 28,— 33. Do things of necessity first; after, of accommodation.  
without cause] Without a calling; verse 28 or, against thine own conscience.  
deceive not] To bolster out a bad cause, or outface a good; or, or entice another, to suborn him to be a false witness.  
Say not] Chap. XX. 22. verse 29 Rom. XII. 17. 1 Thes. V 15. 1 Pet. III. 9 Matth. V 39 Rom. XII. 17. This is to wring the sword out of Gods had, Rom. XII. 19  
slothful] See on Chap. VI 6. verse 30  
received instruction] A Bee can suck honey out of a flower, verse 32 which a Fly cannot. A spiritual man can extract good out of other men's faults and follies; can gather grapes of thorns, and figs of thistles. The worse others are, the better we should be, saving ourselves from an untoward generation; and redeeming the time because the days are evil.  
yet a little sleep] Little, verse 33 and yet sleeps, plutaly in the Original. A little he asks, but a little will not serve his turn. Thus he personates the sluggard speaking.  
poverty] The beggar shall catch him by the back, verse 34 swiftly, and irresistibly.  
These] Here gins a new Collection of Proverbs, chapter XXV verse 1 long after Solomon's time; which some choice men of King Hezekiah; likely by his appointment, Copied out of some of Solomon's writings then extant; or out of public Records, Registers, and Commentaries, wherein for their worth and wisdom they were inserted. And in these Solomon most-what intreateth of higher matters, of State business, of Regal and Civil administrations.  
to conceal] Such as are, verse 2 the Union of three Persons into one Nature; and of two Natures into one Person: his wonderful Decrees, and the no less wonderful Execution of them, etc. Rom. XI. 33. Deut. XXIX. 29.  
to search out] Chap. XVI. 10. Job XXIX. 16. 1 Kings III. 24, 27.  
unsearchable.] verse 3 As the two former, Jer. XXXI. 37. profundum sine fundo Jer. XVII. 9 1 King. IU. 29. Much more unsearchable are the deep and hidden ways of God; Rom. XI. 33, 34. we must adore them, when we cannot comprehend them. Neither must the subject think to attain to the depth of all the secret reasons and do of a King, even when he is upright, and doth his duty.  
wicked from] Chap. XX. 8. verse 5 Evil Counsellors about a King are great means of much mischief; as Human, Doeg, Rehoboams young Counsellors, Psal. CI. 4.  
Put not forth] This is for modesty, verse 6 and against ambition; which useth to ride without rains. Wait rather on God's pleasure and leisure for thy promotion. Psal. LXXV. 5,— 8.  
better it is] Luke XIV. 10. verse 7  
hastily] hasty men never want woe, verse 8 Eccles. V. 2. chap. XXIX. 20. He soon shoots his fool's bolt.  
Debate thy cause] Matth. V. 25. verse 9 and XVIII. 15.  
discover not] Specially out of a revengeful mind; no nor thy friends secret. All wise men will abhor such a one, as not to be trusted, but to be deemed as a tale bearer, or backbiter rather.  
fitly spoken] Chap. XV. 23. verse 11 Esay L. 4. Job VI 25. Eccles. XII. 10. as apples of gold put in cases of silver cutwork, with curious inlaying and interlacing.  
a wise reprover] Chap. IX. 9 verse 12 Touch some never so gently, yet like the nettle, it will sting you. Exod. II. 14. Prov. XIII. 18. But an obedient ear deserves such earings of gold, as diamonds in a diadem; as well as the wise reprover, that rightly orders and circumstantiates his words.  
messenger] Verse 25. verse 13 and chap. XIII. 17. His speed and trustiness revives and refresheth the longing and languishing minds of them that sent him, Job XXXIII. 23.  
of a false gift] As the Devil, verse 14 who promised Christ excelsa in excelsis, mountains on a mountain, Matth. IU. 9 Such are like clouds, etc. Judas verse 12.  
By long forbearing] Chap. XV. 1. verse 15 and chap. XVI. 14. Gen. XXXII. 4. 1 Sam. XXV. 24. Judg. VIII. 1, 2, 3. And thus not ministering occasion to provoke him further. Though itself be flesh, yet thus it breaketh the bone.  
sufficieut] Philosophandum, sed paveis. verse 16 We must not overdo a business.  
and vomit it] By excess the sweetest comforts will be dissweetned, grow sour and loathsome, 1 Cor. VII. 29. We must hang lose, and be weanedly affected towards all creature comforts.  
withdraw] Let thy foot be rare, verse 17 and so precious there, 1 Sam. III. 1, overly not thy neighbour, nor abuse his courtesy; take not too much of a free horse. Nulli te facias nimis sodalem.  
false witness] Chap. XIX. 5. verse 18 Psal. XLII. 10. and LVII. 4. A sin of a deep die, of a crimson colour.  
Confidence in an unfaithful man] Asdruball was Achitophel to David. verse 19 Jobs miserable comforters, Job VI 16, 17. There is faith to be kept with dogs, say the Turks; with Heretics, say the Papists. David durst not trust Saul, 1 Sam. XXVII. 1. notwithstanding his fair speeches and promises, chap. XXVI. 17, 21. 25. Therefore try well before we trust.  
songs to an heavy heart.] verse 20 Music and Mourning agree like Harp and Harrow; Ecclus. XXII. 6. Dan. VI 18. Or, as some render and sense the words, music drives away sorrow, 1 Sam. XVI. 24. 2 Kings III. 15.  
Enemy be hungry] Exod. XXIII. 4. verse 21 Matth. V 44. Rom. XII. 20.  
heap coals of fire] This seems to be related to, verse 22 if not cited, Rom. XII. 19, 20. And the words are commonly expounded and understood of heaping vengeance on thy enemy's head, and blessing on thine own, Psal. CXL. 10. But this seems a very uncharitable Exposition; but so savour of a vindictive policy; and not to suit with solomon's, or Paul's main scope, and charitable intention. And contrary to that, chap. XX. 22. and chap. XXIV. 9 and to the tendency of the text; And therefore these coals of fire thus heaped on the enemy's head, may better be understood of his hearty repentance, kindled and burning in his head and heart, whereby his malice is melted, and himself grieved with burning and scalding sighs, that he hath been thine enemy, who hast been, and art so good as to desire and do him good, whiles he did thee evil: And thus the fire of love and charity is kindled in his heart, and his evil overcome with thy goodness: as is in the Apostles Precept, and Exhortation annexed, Rom. XII. 21.  
reward thee] Though he should not; nor be overcome by thy kindness and goodness.  
a backbiting tongue] Browbeat it. verse 23 The tale-hearer is blamable, as well at the tale-bearer. And he that loves a lie, as he that makes it, Apoc. XXII. 15.  
good news] The more unexpected, verse 25 the more welcome. Eminently is this true of the news of salvation from heaven.  
falling down] By infirmity, verse 26 yielding to him by timorousness in an evil thing; or otherwise falling under his reproof for sinniug, he is prejudiced and disgraced thereby; he is as a troubled fountain. Or, to fall down before him by any calamity, is a thing to be grieved at by all, as at a public mischief.  
their own glory] It is not glory, verse 27 but vainglory Gal. V 26. john V. 44. and chap. XII. 43. Gloria fugientem sequitur.  
no rule over] Chap. XVI. 32. verse 28 that reigns not in, his unruly affections.  
so honour] Dignity should wait upon desert. chapter XXVI verse 1 Psal. XII. 8. The contrary is of very evil consequences many ways.  
the curse causeless] As the Pope's Excommunications, verse 2 and Execrations with Bell, Book, and Candle, Psal. CIX. 28. Such Cursers are cursed; the curse will fall upon the Cursers' head.  
for the fools back.] verse 3 Verse 4,— 12. Chap. X. 13. chap. VII. 22. Psal. XXXII. 9 Much, and often is spoken of fools in this Book of Solomon's wise Proverbs: to mark them out as rocks at Sea, that we might avoid shipwreck thereon. Shortly thus; That the Fool feedeth on foolishness; it is joy to him; he is full of words: delights that his heart may discover itself: uttereth all his mind; layeth open his folly: saith to every one that he is a fool: whereas, if he held his peace, he might be counted wise: his instruction is folly: Excellent speech becomes him not: honour is not seemly for him: The legs of the lame are not equal; and so is a parable in the mouth of fools. His eyes are in the ends of the earth; his heart at his left hand; he will be meddling: he enters into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes, Job V. 2. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty, yet his wrath is heavier than them both. And as a whip is for the horse, a bridle for the Ass, so a rod for the fools back: yet he trusts in his own heart: that though thou shouldest bray him in a Mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness departed from him: But as a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool to his folly. He hath no delight in understanding; it is too high for him: though a price be put in his hand, to get wisdom, yet he hath no heart; he doth despise, doth hate knowledge and reproof: yea the thought of foolishness is sin. He makes a mock of sin; it is a sport to him to do mischief: And therefore saith Solomon, meddle not with him, or his company. Answer him not according to his folly; unless it be shortly, to convince him; leave him, and go from his presence; for shame shall be his promotion; and destruction is near at hand, to wait upon him.  
Answer not] Say nothing, verse 4 and you pay him to purpose. Esay XXXVI. 21. Jer. XXVIII. 11. John XIX. 9, 10. Luke XXIII. 9 Mark XV. 2, 3, 4, 5.  
like him] As hot and as headlong as he: and so at length there will be never a wiser of the two, but both fools.  
Not foolishly] As he speaks; verse 4, 5. or as soothing, humouring, or consenting to him therein: But in fit time and place, shortly, and sound, to convince him.  
Answer] Cast in somewhat that may sting him, verse 5 and stop his mouth.  
least] He took upon himself as a conqueror; clap his wings, and crow.  
These seeming contradictions and contrarieties, by due distinction of times, and other incident circumstances, and considerations, are easily reconciled. So Matth. XII. 30.  
fool] See on verse 3. verse 6,— 12.  
bindeth a stone in a sling] Whereby the undiscreet and foolish verse 8 slinger may do hurt to others; putting, as it were, a sword in a mad man's hand. Or, as others, As he that putteth a (precious) stone in an heap of stones; so, etc. Some make these heaps to be such, as into which every traveller passing by, out of superstition did cast a stone.  
As a dog] 2 Pet. II. 22. verse 13,— 16  
The slothful man] See on chap. VI 6.  
with strife] As Jehoshaphat; verse 17 and Ahaziah, in Ahabs, and his son Jehoram's case at Ramoth Gilead: and Josiah with Pharaoh-Necho, 1 Thes. IV. 11. 1 Tim. V 13. Yet to be a Peacemaker is not to be this meddler.  
is like] Him that takes a Lion by the beard, or a Bear by the tooth, or thrusts his hand into a Wasps nest.  
deceiveth his neighbour] Under colour of jest and sport, verse 18 Such mirth works much mischief; such jests and dry flouts are as dangerous as a sword in a mad man's hand, and handling, in his rage.  
talebearer] Verse 22. verse 20 and chap. XVIII. 8. and chap. XVI 28. chap. XXV. 23. Levit. XIX. 16. James III. 6.  
a contentious man] That loves to live in the fire, verse 21 Salamander-like.  
Burning lips] Burning with pretended affection and hot love; verse 23 and so drawing a fair glove on a foul hand. See verse 24, 25, 26.  
believe him not] john II. 24. verse 25 David did not believe saul's fair promises. Psal. CXX. 2.  
seven abominations] Many. As Verse 16. and XXIV. 16.  
shown] Detected sooner or later, verse 26 and detested of all.  
diggeth] Chap. V. 22. verse 27 Psal. VII. 15, 16. and IX. 15. and X. 2. Eccles. X. 8.  
a stone] As he that rolleth it up an hill.  
A lying tongue] False love proves true hatred; verse 28 seeketh to do them more mischief whom he hath hurt before.  
of to morrow] james IU. chapter XXVII verse 1 13, 14. Luke XII. 19, 20. Psal. XXX. 6. 9 judg. V 28, 29, 30, 31. 1 King's XX. 10, 20. No man knows what is in the womb of to morrow, Matth. VI 34.  
Let another man praise] Against arrogant boasting, verse 2 and vainglorious praising of a man's self, 2 Cor. X. 18. Mat. VI 1. Luke XVIII. 11, 12. Let our works, not our words, praise us; Prov. XXXI. 31. Ruth III. 11. 3 John 12. And God will provide that fame and praise shall attend virtue, as the shadow doth the body; yea, in the consciences of their enemies; as it was with David, in the heart, and mouth of Saul; and with Daniel; in the mind and affection of Darius, who yet was wrought upon to cast him into the den of Lions. Nevertheless a man must stand in defence of his own innocence, as David eftsoons did; and in such like cases may praise himself, 2 Cor. XI. 5, 6, 10, 16, 17, 18— 33. and Chap. XII. 1, 11.  
a fools wrath] See the Observations on chap. XXVI. 3. verse 3  
envy?] Chap. XIV. 30. See the Observations there. verse 4 Or, jealousy, chap. VI 34, 35. See Deut. XXXII. 21. Gen. XXVI. 14. and XXX. 1. and XXXVII. 11. Gal. V 21, 26. job V. 2. Prov. XIV. 30. Eccl. IU. 4. Matth. XXVII. 18. Tit. III. 3. james IU. 5. 1 Pet. II. 1. Acts XIII 45.  
Open rebuke] Chap. XVII. 10. verse 5 and I 30. and chap. XXVIII. 23. Psal. CXLI. 5. Levit. XIX. 17. Much better is this then that love of Hira the Adullamite to judah, Gen. XXXVIII. 20. or of Jonadab to Ammon, 2 Sam. XIII. 5. This though unpleasing, is wholesome.  
Faithful] They proceed from very faithfulness and friendship to us. verse 6  
Kisses] As those of Joab, Absalon, Judas, etc. chap. XXVI. 23.  
loatheth] But hunger is the best Cook, verse 7 and sauce. Apply it spiritualy. Num. XI. 6. Matth. V 6.  
wandereth] From his place and calling; verse 8 idle, or not content with his present station and condition.  
sweetness of a man's friend] Psal. XLV. 8. verse 9 as a fresh gale of sweet air; as sweet ointment, and odoriferous perfume: eminently true in the spiritual friend; Job XXXIII. 23. Psal. LV. 14. His sweet friendship comforts more than a man's own counsel can.  
friend] Chap. XVII. 17. verse 10 and chap. XVIII. 24.  
brother's house] Thy Carnal kindred will sooner fail thee; when thy old friend will stick to thee; as Jonathan did to David; Onesiphorus to Paul.  
My son be wise] Chap. X. 1. verse 11 and chap. XV. 20. and chap. XXIII. 24. and XXIX. 3.  
forseeth] Chap. XXII. 3. verse 12 See the Explanations there.  
rising early] Overdoing it, verse 14 as in voice, so in time; early, lest any other should be seen to exceed him. Thus praising him to his face, chap. XXIX. 5.  
Iron sharpeneth] Specially spiritualy. verse 17 Mal. III. 10, 17. Heb. X. 24. Acts XVIII. 5. A mutual quickening in dull and dead times, is Christian conference.  
figtree, verse 18 shall eat] 1 Cor. IX. 7, 8.  
Waiteth on his Master] As Joseph, Daniel, Mordecai, etc. 1 Tim. VI 1, 2. God will honour them; though some Masters do not; Col. III. 22, 23, 24.  
in water face] A man in himself, verse 19 as in a glass, may see the state, temper, conditions, qualities, dispositions, of another; of what kind soever; or sorely and shrewdly guess at them.  
Hell] So the lusts and desires of men are never satisfied, verse 20 Eccles. I 8. and chap. V. 10.  
so is a man to his praise] Chap. XVII. 3. verse 21 His own worth proves his praise; and purifies it too. Yea, and a man may be known what he is by them by whom he is praised.  
the state of thy flock] Oversee them, verse 23 as Boaz did; Ruth II. 4. and chap. III. 2, 7. 1 Chron. XXVII. 25,— 31. And 1 Kings IV. 6, 7, 27, 28. 2 Chron. XXVI. 10. The profit and commodities of this careful husbandry, and thrift, are set down in the verses following.  
The wicked flee] Being hotly haunted, chapter XXVIII verse 1 hunted, and pursued by the bloodhounds, and furies of their own guilty consciences. So Gen. IU. 14. Levit. XXVI. 17, 36, 37. God caused the Canaanites to flee, Josh. XXIV. 12. And the Syrians, 2 Kings VII. 7.  
bold as a lion] As Noah, mediis tranquillus in undis: si fractus illabatur orbis, impavidum ferient ruinae. Such is their privie-armour of proof, the power of the Spirit, and spiritual graces within them, Heb. XI. 33, 34. Ephes. VI 16.  
Many are the Princes] Either as Competitors, verse 2 or intruders; entering, and endling in blood. As in the History of the Kings of Israel, and in many others, frequently appears. See Esay III. 4. Host XIII. 11. 1 Sam. XII. 25.  
a man of understanding] Job XXII. 30. 2 Sam. XX. 16. Eccles. IX. 13, 14, 15. Jer. V 1.  
A poor man] As that merciless fellow-servant, verse 3 Matth. XVIII. 28. He should rather pity such, as knowing in himself the misery of poverty, then oppress them, and rob the Hospital and Spittle.  
Praise the wicked] As birds of a feather keep together. verse 4 Like will to like. They swim in one stream, and tide.  
contend with them] Chap. XXIX. 277. Psal. CXXXIX. 21, 22. and LXIX. 9 and CXIX. 158. 1 Pet. IU. 4. 2 Chron XIX. 2. He hates sin as hell. There is an antipathy between the forsakes and keepers of the Law.  
understand not] Their wits work not that way, verse 5 1 John II. 4, 20, 27. 1 Cor. II. 14, 15. Esay I. 3.  
Usury] See the Annotations on Ezek. XVIII. 8. verse 8 See also Nehem. V. 7, 10. Ezek. XXII. 12. And see that Matth. XXV. 27.  
for him] Chap. XIII. 22. Job XXVII. 17. Eccles. II. 26.  
even his Prayer] Chap. XV. 8. verse 9 and I 28. Jer. XI. 11. and XIV. 2. Zech. VII. 12, 13. John 9 31.  
to go astray] Chap. XXVI. 27. verse 10 Matth. XV. 14. He shall be catcht in his own trap.  
upright] 2 Pet. III. 17. and 1 Pet. I. 5.  
in his own conceit] A very small wind will blow up a bubble, verse 11 Chap. XIV. 12. and Chap. XVI. 2, 25. and Chap. XXI. 2. See the Explanations on those texts. This rich man here thanks his wit for his wealth; he sacrificeth to his own net, 1 Tim. VI 17.  
great glory] Verse 28. verse 12 Chap. XI. 10. and Chap. XXIX. 2. Their joy carries public and eminent good in the mouth of it, as the Cause of it: and so bespeaks a common joy.  
hidden] Keeps close, or flees. So Matth. II. 13. Apoc. XII. 14. And those worthies, of whom the world was not worthy, Heb. XI. 38.  
covereth his sins] Psal. XXXII. 5. 1 verse 13 John I 9, 10. Job. XXXI. 33. Gen. III. 12, 13. Sin and shifts came into the world together. But if not confession, sure confusion will follow upon it. In the Court of Heaven, it is best to plead, Guilty. 2 Sam. XXIV. 10.  
and forsaketh] Many Papists use Confession, as drunkards use vomiting; not to forsake sin, but that they may add drunkenness to thirst.  
hardeneth his heart] Esay LXIII. 17. Psal. XCV. 8. Heb. III. 8, 15. and IV. 7. verse 14 The dehortation in this case is urgent; the accusation dreadful; the sin itself direful. As the heart; so the neck, and the face are said to be hardened, made stiff not to hear, harder than a rock. God is said to harden the hearts of Pharaoh, and sundry others: And that whom he will he hardeneth, Rom. IX. 18. But how he doth this, see in the Observations on Esay VI 9, 10.  
fall] Into ruin, without remedy.  
a wicked ruler] As a Lion, verse 15 and Bear, Zeph. III. 3. Micah III. 3, 11. Jer. LI. 34.  
flee to the pit] Die without mercy, verse 17 Gen. IX. 6. Exod. XXI. 14. Deut. XIX. 13.  
uprightly] Chap. X. 9 Psal. XXIII. 4. verse 18  
perverse] Crooked, and doubling; can shift his sail to every wind, verse 6. chap. XIX. 1.  
tilleth] Chap. XII. 11. verse 19 We must earn our bread ere we eat it.  
haste to be rich] Verse 22. chap. XX. 21. 1. Tim. VI 9, 10. verse 20  
robbeth] As Micah robbed his mother, verse 24 Judg. XVII. 1, 2. And Absalon did his father of his crown.  
proud heart] Chap. XIII. 10. verse 25 through haughtiness and ambition, thinking great thoughts of himself, and nothing too good for himself, not enduring to be crossed in the least, Esay II. 11, 12, 13.  
trust in the Lord] 1 Tim. VI 6. That which would break a proud man's heart, will not break an humble man's sleep.  
giveth] Chap. XIX. 17. verse 27 See there Chap. XXII. 9 and chap. XXIX. 7. 2 Cor. IX. 6, 7. Deut. XV. 8, 10. Matth. V 42. and chap. X. 42. Luke VI 35. Esay LVIII. 7. Eccles. XI. 1, 2. Job XXIX. 16. and Ch. XXXI. 16,— 20.  
hardeneth his neck] Esay XLVIII. chapter XXIX verse 1 4. Jer. VII. 26. and chap. XVII. 23. Neh. IX. 16, 17. Acts VII. 51. There is much complaint of it; and exhortation against it.  
Without remedy] 2 Chron. XXXVI. 13, 16. Remediless sinning brings remediless destruction. God's wrath shall shatter into shivers, Esay XXX. 13, 14. such a sinner as will needs stand and stout it out with him.  
a snare] That strangles his joy, verse 6 checks and chokes all his comforts; that his jollity is but the counterfeit, and hypocrisy, the mask of mirth, chap. V 22. and XIV. 13. Eccles. VII. 6. Gild within makes his heart ache and quake, when his face and forehead feigns a smile.  
righteous sing] Righteousness carries joy and comfort in its own mouth, in the deed-doing; that peace, and joy, Phil. IU. 7. Rom. XV. 13. even in tribulations, chap. V 3. 2 Cor. VII. 4.  
scornful men] Being proud, verse 8 and contentious, bring mischiefs upon the stage, a City into a snare, set all on fire. But wise men, of a milder temper, turn away the wrath of God, and man, Job XXII. 30. Psal. CVI 23. Exod. XXXII. 10. Gen. XVIII. 32.  
whether he rage or laugh] He, the fool: or he, verse 9 the wise man; as some sense the words: there will be no quiet; and that through the fool's fault; he, as a foul stomach will turn good nourishment itself into vicious humours, Luke VII. 30.  
The bloodthirsty hate] As being enemies to them, verse 10 and their bloodiness.  
his soul] The soul of the upright; yea, of his enemies.  
all his mind] Hath no command of himself; verse 11 specially when he is angry; yea, or in his foolish jollity.  
till] Due season, and occasion.  
all his servants] They will be fit helves for such hatchets, verse 12 fit lettuce for such lips; to humour them, and ingratiate themselves. They take their Rulers as Looking-glasses, wherein, and whereby they dress themselves.  
wicked are multiplied] 1 Sam XXIV. 13. verse 16 the sluice and fludgate of transgression is then set lose; and of itself will make an inundation.  
see their fall] Psal. LVIII. 10, 11. and Psal. XXXVII. 36. and XCI. 8.  
no vision] As 1 Sam. III. 1. verse 18 2 Chron. XV. 3. Host IU. 6. Psal. LXXIV. 9 Matth. IX. 36. And so in time of Popery, when Preaching failed, and the Scripture was not read.  
Keepeth] Doth not only hear, but practise, James I. 22. Luke XI. 28. John XIII. 17. So on chap. XIX. 16.  
A servant will not] Some such there are, verse 19 Luke XII. 47. Exod. XXI. 20, 21, 26, 27. Ephes. VI 5.  
son at the length] And turn young master, verse 21 so ungratefuly abusing himself, and his master's goodness to him.  
An angry man] See on chap. XXII. 24. verse 22  
pride] Chap. XV. 33. verse 23 and XVIII. 12. Job XXII. 29. Luke XIV. 11. Matth. XXIII. 12.  
partner] Chap. I 10, 13, 14. Psal. L. 18. Apoc. XVIII. 4. Ephes. V. 7, 11. verse 24 and IV. 8.  
fear of man] Apoc. XXI. 8. cows a man both to sins, verse 25 and sufferings: where it prevails above the fear of God. So even in Abraham, Peter, and others.  
trusteth] Esay XXXIII. 15. and chap. XL. 30, 31.  
the Ruler's favour] Chap. XIX. 6.  
from the Lord.] Who ruleth, verse 26 and over-ruleth the Ruler, chap. XXI. 1. and orders every man's state and condition of life.  
This Chapter is not solomon's. chapter XXX But in this are the words of Agur, some man famous in his time for wisdom; his words unto his disciples, or friends, Ithiel, and Ucal; Or, here is a Comportation and Collection of Agurs wise say and Sentences: though none of all their names mentioned in the first verse, are found elsewhere in Scripture.  
The words] Not of Solomon. verse 1 For his words end with the former Chapter.  
of Agur] Not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. But seems a man famous for wisdom, either in solomon's, or Hezekiah's time.  
Prophesy] Or, instruction; for so largely is the word Prophesy many times taken. Or, Collectanies; gathered out of wise Agurs say, and proverbial sentences, then extant, or well-known; and here added to Solomon's Proverbs, as being of like argument, and consorting with them.  
Ithiel, and Ucal] Some take these names for Christ, for his goodness, and power. But with less straining, they rather seem to be the names of Agurs scholars, or friends, here instructed by him.  
more brutish] Agur gins in all humility, verse 2 so deeply abasing and vilifying, himself; knowing his loss by his fall in Adam; 1 Cor. II. 14. Psal. VII. 3, 22. Job XXXII. 8. and chap. XI. verse 12. That flesh and blood, in nature's school, could not reveal saving mysteries unto him.  
neither learned] Not of himself: but from God, verse 3 Gal. I. 1. James I. 17.  
of the holy] Holy God; and holy Angels, Dan. IU. 13. and VIII. 13. or holy and heavenly things.  
who hath ascended] The difficulty great; verse 4 the impossibility evident, to humane wisdom: who can, or hath done it, but the Son of man, John III. 13. And the Angels Ministers to him, John I 51. No man hath seen God at any time: the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him, John I 18. and declared heaven, Rom. X. 6, 7. Heavenly wisdom by man of himself is not attainable, Job XXVIII. Chapter. See Esay XL. 12.  
winde] Psal. CIV. 3. and CXXXV. 7. Matth. VIII. 26, 27.  
water's] Job XXXVIII. 8,— 11. Psal. CIV. 3, 6,— 13. Esay XL. 12.  
earth] I. Job XXXVIII. 4, 5, 6. Esay XL. 12.  
what is his Name] Job XI. 7, 8, 9 Judg. XIII. 17, 18. Exod. III. 13, 14, 15. Matth. XI. 27. John VI 46. Esay LIII. 8. The Son is like the Father, John XIV. 7, 8, 9 Heb. I. 3.  
if thou cast [None can.  
word of God] Psal. XII. 6. verse 5 and XVIII. 30. and XIX. 8. and CXIX. 140.  
shield] Gen. XV. 1. 2 Sam. XXII. 31.  
Add thou not] Deut. IV. 2. Apoc. XXII. 18, 19 verse 6 Against the blasphemous speeches of Papists concerning Scripture: And their additions to it. So adding, as it were, to Gods will, and abasing his coin.  
Two things] Two special ones mentioned in the next verse. verse 7  
deny me not] With importunity he reinforceth and followeth his request, verse 7 so Psal. XXVII. 4. Gen. XXXII. 26. Luke XI. 8. Matth. XV. 23. She came for a cure, and a cure she would have. And God calls for, and delights in such importunities; that so he may abound in his bounteous grants unto us, John XVI. 24. He would have us smite five or six times, 2 Kings XIV. 18, 19 And he as Naaman would then force two talents upon us; grant above all we ask or think.  
vanity and lies.] Those lying vanities of sin: verse 8 from the damning and domineering power and punishment of it; from the sting and stain, the crime and curse of it.  
neither poverty, nor riches] Both are naturaly attended, encumbered, and burdened with many inconveniences. Yet sanctified both, to the child of God. Mediocrite, a sufficiency without superfluity, is the estate that is most easily managed, Matth. VI 11. 1 Tim. VI 8. 
Tuta me media vehat  
Vita decurrens via.   
Lest I be full] Deut. XXXII. 15. 1 Tim. VI 17. And so, verse 9 as the Moon at the full; then, and then only, suffer they the Eclipse of grace, by the interposition of the earth: and come to say, Pharaoh-like, Who is the Lord? as if they with their Mammon were pettie-gods, of, and within themselves.  
or lest I be poor] Stealth upon necessity, is less than adultery, Prov. VI 30. Yet a sin always, Exod. XX. 15. Ephes. IU. 28.  
name of my God] This he grieves at more, than his own shame, burning in the hand, whipping, hanging.  
Accuse not] Rom. XIV. 4. and II. 1. Matth. VII. 1. Eccles. VII. 21, 22. Tit. III. 1, 2, 3. verse 10  
lest] The harm of the servants ill wishes fall upon thee.  
Here begin his Quaternions, of some things Moral, verse 11 of some things Natural; yet intended for Moral use, which he pursueth six times over, in the rest of the Chapter.  
that curseth their father] A cursed crew, a bastardly brood, verse 17. and chap. XX. 20. Levit. XX. 9 Exod. XXI. 17. Matth. XV. 4. Deut. XXI. 18,— 21.  
are pure] As the Puritans, Novatians, Donatists, verse 12 Catharists of old, Matth. XIX. 20. Host XII. 8. Esay LXV. 5. Papists that pretend to works of Supererogation; And yet welter in wickedness.  
O how lofty] Chap. VI 17. and chap. XVI. verse 13 5, 18. and chap. XXI. 4. Esay II. 11, 12, 17. and V 15. and X. 33. Job XXXIII. 17. Ps. CI. 5.  
whose teeth] Psal. LII. 4. and LVII. 4. Job XXIX. 17. verse 14  
The horseleech] Hath two forks in her tongue, verse 15 whereby she first pricketh the flesh, and then sucketh the blood. Such is the covetous extortioner and oppressor of the poor.  
never satisfied] No more than Pharaoh's lean kine.  
with a maid] That yet pretends so to be: verse 19 as appears in the next verse: and that with impudency enough. Incerta sunt virginis aut corruptae indicia.  
for a servant when] Chap. XIX. 10. verse 22 Asperius nihil est humili cùm surgit in altum.  
little] Deus est maximus in minimis. verse 24  
exceeding wise] Job XII. 1.  
The Aunts] Chap. VI 6, 7. verse 25  
Coneys] Psal. CIV. 18. verse 26  
Locusts] Joel II. 4, 5, 7, 8. verse 27 Those Apoc. IX. 11. have their King Abaddon  
Comely] A comeliness of carriage belongs to us, verse 29 Phil. I 27. So Neh. VI 7.  
No rising up] Eccles. VIII. 2, 4. verse 31  
in lifting up thyself] Against the King, verse 32 verse 31. Eccles. VIII. 3. and chap. X. 20. Exod. XXII. 28. Or, in any evil matter; then stop and silence thyself: as Job XL. 4, 5. and chap. XLII. 6. and chap. XXI. 5.  
so the forcing of wrath] Chap. XV. 1. Reiterated provocations extort strife. James III. 16. Patientia laesa furor fit. verse 33  
Here are the words of Bathsheba, chapter XXXI the mother of Solomon; taught him likely when he was young, against the time wherein he should be King; And when he was King, recorded here, and registered by him. He is called here Lemuel, verse 1. And by his mother Lemoel, verse 4. as tender mothers do often use to make loving changes in their children's names. And here she warns him chief against women, though he made ill use of this warning; And against wine. And from the tenth verse, to the end, she elegantly describes the virtues of a worthy wife; as a pattern for his choice; beginning every verse thereof with a several letter of the Hebrew Alphabet in order.  
Lemuel] Verse 4. Lemoel. verse 1 It seems to signify, of God. God had owned him, 2 Sam. VII. 14. and chosen him for King before any of his elder brethren. His mother thus styles him; as mother's many times do frame affectionate titles with some small variations, to insinuate with their children; she breaks off the first letter of his name, and adds in the end the name of God.  
his mother taught him.] lemuel's lesson; taught him by Bathsheba; and if taught him haply being King; then upon his beginning to warp and wander. He was taught likewise by his father, ch. iv 3, 4. Ps. CXXVII. and LXXII. Both which heighten his after-fall, as well as that 1 Kings XI. 9 These words and Prophetical documents may seem to be penned down by Lemuel himself afterwards.  
What my son] Passionate, verse 2 and affectionate words; a sweet schooling out of a fear and jealousy conceived, and a care had to prevent his miscarrying.  
thy strength to women] Chap. verse 3 V 9 Deut. XVII. 17.  
to drink wine] Chap. XXIII. 29, 30. verse 4 Ephes. V. 18. Host VII. 5. Esay V. 11. Hab. II. 15, 16. Eccles. X. 16, 17.  
Lest] One, verse 5 amongst many, of the mischiefs of drunkenness, in Kings and Princes, chap. XXIII. 29,— 35.  
and wine to those] Jer. XVI. 7. verse 6 Good things well used. Hence, as some conceive, arose the custom of giving wine to such as were condemned to die; as Mark XV. 23. Whereunto some apply that of Amos II. 8.  
and forget] Judg. verse 7 IX. 13. Psal. CIV. 15.  
for the dumb] Chap. XXIV. 11, 12. verse 8 such as may not, or cannot speak for themselves, job XXIX. 15, 16. jer. XXXVIII. 8, 9  
and plead] Levit. XIX. 15. Deut. I. 17. Psal. LXXII. 4. verse 9  
a virtuous woman] Chap. XII. 4. 1 Cor. XI. 7. verse 10 Her praise is set forth all along to the end of this Chapter. And that methodicaly, beginning every verse with a letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, as it stands in order. Such a woman as this is the female glory, the wonder of womankind; amiable, and admirable, as the paragon of the world. A fair pattern for Solomon's choice in a wife. But a lesson ill learned by him, a worse practised. In this large Description, the whole Text needs not any Gloss.   

Ecclesiastes.  
THis is the Book of Solomon's Repentance; written in his old age, as may seem to be gathered, both out of the Title of the Book, and the Closure of it in the six last verses; and also out of the whole Body of it; Being written upon a serious view of the Passages and practices of his life past, and the great and manifold Experiences he had made and found therein. His main business is a curious search after true Felicity and real Contentation. And upon his search, and experience he doth find and pronounce. That in order thereunto, all things under the Sun were but vanity of vanities, and vexation of spirit: and for such experimented by him; though the same improved by humane wisdom in him to the utmost, Chap. II. 3, 9 This he shows in a large manner, in sundry sorts, in many particular vanities under the Sun; principally in humane wisdom and knowledge, humane labours, industries, and endeavours; in Delights and Pleasures of all kinds; in Honours, Greatness, and Power; in Riches and Possessions; and in the utter insufficiency that is in all these, to extract from them, or the quintessence of them, any true happiness, or from any other sublunary thing, or creature whatsoever. He seems to speak sometimes in the person, and according to the carnal reasonings of the Atheist and Epicure, as reciting their opinions, with their arguments; yet he avers the truth of God against them; and the just and wise course, though to us secret, hid, and unsearchable, of his Providence, Administration, and government of all the events, issues, accidents, and affairs of this life, in relation both to the just, and to sinners; even in things befalling in common to both of them. He giveth sundry sound remedies to abate and heal the said Vanities. He speaks much for Wisdom, and against Folly. And prescribes many good Rules for better things, for procuring tranquillity unto the mind, and peace and comfort to the life of a man; eftsoons minding and mentioning, among other things, a cheerful fruition and enjoyment of the outward Blessings and Comforts of this Life, with gladness, contentation, and thankfulness, as from the hand of God. And lastly, in the twelfth Chapter he concludes, That in Old age, elegantly described by him, and at Death, It will appear, That to Fear God, and Keep his Commandments, is the whole of man, both the whole Duty, and Felicity of Man; the one, and only thing wherein it consisteth.  
The words] solomon's Ethics, verse 1 his Sapiential Tractate of the Sovereign good; chapter I his Retractations and Penitential Sermon; his Experiments.  
of the Preacher] Or of a preaching soul. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being Feminine, hath 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the soul understood. The penitent convert; gathering himself to the Church. He again gives himself this title, chap. I. 2, 12. and VII. 27. and XII. 8, 9, 10. Yet in those places it is construed with a Masculine. And so the feminine is sometimes used for the Common gender, which is wanting with the Hebrews. The Greeks and Latins render it in the Masculine, Ecclesiastes. David published his Repentance in Psal. LI.  
Vanity of vanities] Psal. CXLIV. 4. and XXXIX. 5. verse 2 All Adam is all, Abel even at his best estate, altogether vanity. And all worldly things are so, an heap, a nest of vanities; vanity in the abstract. This the last issue and result, the upshot of all his curious critical enquiry, search, and experiments.  
what profit] A chief point in the wise man's Compass, verse 3 is, cui bono? Who will show us any good? Thus worldly men look after this, Psal. IU. 6. Yea, wicked men in their overtures of Religion, Mal. III. 14. No profit, towards the attainment of true happiness.  
Labour which, etc.] A labour in order to things above the Sun will profit, Phil. III. 20. Colos. III. 1, 2. John VI 27. No toilsome labour in earthly things will do so. Nothing remaineth or abideth with him, nothing more is added to him by it; it adds nothing of real worth unto him at all. That we shall find to be truth, which is in Habak. II. 13, 6.  
One generation] Ecclesiasticus XIV. 18. verse 4 Mere man is but the dream of a dream, a curious picture of nothing. Mortality is the stage of mutability: The inward principles of change and alteration are always working. The children thrust out the fathers.  
but the earth] Whereon as on a stage, the several Generations act their parts, and go off, others come on.  
abideth for ever] Till its time of change, in the end of all, 2 Pet. III. 10. See my Observations on Deut. XV. 17. The duration of the earth, opposed to every man's duration, not the motion or standing of it, is here intended.  
The Sun] Psal. XIX. 3. verse 5 There is one constant course in Nature, and its actings. Of the Sun, see my Observations on Psal XIX. 5. See Job XIV. 7, 12. Here the earth stands, and the Sun moveth round about it.  
The wind] Thus whirleth, verse 6 and returneth: though in some parts of the world▪ in some months of the year, they have a very regular and uniform motion.  
River's] Run thither whence they come through pores and passages of the earth, verse 7 whereby they lose their saltness. Thus which way ever we cast our eyes, we every where meet with evidences of inconstancy and mutability here below, as testimonies of that vanity which all things under the Sun are subject unto; so that man cannot find fatisfaction and full content in them.  
full of labour] All these things are sweeter in the ambition, verse 8 then in the fruition, Prov. XXVII. 7, 20. After our utmost endeavours for plenary satisfaction in the things of this world and this life, we are still to seek, because it is not in them; we do so but seek for the living among the dead, as Luke XXIV. 5. And they tire us in the search, and toilsome labour after them; and cloy us in the use.  
man cannot utter it] If not Solomon, then surely no man, chap. II. 12. As on the other side our happiness in God, to our joy, is unutterable, 1 Cor. II. 9 2 Cor. XII. 4.  
The thing] Happiness cannot be extracted out of the creature; verse 9 never was, nor ever can be.  
no new thing] Though some kind of new inventions be, as Gunpowder, Printing, the Mariner's Compass, etc. yet but of the old stamp, as to this main use and purpose; they come still from defective and insufficient principles of happiness, chap. III. 15. no new thing out of which man can extract real content, comfort, and satisfaction, or any principle of true happiness and blessedness, more than out of old and former things. And indeed Solomon speaks here of natural things, and their natural actions.  
This is new?] Such new things as may so fare surpass the discoveries before, verse 10 as to be able to satisfy the heart, and make man happy? They are indeed new-nothings.  
There is no remembrance] If some new things be found out, verse 11 as many old things are forgotten. How many things never Recorded? How many ancient Records totaly perished? How many fragments remaining? And so shall it be of things hereafter. No new thing is, or shall be more pregnant of satisfaction to man's heart and happiness, then hath been heretofore. No such thing on earth, or in the creature can be found. Only it is in God, and in the new creature from him, when he gives us a new heart, and a new spirit, Ezek. XXXVI. 26. puts a new spirit within us, Ezek. XI. 19 and a new name upon us, Esay LXII. 2.  
I the Preacher] None had more abilities, verse 12 and helps to extract happiness out of the creatures, and these worldly things, than Solomon had. And therefore his verdict may be credited.  
And I gave my heart] Solomon made this point his task; and that in the extent and utmost employment of his great wisdom, chap. II. 3, 9 chap. IX. 10. verse 13  
all things] 1 Kings IV. 33. and chap. X. 23, 24. the several kinds of them, all natural causes and effects; all humane counsel and events.  
and vexation of spirit] Active enough hereunto; verse 14 far enough from making him truly happy, Chap. XII. 12. chap. I. 18.  
That which is crooked] Chap. VII. 13. verse 15 The most excellent natural knowledge will not do either the one, or the other; rectify what is amiss, or supply what is defective.  
I communed] And this without vain boasting, verse 16 1 Kings III. 12. and chap. IU. 30. and X. 7, 23. 2 Kings III. and IV. and V and X. none can outdo him herein.  
and to know madness and folly] Chap. II. 12. verse 17 and VII. 23. experimental knowledge he did practise himself in. He found by experience that neither course could quiet or settle the heart of man, chap. XI. 8, 9 1 Cor. I. 20.  
In much wisdom is much grief] Many ways, verse 18 and upon manifold occasions, Verse 14.  
I said] The sum of this Chapter is well set down in the Great Annotations. chapter TWO verse 1  
I will prove thee with mirth] Missing of his expected good from the knowledge of the creature, he now resolveth to search what good may be found in the use and fruition of it; And first in the sensual pleasure of it: In mirth, here. Which most men count the only life, to sing all sorrow and care away; and melt in mirth, jollity, and jovizansses, which emasculates the spirit, and draws out, and drains away the very vigour and vivacity of it: when they indulge to themselves, and give up their heart to it, and make it the business of their life to pour out themselves in delights, and wallow, and drown themselves in them. This sort of men after Epicurus was borne, were called Epicureans.  
mad] And indeed many mad men are very merry. verse 2 But it is but like the crackling of thorns, chap. VII. 6. and hath sorrow in the bottom of it.  
wine, yet acquainting] He would try, verse 3 by mixing wisdom and wine together, mitigating the grief of the one with the pleasure of the other.  
till I might see] This the end of his inquiry by this experiment; whether this voluptuous course of living were best, to sweeten the mortal life of man, during all his days.  
I made me great works] He shows what magnificent and royal provisions he made in order to his foresaid design. verse 4 Not trifling ones; but adequate acts, and objects to his person and state, as Ester I. 4. These things he had as materials for his wisdom.  
houses] Besides what David had formerly built, 2 Chron. II. 3.  
Vineyards] Cant. VIII. 11, 12. Besides what David had, 1 Chron. XXVII. 27.  
gardens and orchards] Cant. VI 2. and chap. IU. verse 5 12,— 15. as paradises for amenity and delight. We read of Hortus pensilis, a garden hanging in the air, made by an Assyrian King for the pleasure of his Queen.  
pools] Chap. IV. 15. and VII. 4. verse 6 These are Princely works, 2 Kings XX. 20. Neh. II. 14.  
the wood] Of Forests; and likely in those Gardens and Orchards, which for their spaciousness might be called woods.  
servants, verse 7 and maidens] See those servants, mentioned, Ezra II. 58. Neh. VII. 60.  
cattle] More than David had, 1 Chron. XXVII. 29, 30, 31.  
silver and gold] In all abundance, verse 8 2 Chron. I 15.  
men-singers] See 2 Sam. XIX. 35. he laboured to take all pleasure in pleasures.  
also my wisdom] Verse 3. verse 9 by wisdom to mind what real good could be extracted from them. Thus he heeds his main end.  
I withheld not] Luke XII. verse 10 19 clean contrary to that, Rom. XIII. 14.  
Then I looked] In the serious review he finds all to be but a feeding upon the wind; verse 11 nothing but labour for his pains and gains, he catcheth but a Butterfly, with much vexation and all his toil.  
And I turned] To his first enquiry, verse 12 to see if his second thoughts therein might prove the wiser.  
what can] True, without boasting. None can go beyond him; try who will.  
wisdom excelleth folly] Foolish, verse 13 sensual pleasures, which perish in the using, and leave a sting behind them. Though the most excellent humane wisdom is vain also, as to this main end, and in order to it to attain true happiness.  
The wise man's eyes] He shows the great difference of worth between these two contraries; verse 14 And the antithesis and opposition of them serves to illustrate the nature of them both. The wise man sees, foresee, forecasts, ponders things past, present, and to come, he casts and considers; is vigilant and circumspect. The fool hath neither sight nor light; his eyes are any where rather than in his head; he is inconsiderate, rash, carried headlong in blindness.  
and I myself perceived] Though the one so fare excelling the other; yet both alike in this; no difference herein; but one event happeneth to them all; as two ways meet at the same Inn; and Ships from several Coasts meet at the same Haven; and Counters after casting sums, are put into the same bag.  
And why was I then more wise?] To what purpose, verse 15 as to the main point?  
no remembrance] Chap. verse 16 VIII. 10. Prov. X. 7. Psal. CXII. 6. and XLIX. 11, 12. Jer. XVII. 13.  
and how dieth] As oblivion, so death, equal and common to both, Psal. XLIX. 10. Ezek. XXI. 4. Only piety maketh the difference, John XI. 25, 26.  
Therefore I hated life] He saw little valuable or desirable in it. verse 17 He was weary of living to so little purpose: and withal, that sufficient to the day was the evil thereof.  
all my labour] As being so vain and vexatious. verse 18 No felicity and true happiness in this life being to be gained by any creature-comfort.  
leave it] Psal. XLIX. 10. and XXXIX. 6. And so Luke XII. 17. ere he was a day elder.  
a wise man, verse 19 or a fool] How Rehoboam proved, is well known, chap. VI 2.  
therefore I went about] Fetched a compass, verse 20 by a reflex act of my mind, as Ephraim, Jer. XXXI. 18, 19 and the Prodigal, Luke XV. 17. as those, 1 Kings VIII. 47. And being wearied in this round, I was brought to a despondency of spirit, and a despair of attaining to my purpose and search, as being fruitless and unseazable; these empty things only abusing and deluding me.  
For there is a man] This particular did so pinch Solomon, verse 21 that he thinks he can never say enough of it, he cannot give it over. And it is a judgement threatened, that it shall so fall out, Prov. XIII. 22. Yea, leave it to a stranger, and enemy; as Nabals was to David; haman's to Mordecai; the Canaanites to the Israelites.  
what hath a man, verse 22 & c?] A mere nothing; a coffin perhaps to his grave. Then all the world is gone with him, Psal. XLIX. 17. Eccles. I. 3. and III. 9 and V 15  
are sorrows] In the abstract. verse 23 And those pluraly, Job V. 7.  
not rest in the night] Though he lie upon a bed of down, yet these gnats will not suffer him sleep; his heart doth not rest, in that time of rest, Job IU. 13. as the clock cannot stand still while the plummets hang at it. Grace only cures these cares, and procures this quiet rest, Phil. IU. 6, 7. Ps CXXVII. 2.  
nothing better] Chap. verse 24 III. 12, 13, 22. and VIII. 15. as to the happiness of this life attainable by all study and industry in worldly things and affairs; and so to free ourselves from this vanity and vexation of them; and specially from that disease, verse 21.  
the hand of God] It is not always in our power, Verse 26. Chap. III. 13. and V 19 Acts XIV. 17. God is then to be sought to, in whom only felicity is to be found, Psal. CXLV. 15, 16. Eccles. IX. 7, 8, 9  
For who can eat? verse 25] Who else can prove it by his own experience better than I? verse 12.  
For God giveth] To get these worldly things rightly, verse 26 and to use them rightly, and comfortably; giveth this peculiar blessing to this person, the proper subject of it, Chap. III. 12, 13.  
but to the sinner] To scrape, and rape, chap. IU. 8. Hab. II. 6. Psal. XXXIX. 6. Luke XII. 18.  
give to him that is good] Job XXVII. 17. Prov. XIII. 22. and XXVIII. 8.  
To every thing there is a season] Or rather a time prefixed, chapter III verse 1 set, and predetermined. The series and contexture whereof, and of all future events, we cannot order or alter, we cannot antedate or anticipate; nor post-off, or post-date; by all our anxious care and toils: we cannot break through the bounds of God's providence and predeterminate purpose in the guidance of them. So again, chap. VIII. 6. And therefore we should quiet and content ourselves in the good and comfortable use of them; as chap. II. 24. And not seek to extract out of such vain and variable things that good and felicity which is not in them. Yet again, This may mind us not to neglect the seasons, times, and opportunities of Grace, which are in God's hand when he doth please to offer and afford them, Luke XIX. 42. Heb. II. 3.  
A time] Chap. verse 2 III. 17. This here is oft repeated, that it may be once remembered. There are various vicissitudes and changes in all things under the Sun. We should seek perfect felicity in him only in whom there is no shadow of change; and in his kingdom of glory, which shall continue when time itself shall be no more.  
What profit] Concludes that, verse 9 Chap. I 3. Matth. VI 27. no more than that, James II. 14, 16. Consider that, Matth. XVI. 26.  
which God hath given] God gives it, verse 10 for our exercise in it, and by it. And he, not we; or fate, or fortune orders it, and the event of it. He usualy gives the blessing in our use of the means  
beautiful] Though we at all times see it not in every thing; verse 11 though we are not able to put together all the pieces of God's providence, nor to foresee that frame and form & feature that he will bring them to at the last, Esay X. 12. we being not able to find out the beginning or end of the causes or uses of God's works. Yet these seeming confusions God will reduce into an excellent & beautiful order, and in a beautiful season too. Frost and Snow are as seasonable in the Winter as heat, and flowers, and fruits are in the Summer. The world is so much in our hearts, that we mind and mark not Gods deal sufficiently: and we are of so short continuance, that though we mind it, yet we live not to observe a full point in the works of God: Their beginning may be in one age, and their end in another, Rom. XI. 34.  
No good in them, verse 12 but, etc.] To enjoy things present, and to do good here, and so have good hereafter, Psal. CXXVIII. 2. 1 Tim. VI 18, 19  
it shall be for ever] His doing and counsel shall stand. verse 14 Esay XLVI. 10, 11. Jer. 44. 28. And is perfect and holy; unalterable by man. Job XXXVIII. 31, etc. We should therefore with willingness and contentment submit to him and his do, acquiesce in him, and dread, and adore him, though our blear eyes cannot see the bright Sunshine of his actions. His decrees must not drive us to despair, or to a neglect of using the means; but from deifying ourselves, and our own wisdom in the use of means, still depending upon his blessing.  
And moreover] Having formerly shown the vanity and vexation of Knowledge, verse 16 and of Pleasures, and of humane Labours, in many regards; together with the Remedies of them; He now proceeds to show more vanities and vexations; and yet to vindicate God's Providence in them.  
the place of judgement] That should be a Sanctuary and City of Refuge for wronged Innocence. That wickedness and oppression should be and reign there, was a great vexation, and a great tentation too against God's righteous Providence.  
I said] That God shall judge and right all, verse 17 at least and last in that great Assizes to be held by his Son at the last day, Acts XVII. 31. Some he judgeth here, lest his Providence, but not all, lest his patience and promise of judgement, might be called into question. Therefore this vanity and vexation ought not to dismay the innocent, or hearten the oppressors: seeing God will amend all.  
that God might manifest them] Men in place and power, verse 18 though they carry themselves as beasts to their brethren, yet will hardly know themselves, their own frail and base condition, and that as to outward respects, they are but as the beasts that perish, Psal. XLIX. 20. God must manifest it to them. And this should humble them, and stain their pride; This shows, and should cure this vanity, Prov. XXX. 2.  
For that which befalleth] Psal. verse 19 XLIX. 10. chap. II. 15, 16. hunger, thirst, diseases, etc.  
all turn to dust again] Expire alike; verse 20 and the body turns to dust alike, Gen. III. 19 Job XXXIV. 15. This still in relation to the body only.  
Who knoweth the spirit of man] No man can by sense discern the ascent of the one, verse 21 or the descent of the other. But he can who hath the mind of Christ, who hath seen the insides of Nature, and Grace; Who is spiritual, 1 Cor. II. 14, 15, 16. See chap. XII. 7. of this book. And Solomon's scope throughout this Book, is to show the vanity of earthly things, and of humane actions in order unto things under the Sun, as to satisfy the heart of man in the acquiring of true felicity. Of his immortal or heavenly condition he speaks not purposely. But as he makes Piety the Only Remedy against all these earthly vanities and vexations; and so concludes his Book in the two last verses. We need not here then to make these passages to be speeches taken up in the Person of the epicure or Atheist.  
Wherefore I perceive] He resumes his Assertion, verse 22 verse 13. and ch. II. XXIV. and V 18.  
after him] What shall become of his goods; how used, and disposed; and by whom.  
all the oppressions] Moore vanities and vexations in the Civil State.  
no Comforter] Doubled here. This adds to their misery. This was Jobs case, chap. VI 14, 15. and chap. XVI. 2. and chap. XIX. 21. he crieth and calleth for this pity and commiseration. It was David's case, Psal. LXIX. 20. And Jerusalem's, Lam. I. 2, 9, 16. God calls for it towards Jerusalem, Esay XL. 1, 2. And himself doth it, Esay LI. 3, 12. See Nahum. III. 7.  
praised the dead] He preferreth the ease and quietness of death, before the miseries of such a dying life. See Job, chap. III. throughout, Jonah IU. 3. 1 Kings XIX. 4. He speaks here according to the judgement of men under oppression: without relation to the wickedness of men, whose state after death is in those terrors and torments that shall either mend, or end, and they be never able to abide or avoid, Matth. XXVI. 24.  
not yet been] Job III. verse 3 10. and chap. X. 18, 19  
envied] For his eminent worth and works, verse 4 his ingenious Acts and Parts. As the Courtiers of Persia did Daniel. See Prov. XXVII. 4.  
foldeth his hands The foolish sluggard so described, verse 5 Prov. VI 6. See the Explanations there. And chap. XXVI. 15. and chap. XIX. 24.  
eateth his own flesh] Prov. X. 4. maketh many an hungry meal.  
Better is an handful] The sluggards plea. verse 6 Sinners will have their shifts.  
saw vanity] Another vanity, contrary to the former. Fools whiles they eat the sands, do rush upon the rocks.  
yet no end of all his labour] This matchless miser, verse 8 and fellow that hardly hath a fellow is never satisfied, as Prov. XXX. 15. toils without end, Esay V. 8. Hab. II. 5. and to no end trusts he can draw up Jordan into his mouth, Job XL. 23. and yet knows he hath none to whom he may leave his goods so toiled for. This is worse than that of Psal. XXXIX. 6.  
neither is his eye satisfied with riches] Indeed the eye only hath the use of riches with such covetous men.  
Two are better than one] In a natural, verse 9 and in a Moral sense, Jer. XLI. 13, 14. 2 Sam. X. 11. And spiritualy, next to Communion with God is the Communion of Saints, Psal. XVI. 2. Heb. X. 24.  
he cometh to reign] The poor and wise child. verse 14  
I considered] Another vanity and vexation: if this be not an exemplification of the old foolish King dethroned, and the poor wise child standing up in his stead.  
all the living] All the present generation of men living under a present Prince or Government; the multitude, many-headed, given to change, falling off from the falling Sun, and adoring the rising Sun.  
with the second child] The Successor; son, or who ever he be: joining to him, and following him; as thinking they must live by the living, and not by the dead; and so expecting protection and preservation by and under him. Such is the vanity and vexation of Princes, that if they live long, they outlive their own glory, and are looked upon by their own subjects, as falling, sinking, bending to the grave: And such is the vanity and levity of people, that they are weary of present government, and even sick for a change, prove the change what it will, 1 Sam. VIII. 5, 18, 19, 20. and XII. 12. 2 Sam. XV. 12, 13. and chap. XX. 2. 1 Kings II. 15. Prov. XXIV. 21.  
no end of all the people] Infinitely discontented, verse 16 and restless in their desires of change, never contented with their present state. The people put no end or stop to this vanity, to this their epidemical disease; but this vanity and vexation passeth on from one generation to another, that they are thus variously affected towards their Princes in all ages.  
shall not rejoice in him] But grow weary of him, whom now they so zealously affect, and with so much loyalty adhere unto, and shall wish for another.  
Surely this] Must needs be a vanity and vexation to people; but to Princes specially.  
Keep thy foot] Having searched and found, verse 1 That neither humane Wisdom and Knowledge; chapter V nor Pleasures, nor Riches, nor Honours, or Crowns, can make men happy, but are all full of vanity and vexation; and that it is a thing beyond the sphere and activity of any creature for to do; He now ascends higher, to search for it in the worship and service of God. And discovers even here much vanity; not in the thing itself; but as it is performed by vain and foolish men. And therefore for remedy of this, he prescribes sundry Caveats to prevent it: And first this in these words, Keep thy foot: Where the letters are plural, the Points direct to read it in the singular number. That all and every one should look well to his affections and inward man, that all be composed and in a right temper when he goes to worship God, Ps. LVII. 7, 8. and CIII 1. See Exod. III. 5. and chap. XIX. 21. Josh. V. 15.  
house of God] The Gate of Heaven, Gen. XXVIII. 17. Psal. CXVIII. 20. the beauty of holiness, Psal. XCVI. 9 This the likeliest place where Felicity is to be found. But here then our preparation before, and our deportment in this place, must be, as in the Presence of God, looking him full in the face.  
ready to hear] As Acts X. 33. which includes obedience in it, Psal. LXXXV. 8. Job XXXIV. 32. 1 Sam. III. 10. Acts IX. 6. James I. 19  
the sacrifice of fools] Outward services and ceremonies foolish sinners are apt enough to, to load God with, even to loathing, Esay I. 11, 14. So as their heart and inward man, in spirit and truth, may be free to themselves, and fare enough from God, 1 Sam. XV. 22.  
that they do evil] In so doing; doubling their iniquity by a seeming sanctity, jos. XI. 12. Esay LXVI. 3.  
nor rash] In prayer to God, verse 2 Rom. VIII. 26. nor hasty, precipitate, unadvised.  
for God is in heaven] Job XXVI. 14. Esay LVII. 15. Come thou with all possible reverence, humility, and self-abasement, Job XLII. 6. Gen. XVIII. 27.  
few] Luke XVIII. 13. Matth. XXVI. 39, 42, 44. Against battology, Matth. VI 7. Prov. X. 19  
For a dream] Multitude of business produceth dreams; verse 3 multitude of words, which usualy are rash, hasty, and sudden, produceth folly; specially in Prayer to God, chap. X. 14.  
Vowest] Of vows, verse 4 see my Annotations on Jonah I. 16.  
Better] It is a voluntary service to vow, verse 5 Num. XXX. But being lawfully made, must be performed, Deut. XXIII. 21, 22, 23.  
neither say thou before the Angel] Exod. XXIII. 20, 21. verse 6 that Angel of the Covenant, Mal. III. 1. Psal. II. 12.  
For in the multitude of dreams] Verse 3. verse 7 Prov. X. 19 As in those are many Vanities, so vain will thy many words and excuses be, in pleading an erroneous mistake, and extenuating the non-performances of thy vows and promises to God.  
but fear thou God] The true remedy against the former vanities, of rash vows and prayers, and addresses to God. The fear of God is the foundation of all holy duties.  
Marvel not] Be not amazed, verse 8 or astonished; to doubt of God, or his Providence, or to forsake his service; Many are sorely tempted hereby.  
for he that is higher] There lies an appeal to an higher Court. And wherein they deal proudly he is above them, Exod. XVIII. 11. Psal. LXXVI. 12.  
higher than they] Higher here in the plural number, may relate to the holy Trinity or to Angels, by whom God doth punish Princes, Esay XXXVII. 36. Acts XII. 23.  
Moreover the profit of the earth] Is for all men, verse 9 and uses; and above all other profits.  
the King] 1 Chron. XXVII. 26. 2 Chron. XXVI. 10. Amos VII. 1. The commendation of tillage, and grazing. And this shows the vanity of earthly felicity, When the highest stands in need of the lowest, to sustain and support them.  
Shall not be satisfied with silver] The loves and desiring doth increase with the having. verse 10 It cannot therefore be man's chiefest good, seeing it doth not terminate and satisfy the appetite. They can never say, It is enough; but are like the grave, and barren womb, Prov. XXX. 15, 16.  
What good?] Little else; verse 11 and that is small enough.  
The sleep] And herein he hath advantage over that great rich man. verse 12 And this vanity of riches he pursueth in the five verses following.  
He resumeth in this, verse 18 and the two next verses his former assertion touching the right use of Riches; And concludeth with it, as he did, chap. II. 24, 25, 26.  
An evil] Another and another, chapter VI verse 1 one still after another, our lives full of them. And yet we vainly dote on this life, which is indeed but a lingering death.  
common] Usual among all sorts of men; an epidemical evil disease.  
God hath given] In way of Providence: verse 2 as he maketh his Sun to shine, and rain to fall, on the good and bad.  
Wanteth nothing] That he can justly and reasonably desire; though indeed this covetous man's desires are bottomless and boundless; And he wants all things, not having power to make use of any thing.  
but a stranger] Host VII. 9 Jer. V 17. Lam. V 2.  
many years] And many children; verse 3 not like him, chap. IU. 8. But filled both with children, and years; and yet not filled with good, with the comfortable use and fruition of his blessings and estate; lives beside it, is not master of it, but mastered by it.  
no burial] Deut. XXVIII. 26. Jer. XXII. 19 through enemies; or greedy heirs to such covetous caitiffs, and niggardly misers.  
an untimely birth] An abortive, that comes from birth to burial, from womb to tomb, Matth. XXVI. 24.  
is better than he] He is in rest; having never had sense or reason, to feel loss or pa●ne, ver. 4, 5.  
A thousand years] Which never man yet did.  
yet hath he seen no good] Better then to have been without those years; verse 6 they did but lengthen his misery, Prov. XV. 15. Job XIV. 1.  
to one place?] The house appointed for all living, Job XXX. 23. Esay L. 11. Thus he finds in the end all to be vanity, and vexation of spirit.  
For his mouth] For food, verse 7 and raiment for his body. This is all he can have, of all his worldly labours. And a little of this would suffice him.  
appetite] Yet that is never filled, it is insatiable, chap. V 16. nor can be filled with these worldly things, much less his soul can: Riches have no suitableness with it, no proportion, either in excellency or in duration unto it.  
Wise more than the fool?] Speaking with relation to wealth, verse 8 and the event of outward things. These things promiscuously happen to all, without peculiar prerogative to any: and beyond their own natural use they are not able to supply a wise man more than a fool: and the fool may have as much, and as much also of them, as the wise.  
Better is the sight of the eyes] To enjoy quietly and contentedly what a man hath in present possession; verse 9 then to wander and rove up and down in desire and pursuit of what we have not, and cannot hardly attain; but endlessly weary ourselves in hawking and hunting after them, which never will, nor can satisfy.  
That which hath been, verse 10 the name] And nature of it is known already. That which is hoped for hereafter, is yet unknown.  
That it is man] Man still, earthly Adam, sorry man, be his wealth or greatness what it will. And God will make him know himself so to be, Psal. IX. 20. Ezek. XXVIII. 6, 9 Esay II. 22. and XXXI. 3.  
Contend with] To enter plea against God, or require a reason of his judgements, or strive against this stream, thinking to alter or break through the order & bounds of his Providence or decrees, Esay XLV. 9 Job IX. 2, 3, 12. and IV. 17. and chap. XXXIV. 23. Jer. L. 44. Rom. IX. 20.  
Seeing there be many things] A solemn conclusion of all the former discoveries of vanities in the Creatures; verse 11 averring that first set down, chap. I. 3. which is the main matter of this Book.  
What is man the better?] In regard of sound and solid happiness, for any, or for all the former vanities.  
For who knoweth] The animal creatures by instinct of nature know what is good for them, verse 12 to maintain their being, and well-being; to remedy their maladies. But man knoweth not what is good for him, What is best for him in this life, as to the things of this life; Whether to be rich or poor, etc. Achitophel might have lived longer with less wisdom: Nabal with less riches: Herod with less pride and praise, etc. God is pleased to show man the only good, Mic. VI 8. and Solomon, chap. XII. ver. 13, 14.  
vain life] This life itself, a vain shadow, Psal. CXLIV. 4. and XXXIX. 6. Job XIV. 2. and chap. VIII. 1 Chron. XXIX. 15.  
What shall be after him] He cannot promise to himself, when he is gone, any satisfactory content, in name, family, and posterity, no more than he could in his life-time, to himself, chap. II. 18, 19 Nescis quid serus vesper vehat.  
A good name] chapter VII verse 1 Solomon in this Chapter proceeds to many other particular means and remedies for healing the vanities and vexations of this life; and procuring tranquillity and peace of mind, in the midst of them. Yet here and there he doth intermix some more vanities and vexations. The first means and remedy here is a Good Name. or Fame. The first letter of the Hebrew word for Good, is here greater than ordinary; to intimate belike the great and extraordinary goodness of a good name. Which is better to a man, to his conscience, and soul, than a precious ointment is to his body. It refresheth, and cheereth, and comforteth the soul and conscience, in the very midst of all wrongs and sufferings; and specially at the hour of death; and remains fresh after the body rots in the grave. They leave their names for a blessing, and are had in everlasting remembrance; whereas the memory of the wicked shall rot, Job XVIII. 17. Prov. X. 17. and they leave their names as a curse, and a stinking snuff behind them, Esay LXV. 15. yea, in this life this fattens the bones, Prov. XV. 30. And procures reverence and esteem in the consciences of others. And is rather to be chosen then all riches, Prov. XXII. 1. Herein the Hebrew is a Paranomasia of the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And the same is in Cant. I. 3.  
and the day of death] To such a man of a good name: or to any man, relation being had to the many vanities and vexations of this life, Job XIV. 1. Life gins with crying: 2 Nondum loquitur infans, & tamen sic prophetat. And Lawyers define life by crying, without which they are counted stillborn. 3 Now that day that delivers a man from them, is better than that which lets in, and puts a man in possession of them. Which makes Solomon here prefer his coffin before his cradle.  
to the house of mourning] So wise men do, And fools they are that do the contrary, verse 4. This is better for the living, as the former for the dead.  
for this is the end of all men] Here is the reason, men will so fall into deep and due consideration of their own dying life, as Job XXX. 33. Psal. XXXIX. 4, 5. and XC. 12. that life is but to lie a dying, and so be weaned from the vain jollities of this life, and wrought to humiliation, mortification, and preparation for a better life. From which, Feasting calls us off. See Josh. XXIII. 14. Heb. IX. 2. And again, Amos VI 3,— 6. Deut. VIII. 12,— 14. Esay XXII. 12, 13, 14. and chap. V. 12.  
Sorrow is better] James IU. verse 3 9 Luke VI 21. 25. Matth. V 4. yet this is a Paradox to the world, which is always set upon the merry pin, to be as merry Greeks: to eat and drink, and laugh, and play, and labours to banish all sorrow away, as the bane of their life.  
sadness of the countenance] In ourselves, by grave thoughts, and sad and serious meditations and considerations: or, of a sour and severe, yet sure friend.  
the heart is made better] The better part is bettered: the inward man is amended; by abandoning those lose noisome and destructive vanities and jollities of laughter; and of penitential humiliation, compunction, contrition, of mortality, death & judgement. These sorrowful tears have much joy in them, they wash away the filth of sin; & as sweet April showers they bring on amain the May-flowers of Grace, and Glory. And therefore, where ever the body is, upon several occasions, yet the heart of the wise is here, he numbereth the days of his life, and the days of darkness, Psal. XC. 12. Eccles. XI. 8. And where ever the body is, yet the heart of fools is on effuse mirth, runs a madding; the way to rejoice in a thing of nought, Amos VI 13. is on foolish follies, in the filth and froth whereof is bred and fed that woeful worm that never dies, Job XXI. 12, 13. Yet their laughter is indeed but the hypocrisy of mirth, as the crackling of thorns under a pot, a sudden blaze soon gone, as sudden lightning, which yet is followed with the rending and roaring of thunderclaps, Luke VI 25. Psalm CXVIII. 12.  
The rebuke of the wise] Prov. XIII. 18. verse 5 and chap. XV. 31, 32. ch. XXVII. 6. Psal CXLI. 5. An enemy in this case many times proves a good and useful Informer, though a bad Judge.  
Crackling of thorns] Psal. LVIII. 9 verse 6 Ovid. Trist. l. 5. Elog. 8. Flammáque de stipula nostra, brevisque fuit. Prov. XIV. 13.  
Surely oppression] Chap. IV. 1. and chap. V. 8. Deut. XXVIII. 29, 33. Psal. CXIX. 134. Jer. VI 6. and chap. XXII. 17. Ezek. XXII. 29.  
maketh a wise man mad] To see it in the world upon others; to undergo it himself. No man is so wise, but he is sometimes over-borne with passions and rage, and indignation.  
a gift] Job XV. 34. Psal. XXVI. 10. Prov. XVII. 23. and the Observations upon it. Deut. XVI. 19 Exod. XXIII. 8.  
Better is the end] This maxim holds in many things; verse 8 where the beginning is difficult, the end sweet. James V. 11. Psal. XXXVII. 37. Many graces run in the race of a Christian course: only perseverance to the end gaineth the prize, crownes the enterprise and action, Matth. X. 22. Heb. III. 6. Apoc. II. 10, 26. Many seem to set out for heaven with much eagerness; as Orpah from Moab; but return back; put their hand to the plough, but after look back, as Lot's wife; run well, but after fall off, Gal. V. 7. leave their first love, Apoc. II. 4. begin in the spirit, and end in the flesh. But better they had never known the way of righteousness, etc. 2 Pet. II. 20, 21. Heb. X. 26. 27, 38, 39 Some here understand the end of angry contention. For so the Hebrew word sometimes signifies, as Prov. XVII. 9 And so the sense ●wil best agree with that which followeth.  
the pa●ient] Prov. XIV. 29. and XV. 18. 1 Thes. V 14. James V. 7, 8, 11. Heb. XII. 1. And patiented therefore under oppression, waiting on God till he bring both ends together, not looking only on 〈◊〉 present face of things; but hoping and expecting that they which sow in rears, may reap in joy, Psal. LXXIII. 17, 18. Esay X. 12, 24, 25, 26. 2 Sam XVI. 11, 12. Habak. II. v. 3, ●.  
the proud in spirit] Exod. V. 2. Prov. XIII. 10.  
angry] Psal. verse 9 XXXVII. 8. Anger is an evil counsellor, hasty to prevent reason. The angry man is like him that casteth firebrands, like that demoniak, Mark II. 3. Prov. XIV. 17. and XVI. 32.  
resteth] It may rush in and be as a passenger, for a while, for a fit; in a wise man, as in David, 1 Sam. XXV. 21, 22. and in the Disciples, Luke IX. 54, 55. But it resteth, remaineth, lodgeth, as an inmate abideth, domineereth only in the bosom and breast of fools, is there as in its proper place. Yet in some cases anger is just, and a duty, Ephes. IU. 26. Mark III. 5. But the sun must never go down upon our wrath. We must not then hastily be angry, as to murmur at God's Providence, when things go not as we could wish, when we see Oppression prevailing, Psal. XXXVII. 1 Prov. XXIII. 17, 18. and XXIV. 19 We must be slow to anger, James I. 19, 20. Prov. XIX. 11. and chap. XV. 18. Tit. I. 7.  
That the former days] And yet this hath been a continual complaint in all days and ages; verse 10 and specially by them that would be thought wise and good, Matth. XXIII. 30. And yet the days are the worse because these men themselves are no better, Acts VII. 51. Truth is, some days and ages are worse than others: And we should be sensible of, and sorry for the evil of our days; yet not be unmindful of the good things of our present days that we do enjoy; much less repine at God's Providence in the ordering of the times; a thing we are too prone to, and the thing here checked: but our wisdom should be to leave God's work to himself; and for us to serve God in our generation, and walk with God, as Noah did in the worst of times; every one to amend one, and so the days would be better, Ephes. V. 15, 16.  
Wisdom] Good without it; verse 11 but better with it, Prov. XIV. 24. and such to God's glory, and the good of himself and others, Prov. III. 9 Luke XVI. 9 1 Tim. VI 11, 18, 19 The poor man's wisdom is oft despised, chap. IX. 15, 16.  
A defence] B, verse 12 good and useful: But Wisdom the more excellent, Job XXVIII. 15. Prov. VIII. and XVI. 16.  
giveth life] Prov. III. 16. and IX. 11. Whereas riches cannot, Psal. XLIX. 6,— 9 but sometimes taketh away the life of the owners thereof, Prov. I. 19  
Consider the work of God] See, verse 13 view, and ponder the work of God, his overruling hand and Providence in all the affairs of the world. When thou art apt to complain of the times, and oppressions therein, and the crooked courses and crosses thereof, look up above the creatures, and all second causes, and acknowledge and acquiesce in God's wisdom and justice, infinite above ours, who would not suffer or permit such things to prevail, if he were not so wise and powerful as to bring good out of evil, light out of darkness, order out of confusion, and to make all serve unto his own glory. He can use crooked tools to make straight work. And we cannot set things straight, or make the man straight that is borne crooked, we cannot amend things amiss, nor rectify what he hath made crooked, Job XXXIV. 12. His purposes must stand, and cannot be altered or resisted, Esay XIV. 24, 27. Job IX. 12. This consideration wrought upon Aaron, Levit. X. 3. upon Eli, 1 Sam. III. 18. upon David, 2. Sam. XV. 26. john XVIII. 11. See job IX. 4. we must make our own burden lighter by our patiented bearing it.  
In the day of prosperity] Enjoy it, verse 14 with a cheerful and thankful heart: and be mindful that the more wages requires the more work.  
but in the day of adversity consider] God intermingles both, like checker-work. As the Physician ministers sometimes Corrasives, sometimes Cordials, sometimes lets blood, even to swooning, sometimes useth Restoratives. We should consider this, Lam. III. 28. 33, 40. Heb. XII. 3,— 12. Mic. VI 9 Psal. XCIV. 12.  
hath set the one] That we should not either surfeit in prosperity, or despond in adversity, Lam. III. 38. Esay XLV. 7.  
find nothing after him] What shall after befall him; whether prosperity or adversity: or nothing better for him, and his advantage, than what God hath ordered and done.  
All things have I seen] He confirmeth the former point of God's dark and wonderful Providence, verse 15 as aforesaid, by his own observation and experience in his life-time, Esay XLV. 15.  
There is a just man] As Abel, Zacharias, Naboth, Stephen, and Martyrs all, Matth. V 10. Hab. I. 13. See 2 Kings XXII. 20. Esay LVII. 1.  
a wicked man] Job XXI. 7. Jer. XII. 1, 2. This is a sore stumbling block even to good and wise men. But it should teach them, and all, That there is a just and righteous day of doom to come, Acts XVII. 31. Rom. II. 5. And if wicked men live long, thereby they aggravate their sin; and God so shows his patience; and makes their judgement the more heavy, and to appear the more conspicuous.  
Be not righteous overmuch] Not in itself, verse 16 and in truth; but in thine own conceit; we must moderate our zeal with prudence, Matth. X. 16. not make ourselves over-wise, to do a thing conscientiously, scrupulously, upon opinion of duty, when indeed there was no necessity so to do; and so to make sin where God hath made none. And thus all will-worshippers are all over-religious, over-wise, or overweening, too too well conceited of their own religion, wisdom and worth. See Rom XI. 20.  
destroy thyself] By the former means involve thyself in much unnecessary trouble and danger; which otherwise thou mightest and wouldst fairly avoid.  
overmuch wicked] Not allowing any degree of wickedness. But cautioning most against the most excessive rank, the superfluity of naughtiness, James I. 21. When we run to the excess of riot in sin, 1 Pet. IV. 4. And being past feeling, give ourselves over to it, to work it with greediness, Ephes. IU. 19 doing wickedly with both hands earnestly, Mic. VII. 3. Jer. VIII. 6.  
before thy time] Wasting thy body by such sinning; or exposing thyself to the stroke of humane justice; or divine extraordinary vengeance upon such exorbitant outrageous sinners.  
Take hold of this] That thou be not overmuch wicked. verse 18 And from this, That thou be not righteous overmuch. But hold the golden mean, and mediocrity, keep constantly to duty, not turning aside to the right hand, or to the left, and yet wisely declining danger. For those that turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity, Psal. CXXV. 5. as malefactors to execution. When he that feareth God shall come forth of them all, those dangers all that extremes do usualy bring men to; be freed, or pulled as a firebrand out of the fire, Zech. III. 2. Psal. XXXIV. 9,— 16.  
Wisdom strengtheneth] Chap. verse 19 IX. 14, 16. Prov. III. 21,— 26. and Chap. XXI. 22. and XXIV. 5. Thus prudence excelleth pussance, 2 Sam. XX. 16,— 22. Cedant arma togae.  
Not a just man] This is reserved for the state of Perfection in Heaven, verse 20 Heb. XII. 23. Here we sin, yea even in doing of good; our best actions, even in holy duties, are stained with imperfections and corruptions, come short of what God by virtue of our creation, and his most righteous Law doth most justly require at our hands. Our whole hearts and souls now though we give them to God, yet are not those but much unlike those which God at first gave us. Pelagians and Papists are proud Justiciaries, Prov. XX. 9 1 Kings VIII. 46. James III. 2. 1 John I. 8. Nemo semper sapit.  
No heed unto all words] That are spoken of thee, verse 21 and against thee: heed not to know them all; or knowing all, lay them not to heart, to disquiet thee, or revenge them. In a brave composedness, with silence and patience set thyself above the reach and trouble of them: yet so, as thou be not wanting to the clearing of thy good name. See 1 Sam. XXV. 25. and X. 27. Prov. XIX. 11. 2 Sam. XVI. 10, 11.  
lest thou hear] Though they lest should, 1 Pet. II. 18. yet sometimes it falls out so, Job XXXI. 31. Yea, the abjects teared david's name, and ceased not, Psal. XXXV. 15. Yet see Jobs mind and moderation in this case, chap. XXXI. 13, 14, 15.  
Thy own heart] The power of conscience, verse 22 the conscience of our own guiltiness should meeken us towards others that do amiss, Gal. VI 1, 2. Tit. III. 2, 3. Matth. VII. 1,— 5.  
I will bewise] Solomon had many extraordinary means, verse 23 and used all endeavours to get and increase in wisdom; yet after all that, he found it fare from him, and he fare fromit. It surpasseth the sublimest understanding of man Job XXVIII. 12,— 21. and chap. XXXVIII. Rom. XI. 33, 34.  
Exceeding deep] As what not? verse 24 even in things Natural, and the works of creation; much more profound, abstruse, mysterious, and mystical in things supernatural in God's works of Providence, and man's Redemption, 1 Pet. I. 12 job XI. 6,— 10. Psal. CXXXIX. 6. This the cause why he was so fare from Wisdom.  
And to know the wickedness of folly] The vast, verse 25 and deep, and desperate corruption of man's heart; yea, the sinfulness of sin, Rom. VII. 13. For Contraries do best set off, and illustrate the one the other. And this he did, that he might the better anatomize and dissect both wisdom and wickedness to his own conscience, and to the consciences of others. See 1 Cor. XIV. 24. 25. Ezek. XIV. 5.  
The woman whose heart is snares] One instance of his discovery; verse 26 a bitter sweet, Prov V 4. & II. 16. & VI 26. IX. 17. This Solomon found most woeful experience; and here penitently proclaims it.  
her bands as bands] So Dalilah to Samson. So Prov. XVII. 22.  
escape-from her] As joseph did; not by his own strength, but the supernatural power of God's grace. See Prov. V. 8.  
but the sinner] Prov. XXII, 14. II. 19 Her steps take hold of hell, Prov. V. 5. and IX. 11.  
This] Mentioned, ver. 26. and 28.  
one by one] In his diligent search. verse 27  
Among all those] Thousand, verse 28 1 Kings XI. 3. Yet most evidently, many good women there have been, and are. But in respect of the discovery of hearts and natures, whether in good or evil, it is harder to find out throughly the perfect disposition of a woman, and their deep sleights, then of men. For whoredom taketh away the heart of a man, Host IU. 11. Prov. V. 6. and chap. VII. 21, 22.  
That God hath made man upright] In his creation, verse 29 Gen. I 27. Ephes. IU. 27.  
but they] Here he discovers the Original and fountain of all these evils and follies, not to be from God; but from themselves, and their Fall in Adam. So that man now is of another make; whole evil is in man, and whole man is in evil.  
Sought out] B● verse 30 Satan's guiles, and their own deceived hearts.  
many inventions] Many, and mighty; to be like to Angels, to God, Gen. III. 5, 22 many shifts to palliate their sins, and sinful courses.  
Who is as the wise man] None like him, chapter VIII verse 1 a matchless man, such as Abraham, Joseph, Job, Moses, Gen. XXIII. 6. and chap. XLI. 38. Job I. 8. Num. XII. 7. as those excellent ones of the earth, Psal. XVI. 3. the Worthies of the world, Heb. XI. 5.  
and who knoweth] Such are rare, one of a thousand.  
the interpretation of a thing?] Rightly to discern in all affairs, what in every case is to be done or left undone.  
face to shine] Asdruball did the face of Moses, of Stephen. The wisdom of Piety is reverend and venerable. Natural Conscience cannot but stoop and do obeisance to it. Some thus; A man's wisdom shines in his face.  
and the boldness] Shall be changed to the better, shall be doubled; as bold as a Lion, Prov. XXVIII. 1. Dan. III. 16, 17, 18. Psal. III. 6. and XXVII. 3. and XLVI. 3. Job XI. 15. Luke XXI. 28. Prov. IU. 18. Some thus, And wisdom will change the boldness of his face to more modesty.  
The King's commandment] Obedience in the Lord, verse 2 and for the Lord, Acts V 29.  
the oath of God] Whereby thou hast sworn allegiance to thy Prince, 1 Pet. II. 13. See Ezek. XVII. 15,— 21. So as this is both a limitation, and an enforcement of this duty. Papists can slight this oath; And some other too.  
to go out of his sight] Turn not thy back to him discontentedly; verse 3 fling not away in a chafe. But forbear and submit, Prov. XXV. 15. and chap. XXX. 32. If thou hast offended him, provoke him not more, by persisting in it.  
What dost thou?] Prov. verse 4 XXX. 31. Job XXXIV. 18. Yet he may be admonished, and altered, as 1 Sam. XIV. 45. as Elias, Micaiah, Nathan, and other Prophets did, he is not absolute, as God is, Job IX. 12. And as the Pope would be, as the Canonists make him.  
Whatsoever pleaseth him] Such was their power, specially in the Eastern Empires.  
the Commandment] Of God, verse 5 and the King.  
shall feel] Know-worth experimentaly.  
no evil] No danger of punishment, ver. 3. But being morigerous, and obedient, shall find good, and encouragement rather, Rom. XIII. 3, 4. Ephes. VI 8. 1 Tim. II. 2.  
a wise man's heart] Yields not blind obedience; But discerns when; and how, both the season, and the means and manner of obeying; so to apply himself to the King, as to prevent his displeasure, to gain his favour; and yet to preserve his conscience and allegiance to the King of Kings. See 1 Chron. XII. 32.  
time] A well chosen season, verse 6 which is the greatest advantage to any enterprise and action, Prov. XV. 23. Amos V. 13. Acts XXII. 25,— 29. and chap. XXIII. 6, 7.  
misery of man] Is great, for not knowing and observing that point of time, that proper season to every action; as the next verse expresseth.  
For he knoweth not] Jer. verse 7 VIII. 7. Luke XIX. 42, 44. Man cannot foresee, to prevent the misery. He is in the dark in regard of future events; He cannot so much as fore-appoint his own actions for the future, much less foresee the consequences & issues which would follow thereupon. Prov. XXVII. 1. James IU. 14. Therefore his misery is great upon him, not knowing that point of time and exact season only fit for transacting and dispatching his great affairs, which way is but one; And he so having a thousand ways to miss the mark, and but one to hit it. Difficult then is this; though not always altogether impossible, Prov. XXII. 3. and XXVII. 12.  
Power over the spirit] To retain breath and life, verse 8 to keep it from going away, to prolong it, or to adjourn and prorogue death, Psalm XLIX. 7,— 10. Heb. IX. 27. no man, no King can do it. The sith of death mows down as well the Lilies of the Crown, as the grass of the field.  
no discharge in that war] No weapon againstit, no dismission from it, no vacation, or exauctoration. Some apply this verse to the power of a King over the life of a man; and that there is no power in a man to withstand it and escape it, Prov. XVI. 14.  
neither shall wickedness] Sinful shifts avoid it; though they turn every way, move every stone, make a Covenant with death and hell, Esay XXVIII. 15, 18.  
Ruleth over another to his own hurt] Through his tyrannical rule, verse 9 and evil government he comes to hurt, punishment and destruction, Esay X. 12. and chap. XIV. 4. 23. 1 King's XV. 30. Thus he proceeds to another vanity, verse 10.  
The wicked buried] Such wicked Rulers buried magnificently. verse 10  
who had come and gone] In the administration of Government, as the phrase elsewhere is, to go in and out, Numb. XXVII. 17.  
from the place of the holy] Seat of judicature: Where the Holy one sits among the Judges and Rulers, as Lord Paramount.  
were forgotten] Their names perished, even in the places where they had so domineered, and been flattered, and been buried, Psalm XXXVII. 9, 10, 35, 36. Prov. X. 7.  
Because sentence] Psal. verse 11 XXXVII. and Psal. LXXIII. God is patiented, willing men should repent, 2 Pet. II. 9 Rom. II. 4. Esay XLVIII. 2. But men abuse this patience of God unto presumption, Fsay V 19 jer. XVII. 15. 2. Pet. III. 4. Matth. XXIV. 48, 49. Ezek. XII. 22.  
therefore the heart] Therefore wicked Rulers go on more boldly, and other wicked men abuse this patience of God unto presumption. But yet God's forbearance is no acquittance. If he be slow, yet he is sure; the deeper he draweth his arrow, the soarer it woundeth; his delay abused doubles the blow when it cometh.  
Though a sinner] Yea though he commit the same sin an hundred times over. verse 12  
and his days be prolonged] In prosperity, and his punishment be delayed.  
yet surely I know] Here he answereth that Tentation, whereby the godly are offended, and the wicked hardened.  
well with them] Psal. LXXIII. 1. Esay III. 10. He inverts the order, to begin with the remuneration of good men, to strengthen their faith, and comfort them against this tentation, that they may neither fret nor murmur; but go on to hold fast their integrity.  
not be well with the wicked] But very ill, verse 13 Esay III. 11. Num XXXII. 23. Psal. XI. 6. Nay even his prosperity shall slay him; and this Sunshine ripen them to ruin.  
Neither shall he prolong his days] Unless it be for a curse. And all that while living, he is truly dead; dead in sin, dead in Law, Mat. VIII. 22. 1 Tim. V 6. Col. II. 13. Luke XV. 24. Rom. VII. 9 Ephes. II. 5, 7.  
That there be just men] This vanity and vexation he doth more than once insist upon. verse 14 It hath gravelled great Divines, and Heathen wise moral men. But all this is done, and falls out here upon the earth; as it is in the words of the Text. The wicked live in pleasure, and receive their good things here, James V. 5. Luke XVI. 25. And the godly receive their rods; Physic and Surgery here. Yet this Solomon speaketh, not to censure the Providence of God, in this distribution of things, but according to judgement of flesh and blood; and thereby to show the vanity of these earthly things; using an argument against them, like to that argument used against Idolatry, Deut. IU. 19  
Then I commended mirth] Some make this a sensual and carnal deduction from the former passage and observation. verse 15 But it seems rather to accord with that sense formerly expressed, chap. II. 24. and III. 12, 13, 22. and V 18. That is all that can be reaped from all our labours in earthly things. And that will make our comforts to be much more comfortable; and our troubles to be fare less troublesome. Whereas the contrary puts us under the reign of continual unthankfulness, and indisposeth us to all duties of active and passive obedience, takes off the wheels of the soul, makes it as a limb out of joint, that can do nothing without pain and deformity.  
Dead flies] As one sinner, chapter X verse 1 in the precedent words; so here one sin destroys much good. Alike folly doth fly-blow a wise man's reputation, Neh. VI 11.  
heart is at his right hand] As his eyes are in his head, verse 2 chap. II. 14. He ordereth his affairs with discretion; he acts dexterously and discreetly with mature advice and judgement; he worketh by the guidance of his heart, Luke XIV. 28, 31.  
But a fools heart] He is lefthanded in his works and ways; doth them rashly, awkwardly, bunglingly, preposterously, As 1 Kings XII. 8. Esay XIX. 10,— 14.  
walketh by the way] He doth palpably discover to others, verse 3 and proclaim, That he is a fool, Prov. VI 13 and chap. XII. 23. and XIII. 16. and XVIII. 2. See Prov. XVII. 28.  
Leave not thy place] Thy office, verse 4 duty and obedience to him. A soldier must stand to his station, ch. VIII. 3. proudly fling not away in displeasure; much less, stand not to affront him; turn not, rise not up against him, as 1 Kings XII. 16. seek to pacify him, Prov. XV. 1. and if need be, go a little aside out of his sight, till his rage, and thy danger be overpast. See Judges VIII. 1, 2, 3. Gen. XXXII. 13. and XXXIII. 3. 1 Sam. XXIV. 16. and chap. XXV. 32. Prov. XXV. 15  
as an error] Haply by the erring information of others; verse 5 seeing Rulers must needs see much with other men's eyes, and hear much by other men's ears. And yet this error may prove a great mischief, to Church, and State.  
and the rich] In worth, verse 6 and wisdom. Dignity ought to wait upon Desert; though it always doth not. For Rulers sometimes grow into suspicion of such as eminently excel in extraordinary worth.  
Servants upon horses] Men of a low, verse 7 base, servile condition. And how insupportable this is, see Prov. XXX. 22. and how unseemly, see Prov. XIX. 10. It is a curse of God, Deut. XXVIII. 43. 44. Gen. IX. 25, 26. Lamented, Lam. V 8. Yet the Levellers would be at this, to lay all alike: As in Germany, in Anno 1525. But the issue of that attempt was to themselves deservedly miserable.  
He that diggeth a pit] This, verse 8 and the three following Proverbial similitudes tend all to this end, That evil usualy returneth on the heads of those that were the authors of it. Malum consilium consultori pessimum, Prov. XXVI. 27. and XXVIII. 10. Psal. VII. 16. and IX. 15. In application; against such as overturn the foundations of Laws, and Customs; and alter the long established and wholesome constitutions of Kingdoms, Nations, and people; and confound Rule and Subjection, and dissolve the ligaments of Government, Prov. XXVI. 27.  
Who so removeth stones, verse 9 etc.] Besides the general sense of the words, application of them may be made against those who remove landmarks; or rashly alter things seriously settled, and duly defined; and so do sow seditions, and raise factions.  
If the iron be blunt] Wisdom directeth to whet the edge; verse 10 to save the putting to of more strength; And so wisdom is better than strength chap. IX. 16. It guideth a man's actions without so much toil and labour, and a better end: without it, and Art and cunning by it, strength, and toil, and eloquence, or aught else is to small purpose.  
The Serpent will by't] If not charmed before. verse 11 And after the biting, the Master of the tongue or eloquent man, cannot help or better the matter. The meaning may be, to compare the spirit of disloyalty against Rulers, and rebellious speeches against them, to the biting of a Serpent: And the wise and humble speeches and demeanour of subjects to their offended Governors, to an enchantment to keep them from biting. Or, to show that a vain babbler, whose lawless tongue is ever finding fault with Government is no better than an uncharmed Serpent. It may be applied against any Sycophants and Slanderers whatsoever. Or to those who by't and babble at the Traditions of the wise.  
The words] Ephes. verse 12 IU. 29. Col. IU. 6. Prov. X. 32. and XII. 13. and XV. 1, 2. 4, 26. and XVI. 23, 24. Such were Abigaels' to David,  
swallow up himself] Prov. XIX. 28. and XII. 13. Rom. III. 13. James III. 2,— 12. Psal. LII. 3. Many men by their tongue have cut their own throats.  
is full of words] Multiplieth boasting discourses, verse 14 vainly tells his own undertake, brags what he will do, and what he shall have.  
cannot tell what shall be] No man, much less a fool, can tell this to himself.  
wearieth every one] By his wordinesse, and much idle vain babbling without any solid and sound matter; verse 15 as empty casks sound loudest, chap. V 3, 7. Prov. X. 19 and XVII. 17, 27.  
how to go to the city] He tires himself in trifles, being not able to manage the least matters, and easy for children; having not wit enough to keep the high road, to know the beaten path to the City. And yet he will foolishly labour and weary himself about hard and difficult matters.  
woe to thee O land] Esay III. verse 16 4. A child in years, For Tutors and Protectors have mostwhat self-ends, and deal not fairly and faithfully, or jar among themselves. Thus it was in Rome after the death of Ancus Martius: and in the Roman Empire in the times of Arcadius and Honorius. Yet the Land was blessed and happy under young Solomon, Josiah, Uzziah, our Edward the VI and others, for the parts and graces wherewith God endowed them. Or else a child in understanding and parts, rude and raw, without experience, discretion and abilities for so weighty an employment, of a childish disposition for wit, courage, carriage, this, though not a child in years. And such was Rehoboam, 1 Kings XIV. 21. with 2 Chron. XIII. 7. In a word, a worthless and wicked King is a Woe to the whole Land; and a great argument of God's anger against it, 1 Sam. VIII. 6,— 18. Job XXXIV. 30. Prov. XXVIII. 2. Esay XIX. 4.  
eat in the morning] Aretina riotous, and luxurious, unseasonably feasting.  
Son of Nobles] Nobly borne, verse 17 The ancient splendour of a royal stock and descent adds much honour to a King, Est in juvencis, est in equis patrum virtus. And much more when he is nobly bred up, nobly seasoned with principles of true nobility, wisdom, & holiness, honour and government; without which, nobility in blood and birth, are but shapes and shadows of true nobleness. Though never so much noble blood run in the veins, yet worthlessness and wickedness remaining in the heart, rendereth it ignoble.  
slothfulness] See the Observations on Prov. verse 18 VI 6. Here it seems appliable to a sluggish, childish, careless government of a Kingdom or Commonwealth.  
A feast] Feasting and wine have their mirthful use. verse 19 But money answereth all things, doth supply and minister the former; yea, and hath the dominion in humane affairs above all other things: money is the measure of all things, buyeth all things. Money is the sinews of war; bears the mastery, in matches, and marriages, and Lawsuits; effecteth all things.  
Curse not the King] Notwithstanding his errors in government, verse 20 or miscarriages in living, or wrongs done to thee, Exod. XXII. 28. 2 Pet. II. 10.  
no not in thy thought] Or conscience, or heart. Thought is not free. Jer. IU. 14. Esay LIX. 7. Psal. LXII. 4. It will likely break forth.  
for a bird of the air] The danger if thou mutter it in hugger-mugger, God can reveal it by brute creatures; birds, and beasts; by inanimate creatures. See Gen. IU. 11. Esay XXVI. 21. Hab. II. 11. As Luke XIX. 40. So in this case. However, Kings themselves have long ears. Yea, we say, walls, and hedges have ears. See that Ester II. 22. And consider the discovery of our hellish Powder-plot.  
Cast thy bread] It must be thine, chapter XI verse 1 well gotten, Ephes. IU. 28.  
upon the waters] Where it may seem clearly cast away, as if it were thrown into the Sea: lost, because the poor cannot recompense thee again, Luke XIV. 12, 13, 14. Yet lend in that manner, looking for nothing again, Luke VI 35. God will repay it, Prov. XIX. 17. Esay LVIII. 7. Yet some by water here do understand moist and fertile soil; well watered, or grounds on the sides of waters, such as on the banks of Nilus, which yield increase very abundantly: And, that so plentifully God will reward thy alms to the poor. In the former Chapter, as the Great Annotations do well observe, Solomon shown the excellent use of true wisdom, as a means of tranquillity of mind, and Remedy against the vanity and vexation of outward things, in Ordering our behaviour aright toward Superiors, for prevention of those dangers which their displeasure might subject us unto. In this Chapter he further discovereth the use thereof, unto the same end of comfortable living; so still pursuing his principal argument touching tranquillity and comfort of life, in Ordering our behaviour towards Inferiors, those especially that are in want.  
shalt find it after] Gal. VI 9 Prov. XI. 25. and XIX. 17. James V. 7. 2 Cor. IX. 6,— 10. Matth. XIX. 21. Deut. XV. 9, 10.  
to seven, and also to eight] Micah V verse 2 5. To many: as waters formerly, in the plural number, may likewise intimate. The necessity of a man may require it, when his person doth not deserve it. And thy ability must guide thee to Give with discretion, Psal. CXII. 5. Luke VI 30. Prov. XXXI. 20.  
thou knowest not what evil] Therefore sow whilst thou hast it: work while the tool is in thy hand, James IV. 14. Prov. XXVII. 1. By bounty evil of punishments and judgements is prevented: by unmercifulness to the poor, it is procured.  
If the clouds] They empty themselves in showers for the good of the earth. verse 3 So should rich men do, Psal. CXII. 9 And the showers fall upon all the ground, this as well as that. And so should the full and rich, not too solicitously inquire who it is to whom they give; He is a man, and needy man.  
and if the tree fall] Fall it must; and man must die. And as death leaves him, judgement finds him; and sentence goes upon him, for the right hand, or the left, according to his carriage towards the poor, Matth. XXV. 33,— 46. Or, This seems a vulgar Proverb touching things of small concerment, care, or choice. And to imply that our ordinary alms should fall upon any, this or that poor, and be distributed as it were with a blind hand, or hoodwinked eye, without any overcurious choice.  
He that observeth the wind] We must not stand scrupling and casting perils and objections and pretences to hinder or delay our almsgiving; and come with our Talon tied up in a napkin. Whereas any pertext serves the covetous miser, not to give.  
What is the way of the Spirit] Of the wind, verse 5 say some, John III. 8. Of the Soul rather how it comes into the body, and quickens it.  
Nor how the bones] Psal. CXXXIX. 14, 15, 16. Job X. 8,— 13.  
Knowest not the works of God] The works of his Providence; how he may dispose of thy life, and state, and ability of doing good: And therefore thou must take the present season and opportunity, and not delay and defer it lest the Lord haply will put thee out of all capacity and means to do it. Neither knowest thou by what secret and wondrous ways he may recompense thy liberality.  
In the morning] At all times, verse 6 upon every occasion and opportunity, chap. IX. 10. John IX. 4 Begin betimes, and continue to the end, lose not a day.  
Whether shall prosper) Though sometimes thy bounty prove misplaced; and it be ten to one if any cured Leper return to give thanks; yet thy reward is sure from God, Heb. VI 10. Matth. X. 41, 42. 1 Kings XVII. 13,— 16.  
The light is sweet] The light of life, as appears in the opposition, verse 7 verse 8. And specially a lightsome joyful life is such, Job II. 4. 1 King's XX. 32. Esther VII. 3. Life was given as a prey and reward to Ebedmelech and Baruc, Jer. XXXIX. 18. and XLV. 5. Yet consider it will end in death; days of darkness will come. Therefore unto complete happiness there is yet more to be done; not only to gain and secure the comforts of this life, and tranquillity of mind here amidst all the vanities and vexations of it; In which search and point Solomon had hitherto laboured; But also to get the assurance of a better life after this; which is the business of Solomon in the remaining part of this Book.  
But if a man live] And sit in the world's warm Sunshine, verse 8 and say he shall never be moved, Job XXI. 7,— 13.  
yet let him remember] That the light will be turned into darkness, the dark days will come of old age and death, chap. VI 4. Job X. 21. Psal. VIII. 12, 13. and CXLIII. 3. and they so many, as that the lightsome days of life will seem but a warm gleam, a momentany glance; which remembrance should cool our hot desires after the vanites of this life, and lay our lusts a bleeding and a dying at our feet, 1 Pet. II. 12. All that cometh, every man, every thing that happeneth, is vanity.  
Rejoice O young man] No encouragement; verse 9 but a scoff and irony, derides his folly, Like that of Elias to the Baalites; and many more in Scripture.  
and walk in the ways] Go on in the choice and chase of thy hearts desires.  
But know thou] To thy cost, though such would feign baffle their knowledge, and blind the eye of their understanding; yet it will not be. As Esay XXVI. 11. 1 King. XXII. 25. 2 Pet. III. 5.  
that for all these things] This mar the mirth; leavens all; is sour sauce to his sweet meats.  
God will bring thee] Whether thou wilt, or no, when thou shalt in vain call to rocks to hid thee.  
into judgement] If not in this life; yet at thy death, thy doomsday; and at the judgement of the great day, Judas 6. called The terror of the Lord, 2 Cor. V 10. Acts XVII 30. See Esay XXVIII. 17.  
Therefore remove sorrow] Sin, verse 10 which is the true cause of sorrow, as the end will prove, Prov. XIV. 13. and the true cause of God's indignation. Or, particularly this sin of thy indignation, and all inordinate passions, thy swelling and storming at the will and ways of God, or at any serious advice given thee. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Remember] 1. Chron. XXVIII. 9 Prov. XXIII. 17.  
thy Creator.] Heb. chapter XII verse 1 Creators, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. So God my Makers, Job XXXV. 10. The Makers of Israel, Psal. CXLIX. 1. thy Maker's is thy husbands, Esay LIV. 5. God's created, Gen. I. 1.  
youth] Youth is slippery, prone to lusts and sensual pleasures, apt to put off the evil day fare from them, to look on death and judgement as at a great distance; as evil men use to do, Ezek. XII. 27. Amos VI 3. 2 Pet. III. 3, 4. Solomon here calls on them to remember themselves better, to mind God in the Spring of their age, to present the first-fruits to God, as young Samuel, Jeremy, and Timothy did; and not to leave and reserve the dregs and snuffs to God.  
while the evil days] Old age is very unfit to begin so great a work in. Old age will bring evils enough of its own besides.  
While the Sun] Before the sight of thine eyes grow dim. Or, verse 2 before thy most delightful and pleasant things begin to grow unwelcome, unpleasant to thee.  
The darkness of lights about them, as of the Sun, candles, torches, etc. Whence we need Spectacles.  
Returning of the clouds after the rain, alludes to the winterly state of old age. In summer after rain, the clouds break up, and fair weather comes. Not so in winter. So in youth— Not so in old age—  
nor the clouds return] One grief comes upon the neck of another, as the billows of the sea wallow and tumble upon the back one of another. A proverbial speech, as Psal. XLII. 7.  
the Keepers of the house] The hands and arms. verse 3 Some here take in the head, and ribs, and outward senses, and inward faculties; but not so properly.  
strong men] Thighs and legs. Here some take in the feet.  
Grinders] The teeth. They come not with us into the world. And they commonly leave old men before they go out of the world.  
look out of the windows] The eyes: out of the eyelids.  
darkened] A further degree of dimness then that, ver. 2.  
And the doors] Old men shall shut the street-dooers, shall stay within doors, because the weakness of their appetite, and digestion, when the sound of the grinding with the teeth was low, and doth cause them to eat little, and so weakens their bodies, to stir abroad. Others, by streets here understand those Pipes and passages, which are for the meat to go down to the stomach; and for the breath and air to go down to the lungs; which passages have doors and covers, which open, and shut: And these being weakened in old age, breed weakness of the body, and difficulty of swallowing, and of speaking. Those which stretch the words to the Hearing; or to the eyelids; or to all the senses, seem to miss most of the true meaning.  
doors] Lips. When for want of teeth, the meat is rolled and ravelled in the mouth, and hath need of shut lips to keep it from falling out of the mouth.  
at the voice of the bird] Shall wake out of sleep at every little noise, through the badness of sleeping: and weariness to lie long in bed, by reason of little ease, and much pain and achings.  
daughters of music] That we can neither sing ourselves; nor be delighted with the music of others, 2 Sam. XIX. 34, 35.  
afraid of that which is high] To go up it, verse 5 being weak, and shortwinded. And fear stumbling at every little stone in the way. Both heights, and hollows, in the way annoy their go.  
almond-tree] The gray-hairs; which some call the white flowers of the Churchyard.  
grasshoppers] Every light thing shall be a burden to them, who are now already become a burden to themselves.  
and desire shall fail] The lust of the flesh (libido) As also the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. In decrepit age all these desires die, though they reigned and raged in him before.  
long home] The grave, his own house, and long home; Nox est perpetua una dormienda, Esay XIV. 18. never to return hither again, Job VII. 10. But long to abide there, till the Resurrection-day.  
mourner's] Jer. IX. 17. verse 6 and XXII. 18. Amos V. 16. See Job III. 8.  
silver cord] The marrow of the backbone; be loosed, or lessened and contracted; whence old men grow crooked and bending in the back. Some take this for the sinews, which are the ligaments of all the members; and are loosened by cold humours, and palsie-distempers.  
golden bowl] The heart, the blood of it, or the pericardion, or the brain pan, piamater, and pericranion. Some understand this of the cista fellis, the gall and choler, which easily breaks out in old men. Some of the skull, parted in the sutures and seams of it: diseases grow round, as a bowle-golden, for the colour and precious use of it in preserving the brains.  
or the pitcher be broken at the fountain] By fountain we may understand those principal parts, as the Heart, Head, Liver, from whence the vital supplies of spirit, heat, blood, sense, and motion are drawn into the body. By Cistern the same aforesaid; or those places of the body whereinto those vital supplies are drawn and conveyed. By the pitcher, and wheel, the veins, arteries, and sinews, which as subservient instruments do convey those supplies into the several parts of the body. Some understand by the pitcher, the bladder; and by the cistern, the belly; that neither duly perform their office: by the fountain or spring, the issuing forth of the water; the retentive faculty of the muscle at the neck of the bladder being broken, so that water, the urine issueth from him insensibly, without stay.  
the wheel broken at the cistern] The Lungs broken off from their motion of inspiration and respiration by phlegm from the stomach, stopping and stifling the Lungs. The Lungs are as the wheel transmitting the air in, and out, up and down: and when this free course is stopped, then follows rattling in the throat, and death after. The stomach is the cistern from all the body.  
And the spirit shall return] Gen. II. 7. Joh XXXIV. 14, 15. verse 7 And even the wisest Heathen have avouched the immortality of the soul; and a life of joy, or pain after this life ended, according to our carriage here. So Socrates, Plato, Cicero, Plutarch, Epicharmus, Euripides, Lucretius, Heraclitus, Virgil, and others.  
Vanity of vanities] He resumes and concludes his main Text, verse 8 after his large demonstration of it, by so many convincing arguments.  
the Preacher was wise] And moreover, verse 9 because he knew how hard it is to work man to a firm belief of this maxim, That all these earthly things are but vanity, he heaps up in these few words of his conclusion many cogent arguments yet more to reinforce the same; from his own wisdom, from his care to teach the knowledge of this principal lesson, his heed, his search, his ordering of it, and other Proverbs; from the delight and acceptableness of it; from the uprightness, and truth of it. All which as they may relate to his teaching, and writing in general; so more specially to the subject matter of this Book.  
The words of the wise] In this verse Solomon riseth higher, verse 11 and comes up to the praise of the words of the wise in general, which is most appliable to the Word of God in the Scripture; the praise is from their power and efficacy; they are as Goads; as Nails: And from their Authority, fastened ●d managed by the Masters of Assemblies, the Preachers and Ministers; And the Word, and they, both given from one Shepherd, the great Shepherd of the Sheep, the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet some would make this understanding of this verse, That the Authors of these Collections compiled them together into one body under the name of Solomon, guided thereunto, and so given, by and from Zerubbabel.  
by these] and by no other; verse 12 no humane and vain words or writings, Psal. XIX. 11. These are sufficient. Some conceit that Zerubbabel speaks thus to Abihud.  
Many books] This most true in this age, if not more than any other. But these many, in comparison of the Scriputure, may well be called wast-papers. And much study in them is a weariness of the flesh.  
The Conclusion of the whole matter let us hear] The first word of this verse, verse 13 rendered Conclusion is written in the Original with an extraordinary big letter; to put an extraordinary mark of Attention upon it. The meaning of the words of this, and the last verse, need no Explanation.   

THE Song of Solomon.  
A Song it is; as the title bears. Not an History, or a Prophecy: which conceit, while some have fancied to themselves to maintain the same, they have been driven, in their Expositions, forcibly as it were to ravish the Text, and to fall into sundry (I might say) ridiculous singularities and absurdities.  
It is the Song of Songs, the chiefest of his 1005. Songs, 1 Kings IV. 32. the most excellent of all others: and that for Expressions, Mysteries, Purity and Holiness; but most for the Subject and Matter of it, which is sublime, divine, and Evangelical.  
It is all a continued Allegory; full of Obscurities, as is confessed by all; somewhat the harder to understand by reason of so many diversities of understandings; somewhat the more difficult, because we meet here with divers Hebrew words which are not found in the Scripure besides. It is all mystical; as many words, almost so many Mysteries: As is likewise said of the Apocalypse. And the Jews hereupon are said to forbid the reading of this Book among them till they came to thirty years of age.  
Yet it appears to be an Epithalamium, a marriage-Song, a Song of Loves: Penned by Solomon, it seems in his younger years, and best times, not long after his marriage with Pharaohs daughter, whereunto he may haply allude in this Song; and long before his foul falls in his old age. But yet a greater than Solomon is here.  
Here is Christ the true Solomon, the Bridegroom; and his Church, the Spouse. Here between them is set down all Rhetoric of Love; pathetical Compellations, affectionate Eulogies, Passionate Expressions; all here pure and spiritual in this Celestial Poem: Here is nothing of Temporal, Carnal, or worldly mixture in it. The flowers and ornaments of Language in the Praises of Both, are not applicable to bodily or natural beauties, but to spiritual and supernatural. Here is hidden Manna; sancta sanctis; Pearls are not for swine. Here Solomon rips up, and rifles, as it were, all the rarities of Nature, to describe his sacred and supernatural mysteries. Yea, such is the matchless riches and sweetness of this Poem, and the subject of it, that though the storehouse of the whole world from both her spheres contribute to it, yet all is not sufficient: The richest earthly things are but gross and sensible illustrations of spiritual Majesty, and glory: They can serve but as mystical representations, as Emblems, as Hieroglyphiks, as Manuductions, and Perspectives to Grace, and Glory. Here between Christ, and his Church are interchanging of mutual Praises, Gloriations, and Congratulations; of Zealous spiritual long, and breathe of Loves, and Vows, and Joys; of acclamations, attestations and administrations. His divine and glorious excellencies in himself, and rich bounties and blessings to her; and her precious heavenly graces, and endowments, ornaments, and privileges by him, in an high character, in lofty and stately say and similes, are portrayed and laid out to the life, by her, and by him. And yet withal, her failings, and recoveries; and his withdrawings thereupon, and returnings, are not omitted  
And last, she being never satisfied with his Love, out of the unquenchable flame of her affection, she doth beg still a more intimate Union, and communion with him, and a perpetual fruition of him, for herself; and for all her members that yet knew him not: And that he would hasten his last coming, for the full finishing of all, and her enjoyment of him in Vision Beatifical in the Life of Glory. In all these Interlocutions betwixt them; she speaking nine times. He seven times; And both jointly together the same things, as in a Chorus, two times; In a word, There are such divine raptures as are able to fire the holy affections of the sons of men  
Let him kiss me, chapter I verse 2 etc.] The speech of the Church, the Spouse, to Christ, the Bridegroom, to the 8. ver. set forth in her wishes of his love, in expressions of the worth of it; of his sweet smelling graces, and the powerful virtue of them in her and in others, in his rich and gracious provisions for her; in her Vindication of her own deformities; and defects against the envious and uncharitable censures of others concerning her; and in petitioning him for further counsel and direction.  
If thou know not, etc.] Christ his Reply, verse 8 in the four next verses; granting her last request; with gracious and great commendations of her, and rich promises made unto her.  
While the King, etc.] The Church in this, verse 12 and the next verse returns the fruits of Christ's love and bounty, magnifying by similes his gracious goodness to her; and declaring what her cate shall be to keep and endear him to her.  
Behold thou art fair] Christ hear in this, verse 15 and the next verse congratulates his Church; Praising again, and so cherishing his lovely graces in her: and their joint flourishing fertility and felicity.  
The beams, etc.] Both Christ; verse 17 and his Church, join here together in a symphony, as in a Chorus, and with united delight, do extol the parts and fabric of their spiritual house and happiness.  
I am the rose, chapter TWO verse 1 etc.] Christ's speech, in the two first verses; characterizing both himself, and his Church; who, and what they are.  
Sharon] A fertile and pleasant region, lying in the Tribe of Gad, beneath Mount Lebanon, not fare from Bashan, 1 Chron. V. 16. There had David his herds of cattle fed, 1 Chron. XXVII. 29. It is coupled for excellency with Carmel, Esay XXXV. 2. it is supposed to be the same with Lesharon mentioned, Josh. XII. 18.  
Lily] Christ hear both Rose and Lily, ch. V 10. Mat. IX. 29. And in that Christ here doth so commend himself, it is for our sakes; that we might take notice of his excellencies, and fall in love with him.  
thorns] These thorns Christ makes useful to his Church; verse 2 to prick and let out her ill humours; to hedge her in and keep her within compass. See Judg. VIII. 16.  
As the appletree, etc.] The Church's speech, continued to the end of this chapter. And in all the next chapter, uttered sometimes of Christ, and sometimes to Christ. Declaring his praise and preciousness in himself, his loving deal with her may ways; his speech to her, so sweetly and affectionately inviting her unto him. And withal expressing her delight in him, and that she is sick of love towards him: charging others not to distrub him: and joying in her interest in him, & petitioning him for his speedy approach and presence. And all this in this second chap.  
trees of the wood] Wild, fruitless trees, verse 3 or trees of hedg-fruit. But in Christ is all-sufficiency for us, Col. I. 19 John I. 16. Col. III. 11.  
banqueting house] Of inward consolations through peace, verse 4 and joy in Believing, and the comforts and graces of the Spirit: and that by the means of his Word and Ordinances.  
Flagons] Large measures of that wine in Christ's banqueting house, verse 5 or wine-cellar, ver. 4.  
apples] Such as fall from Christ's appletree, ver. 3.  
sick] Ever & sinking swooning with a love-qualme, through excess of love, & exuberancy of spiritual joy in Christ, such as she could hardly stand under, but that the raptures and ravishments thereof, the ecstasies thereby, do even overwhelm her spirit, Ephes. I. 18. and III. 19  
His left hand, etc.] Christ himself relieves my sickness, verse 6 supplies my desires, fulfils my joy, prevents your help and comfort, or at least, works with it effectualy. Christ circleth his Church with all healing, all comforting embracements.  
by the Roes, etc.] By the things most dear and precious to you: verse 7 as these are to Shepherds. As ever ye love any thing, and desire it may not perish, disquiet him not. Or rather than disturb him, abide ye from him, abide without doors, with the Roes and Hinds of the fields; as some make the meaning to be.  
until he please] until he waken of his own accord. Be not overhasty with him, to disease or displease him; but hold out in faith and patience; Let him take his own time, who is a God that waiteth to be gracious, Esay XXX. 18.  
The voice, etc.] She being sick with pangs of love, verse 8 lay lingering and listening, hankering, and harkening after her beloved; and behold here she hears his voice, John X. 3, 4. And sees him coming; so as neither mountains, nor hills; her enormities, or infirmities; or the world's oppositions and emnities shall hinder his coming.  
behind our wall] He is come so near. verse 9  
looketh forth] Or, looketh in. Thus he returns, and comes by degrees. Never fare off, or staying long absent, upon her seeking and longing after him. Yet the full enjoyment and fruition of him is reserved for the life to come, 1 Cor. XIII. 12.  
in the clefts of the rock] Jer. XLVIII. 28. verse 14  
in the secret places of the stairs] for secrecy and security; or for conscience of infirmity and modesty.  
my Beloved is mine, etc.] She is sure, verse 16 and speaks it boldly, 1 John IV. 16. 1 Cor. VI 17.  
he feedeth] Though before, and at such a time, she knew not, Ch. I. 7. yet now she knows, and can tell it to others.  
In this Chapter the Church implying Christ's departure from her, occasioned by her own negligence and security; sets forth her diligent scrutiny, and search for him; her finding of him; her dutiful care, and behaviour towards him, and holy gloriation in his Majesty, and beauty; which she inciteth others to mind and magnify.  
By night] Even night after night. chapter III verse 1  
I fought] Sought and sought, instantly & earnestly, Jer. XXIX. 13. She longed, as David did, 1 Chr. XI. 17. Counts all but loss and dung in comparison of Christ, Host V 15. Psal LXXVIII. 34. Esay LXIII. 15.  
but I found him not] We are faulty: And yet withal too hasty; we antedate the promises; and are ready to complain of Christ's delay, though procured by ourselves.  
I will rise] An holy, verse 2 and resolute determination.  
now] Presently, without losing any opportunity; while the day and time of grace lasteth: Delays are dangerous, Host V 6. Prov. I. 28. John VII. 34. & VIII. 21. And too many sluggishly use them, as Pro. VI 10.  
the city] Jerusalem, where the Temple, Priests, and Ordinances were: Jesus was found there, Luke II. 46. Psal. CXXII. 4.  
a little that I passed from them] From the Watchmen, verse 4 the means, and Ordinances; that the finding might not be attributed to the excellency of the means; but unto God, 1 Cor. III. 6, 7. Rom. IX. 16.  
I found him] Host VI 3. Mark VII. 24, 25.  
would not let him go] Asdruball, Gen. XXXII. 26. Job XIII. 15. Rom. VIII. 35.  
Who is this] Chap. VIII. 5. verse 6 There spoken concerning the Church. See the Observations there. And so possibly it may be spoken here. Or else spoken by the Church, concerning Christ; as the words following all along do seem to imply; she continuing her high expressions, and continual ascensions in her affection to Christ. The words following seem to me to be straitened by Commentators, and tied to more particular senses and applications, then in their general meaning they need, or will well bear. The Church pleaseth under the Person and Parable of Solomon, and his glory, in his Bed; in his bed-chamber-warders, or Esquires of his body; in his Chariot; in his Crown in the day of his Espousals; and in their descriptions; to typify, and magnify the glorious state of Christ her Bridegroom, in all his braveries.  
Christ here in a great part of this Chapter, amplifies the Praises, and the Graces of his Church, by elegant similes and ornaments of speech, not applicable to bodily, but to spiritual beauty. And proceeds to admonish and dehort her from unworthy society and communion which he urgeth by fresh praises, and vows of love. To which she makes a brief Reply, by desiring to be made fit for those Praises and future affections, by the work of his Spirit; and that he may come to enjoy them in her.  
fair] Christ hear interchangeably seems, chapter IV verse 1 as it were, rapt and ravished, and altogether enamoured with his beautiful Bride; sets her forth in all her parts, in her eyes, hair, teeth, lips, temples, neck and breasts, in that fairness, and comeliness, which indeed he himself hath put upon her, Ezek XVI. 14.  
no spot in thee] Ephes. V. 26, 27. Apoc. XIV. 5. verse 7 Not such as Judas ver. 12. and Deut. XXXII. 5. no Leopard-spots: none that God will so account; though in many things we offend all, James III. 2.  
Shenir and Hermon] Deut. III. 9 1 Chron. V. 23. verse 8 Of Hermon, see the Observations on Psal. LXXXIX. 12.  
a fountain sealed] For preservation from pollution, verse 12 and for the excellency of it, John IV. 14.  
a fountain, etc.] Or, Oh fountain, etc. verse 15 For some make this the Church's speech to Christ, acknowledging, that for all she is, or hath, the entire praise belongs to him alone, is derived from him, Psalm LXXXVII. 7. John XV. 5. Esay XXVI. 12. Host XIV. 8. Psalm CXV. 1.  
Awake] The Church prays, verse 16 and accordingly believes, that these winds, the besoms of the world, may ever blow to the good of the garden, Christ's Church, for her fruitfulness, that Christ may come and reap the pleasant fruits thereof, 1 Cor. IX. 7. He and she, make both one mystical Christ, 1 Cor. XII. 12.  
Christ pleaseth to grant the request of his Church, and cometh, and accepteth her entertainment; yea, and bringeth his friends with him, and feasteth them, vers. 1. But this kindness, it seems, is not so well improved by her as it deserved, but she is surprised by another fit of drowsy negligence, and tepidity; and so she is brought into a fresh danger of losing him, who after much patiented waiting, knocking, and calling upon her, and her unkind answer thereunto, becomes angry; and being not received when he tendered himself, departs displeased, and is hardly reconciled, though she testify much care and importunity in seeking him, and therein suffereth losses, and wounds for his sake; And chargeth others to tell him that she is sick of love.  
I am come, chapter V verse 1 etc.] Christ so readily answers and grants the Church's Prayer, Psal. CXLV. 19 and XX. 4. and XXXII. 5. and XXXIV. 15. Esay LXV. 24. Dan. IX. 20,— 23. She seeks not him in vain, Esay XLV. 19  
eat O friends] The holy Angels; or Saints on earth rather, Esay XLI. 8. John XV. 14. James II. 23.  
abundantly] Ephes. V. 16.  
I sleep, verse 2 but, etc.] The Church's infirmity. As, Matth. XXV. 5. and XXVI. 41. she lets fall the watch of the Lord; and so sins away her inward peace, as David did, Psal. LI.  
It is the voice, etc.] She soon hears the first call and knock; as being half awake; awake in the hidden man of the heart.  
Knocketh] Apoc. III. 20. Micah. VI 9  
my locks with the drops] Thus Christ stands bareheaded, as with cap in hand, and that in foul weather too, suing, wooing, and begging admittance; and yet must go look another lodging.  
I have put off my coat] Luke XI. verse 3 7. A silly excuse; and yet worse than so, in seeking to mend one fault by making another. Thus the flesh is both weak and wayward: But it is to be served, as Paul doth, 1 Cor. IX. 27. And as he adviseth others, Rom. VI 12.  
how] Why, easily enough: It had been no such great matter. Sin and shifting came into the world together. Look to that, Heb. XII. 25. and chap. II. 3. Lest refusing this Call, they hear that Command, Matth. XXV. 41.  
by the hole] Christ herewith is offended and gone, verse 4 ver. 6. Seems minded, as Mark XIV. 41. and Ezek. III. 27. Yet even then he leaves a sweet remembrance behind him.  
my bowels] She had no rest in her spirit; her bowels earned towards him; her heart asked and quaked for the unkindness she had offered him: she sorrowed according to God, or as God would have it, 2 Cor. VII. 9  
I risen up] She better bethinks herself, verse 5 she starts and stirs, and she leaves her bed of carnal security, would mend her former forethought negligence.  
dropped with myrrh,] Testimonies and tokens of his sweetness left behind him, where his hand had been; with a secret instinct to attract her, as the Loadstone doth the Needle: that did whet, edge, steel her affections towards him; and wrought her to that resolution, Host II. 7.  
I opened] Better late than never. verse 6  
was gone] She had presumed too much of his patience, and abused it, Micah III. 4. she hoped here, but miss of it.  
my soul failed] Psal. XXX. 7. she suffers now; she may thank herself for it.  
I sought him] She goes not to bed again; but seeks him, with all her might: seeks, and calls, and gives not over. This is the guise of the godly, Esay XXVI. 9  
I could not find him] She was so justly dealt withal, Esay LIX. 1, 2. And this is the Churches soarest affliction, whereof they bitterly complain, Lam. III. 8, 44. Job XXX. 20. Hab. I. 2. A spiritual desertion is a kind of Hell itself to a godly soul. This sense of Loss they count heavier than the sense of Pain. And indeed the tears of Hell are not sufficient to bewail the Loss of Heaven.  
The Watchmen] Now she will seek him through thick and thin, verse 7 by night itself, without delay, among the Watchmen, and midst of dangers. Nothing shall stay her, she is at no rest without him. See chap. III. 3.  
they smote me] Even these Watchmen, Ezek. XXXIII. 2, 6, 7. smote her with the tongue of just reproof and rebuke, out of God's Word, for her former fault, and slothful neglect of duty.  
I charge you] See chap. II. 7. verse 8 and chap. III. 5. But here her charge varies. Tell him, and what shall ye tell him? as the Hebrew hath it. Like that phrase in Host IX. 14  
sick of love] Chap. II. 5.  
What is thy beloved, verse 9 etc.] And they double the demand: And that by reason of her so extraordinary charging them, if not swearing and adjuring of them. Some singular thing than was in the man, and in the matter. They question likely, not as utterly ignorant of Christ; but that they might hear the Church what she had to say to him; and by her discourse they might better their knowledge, 1 Pet. I. 12.  
My beloved, verse 10 etc.] The Churches large character of Christ to them, she describes him, and his particular praises in his several parts, in sundry Similes, but no hyperboles; for Christ admits of no hyperbolie; he is altogether matchless and incomparable. She describes his colour, head, locks, eyes; cheeks, lips, hands, belly, legs, countenance, mouth; and that he is altogether lovely. Her Love wants no Rhetoric to display his parts; she thinks she can never speak enough of him.  
Wither] The effect of the Church's speech being so full of affection and admiration, chapter VI verse 1 what it wrought upon the daughters of Jerusalem. And here they double their demand; as they did, chap. V 9  
thou fairest] Though she acknowledged herself black, chap. I. 6. And was now in a distress and a desertion.  
that we may] They cannot help her, to satisfy her desire; but they will join to seek him with her. So much good they received by her holy conference with them. And so God blesseth the holy conferences of his people; and the communion of Saints, Zech. VIII. 21. And surely best it is to seek Christ with the Church, in her company; she being the pillar and ground of truth, and as that pillar of fire in the Wilderness, to guide and go before us.  
is gone down] See before chap. V. 6. verse 2 But now she can tell it herself; and tell it to others. And she is ready so to do, apt to communicate all she knows, all she can tell them, 1 Cor. XII. 7. Not the pouring out, but the want of pouring out, dries up the streaming of that oil of Grace, 2 Kings IV. 6.  
into his garden] Chap. IV. 16.  
I am my beloved's] Chap. verse 3 II. 16. and chap. VII. 10. Here her faith reviveth. And come what will come, she rests upon this resolution.  
Thou art beautiful, verse 4 etc.] The Church having confessed her fault; and seeking so earnestly to repair the breach, and renew her love and interest in him; Christ hereupon is so ready to receive her, and afresh so highly to praise and commend her; as formerly he had done, ch. iv which shows that he is no changeling; and makes to her singular comfort, Jer. III. 22.  
as Tirza] Josh. XII. 24. 1 Kings XIV. 17. and chap. XV. 33. so beautiful a City.  
as Jerusalem] Lam. I 1. and chap. II. 15, 16. Psal. CXXII. 3. and XLVIII. 2. and LXXXVII. 3. and CXXXII.  
terrible] To daunt enemies, and draw hearts unto her, she is admirable, inexpugnable.  
Turn away thine eyes] Chap. verse 5 IU. 9 If she be sick of his love, he is overcome by hers: no love lost between them.  
threescore Queen's] This verse is put hypotheticaly, verse 8 by way of supposition: Be it so.  
my Dove] The rendition of the case, verse 9 and comparison; Yet allt hose would not equal thee; yea, even they themselves would yield the praise and blessing to thee, Deut. XXXIII. 29. 2 Sam. VII. 23. Ps. CXLIV. 15.  
Who is she, verse 10 etc.] Many make this the praise which the Queens and Concubines give the Church; not hereby doubting, but admiring her. and her excellency. Yet I see not but they may well be a continuation of Christ's speech in praising her; not unlike to that in the fourth verse aforegoing.  
I went down] Christ's inspection and care of his Church, verse 11 and Congregations, and how they fructify, and flourish, Esay V. 2. Matth. XXI. 34. 1 Cor. IX. 7. This phrase speaks not a present ignorance in him; no more than that phrase, Gen. XVIII. 21.  
Or ever I was ware] i. e. verse 12 not ignorantly; but suddenly. As Esay XLVII. 11.  
my soul, etc.] This seems to denote the affectionate haste and desire, wherewith Christ was carried on, in a kind of insensible manner, to revisit his Church, and restore comforts to her, to present his ardent and longing affection to behold the flourishings and propagations of his Church.  
Amminadab] Likely some swift Charet-driver, some translate it appellatively, my willing people. Some make the whole verse to be the speech of the Church, confessing her ignorance that Christ was gone down to that end, as is expressed in the former verse; But that he was gone away from her in angry displeasure, for her unworthy and sluggish neglect of him, chap. III. 3. And therefore she drove on so furiously to find him out again; yea, so furiously, that she over past him. So obscure is this text, and the meaning so dark and difficult to determine.  
Return, etc.] Various likewise are the Opinions of Interpreters here: I conceive, The word fairly come of, as the words of Christ to his Church; mainly and earnestly recalling her to return to him.  
O Shulamite] Not Shunamite. Some make it the feminine of Solomon; and so to denote his wife; the women being usualy called after their husband's names, Esay IU. 1. And so his Spouse is the figure of the Church of Christ throughout this Song.  
that we may look upon thee] view and contemplate thee; and thy beauty with complacency and delight.  
What will ye see] Seems best to be Christ's words still; in answer of his own question.  
as it were the company of two armies] As in that joyful day at Mahanaim, and the Vision there of Jacob, Gen. XXXII. 2. The Spouse here likened to these two armies. Or, that she is so guarded and safe-guarded, with such armies, as Jacob there was. Yet some apply this to that intestine war within her, of the flesh and spirit, fight as two armies within her, as the twins did in Rebecca's womb.  
Christ here to the tenth verse, continueth his Praising of her again, running over every grace and ornament in her, from the lowest to the highest; together with his joy and pleasure that he takes in her; And all under new and fresh Similes and exemplifications. And thereupon, in the tenth verse, and to the end of this chapter, the Church renews the joyful profession of her love to him, and of his desire towards her; inviting him to her Assemblies to see them how they prosper, and she promiseth to give and devote all her best fruits wholly to him, for whom alone she had brought them forth, and by whose blessing she flourished with all manner & sorts of them, both new and old.  
How beautiful] This beautifulness is ascribed, chapter VII verse 1 with admiration, to sundry parts of her; and to her whole person oftentimes.  
O Princes daughter] 1 John III. 1. John I. 12. 2 Cor. VI 18.  
the King is held in the galleries] Christ himself. verse 5 Yea, and no earthly King but would find in his heart to be tied to these walks, and to be held, as it were, prisoner in the sight of thee and thy bravery, Ps. CXXXVIII. 4, 5. and XXVII. 4. being so astonished, and never satisfied with the sight of thee, and thy beauty, and so over-valuing it above his own, and all other earthly glory whatsoever.  
How fair] Such passionate admiration of her, verse 6 proceeds from his wonderful love to her; agreeing well to that saying, Esay LXII. 4, 5. and LXV. 19 Zeph. III. 17. And cannot but procure some suitable reciprocal love to him, Ezra IX. 13, 14. 2 Cor. V 14.  
Palmtree] The Emblem and symbol of constancy, verse 7 and fruitfulness, patience, and victory, Psalm XCII. 12, 13. Apoc. VII. 9, 10.  
go up to the Palmtree] He will familiarly dwell with his Church; verse 8 and with the boughs and branches thereof; purging and pruning them, and making them fruitful.  
and the smell of thy nose] Or nostrils; the breath that thence proceedeth, shall be sweet, odoriferous, and grateful: to those at least that have their inward senses habitualy and spiritualy exercised.  
causing the lips] Hyperbolicaly, verse 9 but excellently expressing the virtue and efficacy, the power and vigour of the Word and Gospel, preached under the similitude of the best wine, and the operation of it. They that have tasted of the power of the good Word of God, and of the world to come, cannot forbear to declare and speak of it to ●ll the world, Acts IV. 20. and II. 4, 11, 14.  
I am my Beloved's The Church's renewed speech and profession, verse 10 upon Christ's so great commendations of her, and affections towards her, notwithstanding her former failings and imperfections. She grows up to this confident assurance.  
Come] She is emboldened hereupon to these Petitions following; verse 11 that he will accompany her to visit the particular Churches, that his spirit and care may join together, to prosper hers, for the good of all the Churches. She will not now go any way, or do any thing without him and his company. She had lately felt the sorrow and smart of his absence from her, of her being without him, and his presence. She is minded now, as Bar●k was, Judg. IU. 8.  
my loves] The fruition of my graces, verse 21 the fruits of my faith, hope, love, good works, thanksgivings, etc. She will detain nothing that is hers from the love and service of Christ, but resign all unto him, who is worthy alone to enjoy all.  
The mandrakes] See the Annotations on Gen. verse 13 XXX. 14.  
at our gates, etc.] This may seem to allude to the order of strawing the wedding-house doors with sweet smelling flowers: or of laying up of fruits in gatehouses and garners.  
for thee] All for Christ. He gives all to them, all his offices and efficacies; all his merits and graces; what he did, and suffered, was for them: and they return all to him, all that they are, and have all that they do and suffer, all their good works and services, as fruits of his own Graces in them, they ascribe and devote unto him, Psal. CXV. 1. that he may be Ali in All.  
In this last Chapter, the Church proceeds to her dearest wishes for and after Christ, How she feign would have him, and use him; in the three first verses. And in the next verse, she again chargeth others not to disturb or displease him.  
as my brother] That she might have more close conjunction and consociation with him, chapter VIII verse 1 more entire familiarity and sweetness, more intimate union and communion with him.  
kiss thee] Chap. I 2. Psal. II. 12. and publicly profess thee, notwithstanding any danger.  
yet they should not despise me] 2 Sam. VI 22. not dishearten me from duty and affection: but she would bravely slight all scorning Michols, all contumelies and contempts for her conscience sake, and Christ's sake.  
〈◊〉 mothers house] The universal Church she calls her her mother; verse 2 in her universal latitude of all her members; yea, sometimes comprehending in that notion Christ the head also, as, v. 5. And so again in the New Testament, the whole Church in all her members with her head Christ, is called Christ, i. e. mystical Christ, 1 Cor. XII. 12. Thither from without, would she bring him with solemnity and joy; and there humbly welcome and entertain his presence with all honour and obedience.  
instruct me] The Church would do it instrumentaly and subordinately, from God primarily and originaly, John VI 45. Esay LIV. 13. Jer. XXXI. 34.  
of spiced wine] Prov. IX. 2. This should be her hospitality and kindness to Christ: nothing too dear for him, as he doth the like for her, Esay LV. 1, 2, 3.  
who is this, verse 5 etc.] Chap. III. 6. Some would have this to be the speech of the Church; some, of Christ; some, of the Angels.  
that cometh up] Sure whosoever speaks it, this is meant of the Church; it is she comes up. There are continual ascensions in the hearts of God's people▪ whiles here; they are ever aspiring to heaven-ward.  
from the wilderness] Of this world and the tribulations of it, of sin, and the temptations and miseries of it.  
Leaning] For otherwise without him she could not ascend. No more than the Vine without its supporter; or the Ivy without its Oak. And leans truly; not as those, Micah III. 11. And leans wholly and solely upon him; utterly unbottomed of herself, and of every creature. All other are but as, Job VI 17. and, VIII. 15. and, Esay XXXVI. 6.  
I raised thee up, etc.] Some understand these words as spoken by the Church, and in answer to Christ's question; That namely, I is she herself, and no other; even she that raised him up and awoke him from under the appletree, by her prayers; as, Psal. XLIV. 23. Matth. VIII. 25. Esay LXII. 7. And there by acts of faith, and believing on the promise, did after a sort conceive, bear, and bring him forth. And that it is she also that in the extreme height and heat of her love and zeal, so prays to him, and so professes, as is in the two verses following. Others under stand all these words as spoken by Christ to the Church, whose grace alone did, and doth raise up his Church, depressed and fallen under the tree of offence after the eating of the forbidden fruit, lying in her blood, as it is, Ezek. XVI. 5, 6. then and there he said unto her, and be the mother of the living, as, Gen. III. 20. And so they make the rest of the words to be his command to his Church, naturaly following as her duty, from the consideration of his foresaid benefits to her vouchsafed. But yet, however the words in the fifth verse be taken, I do rather incline to understand the words in the six and seven verses to be the Churches; by reason of their masculine idiom. She so begging Christ's dearest love to her: and so professing her own love to him, as riding in a Chariot o triumph, victorious over all oppositions, unconquerable, unquenchable. And such indeed is the Divine mutual love between Christ and his Church, thus exalted to the highest.  
Set me as a seal] Have me in precious esteem: verse 6 bear me on thy breast, and shoulders, as Aaron did the Tribes, Exod. XXVIII. 11, 12, 20, 21, 29, 30. Thus she begs to be highly remembered, preserved honoured, by Christ; in his heart dearly cherished and valued; by his arm mightily defended.  
strong as death] Death conquers all; is the King of terrors, Job XVIII. 14. yet Love as strong as death: Jonathan would have died for the love of David; and David for Absalon. See Rom. XVI. 4. Apoc. XII. 11. She would not refuse to die for him: but shall die, if he grant not her desire. Wherein the irresistible and undaunted vigour and courage of holy love and desire after Christ, is exalted to the highest.  
as the grave] Which is never satisfied and filled, Prov. XXX. 16.  
coals of fire] Luke XII. 49. This was her fever and sickness, in this Song. She was carried up, as it were, in a Chariot of fire; and consumed, as it were, in her love towards Christ in the zeal of it, Psalm LIX. 9 and CXIX. 139. See 2 Cor. V 13. Not lukewarm she.  
Many waters, verse 7 etc.] As no good can match it, so no evil can over-match it. Nay, the floods of afflictions are so fare from drowning this Love, that they do rather inflame and increase it; as the water that is cast upon lime, Rom. VIII. 35.  
all the substance of his house] To buy this love of me, or to get it from me; or to bribe and corrupt it. Yea, his house itself, lands, life and all.  
utterly oontemned] Asdruball, Acts VIII. 20. Phil. III. 8. Matth. X. 37. Luke XIV. 26. IX. 24.  
we have a little sister] Thou Lord and I have such a one; verse 8 meaning the Church of the Gentiles; so thy holy Prophets have foretold me. So as this continues to be the speech of the Church; or of them both.  
no breast] Not marriageable yet immature yet. As once the Church of the Jews also was, Ezek. XVI. 7, 8.  
What shall we do] Love is laborious, Sichem will do all that can be done for his beloved Dinah. So Paul for the Jews, Rom. IX. 1, 2, 3. True Love is not in word only, but in deed, John XIV. 15.  
when she shall be spoken for] For her good, and advancement; for to have an husband, Gal. IU. 4. Rom. XVI. 25.  
If she be a wall] The answer to the foresaid question: verse 9 Parabolical, very obscure, and difficult: Yet seems plain in this, that Christ▪ and the Jewish Church are contriving here and mentioning some good, which they purpose to do to their sister, the Church of the Gentiles: That in nothing they will be wanting unto her; but in love provide and do all for her that they can in her respective conditions. If she be a wall, strong, and well-grounded; Or when she shall be so; we will do thus and thus for her. Or, they will make her a Wall first; and afterwards enlarge her; pulling down that partition-wall, which formerly was between Jew and Gentile; and then making a new wall, larger, and able to comprehend both Jew and Gentile.  
We will build] We both; yea the whole blessed Trinity, will have an hand in building the Church of the Gentiles.  
a palace of silver] A royal precious Palace; that she may beseem to be the City of the great King, Psal. XLVIII. 2.  
and if she be a door Or, when she shall be a door: to open to the righteous Nation, etc. Esay XXVI. 2. to open to the faithful Ministers, 1 Cor. XVI. 9 that come to build her for an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. II. 22. to open to the King of glory, Psal. XXIV. 7. And thus become, as it were, the gate of heaven; as Gen. XXVIII. 17.  
enclose her with board of Cedar.] Board her, and beautify her with fair, sweet, and strong Cedars; Compass her with my everlasting mercies; and preserve her walls and her gates, that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her, Esay XXVI. 1. and LX. 18. Matth. XVI. 18.  
I am a wall] Saith this Church of the Gentiles; verse 10 answering that in the former verse. Or, when I shall so be, as I desire to be?  
and my breasts like towers] Not, as once, without breasts, verse 8. but now, as, Ezek. XVI. 7. yea, beyond those of my elder sister, new like towers, fare greater than those. See Esay XLIX. 21. and LIV. 1. and LX. 4, 8. and LXVI. 8.  
then was I, etc.] Or, then shall I be, etc. Here is the effect and issue of her being built up through Christ. For when God shall have united these two sticks, Ezek. XXXVII. 19 And made way for those Kings of the earth, Apoc. XVI. 12. then it shall be said of both, what hath God wrought? as, Num. XXIII. 23. then she shall be near her complete happiness, her heavenly and everlasting peace. And all this through the free favour, and mere mercy of God in Christ.  
Solemon had a vineyard] This, verse 11 and the two next eurses, are the last speech of Christ to and of his Spouse, in this Song. Wherein he magnifies the price and praise, the precious fruitfulness and worth of his Church, by the comparison of a Vineyard, the best of Vineyard, even solomon's in Baalhamon; a very fruitful place, a Lord of multitudes of wine; as the word signifieth. And yet is that far short of Christ's Vineyard.  
he let out, etc.] Solomon set and let out his to keepers and farmers.  
every one] Every Tenant and Keeper, for his share.  
a thousand pieces of silver] See Esay VII. 23 a thousand Vines for a thousand silverlings. Every keeper then likely had so much ground as would plant a thousand Vines. And wonderful then was the fruitfulness and increase that would raise the rent to so high a rate. Of silverlings and shekels, See the Observations on Exod. XXXVIII. 24.  
My vineyard] The Church often called a Vineyard, verse 12 Esay V. 1,— 7. Psal. LXXX. 8. Here is the other part of the comparison, the difference between Christ's Vineyard, and that of solomon's. This superior to that.  
which is mine] He owns it: And it is his by a manifold right of donation, purchase, conquest, plantation, preservation, fructification, 1 Pet. I. 18. 1 Cor. III. 7.  
is before me] Ever in his sight, dear and tender in his eyes. He is always with his Church, Matth. XXVIII. 20. He walks among her candlesticks; having engraven her upon the palms of his hands, and her walls being continually before him, Esay XLIX. 16. and under his constant never-slumbring charge and protection, ch. XXVII. 3.  
Thou, O Solomon] Solomon could not be ever with his Vineyard; nor dress it himself. But the Keepers and Tenants must have their share of the fruits of it to themselves, as good reason they should. But I look to my Vineyard myself, 1 Cor. III. 7, 9 Nor suffer I any part of the profits to go from me.  
Thou that dwellest, verse 13 etc.] Thou Church here called the inhabitresse of the gardens, because she is divided and branched into many particular Congregations, which are no less delightful to him then so many eden's and Paradises.  
the companions] The Angels, say some, Eph. III. 10. 1 Cor. XI. 10. 1 Pet. I. 10. Or rather, Those Partakers of the same precious faith and grace with herself, 2 Pet. I. 1.  
hearken to thy voice] Thine obedient children will hearken to their mother's counsel, jer. XIII. 15, 16. set to their seals, john III. 33. glorify the Word, Acts XIII. 48.  
cause me to hear it] Chap. II. 14. In holy exercises, preaching, prayer, conference, etc. uttered by the Spirit of grace and supplication. Or, as some, cause them to hear me; by thy preaching of me, of my Word of truth, without mixture of hay or stubble, 1 Cor. III. 12.  
Make haste] See chap. II. verse 14 9, 17. They then waited for the consolation of Israel. Here is the Churches last speech and prayer; like that Apoc. XXII. 17, 20. She loves, and longs, and looks for his second Advent, 2 Pet. III. 12. As the espoused Virgin doth after the day of marriage.  
like to a Roe] In nimbleness and swiftness. Come with all speed, quickly, cut off of delays. Yet his coming seems long to us, because we are short; we set the Sun by our Dyal.  
upon the mountain of spices.] Where Christ is, and whence the Church expects him; and whither she longs to be brought by him. Those high and heavenly, those sweet and precious pleasures, Ps. XVI. 11. are the issue and upshot of all, and the end of this spiritual heavenly Song.  
THe Great, and Small Prophets, according to the Times wherein they lived, and prophesied, may seem to stand in this rank and Order; viz. Jonah, Esay, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephanie, jeremy, Daniel, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. In the LXX. the Lesser Prophets are placed before the Greater.   

Esay.  
ESAY Prophecies of the Destruction of the Kingdoms, of Syria, and Samaria, shortly to be accomplished by the Assyrian. And of the Kingdom of judah afterwards, by the Babylonian. And of the Neighbouring Kingdoms round about, by them both. And of the Ruin of the Assyrian Empire, by the Babylonian. And of the Babylonian by the Mede, and Persian. Intermixing sharp accusations of sins; severe threaten of judgements and comfortable Promises; chief to the Jews, and Israelites: And extending his Evangelical Prophecies, and Promises to Christ, and his glorious, spiritual Kingdom; And the Vocation of the Gentiles to the Communion of it. And all in a stately stile, and lofty language. The time of his Prophesying must needs be 46. years from the first of jotham to the 14th of Hezekiah, Besides the Times that the Prophesied in the days of Vzziah, and after the 14th. of Hezekiah; which for the number of years are uncertain. Yet it is recorded that he writ the Acts of Uzziah, first and last, 2 Chron. XXVI. 22. though that Book seem not extant now, as not so necessary for the use of the Church. As neither that of jasher, 2 Sam. I 18. Nor that of jeremy, 2 Chron. XXXV. 25.  
The Times in Esay may seem to be thus distinguished; viz. In the days of King Uzziah, Chapter I.— 5. whos's reign is mentioned, chap. I. 1. and his Death, chap. VI 1. Wherein some things most Prophetically be spoken, and understood, both of sins, and Punishments, which otherwise are fitting rather to the times of Ahaz.  
In the days of jotham, chap. VI In the days of Ahaz. Chap. VII.— XIV.  
ver. 28. whose reign is mentioned, chap. VII. 1. And his Death, chap. XIV. 28. And the rest may seem most, if not all, to be in the days of Hezekiah; wherein there is a special notation of time in chap. XX. mentioning the year that Tartan (2 Kings XVIII. 17.) came to Ash●od (or Azotus) and took it, when Sargon, next Predecessor to Sennacharib, or Sennacharib himself King of Assria sent him, which seems to be about the eighth or ninth year of Hezek. And in the XXXVI. & XXXVII. chap. mentioning the 14th year of Hezekiah, and the Histories contained in it. And in chap. XXXVIII, XXXIX. containing Histories that fell out in the later end of that fourteenth year of Hezekiah; without any other or further Notation of Times, to the end of all the Book. In this Prophecy are chief contained manifold Evangelical Promises and Prophecies of Christ, of his Person, and Offices, his Gospel, and Kingdom; more Particularly, of his Incarnation, and Birth; His Breeding, Calling, Teachings, Sufferings, Life, Death, Rising again, Glory ensuing, Kingdom's Length and Extent; That Esay is well called an Evangelical Prophet, or Prophetical Evangelist: Concluding with the destruction of Babylon: and the Deliverance of God's People thence: the glorious restauration of the Church: and Numerous Vocation of the Gentiles. And by reason of the Premises it is, That this Book is so often cited in the New Testament. As in the Table ensuing may appear.  
Esay Alleged, or Alluded to in 1. 9 Rom. 9 29 6. 9, 10 Mat. 13. v 14, 15  Joh. 12. 39, 40, 41  Act. 28. 25, 26, 27 7. 14 Mat. 1. 22, 23 8. 14 Rom. 9 33 15 1 Pet. 2. 8  Mat. 21. 44 17 Luke 20. 18 18 Heb. 2. 13, 14 9 2 Mat. 4. 14, 15, 16 7 Luke 1. 32, 33 10. 22, 23 Rom. 9 27, 28 11, 1 Mat. 2. 23 10 Rom. 15. 12 13. 10 Mat. 24. 29. 21. 9 Apoc. 14. 8 22. 13 1 Cor. 15. 32. 22 Apoc. 3. 7 25. 8 1 Cor. 15. 54. 28. 11 Apoc. 11. 7, 17  1 Cor. 14. 21 16 1 Pet. 2. 6, 7, 8  Rom. 9 33 29. 10 Rom. 11. 8 13 Mat. 15. 7, 8, 9  Mar. 7. 6 14 1 Cor. 1. 19 33. 18 1. Cor. 1. 19, 20 34. 4 Apoc. 6. 13, 14 35. 5, 6 in many places 40. 3 Matth. 3. 3  Mark 1. 3  John 1. 23 3, 4, 5 Luke. 3. 4, 5, 6 6, 7, 8 1 Pet. 1. 24, 25 13 Rom. 11. 34  1 Cor. 2. 16 41. 4 Ap. 1. 17 & 22. 13 8 James 2. 23 42. 1, 2, 3, 4 Mat. 12. 17, 18  19, 20 6 Acts 13. 47 43. 19 2 Cor. 5. 17 44. 3 John 7. 38, 39 45. 9 Rom. 9 20 23 Rom. 4. 11  Phil. 2. 10, 11 47. 8 Apoc. 18. 7 49. 6 Luke 2. 32  Acts 13. 47 8 2 Cor. 6. 2. 10 Apoc. 7. 16 50. 6 Luk. 22. 64  John 18. 22 8 Rom. 8. 30, 34 52. 5 Rom. 2. 24 7 Rom. 10. 15 10 Luke 3. 6 11 2 Cor. 6. 17 15 Rom. 15. 21. 53. 1 John 12. 38  Rom. 10. 16 3 Mark 9 12 4 Matth 8. 17 5 1 Cor. 15. 3 53. 5, 6 1 Pet. 2. 24, 25 7, 8 Mark 15. 3, etc.  Acts 8. 32 9 1 Pet 2. 22 12 Mark 15. 28  Lu. 22, 37 & 23, 34 54. 1 Gal. 4. 27 13 John 6. 45 55. 1 John 7. 37 3 Acts 13. 34  Psal. 89. 35 56. 7 Matth. 21. 13  Mark 11. 17  Luk 19 46 59 7 Rom. 3, 15 17 Eph. 6. 17  1 Thes. 5. 8 20 Rom. 11. 26 60 3 Apoc. 21. 24. 11 Apoc. 21. 25 19 Ap. 21. 23. & 22. 5 61 1, 2 Lnk 4. 17— 21 62. 11 Matth. 21. 5 63 2, 3 Apoc. 19 13, 15 64 4 1 Cor. 2. 9 11 65. 1, 2 Rom, 10. 20, 21 17 2 Pet. 3. 13. 66 1 Acts 7. 48, 49 21 1 Pet. 2. 5, 9  Apoc 1. 6. 24 Mark 9 44  
Chap. VII. ver. 16. hath reference to Shear-jashub.  
Chap. VIII. ver. 18. hath reference to Shear-jashub, and Mahershalah-hash-baz.  
Chap. XXXVIII. ver. 5. Ezekiah's tears, among other causes, might chief be, because at that time he had no son; Manasseh being borne after, chap. XXXVIII. 5. 2 Kings XXI. 1. 2 Chron. XXXIII. 1.  
As the Sun stood still at Joshuah's Prayer; and the Moon likewise; and consequently with them the whole frame of the Heavenly Bodies, and their Motions, about a whole day, Josh. X. 12, 13. So upon Ezekiah's choice, the Sun went back, and consequently the other Celestial Bodies with it, ten degrees, in the Heavens, [that the Chaldeans took notice of the wonder, 2 Chron. XXXII. 31.] as well as in the Sundial of Ahaz, chap. XXXVIII. 8. Making that miraculous anomaly of time, in obedience to their Creators will.  
Esaiah his going naked, without his upper raiment, or Prophetical rough garment, (as that, 2 Kings I 8. Zech. XIII. 4. Matth. III. 4.) and barefoot; though but three days; (like to that, Ezek. IU. 4, 5, 6.) yet was a three years Prophetic sign, that Egypt and Ethiopia, by that time, should be led into captivity, naked and bare, by the King of Assyria, chap. XX. 3, 4.  
The 185000. were slain by the Angel, in the Camp of Sennacharib, not after their return from the Ethiopians, but in that very next night after the message and promise sent from God by Esay to Hezekiah, Esay XXXVII. 21,— 35. And slain either before Jerusalem in the Camp that Rabshakeh brought thither, and in his return to the King at Libna left there, Esay XXXVI. 2. Or in Sennacharib's Camp before Libna, where himself was, so drawing near to Jerusalem, chapter XXXVII. 8, 9 14 33, 36. 2 Kings XIX. 8, 32, 35, 36. 2 Chron. XXXII. 9 If not in both Camps.  
The Vision] chapter I verse 1 One of those means whereby God in those times imparted his mind and word to his Prophets.  
Of Isaiah] Heb. Jeshajahu. In other places, Jeshajah. In the Greek, Esaias; whence our English, Esay, and Esaiah. It signifies God's salvation.  
saw] Hence the Prophets of old called Seers.  
Judah and Jerusalem] Chief and mainly. Though likely in a relation to them, he prophesied also concerning and against other neighbouring Nations.  
Hezekiah] Heb. Jechizkijahu, Micah I. 1. Jechizkijah; sometimes Chizkijahu; and Chezkijah. Greek, Ezekias. Likely Esay died in the latter end of his reign; and was not sawn in sunder in the reign of Manasseh; as commonly, out of Heb. XI. 37. but groundlessely, it is conceived.  
Hear, verse 2 etc.] His first Sermon, in this first chapter. And if so, Then we must understand the desolations herein mentioned to be Propheticaly denounced: for they seem to have relation to Ahaz his time.  
O heavens,] See Deut. XXXII. 1. and XXX. 19 and IV. 26. See Micah VI 1, 2.  
Israel] The common name of God's people; verse 3 yet meaning hereby Judah and Jerusalem.  
your country, etc.] Spoken Propheticaly, as was said, if this were his first Sermon and Prophecy. See chap. IX. 12. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 5, 17, 18.  
Hear, verse 10 etc.] Thus wicked they were, likely in King Uzziah's time.  
upon thee] Or rather, verse 25 unto thee as the workman turns his hand to the work. I will once more set upon the reforming and new moulding of thee. So mitigating that direful doom in the former verse.  
as at the first] Fulfilled in the times of Hezekiah, verse 26 and Josiah: and after the return from the Babylonish captivity, in Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, and others.  
oaks] Trees set apart and used for idolatrous services. verse 29  
gardens] Where they practised Idolatry, as well as in Groves, and Woods.  
strong] Strong Idols, as ye esteem them.  
The word, verse 31 etc.] A second Sermon, to the end of the iv chap.  
in the last days] Micah IU. chapter TWO verse 1 1, 2, 3. the days of the Messiah, and of the Gospel. verse 2  
all Nations] The Gentiles.  
He will teach us, verse 3 etc.] The Messiah will. And so, ver. 4.  
Nation shall not, verse 4 etc.] Such shall be the peaceable meek disposition among themselves which the Gospel shall bring them to, Acts IV. 32. Though the wicked will rise up in war, with fire and sword against them, Mat. X. 21, 22. Luke XII. 49, 53.  
O house of Jacob, verse 5 let us] Provokes the Jews so to do, by the example of those Gentiles.  
Therefore thou hast forsaken, verse 6 etc.] A sad charge against the present people, for their grievous manifold sins; whereby God is brought to desert them, and proceed in fierce wrath against them.  
boweth down] To their Idols in their Idol-worship. verse 9 And therefore God will bow them down, and humble them, by his judgements, ver. 11.  
forgive them not] Spoken by way of imprecation, if not rather as a mere prediction or denunciation; that God would now at length, without further delay, proceed most severely to punish them, without sparing.  
Enter into, verse 10 etc.] So foretelling what sorry shifts they should be then driven to; though to small or no purpose, verse 19 and 21.  
Cedars of Lebanon] Not any, verse 13 not all their strongest hopes, and helps shall any whit avail them, against the wrath of the Lord; when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth; when he comes to make a terrible earthquake in the State, for their heinous and hideous sins.  
to the moles] His most precious Idols, verse 20 in whom he trusted; seeing no help or hope in them, he shall cast them away with indignation and disdain, into the vilest and filthiest holes and corners, chap. I. 29.  
Cease ye from man] Seeing no humane help, verse 24 no might or height will avail against the Lord, therefore cease to put any confidence in frail man, Psal. CXLVI. 3, 4. jer. XVII. 5, 6. Psal. LXXVI. 7.  
For, chapter III verse 1 behold, etc.] God will take away the stay and the staff of man, and of other creature-comforts and supports, one and other.  
children] In age, verse 4 or men of childish dispositions.  
Oppressed] Which follows of none, verse 5 or of evil government.  
I will not, verse 7 etc.] Men will refuse public employment, to undertake the care and cure of the State, and to be Rulers in it, being so full of confusion, so perplexed and perilous as theirs than should be.  
is ruined] And therefore for their extreme obstinacy and impudency; verse 8 as the words following do declare.  
Say ye] A consolation to the small company of the Godly among them, verse 10 in those calamitous times.  
As for my people] Proceeds on to declare the confusion and disorders of the times; verse 12 that even boys and women, persons so qualified, abused them, and domineered over them.  
The Lord] He riseth up to plead and judge for his people, verse 13 against those cruel oppressors.  
Moreover, verse 16 etc.] Comes from the Men to the Women.  
tinkling ornaments] Divers names following in this wardrobe of Women, verse 18 are of conjectural, rather than certain and sure signification, to us at this day.  
glasses] Looking-glasses; verse 23 of bright brass, or steel, or like metal, Exod. XXXVIII. 8. Of glass properly so called we find no certain mention in the Old Testament.  
girdle] Girding. verse 24 The word is used of those aprons or girdings, which of twigs twisted or wreathed, rather than leaves sowed together, our first parents made to cover their shame with.  
a rent] Or rags.  
burning] Sun-burning, tanning.  
gates] City's, verse 26 Lam. I. 4.  
She] The Land of jury, or the mother-City jerusalem.  
seven women] Chap. chapter IV verse 2 III. 25. Such should be the paucity of men surviving, as chap. XIII. 2. that is uncouth, immodest motion and solicitation should fall out, and find place with them.  
In that day] After these calamities overpast; when the Lord shall have washed, etc. as it is, ver. 4.  
the branch] The Messiah, chap. XI. 1. Zech. III. 8. and VI 12. Jer. XXIII. 5. and XXXIII. 15. Yet some understand this here of the Church. And so to the end of this short Chapter.  
of the Lord] The Messiah himself; And likewise the Church, and her beauty, and holiness, and defence, and shade, and shelter, come and spring all from the Lord.  
and the fruit of the land] Literaly. And may be applied spiritualy.  
that remaineth] The remnant that shall escape, verse 3 be left, and survive  
Altar] The brazen Altar in the Court before the door.  
the voice of the Lord] Not of the Seraphs.  
I send] The Unity of the Deity.  
for us] The Trinity of the Persons.  
send me] Being so fitted, as formerly, he now promptly offers himself.  
make the heart of this people fat] This God doth not by infusing any wickedness or corruption, of any kind, into them: but indirectly, and by accident, and consequent, thus; By not hindering it, but permitting it; justly, for their sins, withholding, or withdrawing his Restraining Grace, which holds them in as a Grayhound is held in from an hare by a slip; Denying his blessing to the means of Grace, not vouchsafing his special and free grace and assistance to them; but withdrawing the efficacy of his Spirit, which things he is not bound to give to any: and justly leaving them so both to all Satan's tentations, and his instruments; And also to their own vile lusts, the inbred hardness of their hearts, rebellion of their wills, and the universal corruption of their natures; which enslaves them to sin, and fires them after it; yea, the more for any opposition of God's Commands, Word, or Works, or any means else used to the contrary; as we see Lime burn with water cast upon it. Even so the Heathen could say, Nitimur in vetitum, semper cupimúsque negata: according with that of the Apostle, Rom. VII. verse 8,— 13. Yea, God justly suffering and presenting such objects, and occasioning such things to fall out, as are not simply evil in themselves, yet through their default will prove stumbling-blocks unto them, as whereupon their own wicked hearts will still work and improve their own induration, excecation, and irritation to further sinning. Thus they willingly fall further into sinful actions. The power of doing which acts, as they are acts, are yet from God alone, in whom we live, and move, and have our being; but the obliquity, malignity, and evil of them is from the wicked Agent. And all this God doth in a way of justice: It is a just thing with God, when men wilfully winkand shut their eyes against the light; And when they harden their hearts, and stop their ears against him, his Word, and Will, and Works; It is just with him, in manner aforesaid, to let them have and enjoy what they so love and desire to have and enjoy. And so to punish sin with sin. For all the premises, see Deut. XXVIII. 28. and XXIX. 2, 4. Psal. LXIX. 23. and LXXVIII. 32. and LXXXI. 12. and CVI 7. Esay XXVIII. 13. and XXIX. 10. and XLIV. 18. Jer. V 31. Ezek. II. 5, 7. and III. 7. and XX. 25. Zech. VII. 11, 12. Matth. XIII. 14. John XII. 37. Acts XIV. 16. Rom. I. 21, 22, 26, 28. and II. 4, 5. and Chap. VII. ver. 8, 9, 11, 13, 23. and XI. 8. 10. 2 Cor. II. 15, 16. 2 Thes. II. 10, 11, 12. 2 Tim. III. 13. Heb. VI 4, 6, 7. Apoc. XVI. 9, 11. All this I say is just for Him who knoweth how, and orders withal, out of the infiniteness of his wisdom and goodness, so as to make them serve his providence for the producing of good out of evil, the greetest good out of the greatest sin; as Acts IV. 28. See my Annotations on Ezek. III. 20.  
Lord, verse 11 how long?] Shall this sad condition last?  
utterly desolate] Yet there is mention of a Reserve, v. 13.  
fare away] Into Assyria, verse 12 and Chaldea; yea, some extend this to the last destruction by Vespasian, and Hadrian, the Roman Emperors.  
But yet in it shall be a tenth] God will still in his dreadfulest judgements preserve a small remnant, verse 13 to continue his Church. Thus he concludes with this comfort here: as he likewise concluded his first and second Sermon.  
a Teil-tree] Or a Line-tree, of goodly boughs and leaves.  
and an oak] So most do render the word.  
whose substance is in them when they cast their leaves] As in winter.  
so the holy seed] The seed of Saints. The application of the similitude. These God reserves, by them to propagate his Church, Rom. XI. 15.  
And it came to pass] chapter VII verse 1 The fifth Sermon.  
in the days of Ahaz] In the third, or the beginning of the fourth year of his reign. For within the fourth of his reign was Pekah slain, 2 Kings XV. 30, 33. in the twentieth year of Jotham, reckoning so both the four years of Jotham in his father Uzziahs' life-time, and the sixteen years of his reign after the death of his father. Or rather, reckoning from the beginning of Jothams' sixteen. And so this will fall out in the fourth of Ahaz. See my Observations on 2 King. I. pag. 103. Of the death of Ahaz, See chap. XIV. 28.  
that Rezin] Rezin and Pekah severally by themselves, had made some attempt against judah, in the end of jothams, or the very beginning of the reign of Ahaz, and then mightily prevailed, 2 Kings XV. 37. 2 Chron. XXVIII. 5, 8. But now jointly they bend their forces together, to make a full conquest: yet in this prevail not; And so 2 Kings XVI. 5. One Rezon was the first King of Syria, 1 Kings XI. 23.  
Syria] See the Observations on 2 Sam. VIII. 5.  
as the trees] Their hearts quaked and quivered, verse 2 as an aspen leaf. And the rather, because of what they had formerly suffered from them severally. Which put them instantly upon dispatching of messengers, for aid, unto the King of Assyria, which God sends here to dissuade them from, 2 Kings XVI. 7, 8.  
Shear-jashub] Signifies the remnant shall return. verse 3 This name given him in a prophetical way: as that of his other son, chap. VIII. 3. and those of Hosheah, chap. I. 4, 6, 9 Here brought with Esay, because he was to make use of him in his message to Ahaz, v. 16.  
upper pool] The very place where Rabshakeh afterwards stood, ch. XXXVI. 2. 2 Kings X. 17. See the Observations on Neh. III. 1. And the Annotations on this text of Esay.  
fullers field] See the Observations on Neh. III. 1.  
the son of Tabeel] Uncertain who. verse 6 But whoever, a King to hold from and under them.  
the forementioned calamities. These a Type of the Elect, Phil. IU. 3. Apoc. III. 5. and XVII. 8.  
and by the spirit of burning] By the fire of God's zeal, verse 4 chap. IX. 7. the fire of his Spirit.  
And the Lord will, verse 5 etc.] A promise of God's gracious presence among his people, for their direction, and protection, after they are so washed and purged.  
her assemblies] for the solemn services of God, Psal. XLVI. 5. Zech. II. 5.  
a cloud] As the Pillar was to the Israelites, Exed. XIII. 21. a cloud by day, and a fire by night. Even the same Pillar, Exod. XIV. 19, 20, 24.  
all the glory] All Gods people. Or rather all that glorious estate, that God would advance his people unto, as aforesaid, should continue firm and steadfast unto them, under his protection overspreading every part of it, and preserving it from all annoyance in any kind.  
Now will I sing, chapter V verse 1 etc.] His third Sermon.  
what could have been done more, & c?] Matth. verse 4 XXIII. 37. and ch. XI. 21. more, in regard of Ordinances and means offered and used: more, as a Vine-dresser, more in this kind and way, by my Ministers and Labourers, and Husbandmen; more, to leave them inexcusable. God's absolute power, and will, are not here questioned. See Matth. III. verse 10 9 and ch. XI. 25, 26. 1 Cor. III. 6, 7. Rom. IX. 16.  
one bath] See the Observations on Gen. XVIII. 6.  
an Homer] See the Observations on Exod. XVI. 36.  
the work of the Lord] The judgements, verse 12 either impendent, or incumbent; And the Lords hand in them.  
are gone into captivity] Or, verse 13 are going. It is as sure so to be, as if it were done already. So Jer. IX. 1. and John III. 18.  
Hell] The grave: or any kind of receptscle of man's dead body, verse 14 Gen. XXXVII. 35. Jonah II. 1, 2.  
Mean man] See the Annotations on Ch. verse 15 II. 9 Adam, of base earth.  
mighty man] Ish.  
in judgement] In his righteous judgements upon them. verse 16  
Then] After the judgements threatened, verse 17 are accordingly executed.  
shall the Lambs] Literaly. Or rather the godly poor ones.  
after their manner] Freely and quietly, as they had wont to do, before their disturbance and expulsions by their great oppressors. And this, either in the time of the captivity, when they were left in the land, and the great ones carried away; or upon their return, quietly enjoying their own lands and means again, whence by the injurious deal of the mightier sort they had formerly been ejected.  
strangers eat] As Chap. I. 7.  
Woe] Moore wild grapes, verse 18 and vile fruits that God's Vineyard brought forth: And woes with them.  
draw iniquity] Toil and tyre themselves with all their might to draw on iniquity, to practise it.  
Let him make speed] That scoff at his threaten, verse 19 jest at his judgements.  
Therefore as the fire] God judgements at the heels of sin. verse 24  
their carcases] 2 Chron. verse 25 XXVIII. 6. 120000 in one day.  
And he will lift up, verse 26 etc.] More, and greater judgements, should follow after those; still more.  
to the Nations] The Assyrians, in the time of Hezekiah. Some stretch it to the Chaldeans, in the time of Nabuchadnezzar.  
slumber or sleep] Be drowsy and slothful; verse 27 but vigilant and diligent.  
girdle] They shall not lay their arms aside, but be always ready for journey, and march, and action.  
nor the latchets] Nothing should befall them that might retard them in their march, or hinder their expedition.  
roar like young lions] See the Annotations on Job IU. verse 29 10. By sundry similes, and hyperbolees he sets forth the fierceness of the enemies, and their armies.  
and if one look] The forlorn and perplexed condition of the Jews, verse 30 by the irruption of so fierce and powerful an enemy; that cast they their eye which way soever they could, downward, or upward, yet no hope of help or comfort should appear. So again, chap. VIII. 21, 22. in the closing up of this hideous prediction.  
year that Uzziah died] And the beginning of Jothams' reign. chapter VI verse 1 Jotham had ruled some years in the life-time of Uzziah. See the Annotations on Host I. 1. And the Observations on 2 Kings I. But this here is after Uzziah's death.  
This is the fourth Vision or Sermon of Esay.  
I saw the Lord] One God in Trinity of persons: as the Plural term, ver. 8. go for us? seems to imply. Esay saw him, not in his Essence, but in this visible module of glory here represented.  
train] Of his robes.  
filled the Temple] The Throne then, it seems, was in that high Portal of 120 Cubits high; and the train of his robes filled the Temple or the Sanctum.  
fly] Verse 6. verse 2 Dan. IX. 21.  
one cried to another] As by course singing out the praises of the Lord. verse 3  
holy] Thrice, to denote the superlative eminency of the Lords holiness: and likely the holiness of his justice.  
And the posts, verse 4 etc.] The Temple doors and posts shaken; and the body of the Temple filled with smoke. Signs of God's anger and indignation, Psal. XVIII. 8.  
at the voice of him that cried] A loud and dreadful voice. See Amos IX. 1.  
woe is me] As Hab. verse 5 III. 16. See the cause here; and, v. 7.  
within sixty five years] From the fourth of Ahaz, verse 8 to the four and twentieth of Manasseh, wherein he was carried to Babylon, by Esarhaddon, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11. who withal swept away the remainder of those that Shalmaneser had left, Ezra IU. 2. are 65. years.  
and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son] Pekah. verse 9 And he was slain by Hoshea. And Rezin by Shalmaneser; both almost presently after; 2 Kings XV. 30. and chap. XVI. 9 See my observations on 2 Kings I.  
Ask thee a sign] Seeing thou still remainest staggering and doubtful, verse 11 for all this. A great grace offered to a graceless man.  
I will not ask] Not as loathe to tempt God; verse 12 though he pretend that. But because he believed nothing of that the Prophet spoke, and was resolved to go on another way, contrary to the Prophet's mind; to seek help of the Assyrian, and not to rely on God and his help.  
O house of David] Speaking as to him, verse 13 so to his train and attendants; alike herein faulty as he was.  
weary my God] In distrusting him, and me his messenger?  
Therefore] Or, verse 14 Nevertheless. Though you are unworthy of it by your refusal.  
a sign] Such as never any was before it, or since.  
a Virgin] This fell out in many ages after. And so things to ensue afterwards, are sometimes given for signs: as chap. XXXVII. 30. Exod. III. 12. Jer. XLIII. 9, 10. and LI. 63. By this sign God shows that he can do a greater thing, than he promised to Ahaz, to save him by his help against those two Kings. And this sign indeed is the foundation of all God's promises, and of the fulfilling of them; In this Son all the promises of God being Yea and Amen. This here is applied to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Matth. I. 18, 23. Luke I. 27, 35.  
and bear a Son] A Virgin still, in, and after the birth; which continues on the strangeness of this miraculous sign. Not yet but that otherwise he was borne in the ordinary manner, by the opening of the womb, Luke II. 22, 23.  
Butter and honey] Meats that young children affect. verse 15  
shall he eat] The Virgins Son.  
that he may know] That he may grow up, and attain to years of discretion, etc. Luke II. 52.  
For before the child] A child: verse 16 or rather, pointing to Shear-jashub. For no other use appears of his being there with his father, but this alone. See chap. VIII. 4.  
The Lord shall bring] The Prophet now proceeds to foretell him, verse 17 a fare worse evil than that he now feared, that should befall him and his, from the Assyrians themselves, whom he now so much rested upon.  
King of Assyria] King or Kings collectively.  
fly] Egyptians; verse 18 or others neighbouring to them, 2 King? XXII. 33, 35.  
holes of the rocks] As Bees do. verse 19 Whence is that of honey out of the rock, Psalm LXXXI. 16. Deut. XXXII. 13.  
that is hired] Ezek. XXIX. 18, verse 20 19 Or rather, 2 Kings XVI. 7, 8. So that Ahaz in issue, did but hire a razor to shave himself, and his estate.  
the river] Euphrates.  
And it shall, etc.] verse 21 The condition of those that shoule be left in the Land, after this shaving.  
a young cow and two sheep] That had numbers of them, before the plundering.  
abundance of milk] Through the depopulation, verse 22 and great paucity of inhabitants; and large pasturage occasioned thereby.  
where there were a thousand vines, etc.] verse 23 The richest and fruitfulest places, for want of husbanding and manuring, should be overgrown with useless and harmful trash, ver. 24.  
with arrows] To defend themselves against wild beasts, verse 24 and other harmful creatures as might lurk there.  
And on all hills] Such places on the hills, verse 25 which the rich had by undue enclosures, fenced in for pleasure or profit, that such fences being now cast down, they should lie open to cattle, great and small, to graze upon, and trample down at pleasure.  
Moreover, chapter VIII verse 1 etc.] The sixth Sermon, in this, and the four Chapters following. And that of the same nature, and subject matter for the most part, with that in the last chapter aforegoing. But as that was to Ahaz; so this to the People.  
and writ in it] Some think, only the name Mahershalalhashbaz. Others rather, this whole Sermon or Prophecy contained in these five Chapters.  
Maher-shalal hash-baz] As in relation to the King of Assyria, make speed to the spoil, haste to the prey; intimating what he should speedily do to Israel and Syria.  
Witnesses to record] The name given to the child, verse 2 and the reason of it.  
Uriah the Priest] The High Priest. Of whom, 2 Kings XVI.  
went unto] Or, verse 3 had gone in to. And so in the words following.  
bore a Son] Or had borne a Son: was newly delivered of a male-child.  
this people] Of Israel and verse 6 Samaria.  
of Shiloah] The soft rivulet of Jerusalem.  
over all his channels] Or rather, with all his channels; or from all his channels, and his banks; meaning his own; That the King of Ashur should come with all the forces he could make.  
thtough Judah] Having subdued Israel, verse 8 should make his way thereby to pass through Judah also.  
even to the neck] To Jerusalem; that all Judah should be in danger to be drowned, by the inundation of this river, the Assyrian and his forces.  
Associate yourselves] Speaking to the enemies, verse 9 the Israelites, Syrians, Assyrians, & all their people & armies; & that in way of derision.  
and ye shall be broken] All shall turn to your ruin.  
for God is with us] Even that Immanuel, ver. 8. verse 10 and, ch. VII. 14.  
spoke thus to me] To comfort, and confirm the godly in Judah, against their distrusts and fears, in these calamitous times.  
a confederacy] Be against that confederacy with the Assyrian. verse 11  
Bind up the Testimony] God would not have the Prophet to deal further in this kind, verse 16 with these faithless and profane people; but reserve such sacred mysteries to be imparted to the faithful, his disciples.  
And I will wait] The Prophets resolution, verse 17 what he would do.  
Behold, verse 18 I, and the children] Myself, and my children, chap. XX. 2, 3. and, chap. VII. 16. and, ver. 3, 4. of this chapter. Indeed, Heb. II. 13. These words are produced, as spoken, either of, or by Christ: As likewise those words, 2 Sam. VII. 14. are applied to Christ, Heh. I. 5. And the like is again in that same text, Heb. II. 13. The truth is, Many speeches of the Prophets, concerning themselves; and many Prophecies concerning Cyrus, and others▪ who were types of Christ, are in the New Testament applied unto Christ; being one way, and in one manner verified of them; and another way, and in another manner also, many times fulfilled in him.  
seek unto them that have familiar spirits] Peope in times of straits are prone this way, verse 19 1 Sam. XXVIII. 7, 15. 2 King's I. 2. And so likely at this time. The Prophet therefore here arms the faithful against this course.  
And they shall pass] The evil that shall betid such men: verse 21 In their distresses they shall flit and fling to and fro; but meeting with no means of succour or relief, either from above, or below, they shall be at their wit's end.  
and curse their King] Who brought them to that miserable distress, and should rather have saved and preserved them.  
And their God] Even God himself, in their murmuring desperation. Or rather, their Idol-god.  
unto the earth] Downward: or abroad into the Land, as, verse 22 ch. V 30.  
Nevertheless] This Chapter hath dependence upon the Chapter aforegoing, chapter IX verse 1 and is a continuation of that discourse. Here the beginning imports some allay of the calamitous condition there mentioned.  
he lightly afflicted] Bianca Pull, rather than Tiglath-Pileser, 2 Kings XV. 19, 20.  
more grievously] By Shalmaneser, 2 Kings XVII. 3, 6. Or, by Tiglath-Pileser rather, 2 Kings XV. 29.  
by the way of the sea] Of Cinnereth, Josh. XIII. 27. called also the sea of Galilee, the sea of Tiberias, the lake of Genesareth.  
beyond Jordan] Or beside Jordan, on the Westside of it. The word signifies either side.  
in Galilee of the Gentiles] The upper Galilee, in the Tribe of Naphthali; much replenished with the Gentiles, being near the Confines of Tyre and Sidon, and having the Cities in it, made over by Solomon to Hiram, though he refused them. And our Saviour preached much in this Galilee also, Matth. IU. 2, 13, 18, 24. The Evangelist citys this text, Matth. IU. 15, 16. and picks out only so much, as did concern his present purpose, and applies it thereunto.  
The people] In those places, on which the darkness of affliction had first seized in those times, There the spiritual light of joy and life, had, by our Saviour's preaching, first sprung forth: He includes here the lower Galilee, in the tribe of Zebulun.  
hath seen] He speaketh in prophetical manner, of things to come, as already effected.  
Thou] Speaking to God. verse 3  
hast multiplied] Wilt multiply. The Prophet runs all along here in a prophetical strain.  
the Nation] The Jewish Nation; in the days of the Messiah, by the confluence of the Gentiles, of all Nations.  
and not increased the joy] Read this interrogatively: and so it makes a strong affirmative. Or thus, Thou hast increased the joy to him, or it; that is, to the Nation.  
They joy before thee] And the greatness of their joy, is amplified by two similitudes.  
For thou hast broken] One reason of their joy. verse 4  
Midian] Chap. X. 26. Judges VII.  
For every battle, etc.] Or, verse 5 to be rendered thus; When the whole battle of those that were in battle, was with clashing of arms, and raiment rolled in gore blood; which by burning became food for the fire. Thus it was in the Midianites Camp.  
a child is borne] Who it is, verse 6 and what manner of person, by whom all that hath been said, shall be effected. Emmanuel, the Vigins Son.  
Unto us] And for us.  
The Lord sent a word] After these comfortable Promises interlaced, verse 8 for the stay of the faithful, the Prophet here returns again, torelate th' calamities that should, for their excess of sin, and obstinacy therein, befall the people of Israel, and the Syrian King their confederate.  
hath lighted] Shall light.  
adversaries of Rezin] The Assyrians. verse 11  
against him] Against Rezin.  
his enemies] Israel's enemies. Under the Assyrian afterwards. Or, rather, these enemies are the Assyrians and Philistines, ver. 12.  
Thy Syrians] The Syrians, verse 12 being now subdued by the Assyrian, shall now as his subjects, come under his conduct and command.  
cut off] By Shalmanazer.  
and rush] 2 King's XVII. 6, 23, 24. verse 14  
an hypocrite] Or rather profane. verse 17  
no man shall spare his brother] But plunder and spoil one another, verse 19 Jer. XIX. 9  
his own arm] Prey, and devour the substance of those that are nearest unto them.  
Manasse Ephraim] The Israelites one against another.  
and they together] B of them against Judah.  
Woe] Here is a further charge, chapter X verse 1 with a denunciation annexed to it against Israel. Though some would apply it to Judah.  
What will ye do, verse 3 & c?] As, Matth. XXIII. 33. Rom. II. 3. Job XXXI. 14, 23.  
from far] From the Assyrian.  
without me, verse 4 etc.] What will ye do then? or to whom will ye flee for help? ye shall by no shift be able to escape, either to be taken prisoners, or be put to the sword.  
O Assyrian,] Hear might best beseem this Chapter to begin. verse 5 God purposing to use the Assyrian as the rod of his anger, against his people; doth here for the support and comfort of his faithful ones, insert a denunciation of destruction to befall him afterwards: and a gracious promise of deliverance of his people from him. O● the Assyrians, see the Observations on 1 Chron. V. 26.  
Is not Calno, etc.] City's here mentioned, verse 9 were near Euphrates.  
As I have done unto Samaria] The success of his predecessors, verse 11 Tiglath-Pileser, and Shalmaneser against Samaria, Sennacherib here takes to himself.  
I will punish] Chap. verse 12 XXXVII. 23, 29, 36, 37, 38.  
eggs that are left] The dam forsaking them for fear. verse 14  
his fat ones leanness] Among the chief and choice one's in his armies, verse 16 upon his hosts, verse 17 God will send a consumption.  
And the light of Israel shall be for a fire] A light to his people; a fire to his adversaries.  
in one day] Chap. XXXVII. 36.  
stay upon him that smote them] The Assyrian. verse 20  
a remnant] As but a remanant only of Sennacheribs army. verse 22  
thy people Israel] As God speaking to the Prophet; or rather thy people, O Israel, speaking so to Jacob of his posterity.  
yet a remnant] And but a remnant only. Alluding again to Shearjashubs' name. See Rom. IX. 27, 29. and XI. 5. That remnant being a type of Gods elect.  
the consumption decreed] The reason, why but a remnant.  
Therefore] Comforts the few faithful ones. verse 24  
and as his rod was upon the sea, verse 26 so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt] As God destroyed the Egyptians then, so he will the Assyrians now. Allusion is here had to Moses his lifting up his rod over the red-sea.  
because of the anointing] Christ the anointed. verse 27  
He is come] The Prophet here describes the Progress of Sennacherib with his army, verse 28 through Benjamin, whereunto most of the towns here mentioned did appertain, to and against Jerusalem; as if he plainly beheld it in a prophetical rapture and vision.  
They are gone over the passage] Not of Jordan, verse 29 but the straits between the hills near Michmash, 1 Sam. XIII. 23. and XIV. 1, 4, 5.  
Gallim] 1 Sam XXV. verse 30 44.  
top the bough] The chief and principal in Sennacheribs army. verse 33  
and Lebanon shall fall] The Assyrian King is called a Cedar of Lebanon, verse 34 Ezek. XXXI. 3. And Carmel, though a mount of Israel, is in this very argument applied to him, and his forces, verse 18. These than may resemble other great States, Persons, and People, as well as those of the Jews. And therefore by the tenure of the context, Lebanon here is no other than the Assyrian vast host.  
by a mighty one] An Angel, chap. XXXVII. 36.  
And there shall come] Here, chapter XI verse 1 as usualy upon occasion of particular great deliverances, the Prophet riseth higher, and proceeds unto that spiritual deliverance of the Church by the Messiah, at his coming: This temporal being a kind of type of that spiritual. And withal, it shows a reason why it was said, for the anointing, chap. X. 27. Here then in this Chapter we have Christ the Messiah prophesied of, and described, by his descent, and mean appearance, and low condition, in our humane nature; the mean estate his parents were then brought unto; his transcendent excellencies and endowments, by means whereof he should be enabled to effect and accomplish such strange and unheard of achievements as are herein mentioned; and particulatly, the Calling of the Gentiles.  
second time] As formerly out of Egypt, verse 11  
to recover] Into his possession again.  
the remnant] A small parcel. See chap. X. 22.  
of his people] The Jews; distinguished from those, ver. 10. See Apoc. VII. 4,— 9  
from Assyria, etc.] And other foreign places here mentioned, where they were scattered.  
for the Nations] Or, verse 12 to the Nations; for them bring or send in, the Israelies that are in captivity with them, or sojourn among them. This typically and chief relates to the calling home of the elect of them to Christ, wheresover dispersed; some at one time, some at another, and also the main body of the residue, in his own appointed season, Acts II. 41. and IV. 4. and XXI. 20. Rom. XI. 5, 25, 26. 2 Cor. III. 16.  
The envy also of Ephraim] That had been between them, verse 13 and Judah, since the rent of the Kingdoms by Jeroboam the Ephraimite, 1 Kings XII. was to cease, when united either to other in Christ, Ezek. XXXVII. 16. Jer. III. 18.  
and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off] In the time of the Messiah, the obstinate enemies of the Church of God, shall by Christ be destroyed, see chap. LX. 12.  
But they shall fly, verse 14 etc.] They shall subdue these inveterate enemies; the enemies of the spiritual Kingdom of Christ hereby typified.  
the tongue of the Egyptian sea] verse 15 The Prophet here promiseth from God a removal of all impediments that might hinder the Jews in this their return into their land. This their return, shadowing out the reducing of people to the obedience of Christ, and his spiritual Kingdom. By this tongue there is meant the red-sea, which is like a tongue.  
the river] Nilus.  
in the seven streams] By which, as by so many mouths, it emptieth itself into the Sea. To make way for the Jews return from her into their own land. The meaning is, that no impediment or obstacle should be so great, that might hinder those, who were to be brought home to Christ, and his Church, out of all quarters, but it should be removed.  
an high way] The same meaning for Assyria, verse 16 as in the former verse, for Egypt.  
in that day] chapter XII verse 1 Of thy return home.  
thou shalt say] And sing, these or the like Hymns of Praise; composed by the Prophet, as set forms; or as directories to them; or both. So 1 Chron. XVI. 7, 35, 36.  
in that day] A preface or passage into a new form, verse 4 another ditty: and this in way of exhortation to others, to do the like.  
Babylon] Here begin Prophecies, chapter XIII verse 1 purposely against foreign States.  
And first against Babylon, that should be their principal enemy. The Inscription of this Sermon is here in the first words. Of Burden, See Jer. XXIII. 33, 36. Of Babylon, see my Observations on Dan. IU. 30. Of her Fall, see Jer. L. and LI. And this seems to be the seventh Sermon.  
Lift ye up a banner] To summon those that were to be employed against Babylon. verse 2  
nobles] The great Peers of Babylon.  
my sanctified ones] Set apart to this service, verse 3 ver. 17. Jer. LI. 27, 28.  
a far country] Media and Persia. verse 5  
whole land] Of Chaldea.  
Howle ye] Babylonians.  
their faces shall be as flames] Lam. IV. verse 6 8. and V 10. Ezek. XX. verse 8 47. Yet this here seems to be for fear of evil yet to come. See therefore that, Jer. XXX. 5, 6. Joel II. 6. Nahum II. 10. Yet the Original word seems to incline, to the faces of Lybians, or tawny-moores.  
the stars] All shall be so full of horror and terror, verse 10 that the heavenly bodies may seem to have lost their light; no glimpse of comfort shall appear.  
Ophir] See the Observations on 1 King. verse 12 X. 11.  
shake the heavens] I will cause them to be in such confusion and distraction, verse 13 as if heaven itself were falling upon their heads, and the earth moving or removing from under their feet.  
And it shall be] Babylon.  
turn to his own people] Babylon shall be forsaken by her hired forces, and confederates. verse 14  
found] Medes and Persians.  
Medes] verse 15 Under the conduct of Cyrus and Darius. verse 17  
overthrew Sodom] verse 19 This utter devastation of Babylon was not at once; but began at the conquest of it by Cyrus, and in the succeeding ages was consummated.  
It shall never be inhabited] Jer. LI. 26, verse 20. 22. 29, 43.  
and her time is near to come] Esay in vision seethe the judgements as if presently approaching: or, this may be taken as spoken to and for them that then should be living in the time of the captivity of the LXX. years.  
For the Lord] The reason of the hastening of the destruction of Babylon, chapter XIV verse 1 which is God's mercy and compassion towards his people; the deliverance of whom depended upon Babylon's destruction.  
stranger's shall be joined] See the like, ch. 5. XLIV. and LVI. 3. and LX. 3. Esther VIII. 17. Psal. XLVII. 8, 9 This partly accomplished at their return from Babylon; but more in the Kingdom of Christ, by the Ministry of the Gospel.  
possess them] These Proselytes and Converts. verse 2  
take them captive, etc.] Partly verified in the time of the Maccabees literaly: but most of all spiritualy by the means and ministry of the Apostles, and Preachers, subduing them to the obedience of Christ's Sceptre.  
this Proverb] Or byword, verse 4 or taunting speech. Here the Prophet continues the denunciation of the destruction of Babylon.  
the King] i. e. the Kingdom.  
O Lucifer] Meaning the Babylonian. verse 12  
the mount of the Congregation] Mount Zion; verse 13 or mount Moriah, being in the North-side of Jerusalem, 2 Chron. III. 1. Psal. XLVIII. 2.  
that opened not the house of his prisoners] Butler kept them LXX. verse 17 years in captivity.  
Prepare slaughter] Esay speaks to the Medes and Persians. verse 21. 23. 25.  
for the bitterne] See chap. XIII. 21, 22.  
that I will break the Assyrian in my land] Rather as in breaking the Assyrian in my land. Sennacheribs overthrow, it seems, was before this. And it is brought in as an argument and example to prove, that as God had done that one, so he would as certainly do the other, that is, overthrow Babylon in its time.  
In the year that King Ahaz died] Here gins another Sermon, verse 28 or Prophecy. And might well be the beginning of another Chapter. Chap. VI did bear the date of the death of Uzziah. This, of the death of Ahaz.  
Palestina] Meaning here the Western part of Jury that was inhabited by the Philistines. verse 29 Of the Philistines, see my Annotations on Zech. IX. 6. The Babylonians were the greatest enemies to the Jews, farthest off. The Philistines were their greatest enemies, nearest at hand.  
because the rod, etc.] This is meant of King Uzziah, who prevailed much in his wars against them, 2 Chron. XXVI. 6, 7. But in Ahaz his reign the state and strength of the Jews was much weakened: whereat the Philistines did much rejoice. But Esay biddeth them not to be overjoyed; for it should not last long.  
a cockatrice] Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 8.  
and his fruit shall be a fiery flying Serpent] The Serpents fruit shoul be a cockatrice, yea▪ more then so, a fiery flying Serpent.  
And the firstborn of the poor] The extremely poor, verse 30 as the Jews at that time were.  
shall feed] Freely, fully, and quietly without fear of the Philistines; when they should want, and famish.  
and he shall slay thy remnant.] A remnant still reserved of God's people, in his fearfullest judgements. But not a remnant le●t here by Ezekiah to the Philistines: or at least a slaughter was among that remnant. For Jeremy, Ezekiel, and Zephanie, all after Ezekiahs' days do again denounce judgements against them.  
thou whole Palestina] As thou whole Palestina didst rejoice before, verse 31 verse 29. so thy dread and desolation shall be now as general and universal.  
from the North] Judea, and Jerusalem, that stood North-East from the Philistines.  
a smoke] Ezekiahs forces.  
and none shall be alone in his appointed times] Or, Assemblies, Ezekiah's forces should come against them in flocks at his set times, and places for their randezvous. Or, none of the Philistines should care or endure to stay in their meeting places and strong holds, when Ezekiahs' forces should as smoak break in upon them.  
What shall one then answer?] To any messengers in general, verse 32 that upon any occasion shall come to Jerusalem.  
of Moab] Of Moab, chapter XV verse 1 see the Annotations on Amos II. 1. See Jer. XLVIII, wherein are many passages found borrowed from hence.  
because] Relates the destruction and devastations of some of their chief Cities, and principal parts of their Country; together with the Moabites distraction, and vain devotions thereupon, flocking unto their Idols, who could do them no good.  
is laid waste] The usual manner of Prophetical language. And this was done at several times, by Shalmanezer, Sennacherib, and Nabuchadnezzar. Of which see more on chap. XVI. 14.  
an heifer of three years old] jer. XLVIII. 34. as an heifer of three years old, i. e. such shall the criers, or the cry be.  
shall they carry away] The enemies shall. verse 5  
to the brook of the willows] Some place in Moab; verse 7 there to share it; and thence to carry it into Assyria.  
Send ye the Lamb] The tribute due.  
to the Ruler of the Land] The King of judah; chapter XVI verse 1 Ezekiah; of David's race. See 2 Sam. VIII. 2. Moab subdued by David. After the division of the Kingdoms, it fell to Israel. After the death of Ahab, it rebelled, 2 Kings I 1. and ch. III. ver. 4, 5. and so denied the tribute, whereupon I●horam, with the assistance of King jehoshaphat, and the King of Edom, makes that war against Moab, 1 Kings III. 7, 9 Here the Prophet seems to admonish Moab what course she should take, and might have taken, for the prevention of the judgements here denounced against her; to wit, by paying their due tribute to the King of judah; And by performing kind offices unto God's people, in the times specially of their distress, verse 3, 4. Wherein failing, they are again menaced with the judgements before mentioned, verse 7,— 13. And a certain time set for the execution of the same, verse 14.  
from Sela in the wilderness] Or, as some, to the wilderness.  
unto the account] Where the King had his palace.  
at the fords of Arnon] Which bounded their Country on the one side, verse 2 Num. XXI. 13.  
consumed out of the land] Of Judah. verse 4 As indeed Sennacherib was. And therefore the performance of the kind offices of the Moabites to the Jews should not last long, or be over-burdensome.  
the throne] Of Judah. verse 5  
and he shall sit] Ezekiah, the Type, Christ, the Truth.  
and hastening justice] Without needless delays.  
his lies shall not be so] All his haughty and wrathful thoughts, verse 6 shall not take such effect, as in the pride of his heart he imagineth.  
his Sanctuary] The Temple of his chief idol Chemosh, verse 12 1 Kings XI. 7. Jer. XLVIII. 46.  
since that time] That this judgement passed upon Moab, verse 13 was first revealed to the Prophet; That which followeth, ver. 14. being added afterwards thereunto.  
within three years] Most likely thus; verse 14 Conceiving this prophecy and denunciation to have been delivered about the fourteenth or fifteenth year of Ezekiah, than it took effect about the eighteenth or nineteenth year of his reign; and was put in execution by Ezarhaddon the Assyrian King. Though the utter and final destruction of Moab, here before denounced, and by Jeremy long after seconded, was to be executed by Nabuchadnezzar. That which was speedily effected, helping to confirm the truth of the former denunciation, though that were to take effect long after. Yet some conceive this to be done by Ezarhaddon in the tenth Of Hezekiah. Others, by Shalmanezer, in his way as he came to besiege Samaria.  
Damascus'] of Damascus, chapter XVII verse 1 Annotations on Amos I. 3, 4. The like burden against Damascus, see chap. XLIX. 23. Amos I. 2. Zech. IX. 1.  
is taken away] This was partly effected by Tiglath-pilezar, 2 King. XVI. 9 and after by Shalmaneser, and after by Nabuchadnezzar.  
the glory of jacob shall be made thin] Of Israel the ten Tribes. verse 4  
At that day, etc.] verse 7 The residue of God's people, refined and reform by these forementioned calamities, shall then abandon their idols, and seek unto God.  
Which they left for the children of Israel] The enemy left. verse 9 God so disposing things out of his gracious affection to his people.  
plant] Curiously. verse 10  
but the harvest] For all thy curious planting, and sowing, the harvest shall be an heap, ruined, spoilt, destroyed.  
Woe to the multitude of many people] Those forces that Sennacherib led against God's people. verse 12 See chap. XXX. 28. and XXXVI. and XXXVII. that served under him.  
and they shall flee fare off] So did Sennacherib, chap. verse 13 XXXI. 9  
at evenintide trouble] In Jerusalem. verse 14  
before morning he is not] Most slain by the Angel, and the rest fled.  
This is the portion] A sweet Close.  
A new Sermon or Prophecy. chapter XVIII verse 1 But very obscure; and full of various interpretations.  
Woe] Some sense this, as if it were a Compellation Ho.  
Shadowing with wings] Meaning Egypt, say some: Ethiopia, say others.  
beyond the rivers of Ethiopia] The rivers and streams of Nilus above in Ethiopia, South of Egypt; where Meroe a chief Island, say some. Others understand it of the rivers of Ethiopia, not above, but under Egypt. And they there do place Meroe, where they conceive the Queen Candace reigned.  
That sendeth Ambassadors] Some say, verse 2 The Ethiopians send them, and namely Tirhakah. Others, the Egyptians send them.  
by the Sea] The Red-Sea.  
Go ye swift] The words of Tirhakah, say some. Of the Egyptians, say others.  
a Nation scattered] The Assyrians, say some; Tirhakah so provoking them to war and battle. The Ethiopians, say others; the Egyptians thus warning them of their ruin approaching by the Assyrians. And a third sort would understand by this scattered, peeled, terrible Nation, the Israelites.  
a Nation meted out, and trodden down] The Ethiopians were such, and so here to be entreated and used. But they that understand hereby the Assyrians; or the Israelites either, render the words a Nation meeting out▪ and treading down; arrogating so much to themselves, and acting accordingly.  
the rivers have spoiled] The forces of the King of Assyria, say some, thus should spoil the land of the Ethiopians. The others understanding here the land of the Assyrians, conceive it here to be thus described by the rivers, and the abundance and violence of them, and their streams in it.  
All ye inhabitants] Esay calls all the world to observe, verse 3 how remarkable and conspicuous, God's judgements and the execution of them by the Assyrians, should be upon the Ethiopians, say some: Gods judgements upon and against the Assyrians, say others. And accordingly they apply what is set down in the 4, 5, and 6. verses following; the one, for the Assyrian executing the judgement upon the Ethiopian: the other, for God executing his judgement upon the Assyrian; asserting to himself the defence and security of his own people.  
In that time] A prophecy of the Conversion of the Ethiopians to Christ, verse 7 in the days of the Messiah, Acts VIII. 27,— 39 As most hold.  
shall the present be brought] By the Ethiopians, a present of their spiritual services. Others expound it, a present of the prey of Sennacheribs army, chap. XXXIII. 23. consecrated to God's service, and in way of Thanksgiving to him. Jer. LI. 44.  
of Egypt Of Egypt see the Observations on Gen. chapter XIX verse 1 XII. 10.  
Of this burden of Egypt, see likewise Jer. XLIII. 10. and XLIV. 30. and XLVI. 2, 13. Ezek. XXIX. and XXX. and XXXI. 2, 18. and XXXII.  
swift cloud] Swiftness for expedition: cloud, in an extraordinary manner; for clouds are not ordinarily seen in Egypt, Psal. CIV. 3.  
a cruel Lord, and a fierce King] Which some understand of Sennacherib, verse 4 some of Nabuchadnezzar; some rather of one of their own Kings; as namely, Psammetichus, who had been a petty King of one of the two Provinces, into which Egypt had been divided after the death of Sethon, who had been King of the whole Country before. But this Psammetichus at last overpowering the rest, made himself Lord of all Egypt, and was the father of Nechoh, who slew the good King Josias, 2 Kings XXIII. 29. See Herodotus, lib. 2. Diodor. lib. 1.  
And the waters shall fail from the Sea] This may imply the impeaching of their trade and traffic by Sea. verse 5  
and the river shall be wasted] Nilus; upon which the wealth and felicity of Egypt did depend. The miseries which should ensue upon the wasting and drying up of it, are set down in the five verses following.  
of Zoan] See Num. verse 11 XIII. 22. Psal. LXXVIII. 12.  
Land of Judah shall be a terror] Judah's overthrow shall fright Egypt; verse 17 left the like befall them, and their own turn come next.  
In that day five Cities] A gracious prediction of the conversion of Egypt to God, verse 18 and his service; which principally hath reference to the days of the Messiah. So again, Jer. XLVI. 26. see the like comfortable closes, chap. VI 13. and XVII. 7. and XVIII. 7. and XXIII. 17, 18.  
one shall be called the City of destruction] Or, of Heres. Or, of the Sun. See the Observations on Josh. XIX. 38.  
at the border thereof] Alluding to that, verse 19 Josh. XXII. 10, 24, 25, 27.  
a Saviour, and a Great one] Principaly the Lord Jesus. verse 20  
Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians] Both serve the Lord. verse 23 And Israel be the third. All three, serve the Lord, ver. 24, 25.  
In the year] chapter XX The time when this Prophecy was delivered. chapter I  
that Tartan] One of the three that Sennacherib sent to Ezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 17.  
came to Ashdod] Of Ashdod, see the Annotations on Amos III. 9  
When Sargon] Of him, see the Observations on 2 Kings XV. 19  
and took it] Some say, in the twelfth year of Ezekiah: some in the fourteenth, some in the fourth. But most likely, about the eight, or ninth year of Ezekiah after Shalmanezers' decease. And the Egyptians, and Ethiopians coming to the relief of Ashdod, were by the Assyrians defeated, and carried captives, in such scornful and despiteful manner; as is described, ver. 4.  
the sackcloth] Not here a mourning weed: verse 2 but such an upper garment, made of course and hairy stuff, as the Prophets ordinarily were wont to wear, 2 King. I. 8. Zech. XIII. 4. Mat. III 4.  
naked] Not stark naked. But stripped of his Prophetical mantle. As, 1 Sam. XIX. 24. Joh. XXI. 7. Mic. I. 8. Act. XIX. 16. As captives are wont to be led.  
three years] And well might the siege of Ashdod continue three years, verse 3 as well as that of Samariah; most likely the Prophet went so three days, so forty days, for forty years, Num. XIV. 33, 34. Ezek. iv 4, 5, 6.  
upon Egypt, and upon Ethiopia] Judgements denounced upon them before, severally; upon Ethiopia, Chap. XVIII. upon Egypt, Chap. XIX. Here now upon them jointly.  
so shall] The explication of the sign. verse 4 It shall be so at the end of three years, from the beginning of the siege of Ashdod.  
And they shall be afraid] both the Ashdodites, verse 5 and Jews, that relied so much upon their aid.  
Isle] See the Observations on, Gen. X. 6. verse 6  
of the desert of the sea] chapter XXI verse 1 Another Sermon and prophecy against Babylon. And so there are many Sermons against the Assyrians; and also against the Egyptians; by this Prophet. Babylon and Caldea is here called the desert of the sea; a desert, because a large desert, or wide Wilderness lay between Caldea, and Media; or, itself should be made so, by the judgements ensuing. Or the word here used signifieth a Plain, and in a plain Babylon was built, Gen. XI. 2. And called a sea, because of the great river Euphrates, on the banks whereof Babylon was built; and because of the vast lakes made out of the river. And hence is Babylon said to sit upon many waters, Jer. LI. 13. and ver. 36. I will dry up the sea.  
As whirlwinds] such shall the violent eruptions be of the Medes and Persians breaking into Chaldea.  
The treacherous dealer] hath now his match; verse 2 is now paid in his own coin. Or, the treacherous dealer, dealing treacherously, which some apply to the Chaldeans, some to the Medes and Persians.  
and the spoiler spoileth] Some apply only these words to the Medes and Persians.  
O Elam] The Persian.  
all the sighing] Wherewith Babylon made my people sigh.  
Therefore loins] Spoken in the person of the Babylonians. verse 3  
The night of my pleasure] Even in their sestival night was Babylon taken by Cyrus, Dan. verse 4 5. 1, 30.  
hath he turned] Though it were done about 170. years after. This is an usual Prophetic phrase.  
Prepare the table] Most likely K. Belshazzars words, verse 5 for the Feast, and for the Watch.  
arise ye Princes] Cyrus, and Darius.  
set a watchman] God's word to the Prophet. verse 6 And that as if God willed him to stand as on a watchtower, to see what he could descry. And for him to relate what himself in Vision had seen; as chap. VI 1. For this seems to be done, in a Vision; as that 1 Kings XXII. 17, 19,— 22.  
harkened diligently with much heed] A through watch-master. verse 7  
A Lion] Viz. leads them. Or rather, verse 8 he cried loud, as a Lion; by his hideous noise expressing much fear and terror.  
my Lord, I stand] That watchman's words: professing his constant vigilancy.  
here cometh] Even now are gone into Babylon, verse 9 speaking as a thing suddenly done: the issue of what he had hitherto so vigilantly expected.  
Babylon is fallen] God himself expounding more fully to the Prophet, what this apparition all tended to.  
O my threshing] My threshed one's, verse 10 saith the Prophet; my afflicted one's; though not by me.  
that which I have heard] Foreseen, and foreshowed, is no dream or relation of my own devising; but what by revelation I have received from God. As, 1 Cor. XI. 23.  
Dumah] In Arabia say some. Edome say others. Another Prophecy; verse 11 short, and sharp; obscure and difficult; wrapped up in two verses.  
He calleth to me out of Seir] Seir so called from Seir the Horite, Gen. XXXVI. 20. in whose race it continued, until the Edomites, or posterity of Esau, thence expelled them, Deut. II. 12.  
Watchman, what of the night?] Either in a scoffing way. Or rather, implying a distracting and hazardous condition of those by whom they were uttered, unto whomsoever they were directed. What of the night? or, in the night. Or, concerning the night, hast thou seen, and observed? The night of black affliction that at the present lay heavy upon them, they seem to inquire of.  
The watchman said] As by Divine Oracle. verse 12  
The morning cometh] either a fair morning; as ye suppose, having shaken off that yoke wherewith jacob's issue kept you under, Gen. XXVII. 40. Yet this fair morning should not last long. In issue, this morning should be such a morning, as shall afford you no light or comfort at all.  
and also the night] Come. A night of calamity and misery will by the Assyrians ere long seize upon you; worse than the Israelitish yoke. And this as sure, as night succeedeth day.  
If ye will inquire] Not scoffingly, but seriously; do it then with all earnest, eager, and ardent inquisition.  
return, come] Return to God; Come to his People.  
upon Arabia] Another Prophecy. verse 13 Of Arabia see the Annotations here. They did wander up and down, and did pitch in tents, chap. XIII. 20. The Arabians were near the Egyptians, 2 Chron XXI. 16. Mount Sinai was in it, Gal. IU. 25. Paul went into it, Gal. I. 17. Solomon had yearly gold from all the Kings of it, 1 Kings X. 15. They traded with Tyre, in Lambs, and Rams, and Goats, Ezek. XXVII. 21. They brought Jehoshaphat presents, flocks, 7700. Rams, and 7700. He Goats, 2 Chron. XVII. 11. But they risen up against his son Jehoram in battle; and their camp slew all his eldest sons, save only the youngest, 2 Chron. XXI. 16. and XXII. 1. In Uzziah's time, God helped him against them, 2 Chron. XXVI. 7. Nabuchadnezzar subdued them, Jer. XXV. 24. Yet afterwards in Nehemiah's time, they eagerly endeavoured to hinder him in the building of the walls of Jerusalem, Neh. II. 19 and IV. 7, 8.  
In the forest] Leaving their abode in the champion, they should be driven to seek shelter in the Woods. See Jer. XLIX. 28, 29.  
O ye travelling companies of Dedanim] A people of Arabia, descended from Dedan, one of Abraham's sons by Keturah, Gen. XXV. 3. These travelling companies, are like those, Gen. XXXVII. 25, 28. We now call them Caravans.  
Tema] Another people of Arabia: verse 14 of Ismaels' race, Gen. XXV. 15. Arabia had in it a mingled people. See Jer. XXV. 23, 24. Job VI 19 This intimated unto the Temanites, what distress their Countrymen of other parts of Arabia should be brought unto.  
For they fled] It was no groundless fear that makes them flee thus. verse 15  
within a year] A shorter time that assigned to the Moabites, verse 16 chap. XVI. 14. Or that, to the Egyptians and Ethiopians jointly together, chap. XX. 3. the Assyrian falling in upon these parts of Arabia, before those other of the other Countries.  
an hireling] Which reckons his year accurately.  
Kedar] The son of Ishmael, Gen. XXV. 13. Another people of Arabia. They and their Princes also occupied with Tyre, in Lambs, and Rams, and Goats, Ezek. XXVII. 21. They also dwelled in tents; and therefore called Scenites, which they were wont to remove from place to place, to procure change of pasture for their cattle. See Psal. CXX. 5. Cant. I. 5. Nabuchadnezzar did smite them, Jer. XLIX. 28. Yet in the days of the Gospel they should be converted unto Christ, Esay XLII. 11. and chap. LX. 7.  
valley of Vision] Judah, chapter XXII verse 1 and Jerusalem, ver. 4, 8, 10. jerusalem and judea, were full of mountains; and consequently of Valleys. And the Patriarches, and Prophets, had therein many Visions from God.  
What aileth thee now] In this distress by Sennacherib, in the days of Ezekiah. Rather than that by Nabuchadnezzar.  
house tops] To lament, or look about for help, etc.  
not slain with the sword] Butler, verse 2 as it were, stark dead with fear, ere they came to any fight.  
they are bound by the archers] Or, verse 3 from the bow. Their hands are so restrained, and tied up with extremity of fear, that they are not able to manage and make use of their bows. Or, they are bound and captived by the archers of the enemies.  
of crying to the mountains] So loud, verse 5 as will cause the mountains to ring again with it. Or, so making to the mountains for shelter and safeguard.  
Elam] Under the Assyrian, verse 6 fight in his army.  
Kir] A City in Media, and under the dominion then of the Assyrian, 2 Kings XVI. 9 Amos I. 5.  
thou didst look] About thee, verse 8 and bestir thee.  
in that day] When the Country was full of foreign forces.  
to the house of the forest] The name of an armoury situate within Jerusalem. Most likely that which Solomon built, and called the house of the forest of Lebanon, 1 Kings VII. 2. See the Observations there.  
of the lower pool] See the Observations on Neh. verse 9 III. 1.  
between the two walls] See 2 Chron. XXXII. 5. Jer. XXXIX. 4.  
for to morrow we shall die] Either desperately: verse 13 or rather thus mocking the threaten of the Prophets.  
revealed] The Lord of Hosts did in my hearing reveal himself, verse 14 saying, etc.  
Shebna] He was a rotten-hearted man, and one that had much abused his power, verse 15 being in likelihood of mean parentage; and it may be a stranger by descent. See ver. 16. and chap. XXXVI. 3. He is called the Scribe, or Secretary, 2 Kings XVIII. 18. Here, over the house; as high Steward. Wherein Eliakim succeeded. He was one of the three sent out to Rabshake.  
and will surely cover thee] With shame and sorrow. verse 17 As Ester VII. 8. 2 Sam. XV. 30. Job IX. 24. Ezek. XII. 6, 12.  
Eliakim] Invested, verse 20 after the divesting of Shebna.  
they shall hang upon him] As things are wont to be hanged on a pin. verse 24  
his father's house, the offspring and the issue] All his kindred and allies, as well small, as great shall partake of his honour, one way or other. Or, there should be nothing in the King's house but should be under his power, and have dependence on him.  
fastened in a sure place] As Shebna accounted himself to be. verse 25  
●e cut down] Meaning Shebna.  
Tyre] Of Tyre, See the Observations on Josh. XIX. 29. And the Annotations on Amos I. 9 See the like Prophecies against this Town and State, jer. XXV. 22. and XLVII. 4. Ezek. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. chapters, Amos II. 9 Zech. IX. 2, 4.  
Tarshish] Of this see the Observations on 1 Kings X. chapter XXIII verse 1 22.  
from the Land of Chittim it is revealed to them] It is revealed, and the report is come unto them that formerly traded with Tyre, how it fared with her, that she is sacked; so that now all harbour in Tyre, or entrance into it is denied unto them. Who these of the land of Chittim should be, there are variable conjectures; but little certainty.  
inhabitants of the Isle] Ye, verse 2 Tyrians.  
the seed of Sihor] Tyre described here, verse 3 by her traffic with Egypt; as formerly with Sidon. See Ezek. XXVII. 7. By the great waters of the midland Sea, the grain of Egypt, and all the trade and commodities of it, of Sihor, that is, Nilus, were brought to Tyre. Of this Sihor, or Shichor; and that it is Nilus, see the large Annotations upon this Text.  
the Sea hath spoken] Tyre. verse 4  
The Lord of Hosts hath purposed it] By his Agents to do it. verse 9 By Nabuchadnezzar, who spent thirteen years in the siege of it, as Josephus against Appion, lib. 1. doth testify. And by Alexander the Great long after, in his rage; as Curtius in his fourth Book, iv Chapter doth witness.  
He] The Lord. verse 11  
Behold the Land of the Chaldeans] This is, verse 13 or shall be brought to ruin. And therefore it is not impossible but Tyre may be so.  
in that day] Wherein Tires calamities here foretold shall be accomplished, by Nabuchadnezzar. Ezek. verse 15 XXVI. 7.  
seventy years'] During the same time of the Jews captivity in Babylon.  
days of one King] One Kingdom; as, Dan. VII. 17. and VIII. 21. to wit, in the days and reigns of Nabuchadnezzar, and his son, and his son's son, Jer. XVII. 7.  
sing as an harlot] To renew her lovers; her traders and traffickers.  
turn to her hire] Of trading and traffic.  
with all the Kingdoms] The amplitude of her commerce and trade, ver. 8.  
Holiness to the Lord] The conversion of the Tyrians to God, verse 18 in the Kingdom of the Messiah.  
it shall not be treasured, nor laid up] Not reserved for any common or profane use, public or private, for themselves or their posterity.  
that dwell before the Lord] The Lords Ministers for their plentiful maintenance, in food and clothing.  
the earth empty] Another Sermon or Prophecy; chapter XXIV verse 1 continuing to the end of Chapter XXVII. This is more General than those going before: And comprehends Judea, and the neighbouring Nations on every side. And the judgements herein denounced, to be executed, partly by the Assyrians, and partly by the Chaldeans, and afterwards also by others, upon them. See the like, Jer. XXV. 15,— 38. and XXVII. 2,— 8.  
as with the people, etc.] All estates, verse 2 and conditions should far alike.  
is defiled] The reason of the former denunciations. verse 5  
The new wine] He proceedeth in particular, verse 7 to instance in some specialties of judgements  
The City] Taken collectively, as, verse 10 chap. XXV. 2. and XXVII. 10.  
every house is shut up] So as there is no going out, or in.  
as the shaking of an Olive-tree] Few shall be left, verse 13 yet this remnant shall be to praise the Lord, ver. 14.  
from the Sea] The transmarine lands, verse 14 and Seacoasts in general.  
God in the fires] In the fires of tribulations, verse 15 glorify God, by patiented sufferings, and depending upon him for deliverances.  
uttermost] The generality of the joy of this Remnant left. verse 16  
my leanness, my leanness] The Prophet breaks off here his relation of the gladsome joy, and praises of the foresaid Remnant; And falls into a passionate bemoaning of himself, and regret, for the miseries, that were the mean while, for their sins, to befall the others.  
the windows from on high are opened] God's vengeance surprising them, verse 18 both from above, and from beneath; as well over their heads, as under their feet; and as no shelter for them against the one, so no steady standing for them against the other. To amplify which, hyperboles are here used.  
the host of the high ones] Such as the Assyrian, verse 21 and Chaldean Monarches were.  
and after many days shall they be visited] In favour and mercy. verse 22 Verified of sundry States and Nations, in the Gospel-times, under the Messiah.  
Then the Moon, etc.] Esay closeth this first part, verse 23 after his wont manner; with a passage concerning the spiritual, yet illustrious glory and majesty of Gods reigning in his Church, in the times of the Gospel; the brightness and splendour whereof should be such, as no light of Sun, or Moon; no glory, or magnificence of any worldly estate, should be comparable thereunto.  
O Lord, chapter XXV verse 1 etc.] Esay falleth into a solemn celebration and praising of God, for his foresaid wonderful works, as well of judgement, as of mercy.  
the City] Collectively. verse 3  
of the terrible Nations] That were a terror to others, shall then stand in awe of thee.  
when the blast] Even in times of most need, verse 4 and greatest dangers.  
And in this mountain] Mount Zion, verse 6 a Type of the Church.  
unto all people] As well Gentiles, as Jews.  
wines on the lees] Pure and strong wines.  
The face of the covering] That ignorance and obstinacy, verse 7 wherewith the minds and hearts of the Gentiles were formerly possessed.  
veil] 2 Cor. III. 14, 16.  
death] The second benefit accrueing to the convert Nations; verse 8 a freeing them from the power of death, of death spiritual.  
in victory] Or, unto victory, i. e. until an utter conquest be made of him. So the LXX. which the Apostle retaineth, 1 Cor. XV. 54 because the sense is good and sound; though it do not exactly render the letter; for the Hebrew is, for ever.  
wipe away] A third benefit accrueing to the godly converted one's: fulfilled partly in this life, and perfectly in the next.  
Shall be said] Their thankful and joyful acknowledgement for those his mercies and favours. verse 9  
For] A reason of their rejoicing and triumphing. verse 10  
in this mountain] Verse 6, 7.  
Moab] Put for the enemies of God's people in general.  
And he] The Lord. verse 11  
Swimmeth] Stretcheth out his arms with all his might. So shall the Lord in powerful manner, reach and smite his enemies, on either side, Zech. V. 3.  
thy walls] The walls of Moab, ver. verse 12 11.  
this Song] A large Song of purpose penned in this set form, chapter XXVI verse 1 by Esay, for God's people, then to be made use of, what time these foresaid benefits should betid them.  
For in the Lord Jehovah] Heb. verse 4 Jah jehovah. See the Observations on Psal. LXVIII. 4. Both used distinctly, Psal. CXXXV. 1. jehovah the usual name, etc.  
the feet of the poor] He setteth up his poor formerly afflicted ones, verse 9 over the power of their proud oppressors.  
Thou most upright] Esay directeth his speech unto God; verse 7 and so runneth on in the greatest part of that which followeth; relating therein the various passages of his Providence; and acknowledging his goodness in going along with them, for his people, and in due time giving a good issue of them.  
will learn] Or should learn. verse 6  
for their envy at the people] Their envious and spiteful carriage towards God's people. verse 11 Or, thy zeal and ardent affection which thou bearest towards thy people, and in behalf of them, against those that oppose them.  
yea the fire of thine enemies] The fire prepared for thine enemies, the fire whereof they are the object.  
Lord,] Esay speaks still in the person of God's people. verse 12  
all our works] Those gracious protections, and strange deliverances, to God alone they ascribe them; all our works, not done by us, but for us.  
in us] Heb. unto us, to our hand, or for us.  
They are dead] Gods dealing with other people and persons, verse 14 irrecoverably destroying them.  
Thou hast increased the Nation] He deals otherwise with his own people, verse 15 ver. 19 though he variously afflict and chastise them.  
we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth] By all their devices, verse 18 and designs, they were not able to compass or accomplish aught for the succour or safeguard of them, and their Country.  
Thy dead men] In opposition to that, ver. 14. Thus God's people relate their faith and confidence in God, even in the midst of their deepest miseries: Alluding haply herein, to the general resurrection at the last day.  
my dead body] In this restitution, and National resurrection of the Jewish people, no one of them shall fail to have his share in the same.  
Come my people] Esay having ended his Song; verse 20 adviseth Gods people to hid and shelter themselves, under God's protection, till the storm of God's foresaid general indignation be overpast.  
In that day] Justice shall be done upon those, chapter XXVII verse 1 be they never so great, that have been the murderers and oppressors of God's people.  
even Leviathan that crooked Serpent] Collectively taken, not of any one particular person alone, but of sundry great Tyrants, that had been principal oppressors of God's people, ch. XXVI. 13.  
In that day] When the potent adversaries of God's people shall be destroyed; verse 2 and God's people by the former afflictions and chastisements pruned and purged.  
Fury is not in me] No implacable fury towards mine; verse 4 as it is towards mine, and my Church's enemies. I am towards my people reconcileable, Jer. III. 1.  
Who would set the briers] Sinners set against me in their strength, should by me be soon consumed.  
Or let him] So much rather let the Sinner do. verse 5  
He shall cause them] The blessing and benefit upon such as should so make peace with him. verse 6  
Hath he smitten him, as] Not so. verse 7 He deals better in his chastisements of his people.  
In measure] Not over-roughly, verse 8 but accordingly as he enables them to bear, Jer. XXX. 11. 1 Cor. X. 13. Psal. LXXVIII. 38.  
when he maketh all the stones of the Altar] When Jacob, verse 9 by his repentance, shall abolish all monuments and relics of his idolatry.  
yet the defenced City] But God's dealing with his enemies shall be as followeth in this, verse 10 and the next verse, even without mixture of mercy.  
in that day] Esay, verse 12 after his wont manner, Concludes this long Sermon, with a gracious promise of God's restitution of his people, after the main body of the obstinate wicked were by his judgements destroyed from among them, and the residue reform.  
the Lord shall beat off] Sever his dispersed people from the Nations among whom they remained; to gather them to him, and his worship.  
the great trumpet] Cyrus his Proclamation, verse 13 Ezra I 1, 2.  
Woe] chapter XXVIII verse 1 Another Sermon or Prophecy.  
Ephraim] Describes them, as men drunk with pride and prosperity, and drowned in sensuality. Thus were the ten Tribes, whereof Ephraim was the head.  
fat valleys] Under the mountain of Samaria. verse 2  
and strong one] Salmanezer.  
with the hand] By main might.  
unto the residue of his people] To Judah. verse 5  
to the gate] Of the enemy; verse 6 beat them thither.  
But they] Even they of Judah, verse 7 whom God vouchsafeth these favours unto, yet take the same evil courses with Ephraim.  
Whom shall he teach] Their sensuality and and riotous excess, verse 9 made them sottish, and unteachable.  
Precept upon precept] Yet all to as little purpose to them, verse 10 as if it were done to a new wearied infant.  
another tongue] They no more reaped fruit from aught spoken to them, verse 11 then if it had been spoken in a strange tongue, utterly unknown to them. See 1 Cor. XIV. 21.  
he said] God by his Prophets. verse 12  
This is the rest] The only means to procure rest and refreshing.  
But the word of the Lord] Through their obstinacy, verse 13 and God's judgement thereupon.  
scornful men] Verse 15. 2 Pet. 2, 3. verse 14  
are we at agreement] We have made provision for our safety, verse 15 ver. 18.  
come unto us] Or at us.  
I lay in Zion] For the stay of the minds and hearts of the faithful ones, verse 16 in the midst of all the ensuing judgements, God maketh this provision for them to rest and build upon.  
a precious corner stone] Jesus Christ, Psal. CXVIII. 22. Matth. XXI. 42. Acts IV. 11. 1 Pet. I. 4.  
shall not make haste] But with patience wait and expect, Rom. IX. 33. the Apostle in his quotation renders it, shall not be abashed or confounded; regarding not the words, but the matter. Or having an eye to this text, and that also, ch. XLIX. 23. As in the former part of that quotation he joineth two places together, ch. VIII. 14. and XXVIII 16.  
lay to the line] God will in an exact and precise way of justice proceed against those sensual, verse 17 secure, and scornful wretches. A metaphor taken from Carpenters.  
For the bed] They should be in such straits and distresses, verse 20 as all their wiles and shifts should not be able either to secure, or succour them in.  
as in mount Perazim] 2 Sam. V 20. See the like, verse 21 ch. X. 26. and XIII. 19  
Valley of Gibeon] Either, that 2 Sam. V 25. Or, that Josh. X. 10.  
his strange work] His dismal judgement; and that upon his own people; grown to such an extreme height of sin and obstinacy. Strange, in itself, strange to God, to deal so with the body of his own people.  
lest your bands] Lest God tie them up the shorter for it. verse 22  
a consumption] Of such of you, as so continue, through the whole land.  
Doth the ploughman] He doth not always insist upon one piece of verse 24 his work. And so God will not always, and only be menacing.  
Another Sermon seems to begin; and to continue, ch. XXX. and XXXI.  
Woe] A sad prophecy against Jerusalem, chapter XXIX verse 1 and the Temple; and consequently the whole State of the Jews.  
to Ariel] The word signifies a Lion of God. Hereby is meant the brazen Altar, so called, Ezek. XLIII. 15, 16. and called God's furnace or chimney, ch. XXXI. 9  
the City] Or of, Or in. Or, and to the City.  
add ye year to year] Cause feastival sacrifices still to be slain.  
and it shall be unto me as Ariel] The whole City shall be as an Ariel; all on a light fire, verse 2 all full of gore blood, and dead bodies of men slaughtered, after the surprisal of it.  
And I will camp] Bring an enemy to do it, verse 3 verse 8. myself commanding them, as in chief. This enemy may be understood both of the Assyrian Sennacherib; and the Babylonian Nabuchadnezzar.  
of thy strangers] All thy help's from abroad, verse 5 or at home.  
with thunder] In a most dreadful and direful manner. verse 6  
As when an hungry man] Sets out the appetite, verse 8 the eagerness and unsatiableness of the enemy's cruelty and thirst after blood.  
and wonder] At the strange stupidity of the body of the people; verse 9 that regarded not what had been threatened.  
the Lord hath poured] Verse 14. verse 10 See the Observations on ch. VI 10. See ch. XIX. 14. And the Apostles allegation of this text, Rom. XI. 8.  
draw near me with their mouth] Matth. XV. 3, 8, 9 verse 13  
deep to hid] Hid depth, verse 15 from the Lord, for him to be able to discern and discover. Thus these scoffing Statesmen conceived of their own contrivances, their wiles and shifts for themselves: and derided all that the Prophets spoke.  
as the potter's clay] Lieth as open to his eye; verse 16 and as easy for him to mould, or mar.  
Is it not yet, etc.] This seems rather a Promise, verse 17 then a Commination, chap. XXXII. 15. That great should be the fruitfulness of the Land, upon the restitution of their State, either after the Assyrian devastation; or after the Babylonian deportation.  
shall the deaf hair] Esay hear, verse 18 after his usual manner, beginneth to close up his Sermon, with matter of comfort, and gracious promises; fulfilled partly in those times; but chief in the Kingdom of the Messiah: The Promises concern the illumination of the mind, in this verse, the joy of the godly, verse 19 the confusion of those that wronged them, verse 20, 21. the vindication from shame and fear; and the propagation and enlargement of the Church, by access of many Proselytes, verse 22, 23, 24.  
In this, and the next Chapter, Esay principaly bends himself against those that sought and trusted to foreign helps and succours; and not to God.  
Zoan] This; chapter XXX verse 4 and Hanes, otherwise called Tahapanes, and Tahpanhes, were famous Cities in Egypt. Thither they sent for help against the Assyrian: and after, against the Babylonian.  
The burden of the beasts of the South] The burden that the beasts of the Jews were to carry Southward into Egypt, verse 6 either to secure their treasures there, or to procure aid thence.  
from whence come the young and the old Lion,] The way thither so dangerous. And the Egyptians themselves should prove such and so dangerous to the Jews.  
writ it before them in a table] Or, writ this prophecy on a table, verse 8 that it may be with them: to witness against them hereafter.  
And therefore] Having reference to what follows. verse 18 Or, Notwithstanding, if it relate to the premises.  
Will the Lord wait] Here is matter of comfort, concerning the deliverance and restitution of God's people, ver. 18,— 26. And the destruction of the Assyrian, their enemy, ver. 27,— 33.  
and thine ears] Not as before, verse 21 ver. 10, 11.  
Get thee hence] As Matth. IU. 10. verse 22 and ch. XVI. 23.  
great slaughter] Of Sennacheribs camp. verse 25  
towers fall] His great ones, and Princes in state and place.  
as the light of seven days] Putskie all in one. verse 26 So great then should their joy be.  
burning with his anger] The destruction of Sennacherib, verse 27 and his forces: And the great joy that God's people should have thereupon. With the same are divers Chapters and Sermons concluded: as ch. X. 33, 34. and XIV. 24, 25. and XVII. 12,— 14. and XXXI. 8, 9 and XXXIII. 13, 14.  
the Nations] That served under Sennacherib. verse 28  
causing them to err] And wander to and fro, to make what haste they could into their own Country again.  
as in the night] Of their holy Festivals. verse 29 Some solemn night-wakes they used to have, before, or after the day of their Feastivals.  
goeth with a pipe] With music in the way going up to God's House: to cheer up themselves; the journey being sometimes long.  
scattering, and tempest, and hailstones] It may seem that together with the Angel smiting, verse 30 there was an horrible and hideous tempest, wherewith the Assyrians were surprised. And thus also it is by some deemed that God disturbed the Egyptian at the red-sea, with a storm like this described.  
Assyrian] Sennacherib. verse 31  
Tophet] See the Observations on 2 Kings XXIII. 10. verse 33  
for the King] His forces, wherein he suffered; or those Kings that served under Sennacherib: yea, his Commanders he counted as Kings, ch. X. 8. 33. For himself, his Temple was his Topheth, chapter XXXVII. ver. 38.  
This Chapter is of the same subject with the former.  
for help] Against the Assyrians, chapter XXXI verse 1 chap. XXX. 6, 7. and XXXVI. 8. As after in process of time, against the Chaldeans, Jer. XXXVII. 5. and XLIII. 5, 6, 7.  
For thus] Here beginneth the Comfortable part of this Prophecy. verse 4  
to fight for mount Zion] Fare higher mounts encircled it.  
As birds flying] And fluttering about their nests, verse 5 to defend their young ones, in what they may; so God in all affection and sedulity will defend Jerusalem, and those that trust in him.  
Turn ye unto him] And so should they partake of the promised protection. verse 6  
children of Israel] Meaning here Judah.  
deeply revolted] Host V. 2. and IX. 9  
cast away his idols] Wherein they trusted for help, verse 7 ch. II. 20.  
fall with the sword] Not of a man; verse 8 but of an Angel.  
flee] As he did, ch. XXXVII. 37.  
strong hold] To Nineveh.  
afraid of the Ensign] That God by his Angel had lifted up, in the slaughter of their fellows.  
whose fire is in Zion] Kept on his Altar there ever burning. Or rather, fire to burn up the enemies of him, his worship, his people.  
a King] Ezekiah. chapter XXXII verse 1 Yet a type of Christ; as before him, David, Ezek. XXXIV. 24.  
Shall reign] Hence some suppose this Prophecy to have been delivered in Ahaz his days. Some in Hezekiahs', concerning his religigious and righteous government of his people, specially after the overthrow of Sennacherib; and his recovery out of his sickness.  
Prince's] Under Hezekiah.  
And a man] Each one under him. verse 2  
in a weary land] Where men are weary of travelling, through heat, and drought.  
not be dim] Or closed, as those, ch. XXIX. 10. and VI 9 Not look another way, verse 3 from God, unto Idols: from the light of God's Word, and his judgements conspicuously manifested unto them; not wilfully shut their eyes, or turn them aside from them; as those, chap. XXVI. 11.  
Shall hearken] Not refuse to hear, as formerly, chap. XXVIII. 9,— 13. and XLVIII. 18. but hearkeu diligently, as chap. XXI. 7. and XXIX. 18. and XXX. 21. and XXXV. 5.  
stammerers'] That did but stammer before at any good and religious speech, verse 4 shall now manifest the inward alteration and change of their hearts by their ready religious speaking the language of Canaan, that which may minister grace and edification to the hearers.  
no more called liberal] They shall no more call vice, verse 5 virtue; evil, good; but they shall in singleness of soul call sin, sin, a spade, a spade.  
For the vile person] His description. verse 6  
Churl] His description. verse 7  
Liberal] His description. verse 8 The drift seems to be this, That in Hezekiah's reign, baseminded, and evil-affected persons should not be now raised and advanced unto places of honour and authority, as in his father Ahaz his time too many had been; and too likely base and wicked Shebna: But now, only worthy men.  
Rise up] Esay here returns to speak of those troubles that were to come, verse 9 before the establishment of the State, in manner before described.  
ye women] The Court-Ladies especially, that were faulty, as the men; and the more secure and careless, as less foreseeing dangers to come; and yet must suffer in them alike, though less able to bear them then the men. Therefore Esay rouzeth up them; and by them, the men.  
Many days and years] Heb. Many days above a year. verse 10 Some use the translation in the text: and apply it to the LXX years in the Babylonish captivity: Others rather use the marginal reading; and apply it to a just and exact limitation of that calamitous time of almost two years, whiles the Assyrian abode in the land; For full two years he could not be there, considering he came in, in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah, 2 Kings XVIII. 13. And afterwards Hezekiahs' life was prolonged fifteen years, chap. XXXVIII. 5. And he reigned but 29. in all, 2 Kings XVIII. 2.  
for the teats] Which were to them as teats. verse 12 Some translate, There shall be beating upon the breasts, Nahum II. 7.  
shall come up thorns] Esay seems here to pass from that short invasion of the Assyrian, verse 13 to that greater and longer of the Chaldean Nabuchadnezzar: As if he should say, I am now farther to acquaint you with this later; and which is far worse every way, and of a far longer continuance; in this, and the next verse.  
for ever] a long time, about seventy years. Of, ever, see the Observations on Deut. XV. 17.  
Until the Spirit] Esay concludes, verse 15 as usualy, with gracious Promises. This promise may extend also to the time of the Messiah.  
when it shall hail coming down on the forest] God will preserve the fruits of the earth for them, verse 19 that they shall not with storm and tempest be destroyed.  
and the City shall be low in a low place] Though the Cities built there, yet shall be there secure, verse 18. even though, say some, it hail never so much; and Cities be brought never so low.  
Blessed are ye] God's blessing on their husbandry and labours. verse 20 Appliable to God's spiritual husbandry, in the Ministry of the Gospel.  
This Chapter seems to begin another Sermon, chapter XXXIII continued on in the two next Chapters. And in the whole Sermon Esay mainly insists upon the destruction of the enemies of God's people; and upon their defence and deliverance, their privileges, and joyful flourishing estate, thereupon ensuing, and opposed thereunto.  
This Chapter is much of the same nature and subject with the former Chapter.  
Woe to thee] Nabuchadnezzar; or rather Sennacherib, ver. 8. verse 1  
they shall deal treacherously with thee] This may relate to Sennacheribs two sons slaying their father, ch. XXXVII. 38.  
O Lord] The Prayer of the faithful in time of trouble. verse 2  
At the noise] This is in way of answer to the former Prayer. verse 3  
fled] As the manner of the Prophets is, to speak of things future as past. So it came to pass in the Assyrian Camp.  
your spoils] Speaking to the Assyrians. verse 4  
shall he run upon them] The Jew pillaging the Assyrian camp.  
of thy times] O Hezekiah. verse 6  
their valiant ones shall cry] Shew the disttesse of God's people, verse 7 the Jews should be in.  
the Ambassadors] Sent with presents to Sennacherib, 2 Kings XVIII. 14. Or those sent out to Rabshakeh, ch. XXXVI. 3.  
He hath broken the Covenant] Sennacherib did so, verse 8 2 Kings XVIII. 14, 17.  
Now will I arise] To help and deliver my people, verse 10 in this extremity.  
ye shall conceive chaff] The Assyrians. verse 11  
as the burn of lime] Describes that fatal blow in the Assyrian Camp. verse 12  
The sinners in Zion are afraid] Terrified with this dreadful execution done upon the Assyrians, verse 14 and complaining, and fearing lest the like vengeance might light also upon them, as they knew they deserved it; As, Num. XVI. 34.  
with devouring fire?] With God, who is a consuming fire?  
He that walketh] The Prophets answer. verse 15  
Thine eyes shall see the King] A further blessing that such should enjoy, verse 17 the sight of their King, and State settled in prosperity and glory.  
the land that is very far off] Liberty to travel abroad in safety, unto the remotest parts of the land, without danger or disturbance. Or, as some, remote lands subdued by the King.  
Where is the Scribe?] So now taunting Sennacherib, verse 18 and his Officers in the Camp, 1 Cor. I. 20. either minds not this Text; or alludes only to the phrase in it.  
not see] For they shall be slain, verse 19 or flee.  
Look upon Zion] See how safe, verse 20 and whole it is.  
No galley] Of any enemy shall be able with help of wind and oars, verse 21 to get up to it, to annoy it.  
Thy tackle] Speaking to the Assyrians. verse 23  
the inhabitant] Of Jerusalem.  
forgiven their iniquity] Being refined by their chastisements, verse 24 and reform; and so God reconciled to them.  
This Chapter, chapter XXXIV for the subject matter of it, agreeth much with ch. XXIV. This being a Prophecy of the destruction of the enemies of God's people: And more particularly of the Edomites in Idumea: set forth in many hyperbolical expressions.  
And all the host of heaven] So strange and dreadful shall God's judgements be, verse 4 that the whole frame of the world shall seem to be dissolved. It is the manner of God's Prophets, in their descriptions of some extraordinary judgements to set them forth in such colours, as if they were deciphering the face of that last universal judgement; whereof such are, in some sort, resemblances and forerunners. And again to set forth the restitution and restauration of God's people out of greatest calamities, in such terms, as have occasioned many to be mistaken in them▪ conceiving no other than the general and joyful resurrection at the last day to be described in them.  
Unicorns] Or Rhinocerots. See the Observations on Num. XXIII. 22. verse 7  
for ever and ever] Heb. verse 10 ever of evers.  
The Cormorant] See the like, verse 11 Chap. XIII. 18,— 22. and XIV. 23. Zeph. II. 13, 14. Apoc. XVIII. 2.  
Seek ye out] The certainty of this Prophecy: verse 16 As if each thing here were entered into a roll of Record. In the day of the execution of this judgement, take this Book, read this passage; and see if any of these be found wanting then and there.  
they shall] These wild creatures shall. verse 17  
This Chapter agreeth much with chap. chapter XXXV XXV. And contains the joyful and glorious restitution, exaltation, and exultation of God's people.  
Sharon] A fertile region, verse 2 and pleasant, lying beneath mount Lebanon, in the Tribe of God, and adjoining unto Bashan, 1 Chron. V. 16. There were the Roses mentioned, Cant. II. 1. There had David his herds feeding, 1 Chron. XXVII. 29. Likely it is the same with Lassharon, Josh. XII. 18.  
Strengthen ye] He incites them to hearten and encourge one another, verse 3 with faith and patience to expect the accomplishment of those glorious promises.  
Then the eyes of the blind] Fulfilled in Christ's time, verse 5 both corporaly and spiritualy.  
For in the wilderness] Literaly true in the Jewish Kingdom: verse 6 being there ●n a Type of Christ's.  
And an high way] They shall be blessed with peace, verse 8 and safety.  
the way of holiness] A Type of the way to heaven.  
but it shall be for those] Holy ones, verse 5, 6.  
No Lion shall be there] As the way so plain; verse 9 so as free from danger.  
This History is brought in to confirm and seal up the truth of some of the Prophecies and Predictions aforegoing. This is recorded, 2 Kings XVIII. and XIX. 2 Chron. XXXII.  
came up] Upon pretence likely of the Contribution withheld by Hezekiah, chapter XXXVI verse 1 which his father Ahaz had paid to Tiglath-Pilezer, 2 Kings XVI. 7, 9 and XVIII. 7.  
without the Lord] Heb. Jehovah, verse 10 that son of four letters, as the Hebrews call it: used here by Rabshakeh six times in his Speech.  
Syrian language] See the Observations on Ezra IV. 7. verse 11  
dung and piss] See the Observations on 2 Kings X. 27. verse 12  
and take you away] The manner of Conquerors to transplant the Natives. verse 17  
Sepharvaim] Subdued before his time, verse 19 2 Kings XVII. 24.  
Eliakim] Now in Shebna's office and place. verse 22 And Shebna now the Scribe; and so here is the beginning of his fall, chap. XXII. 20, 21. chap. XXXVII. 2.  
This Chapter the same in substance with 2 Kings XIX. chapter XXXVII  
a rumour] Verse 9 and 36. verse 7  
So Rabshakeh returned] Most likely leaving the army still before Jerusalem. verse 8  
Libnah] See the Observations on 2 Kings VIII. 22.  
Lachish] See the Annotations on Micah I. 13.  
Ethiopia] See the Observations on Gen. II. 13.  
war with thee] Either to assist the Jews; verse 9 or in Assyria, in the absence of Sennacherib and his forces.  
Thus shall ye speak] Instructions to his messengers, verse 10 delivered to them in writing; and so by them in writing to Hezekiah: Likely as if he scorned to write himself to Hezekiah, but sent him only a Copy of the Instructions.  
Eden] See the Observations on Gen. II. 8. verse 12  
Cherubims] See the Observations on Gen. III. 24. verse 16 And the Annotations on Ezek. IX. 3. and on this text.  
a Sign] See the Observations on chap. VII. 14. verse 30 and on Exod. III. 12.  
ye shall eat this year] A confirmation of Sennacheribs sudden departure and return home: And also including in it an assurance of a comfortable provision of necessary food for them, out of the Land; notwithstanding all the havoc that Sennacheribs armies had made in it; and the coincident Sabbatical year, for intermission of culture. See the Observations on Leu. XXV. 21.  
Then] In that night, verse 36 2 Kings XIX. 35. the very next night after the message sent from God, by Esay.  
and smote] The manner how is not expressed.  
in the camp] Likely both before Jerusalem, and Libnah. See Ch. XXXVI. 2. and verse 8, 9, 14, 33. of this Chapter.  
all dead corpses] All in a manner. Yet some escaped, and fled with Sennacherib himself. See chap. XVII. 14.  
Nineveh] See the Annotations on Jonah I. 2. verse 37 and on this text.  
his sons] These words here written; verse 38 are read in the margin, but not written in the text, 2 Kings XIX. 37.  
Armenia] Heb. Ararat on the mountains whereof the Ark rested.  
Esarhaddon] See the Observations on Ezra IV. 2.  
In those day's] chapter XXXVIII verse 1 Shortly after Sennacheribs defeat and departure.  
shalt die] Yet a secret reservation there was. See Jer. XVIII. 7, 8. Ezek. III. 18. See the Observations on Jonah III. 4.  
to the wall] Which haply might be towards the Temple: verse 2 or by that withdrawing, that he might with the more privacy, and intention, make his address to God.  
remember now] Humbly appealing to God, verse 3 touching the integrity and sincerity of his heart, and endeavours.  
wept s●re] One cause might be the want of a son. Manasseh was not yet born. And the State of Church, and Commonwealth much unsettled.  
Then] Afore Esay was gone out into the middle Court, verse 4 2 Kings XX. 4. where the text is City; but the margin, Court. And the first Court of the King's house, that nearest the Palace, and farthest from the street or City, seems here to be meant.  
to thy days] That he had lived already. verse 5  
fifteen years] About the one half of his reign. verse 6  
will deliver thee and this City] The promise before made, is again here renewed; assuring him, as of his life; so of peace and tranquillity to be continued to him, with it; that Sennacherib should not return; or any Assyrian to molest him, or this City, 2 Chron. XXXII. 22. which yet afterwards was done in the days of his son Manasseh, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11.  
a Sign] Asked by Hezekiah, ver. 22. verse 7 and put to his choice, 2 Kings XX. 8, 10.  
So the Sun returned ten degrees] Not the shadow only: verse 8 which indeed depended upon the Sun. Nor could foreign people in remote places have taken notice of this miracle, had no alteration been in the course of the Universe, 2 Cron. XXXII. 31. For this miracle as it was visible in Judea, so in other parts of the world also; particularly in Babylon; the King and Princes whereof observing the thing, yet ignorant of the occasion, except by report only, which might deceive, for their further satisfaction send Ambassadors to Hezekiah, not only to congratulate his recovery, but to inquire of the wonder, 2 Chron. XXXII. 31. In this Miracle, if the Sun went back in its ordinary pace and swiftness; and in like sort did return forward again, than that Daylight must be long thirty two hours, if by a degree, an hour be understood. If the Sun returned back ten degrees in an instant, than it must be long twenty two hours. But by a degree here most likely half an hour is understood. See more of this in the Annotations on this text, and my Observations on 2 Kings XX. 9, 10, 11.  
by these things men live] By thy promises, verse 16 and preformances of the same, by his speaking and doing, verse 15.  
is the life of my spirit] As the life of all men is so continued; so by these things is the life of my spirit miraculously prolonged, and I recovered; and shall outlive in all the rest of my years that bitterness of my soul into which I was formerly cast, ver. 15.  
For Peace I had great bitterness] Instead of it, verse 17 or presently after it, and upon it; upon that peace from the Assyrian, by his overthrow; then this grievous bitter affliction suddenly surprised me.  
a lump of figs] This might have no power in it; verse 21 or, if any at all, yet not sufficient to this so signal and sudden a cure.  
that I shall go] So soon as within three days, verse 22 as God had graciously promised, 2 Kings XX. 5. And for which he asked the Sign, 2 Kings XX. 8.  
Merodach Baladan] 2 Kings XX. chapter XXXIX verse 1 12. Beredach Baladan. Of the change of letters, see the Observations on Gen. IU. 25. and 2 Sam. VIII. 3. And of Names, see the Annotations on Dan. I. 7. And on this text, Merodach, one of their Idols, Jer. L. 2.  
King of Babylon] Under the Assyrian.  
glad] overmuch; verse 2 for self-ends, of pride, or profit.  
And of thy sons] Manasseh was carried thither, verse 7 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11.  
Eunuch's] Or Officers. Thus those of the posterity, and issue of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 6, 10, 20. Dan. I. 3, 4.  
for there shall be peace] An humble submission preceding .. verse 8 And here an acknowledging this interim of favour, in the delaying and deferring the judgement.  
In the former Chapter Esay, chapter XL upon the occasion therein related, having made some mention of the Babylonian captivity; doth now in the ensuing Prophecies mostwhat insist upon that same subject matter. For the subsequent Sermons are generally most, if not all of them, concerning that their Captivity, the delivery out of it, and the restitution of their Church and State, in aftertimes. Yet so, as that all this reacheth farther, unto the spiritual delivery of God's people from the thraldom under sin and Satan, by the Messiah herein typified, and the glorious advancement, and enlargement of his spiritual Kingdom, in the days of the Gospel.  
Comfort ye] The Promulgation and approach of God's purpose, verse 1 concerning his people's deliverance, he commands, for their comfort, to be published to them; Relating herein both to the time of the Babylonish captivity; and also to the time of the coming of the Messiah.  
double] Abundantly; verse 2 so much to the full as God deemed fit to be inflicted.  
The voice] The undoubted certainty of the performance of it, verse 3 is set forth, and confirmed, notwithstanding all obstructions and difficulties lying in the way. And that first, by the stability of God's Word, illustrated by the fickleness and frailty of all humane excellency, ver. 3,— 8.  
of him that crieth] This applied to John the Baptist more especially, Mal. IU. 5. Matth. XI. 14. Mark I. 2, 3. John I. 23.  
surely the people is grass] Yea, verse 7 even the Babylonian Monarchy; and it cannot hinder the performance of God's Word, purpose, and promise for the deliverance of his people. Saint Peter applies this to the work of Regeneration, wrought in the soul, by the Ministry of the Word, 1 Pet. I. 23, 24, 25. So, John VIII. 51. 2. John II.  
O Zion, that bringest good tidings] Or, verse 9 thou that bringest good tidings to Zion] A second command, for the promulgation and proclamation of this good tidings to Zion, to Jerusalem.  
be not afraid] Make no scruple or doubt of publishing it.  
and his work before him] even that work, verse 10 verse 11. lies open, and easy to him.  
who hath measared] A second proof of the undoubted certainty of God's performance of this his glorious Promise, verse 12 from the immensity of his power and essence, illustrated by the feebleness and vanity of all Creatures; of Idols especially, ver. 12,— 20.  
To whom then will ye liken God] He is not like to Idols. verse 18 They are not able to hinder him in the performance of his gracious promise for the glorious deliverance of his people.  
Have ye not known] Appliable both to the people of God; verse 21 and also to the Heathen Idolaters.  
yea, verse 24 they shall not be planted] Be, as if not planted; etc.  
How sayest thou, verse 27 O Jacob] He taxeth now his own people, who had been taught better things, for their diffidence and distrust.  
my way is hid from the Lord] He looketh not after me, what I endure and suffer; or what course is to be taken for my deliverance.  
He giveth power to the faint] He maketh his might to appear in man's weakness. verse 29  
This is much of the same argument with the former Chapter. chapter XLI  
Keep silence] God standing up to debate his cause, verse 1 by his Prophet, against the enemies of his people, with them and their Idols, requireth silence, that he may be heard.  
renew their strength] To support themselves, and their Idols; and to hinder my work for the recovery of my people, if they can.  
the righteous man from the East] Cyrus from Persia, verse 2 to manifest my righteousness in fulfilling my promises, and in righting the wrongs done to my people. Yet Cyrus herein a type of Christ.  
calling the generations] Having them at call and command. verse 4. 5.  
saw it] These strange works of God, by Cyrus, set on foot for the deliverance of his people.  
and feared] Their own safety.  
drew near, and came] Not to God; but to take counsel together, how to secure and save themselves.  
So the Carpenter] They made recourse to their Idols, verse 7 making more of them, as if their safety consisted in the multitude of them.  
But thou] Confirms and strengthens his against all fear from the enemies; verse 8 undertaking to secure them, and make them successful against all that should oppose them.  
whom I have taken] Abram from Ur of the Chaldees. verse 9 15.  
Sharp threshing instruments] To thresh the mountains; even thy greatest enemies.  
I will open rivers] Rather than my people shall want means of comfortable subsistence. verse 18  
the Cedar, verse 19 etc.] God will by his providence and provision so accommodate them, as if such things had been done.  
Produce your cause] God challengeth the Idolaters to produce the strongest pleas they can, verse 21 in the behalf of their Idols; and to prove the truth of their religion, by producing the like works, foretold first, and effected afterwards, by their Idols, to those of his before mentioned, when they shall see them accomplished, and withal so long foretold.  
from the North] Cyrus, verse 25 who was a Medo-Persian, Media lying more Northerly; and Persia more Easterly, ver. 2. He brought people and forces from both parts, against Babylon.  
shall he call upon my Name] Or proclaim my name, Ezra. I. 1, 2.  
who hath declared] Which of your Idols? verse 26  
from the beginning] Of old time; near two hundred years before it shall come to pass.  
he is righteous] That so he may be rightly called a God.  
The first shall say] Or, verse 27 I say first to Zion; I am the first that signified aught to Zion concerning her deliverance; or the destruction of Babylon; and the persons by whom these should be effected; which none of your Idols could do, ver. 26.  
amongst them] Their Idols. verse 28. 29.  
all vanity] The conclusion, of, and against their Idols.  
Another Sermon, chapter XLII in this, and the three Chapters following; which are much of one Subject with the former: Foretelling the Blessings that God would confer upon his people, partly by Cyrus; and principally by Christ: Discovering the vanity of Idols, and sottishness of Idolaters: Taxing his people for their incredulity, blindness, excesses, and obstinacy, the causes of their captivity: and yet Promising pardon, and restitution, upon their sincere repentance.  
my servant] Christ the Messiah, verse 1 Matth. XII. 14, 18, 19, 20. Some weakly, and in a low degree, make also application of this; and what follows, to Cyrus, in some sort herein as a Type of Christ.  
thee] My Son, verse 6. 8. the Messiah.  
neither my praise to graven Images] By my failings in my Predictions, and promises.  
of the rock sing] Of Petra, verse 11. 13. the chief City of Arabia, chap. XVI. 1.  
The Lord shall go forth] To war, against the enemies of his people.  
I have] The words of God himself. verse 14 He long restrained his wrath: but now will hasten the execution of it; and lay desolate the whole Country of Chaldea, and of those that were adjacent, and adjutant to it.  
the rivers Island] It was so done by Cyrus, verse 15 in the siege of Babylon.  
And I will bring the blind] Partly true, verse 16 in the return of the Jews out of the Babylonish Captivity more true, spiritualy, in the Conversion of Jew and Gentile to grace in the Kingdom of Christ, under the Gospel.  
Hear ye deaf] Jew's, verse 18 of whom many still continued such; notwithstanding all that God had said and done, and they had heard and seen.  
who is blind] A reason why he gave his own people those titles, verse 19 ver. 18. because they deserved them, as well, yea rather, than any other.  
as he that is perfect] Should be so; and hath best means to be so.  
opening the ears] In show at least, verse 20. 21. listening.  
he will magnify his Law] He is pleased to magnify his Law; as well by execution of justice upon the transgressors of it, as by making good his Promises unto those that observe it. Or, he magnified and dignified him with his Law.  
But this is a people] After all those favours and honours conferred upon them, verse 22 yet see what calamities and miseries are befallen them, for their sins.  
will give ear to this] To amend, verse 23 and grow wiser for time to come?  
laid it not to heart] Their extreme stupidity; verse 25 even in their present afflictions.  
But now] though a great part of my people continue still thus obstinate and impenitent, chapter XLVIII verse 1 yet I will have care of my chosen one's among them, whom I will protect in all dangers, and in due time restore.  
I gave Egypt for thy ransom] Exod. verse 3 XIV. 20,— 38. and XV. 9, 10.  
Ethiopia, and Seba for thee] 2 Chron. XIV. 9,— 15.  
bring thy seed] by Cyrus' temporaly, verse 5. 8. by Christ spiritualy.  
Bring forth the blind people,] challenging the Gentiles, who were blind and deaf, as their idols▪ to see if they can yet produce aught in defence of their idols, ver. 9  
who among them] which of their idols could foretell those, verse 9 or the like things?  
It is truth] that the Lord alone is the true God, and they all but base idols.  
ye are my witnesses] ye my people; verse 10 speaking thus to them, that had plentiful and pregnant proofs of his divine power and providence.  
and my servant] the Messiah: and in some degree, Cyrus.  
that I am he] the only true God, ver. 12.  
whose cry is in the ships.] verse 14 They wanting water, by Cyrus his draynings, to carry them in their flight away: Or, they cry, to the ships, to the ships, for safety; as chap XXII. 5. to the hills, to the hills. Yet some translate thus, the Chaldeans, together with their choice ships which they vaunt of.  
which maketh a way in the sea] Red-Sea; verse 16. 17. and Jordan.  
Chariot] Pharaoh and his army.  
they shall lie together] In the bottom of the Sea, Exod. XV. 10.  
Remember ye not the fermer things] in comparison of the New; verse 18 the deliverance by Cyrus; but principally and spiritualy by Christ.  
I will even make a way] I will fit, verse 19 and furnish them in the way as they shall return from Babylon.  
they shall show forth my praise] Or at least should; verse 21 It was their duty.  
But thou] Hast not been so careful to worship me: verse 22 But haste been weary of me, and my service.  
me] Butler Idols, verse 23 and strange gods.  
I have not caused thee] Not I, but thine Idols have made thee at so much cost with them, tiring thee out, as a slave to them, with such services.  
But thou hast] Hitherto of their Failings; verse 24 now of their Faults. And all this, to show, that the deliverance of them from their thraldom, was of his own free favour and mercy, not for any merit of desert of theirs, as in the two next verses.  
Thy first father] Or forefathers, verse 27 and not you alone, have sinned. And therefore no cause in yourselves, or them, why I should do you so great a favour, as this is.  
yet now] Notwithstanding all their sins; chapter XLVI verse 1 and his judgements and chastisements; yet he would now at length, relieve and refresh them, restore them, and cause them to thrive and prosper again.  
I will pour] A type of that spiritual blessing, verse 3 and growth and increase of God's Church, and the members of it, under the Messiah, by the graces and comforts of his Spirit.  
One shall say] God's blessing to them, verse 5 in the addition of many Proselytes.  
since I appointed the ancient people] The lineage of Abraham to be my peculiar people. verse 7  
things that are coming] Things to come, in a continued course, from the first to the last, like links of a chain, hanging one upon another.  
Is there a God besides me?] That can so foretell, verse 8 and do?  
They that make a graven Image] The sottishness of them, verse 9 their makers, and worshippers, is largely set down, ver. 9,— 20.  
Remember these] Their sottishness: verse 21 and thy duty, by all my deal with thee, so freely, and bountifully, above my deal with others.  
Sing, verse 23 O ye heavens] At the redemption and deliverance of God's people. Implying such abundant matter of joy, as might well affect the whole Creation, were it all sensible of it.  
that frustrateth the tokens of the liars] Specially those that would prognosticate the long continuance of the Babylonian Monarchy. verse 25  
messengers] Such as Esay, verse 26. 28. Jeremy, Ezekiel, and others.  
That saith of Cyrus] Thus naming him about two hundred years before he was borne. So to assure them of their deliverance by him.  
This Chapter is also of the same subject with the former: chapter XLV And gins where that did end.  
twoleaved gates] Such as great men's houses and Palaces are wont to have. verse 1  
and create evil] Specially to the Babylonians. verse 7. 8.  
Drop down] A command of a Blessing from God: That God's mercy and goodness should so manifestly and plentifuly appear in the deliverance of his people, and disposing all things for their behoof; as if the heavens, and the earth, were full of blessings for them, even of righteousness, and salvation.  
woe to him that] A curb to restrain the impatiency of some, verse 9 that murmured at their miseries, and at the delay of their deliverance. Or, against the Babylonians, that would strive, even against God himself, to keep his people in perpetual slavery. And many other passages of God's providence, concerning the affairs of those times, might be, which flesh and blood would be over-prone to be quarrelling with God about, and controlling his carriage of them.  
Ask me] Or by interrogation; verse 11 will ye presume to appoint and direct me, what I shall do, and how I shall carry matters concerning the disposition and ordering of my people? Or positively; seek to me for these things, concerning my sons; and not to Idols.  
raised him up] Cyrus. verse 13  
build my City] Give order for it; and the Temple especially, Ezra I. 1.  
shall come over unto thee] How, verse 14 and by whom, they should be furnished with supply of all requisite commodities, Ezra I. 4. and chap. VII. 21, 22.  
Some expound this whole passage of Cyrus himself; That because he had dealt so freely with God's people, God would therefore give him, as a reward, the wealth of those rich Kingdoms, and Countries, which together with Babylon, of whom they formerly held, at the fall of that State, fell also into his hands.  
surely God is in thee] Or, with thee, with Cyrus typically; with Christ realy: And he, in his Church.  
verily] Esay here admires the hidden depth of God's dispensations, verse 15 in the passages of his providence. And men ought not therefore to take upon them, to control and censure him therein.  
I have not spoken in secret] As your false gods deliver their Oracles: verse 19 But plainly.  
Assemble yourselves] Ye that escaped the sword of Cyrus; verse 20 ye Chaldeans, and other Nations; seeing now how much God is able to do for his people; how little their Idols for those that served them.  
Look unto me] Leaving Idols, verse 22 betake yourselves unto me, who am the only true God, and able to save you, ver. 16, 17.  
unto me every knee shall bow] And it is your wisest course therefore, verse 23 to come willingly in unto me, ver. 22. Psal. II. 8, 10. The Apostle, Rom. IU. 11. applieth this text to the last judgement, which is a thing herein necessarily included.  
be justified] God approving their innocence, verse 25 and unjust sufferings at the hands of their enemies; notwithstanding their pretences in doing justice upon them on God's behalf, for their sins; and therefore they took them as lawful prize. God would clear them, deliver them: and punish their enemies.  
In this Chapter, chapter XLVI and the next (as in the 13. and 14. Chapters before) is set down a full and pregnant Prophecy against Babylon, and of her utter overthrow: and of God's delivery of the Jews from her. Asserting withal, the vanity of the Babylonian Idols; and his owue incomparable divine power, to effect it.  
Bel] This Chapter gins with the ruin of their Idols: verse 1 See the Observations on Judges VIII. 33.  
Nebo] Another of their Idols. Whose name is found inserted in many of the names of their Kings, and Nobles; as Nabonassar, Nabopolassar, Nabuchadnezzar, Nabuzaradan. The name imports Prophecy. And so this may seem, their Apollo; as Bel, their Jupiter.  
A burden to the weary beast] On whose backs the Medes and Persians lead them, to carry them away.  
which are borne] Minding them of his Divine power and love. verse 3 God not like to those Idols, ver. 1, 2.  
and show yourselves men] Not beasts, verse 8. 10. like these idolaters.  
Declaring the end from the beginning] Foretelling the issue of things; in a continued course and progress, from the first to the last: which no other than myself can do.  
bird from the East] Cyrus from Persia; verse 11. 12. which is East from Babylon.  
ye stouthearted] Impious obstinate of the Jews: or rather, stomackful and proud enemies.  
far from righteousness] Or righteous dealing with my people.  
my righteousness] In executing judgements on you; verse 13 and righting the wrongs done to my people.  
This Chapter prosecutes the destruction of Babylon: chapter XLVII and gins with the ruin of their State. And describes throughout it, her dejected and despicable condition upon her overthrow, together with the procuring Causes, and the suddenness, and unavoidableness of it.  
Uncover thy locks] Cast off thy stately head-tire; verse 2 and go bareheaded, as captives and drudges are wont to do.  
as a man] But in full wrath, verse 3. 9 and power, as God.  
in a moment, in one day] That night of Belteshazzars feast, Dan. V 30.  
This Chapter is also much of the same subject, chapter XLVIII and frame, especially with Chapters XLIII. and XLIV.  
out of the waters of Judah] The stock of Judah, verse 1 the royal Tribe; that had kept the true worship of God; and not fallen away, as the ten Tribes.  
and thy neck is an iron sinew] A reason why God was pleased to foretell things to his people, verse 4 that they might not be ascribed to their Idols, or to any other, which he foreknew that this stiff obdurate people would be too prone to do, ver. 5.  
new things] Yet further to convince thee of thy wilful obstinacy I acquaint thee again, verse 6 with other of my secret counsels, which shall also in their due time be fulfilled.  
very treacherously] In ascribing them, verse 8 and the foreknowledge of them to thine Idols, or Soothsayers.  
For my Names sake] No merit of thine. My mercy and might, verse 9 my grace and glory.  
but not with silver] Not so fully as silver, verse 10 till all the dross be exactly wrought out. But chastised them with moderation, regarding their infirmities.  
my glory unto another] He is chary and jealous of a corrival. verse 11. 14. 17.  
loved him] Cyrus.  
hath sent me] Me the Prophet Esay. This added, to give the greater assurance of the truth and certainty of it.  
Go ye forth from Babylon] Ezra 1 1. verse 20  
Esay having prophesied much of the Return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity; chapter XLIX from the fourtieth Chapter hitherto: doth now mainly insist upon the instauration of the Church by Christ; And plays the Evangelist, as it were, to the end of this Book and Prophecy.  
Listen, O Isles,] Christ calls for audience; verse 1 declaring his Calling to his Office, by the Lord, to be the Saviour both of Jew and Gentile.  
from the womb] Yet designed thereto from eternity, 1 Pet. I. 20.  
my mouth like a sharp sword] God furnisheth him with abilities to this great office and work of man's Redemption. verse 2  
Thou art my servant, verse 3 O Israel, etc.] Or rather thus; Israel it is, in whom I will be glorified by thee, the true Israel of God. And indeed to the Jews in general he was first sent, as the minister of Circumcision.  
whom man despiseth] Christ in the days of his flesh and humiliation. verse 7  
Kings shall] Chap. XLV. 23. and LII. 15. Psal. LXXII. 10, 11. Ephes. I. 21 Phil. II. 10.  
In an acceptable time] God the Father speaking unto Christ. verse 8  
to establish the earth] Of Judea, to restore and settle the State of it again, after their return from the Captivity: A Type of the other.  
prisoners, Go forth] From Babel's bonds, verse 9 corporaly: from Satan's bonds spiritualy.  
They shall feed in the ways] In their return from Babylon to Judea, God will provide them of all necessaries in the way; and make it even and easy to them.  
Sinim] Or, verse 12 Sini, the Sinites, that lived in the desert of Sin, or about mount Sinai. Or, from Sin, a chief City in Egypt, Ezek. XXX. 15, 16. And all this a Type of those that out of all quarters of the world should be converted unto Christ, and come in to him.  
But Zion said] Her objection. verse 14. 15. 18.  
Can a woman] God's answer, full of a tender affection to her.  
gather themselves together] A Type of those numberless numbers that should be brought home to the Church of God, under Christ, by the Ministry of the Gospel.  
to the Gentiles] Their Conversion should make up this numberless number. verse 22  
And Kings shall be thy nursing fathers] As Persian Emperors first; verse 23 and much more Christian Emperors afterwards.  
and lick up] An expression of the lowest submission that may be.  
even the captives of the mighty] Notwithstanding their pretended might and right; verse 25 God would yet deliver his people from them.  
And I will feed them] And thus destroy their enemies. verse 26  
This, chapter L and the next Chapter, seem to make one Sermon.  
Where is the Bill] A conviction of the Jewish people, verse 1 as authors of their own forlorn condition; together with a justification of God and his Ministers against them, verse 1,— 9  
divorcement] Either, none at all; or not for sleight causes, as they used to give Bills of divorcement, but for great disloyalty, yet God ever had his reserved remnant, in all times among them, Rom. XI. 1,— 5.  
none to answer?] Their wilful obstinacy; verse 2 and rebellious, refractory courses. This retarded their delivery, and kept them in this deplorable plight, this desolate and disconsolate condition.  
is my hand shortened?] No want of power in God, to deliver them.  
tongue of the learned] The Prophet Esay maintains his own Ministry, verse 4 and his faithful discharge of it: So to justify God, that there was nothing wanting on his part, to reclaim and reduce them. It is true, that divers understand all this as spoken in the person of Christ. And indeed there are divers passages, that very fitly agree to him, and whereof concerning Esay there is no mention in the holy Story. And it is true, that the same may be said of sundry particulars, in Psal. XXII. and XL. and LXIX. applied expressly unto our Saviour Christ, in the New Testament, Matth. XXVII. 34, 35, 43, 46. Heb. X. 5,— 10. And yet none make doubt, but that those Psalms, as they were by David composed, so in his own person they concerned him; and that in all likelihood, in some particulars which yet are not found expressly recorded in the story of him. The like may be here.  
my back to the smiters] Matth. XXVI. 27. verse 6 and XXVII. 26. John XVIII. 22.  
He is near that justifieth me] Saint Paul alludes to this, verse 8 Rom. VIII. 33, 34. The Apostles manner is, to enlarge the promises of God, made to some particular persons, as to Jacob, Joshuah, David, and others, Gen. XXVIII. 15. Josh. I. 5. Psal. XXIII. 1. extending them to all the faithful in general, as having a joint interest therein, with them, Heb. XIII. 5, 6. And the Apostles argument, borrowed hence, stands firm and good, in general.  
Who is among you] An exhortation to the godly party among them, verse 10 to rest and rely upon God, in these calamitous times: with a sad commination to those that trusted to aught else; notwithstanding all their shifts and fetches: for which Esay derides them.  
Harken] Esay returns to Comfort the godly party again, chapter LI verse 1 endeavouring to keep them from being dismayed, either by the consideration of their own fewness and feebleness, or by the apprehension of the supposed might, malice, and multitude of the adverse party  
alone, and blessed him, and increased him] And so I will deal with you.  
shall comfort Zion] God can do, verse 3 and will do as much for his Church, as he sometime did for Abraham.  
a Law] As a Law, verse 4 at mount Sinai; so a second Law, even the Gospel.  
my salvation is gone forth] Aiming at Cyrus his Proclamation, verse 5 Ezra I 1, 2.  
the Isles shall wait upon me] The Gentiles, at the law of the Gospel.  
Awake, verse 9 awake,] Spoken either in the person of God's people; or by the Prophet himself, moving in their behalf.  
Rahab] Egypt.  
Dragon] Pharaoh.  
return] From the Babylonish captivity. verse 11 Gods answer to the former supplication.  
and where is the fury?] The Babylonians are perished; verse 13 and their fury is gone.  
thy mouth] The mouth of Esay. verse 16 Yet so as more eminently intending Christ.  
that I may plant the heavens,] To make a new world, a new heavens, and a new earth, chap. LXV. 17. and LXVI. 22. 2 Cor. V 17, 18. 2 Pet. III. 13.  
Awake, verse 17 awake,] He largely declares the deep misery of God's people; their delivery; and the utter overthrow of their enemies; in the residue of the Chapter.  
To the thirteenth verse, chapter LII seems to be an Appendix to the foregoing Prophecy; running all along in the same tenor with the latter part of it.  
How beautiful] These bringers of good tidings of the delivery from Babel's captivity: verse 7 And much more from Satan's slavery, by preaching the Gospel of Christ: that publish salvation, corporal by Cyrus; spiritual by Christ.  
Behold, verse 13 my Servant] Here seems to begin a new Sermon; and continued in the end of the next Chapter, jointly making up an entire Prophecy, of Christ, his person, parentage, condition, manner of life, sufferings, humiliation, exaltation, benefit redounding thence to his, and to himself.  
shut their mouths at him] In admiration, verse 15 and reverence.  
our report] Chap. chapter LIII verse 1 LII. 7. Unto the times of his being in the flesh, we find these words applied in John XII. 37, 38. Rom. X. 16.  
Stripes] Mat. XXVI. verse 5. 7. 67. and XXVII. 16.  
Opened not his mouth] Mat. XXVI. 39, 42. 1 Pet. II. 23. Acts VIII. 32.  
He was taken from prison, verse 8 and from judgement] From all those harsh and cruel courses, as under pretence of judgement were exercised upon our Saviour, whereby his life was taken from him.  
And he made his grave, verse 9 etc.] His burial was at the disposal of wicked ones, and of rich ones, or Rulers, at his death. They not only took his life from him, but disposed of his burial▪ at their pleasure.  
he shall] Christ shall die no more, verse 10. 11. but live and reign for ever.  
by his Knowledge] Objectively. The words of God the Father.  
justify many] The main fruit and effect of Christ's Passion.  
many] So, verse 12. Matth. XX. 28. and XXVI. 28. Rom. V 15, 19  
Therefore I will divide him] God the Father will. verse 12  
a portion with the great, and he shall] God would bestow many upon him, or give many unto him, to be his subjects; whether with an allusion to a portion of inheritance, or distribution of spoils, it is indifferent. This intimates the numerous, or rather innumerable multitude of those that should be converted unto Christ.  
was numbered with the transgressors.] Mat. XXVII. 38. Mark XV. 27, 28. Barrabbas let lose, rather than he should be let live.  
made intercession] Luke XXIII. 34. Yet may relate further, to Christ's intercession, which still continueth, Rom. VIII. 34. Heb. VII. 25. and IX. 24. 1 John II. 1, 2.  
Another Sermon or Prophecy, chapter LIVIA this seems to be distinct from the former: though much of the same subject and argument; and depends well upon the latter end of it. For this insists upon swarms of people that should come in to Christ, and become members of his Church.  
O barren] The Church under the New Testament; verse 1 that little sister, Cant. VIII. 8.  
of the desolate] She that had been desolate: the Church of the Gentiles; then that of the Synagogue of the Jews.  
Enlarge] Thou Christian Church. verse 2  
when thou wast refused] As in the time of the Babylonish captivity. verse 6  
I have sworn] No express mention of that oath. verse 9 As neither of that to Isaac, Psal. CV. 9 yet means as much as if he had taken a solemn oath; as he used in such solemn Covenants.  
nor rebuke thee] To forsake thee utterly.  
For the mountains shall departed] Sooner may. verse 10  
tossed with tempest] In the Babylonish captivity; verse 11 seemingly then forsaken of man, and of God.  
thy stones with fair colours] The spiritual excellencies of the Church under the Messiah are here described in way of hyperboles. See the like, Apoc. XXI. 11,— 21. The stones here seem to be those of the Pavement.  
borders] Or walls. verse 12  
taught of the Lord] Jer. verse 13 XXXI. 34. John VI 45. 1 Cor. II. 10. 2 Cor. XIII. 3. Ephes. IU. 20, 21. 1 John II. 20, 27.  
gather together] To attempt against thee. verse 15. 17.  
No weapon that is form against thee] By the Smith, ver. 16.  
tongue that shall rise] To accuse or charge thee wrongfully.  
their righteousness] The reward of their righteousness.  
Ho,] chapter LV verse 1 A free invitation of all that are thirsty and hungry, both Jew, and Gentile to come and partake of the true spiritual food and graces of Christ in the Gospel, Mat. XI. 28. John VI 35, 37.  
buy] This impeacheth not the freeness of the Gift. A Prince's alms may be said to be freely given, albeit it be required, that those that desire to share in them, do repair to his Almoner. And a Scholar may be said to have his learning freely given him, when no stipend is required for the teaching; yet must he ply the School hard.  
the sure mercies of David] Acts XIII. verse 3 34. In this Citation the Apostle adds this, I will give you, for the fuller explication, and fit application of it; to his purpose. The like is, Luke IU. 18. See Psal. LXXXIX. and 2 Chron. VI 42. touching these mercies of David. But the full meaning is, The mercies of the Messiah, the David, not past, but to come; the mercies before promised, and to be exhibited in, and by him; in whom the Covenant is made with God's people, and in whom all God's Promises are Yea and Amen, 2 Cor. 1. 20. which Promises had never been made good, had not Christ been raised up from the dead; And therefore the Apostle, Acts XIII. 34. to good purpose allegeth this Text.  
I have given him] The words of God the Father concerning the Messiah. verse 4. 5.  
And Nations that knew not thee] The Gentiles.  
he hath glorified thee] When after thy state of humiliation he shall have glorified thee in heaven.  
Seek ye the Lord] An exhortation both to Jew and Gentile, verse 6 to make request to Christ for grace and favour; to repent, and amend, and turn to him.  
his thoughts] They not free. verse 7. 8.  
For my thoughts are not] But prone to pardon; and constant and immutable therein: as that shows which follows.  
For as the heavens] My disposition and deal, verse 9 both for mercy and goodness, and for firmness and faithfulness, is as fare above yours, as, etc.  
So shall the Word] My Promise to my people concerning reconcilement with them, verse 11 upon their return to me; and my deliverance of them out of captivity, be as firm and sure, and take effect.  
In stead] Relating to the Jews return out of the Babylonish captivity, verse 13 chap. IV. 2. and XXXV. 1, 2. The face and state of their Land and State should be strangely altered to the better. And generally the flourishing estate of the Church of God, hereby is intimated, as abounding in spiritual graces and comforts.  
sign] Monument, Memorial, Trophy: an everlasting honour to God, and a sign to his Church of his mercy to her.  
Keep ye judgement] chapter LVI God admonisheth his people to do that whereby they may obtain a part in the favours and mercies last mentioned. verse 1  
Neither let the Son of the stranger] He comforts the Proselyte, verse 3 and Eunuch. The Partition-wall should be broken down under the Messiah.  
a Name better] Of great honour, verse 5 and more durable; an everlasting Name, that should more than countervail the other defect.  
yet will Igather others to him] John X. verse 8 16. Acts X. 34, 35.  
All ye beasts] Here seems to begin a new Sermon: verse 9 Declaring again Gods most fearful judgements upon his People, by their enemies, the Babylonians especially, and those that served under them: And that for the manifold shameful sins of the Jewish watchmen, Shepherds, and Seers.  
The righteous perisheth] Esay here inserts somewhat for the Comfort of the godly, chapter LVII verse 1 though by death taken away in those sad times: The wicked nothing heeding God's hand and end in it.  
from the evil to come] Asdruball was the son of Jeroboam, 1 Kings XIV. 12, 13. and good Josiah, 2 Kings XXII. 20. the evil, in the general ruin of the State, and deportation of the people.  
But draw near] Esay returns now to the surviving wicked ones; verse 3 as having another manner of errand to them: in lively colours laying out their abominable courses.  
are ye not, & c?] Deny it if ye can. verse 4. 5. 6.  
slaying the children] 2 Kings XVI. 3. Psal. CVI 37, 38.  
is thy portion] Thine Altars, and thine Idol-service, is thy portion that thou choosest and delightest in. As God is to his people, Psalm XVI. 5, 6.  
a drink-offering] Used and annexed to most Kind's of sacrifices. Of this kind were those, Jer. VII. 18. and XLIV. 19 offered to the Queen of heaven.  
And thou goest to the King] i. e. verse 9 Kings, collectively, for foreign aid and secure.  
unto hell] Abasing thyself to them in most servile manner.  
thou hast found the life of thine hand] Thou still imaginest so to do, verse 10 and thinkest thou hast found sufficient means and aids to support thee, and to strengthen thine hand. And therefore thou wast not grieved in so doing.  
And of whom] Whom needest thou to have feared, verse 11 and sought for foreign aid; if thou hadst feared me?  
hast lied] And dealt disloyaly with me.  
my peace, even of old] My Lenity thou abusest.  
thy righteousness] As thou esteemest it: verse 12. 13. But I so call it ironicaly.  
let thy companies deliver thee] Thy troops of strangers, or strange gods, Judg. X. 13, 14.  
And he shall say] God; verse 14. 16. or, it shall be said.  
for the spirit should fail] This moveth God, in way of commiseration to stay his hand, Psal LXXVIII. 38, 39 and LXXXIX. 47.  
and will heal him] For my own Names sake, verse 18 and free mercy; notwithstanding his frowardness, and cross and contrary ways.  
Peace, verse 19 Peace] Whereas before was no speech but of war; Now it shall be of abundant peace and prosperity; and consequently of praise and thanksgiving. The fuller compliment of this is under the Messiah in the Gospel.  
In this Chapter Esay reproves them mainly for their Hypocrisy in Fasting. chapter LVIII  
and take delight] They seem so to do. verse 2. 3.  
you find pleasure] You do not break off your sinful desires, minds, pleasures, and purposes; but persist still in a purpose to pursue them; though haply not upon the very day of the Fast to act them.  
and exact all your labours] Debts, and services; with all rigour.  
for strife and debate] Your fastings end in, verse 4 and are seconded with vexatious suits, quarrels, and brawls.  
to make your voice to be heard on high] By your loud clamours used in your prayers in the times of fasting. Or, that God on high should by fasting be induced to hear your voice, and grant your requests.  
Is not this the Fast] When it is joined with reformation and amendment of your lives? verse 6 As, Acts X. 2, 4.  
Then shalt thou call,] Then no cause to complain, verse 9 as, verse 3.  
the putting forth of the finger] Forbearing not acts of violence, and threatening terms only, but even all gestures, and expressions of that kind whatsoever.  
and makes fat thy bones.] Fill them with marrow, verse 11 arm and strengthen them.  
the old waste places] Of Jerusalem, verse 12 and the Cities of Judah, and other like places.  
thy soot from the Sabbath] Thy affections, and ways, which would pollute the Sabbath. Whether it be the yearly, or the weekly Sabbath.  
a delight] See Psal. XXVII. 4. and XXXVI. 8. and XLII. 1, 2, 4. and XLIII. 2, 3, 4. and LXV. 1,— 5. and LXXXIV. and CXXII. 1, 2.  
honour him] In it; by sanctifying him, and it.  
thine own ways] Wicked works, and courses.  
nor speaking thine own words] Those, verse 9  
to ride upon the high places of the earth] Aloft, verse 14 in places of security, and safety, ch. XXXIII. 16. Deut. XXXII. 13.  
This Chapter relates their various enormous iniquities; chapter LIX and them to be the causes of their sad calamities, verse 1,— 15. And a promise to the faithful ones, of deliverance from them; and of spiritual mercies and blessings in and from the Messiah, ver. 16,— 21.  
is not shortened] Either to hear, verse 1 and help you out of those calamities; or to make good those large and liberal blessings promised upon your repentance.  
spider's web] To entangle and destroy others. verse 5  
he that eateth] There is no safe dealing any way with them.  
Their feet] Rom. verse 7. 8. III. 15, 16, 17.  
not know peace] Experimentaly, to have and enjoy it. See Phil. III. 10. Apoc. II. 17.  
Therefore is judgement fare from us] God stands off fare from you, verse 9 neither executing judgement and vengeance on your enemies, nor protecting you against their wrongs.  
our transgressions are with us] Stick close to us; verse 12 we cannot shun, or shift them off.  
is fallen] For want of support. verse 14  
cannot enter] Butler is shut out by violence.  
a prey] He cannot be safe, verse 15. 16. that will not be wicked.  
wondered] Spoken in an humane strain, Rom. III. 9,— 19 the Apostle concludes hereupon the universal depravation of mankind, in his natural condition.  
no intercessor] No interposer.  
his arm] He did the work alone himself.  
brought salvation] Temporal, vers. 17, 18, 19 Spiritual, verse 20, 21.  
breastplate] Here is God, verse 17. 18. 20. as a man of arms.  
repay] Vengeance to the enemies of his people.  
And the Redeemer] Rom. XI. 26. the Apostle applies this verse to Christ; and the conversion of the Jews, when the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. Where the Apostle retains the Ancient Greek version, as Hierom witnesseth it to have been in his time, having nothing in it disagreeing from truth, or crossing that in aught for which he allegeth it. This than cannot have relation to the Angel slaying Sennacheribs army; or to Cyrus, further than as Types of Christ, and his spiritual deliverance. And Esay useth to slip from temporal deliverances, in a close way, unto spiritual; and to close up the Prophecies of the one, with the Promises of the other.  
my Covenant] Of sending the Redeemer to them; verse 21 and of continuing his Word and Spirit to Zion, his Church.  
This Chapter contains the glorious state of the Church under the Messiah; chapter LX the abundant access of the Gentiles; and their Kings, and chief ones adjoined to it, and their riches, endowments, and services humbly submitted, and cheerfully yielded unto it.  
Thy light is come] The night of affliction is over; verse 1 and the day is dawning, the light of the morning is risen upon thee.  
glory of the Lord] In thy deliverance, and restauration.  
But the Lord shall arise] The Sun of righteousness, verse 2 Mal. IV. 2.  
And Gentiles] To congratulate with thee, verse 3 and to enjoy the light together with thee.  
and thine heart shall fear] With admiration, verse 4 and joys so sudden and excessive.  
shall come in to thee] By tendering both themselves, verse 5 and whatsoever they are stored with, unto thee, and thy service.  
Ephah] The posterity of Midian, verse 6 by his eldest son, Gen. XXV. 4.  
the praises of the Lord] Repairing thither not for traffic, but to worship, Acts VIII. 27.  
the house of my glory] My Temple, verse 7. 8. a Type of the Church.  
what are these] A question moved by Zion, touching their multitude; and speed.  
Surely] The Answer returned. verse 9  
first] With the first, or among the first.  
their silver] Ezra 1 4, 6,— 11. ch. LXVI. 20. and LV. 5. Rom. XV. 16.  
sons of strangers] Proselytes. verse 10  
Kings] Cyrus, and others his successors.  
and I will make the place of my feet glorious] The Ark, verse 13 Temple, Zion, all resembling the Church. verse 7.  
such the breasts of Kings] Being as thy foster-fathers', verse 16 chap. XLIX. 23. and LXVI. 12.  
For brass] Thy damages shall be repaired with advantage, verse 17  
thine exactors righteousness] Overseers; not such as shall pill and poll thee, exact upon thee; but deal most righteously, moderately, and mercifully.  
thy walls salvation] All should be safe with them, verse 18 under God's protection.  
The Sun] Their chief and principal light and comfort should consist in such a plentiful enjoyment of God's gracious love, verse 19 favour and kindness, that in comparison thereof the Sun and Moon should be as of no account or regard. This may relate to the glory of the life to come.  
Thy Sun] Not clouded, verse 20 or eclipsed; but continually shine, without interruption.  
Thy people] Sanctified here, verse 21 perfected hereafter.  
inherit the land for ever] The new world, chap. LVII. 13. and LXV. 17, 18. 2 Pet. III. 13. Apoc. XXI. 5, 7. Canaan was a Type of this.  
the branch of my planting] My in the margin: his in the text. The meaning may be this, A branch of my plantations (by way of eminency and excellency,) a work of my hands, to glory in.  
A like one] A miraculous multiplication of the Church. verse 22  
in his time] Speedily, when its due time is come, and till than they must expect, chap. XIII. 22 and XXVIII. 16. and XXXVIII. 18. Hab. II. 3. Luke I. 20.  
This Chapter is much of the same matter, chapter LXI and to the like purpose, with the former.  
The Spirit of the Lord] Christ's calling to his Ministry, verse 1 and the exercise of his Prophetical Office; Shadowed out in that of Esay here. Christ applieth this to himself, Luke IU. 18.  
hath anointed me] In a special manner above his fellows, Ps. XLV. 7. Acts X. 38. Col. II. 3, 9 Heb. I. 8.  
good tidings] Whence our Gospel; signifying, not Gods-spel or Word; but Goodspel, Evangelium.  
to proclaim liberty] Temporal, by Cyrus; spiritual, by Christ, Luke IU. 8.  
year of the Lord] Relating to the Jubilee. verse 2  
of vengeance] For his people, of their Oppressors.  
build the old wastes] Upon their return to their own country, verse 4 re-edify the Cities and towns that had been ruinated, during the captivity.  
And strangers shall stand] As servants waiting and attending on their Master. verse 5  
the Priests of the Lord] In that repute, verse 6 as they; as near to God, and in as honourable a condition, as they, 1 Pet. II. 9 Heb. XIII. 15. Apoc. I. 6. and V 10.  
For your shame, verse 7 double] Honour, verse 6. as 1 Tim. V 17. Zech. IX. 12.  
possess double] Double in extent, or double in worth upon God's blessing, when they return to their land again.  
love judgement] And therefore will right and repay the wrongs and damages done to my people. verse 8  
and I will direct] As verse 7. returning them a reward in lieu of their misery: And directing their affairs in a successful course, in a prosperous way.  
shall be known] Eminently, verse 9 10. As, Psal. LXXVI. 1.  
I will greatly rejoice] A solemn acknowledgement made in the Church's name, of the manifold blessings of God, bestowed on her; mentioned, verse 3. and 7,  
For Zions' sake] Esay his resolution constantly to solicit God, chapter LXII verse 1 for the complete performance of his Church's restitution, promised before, chap. LX. and LXI.  
thy righteousness] The Prophet Esay turneth his speech to Zion. verse 2 a new name] Verse 4. chap. LXV. 15.  
Hephzibah] i. e. verse 4 my delight is in her, Psal. XVI. 2.  
Benlah] i. e. married.  
thy sons marry thee] Thy sons shall as in marriage possess thee, verse 5 keep thee, enjoy thee; in such a cheerful and comfortable manner.  
thy God] Christ, God and Man.  
I have set] Spoken in the person of God. verse 6 Have; Or, will. Watchmen] Prophet's, and Pastors.  
make mention] Are his remembrancers; specially by office and function.  
arm] Let me not be deemed Almighty, verse 8 if, etc. Of which form of an Oath, see on chap, V 9 and XXII. 14.  
Go through,] The gates of Babylon, verse 10 to return to your land, as ch. XLVIII. 20. and LII. 11.  
gather out the stones] That nothing may hinder them in the way.  
Proclaimed] By Cyrus. verse 11  
thy salvation] God thy Saviour, as Luke II. 30.  
sought out] Or, chapter LXIII sought unto, sought after.  
Who is this] This seems to have relation to that, verse 12. 1. chap. LXII. 11.  
Esay asks this question, to whom the sight or apparition was offered in a vision or ecstasy.  
from Edom] Idumea. And Bozrah, the head-city of it. Put here for the enemies of God's people.  
died garments] Verse 3. Apoc. XIX. 13.  
glorious] Gorgeous; as great Commanders and Generals use in war; and returning in triumph from the slaughter. See Psal. LXVIII. 7, 8, 21, 22, 23.  
travelling] Marching, stalking, with a stately gate, as victor.  
I] God's answer.  
thou read] Saith Esay again.  
I have trodden] God's answer to Esay again. verse 2 Sometimes he treads down thus God's people themselves for their sins; as Lam. I. 15. Sometimes the winepress of God's wrath, to expiate the sins of his people, Apoc. XIX. 15. Here, the enemies of his people as grapes in a winepress.  
alone] In the greatness of his strength, verse 1. So, Deut. XXXII. 12. Yet see verse 12. in this Chapter. And so, Zech. IU. 6. The power of the instrument is from him alone. Some application of this may be made to that, Apoc. XIX. 15.  
them] The Edomites, none of them to withstand me, nor any other assistant to me.  
stain all my raiment] Not with my blood in my passion; but the Edomites blood.  
none to help] Chap▪ LIX. verse 5 16. Then God struck in, when all humane helps failed, chap. XXVI. 18, 19 and XXXVII. 3, 36. 2 Chron. XX. 12, 15, 16, 17.  
drunck] With their own blood. verse 6. 7.  
Here seems to begin a new Sermon; and to continue to the end of the next chapter.  
I will mention] Esay's thankful acknowledgement of God's great goodness, and manifold mercies, to his people.  
so he was their Saviour] Upon those hopes, verse 8. 9 and expectations.  
In all their affliction] He took to heart their afflictions, Psal. CVI 44. Zech. TWO 8.  
the Angel] Christ the Messiah, Exod. XXIII. 21, 22, 23. and XIII. 21. and XIV. 10, 24. Gen. XLVIII. 24. Mal. III. 1. Acts VII. 38.  
But they rebelled] Their ungracious and rebellious demeanour towards God. verse 10  
Where is he] The Prophet, verse 11 or the people then saying this. As, Judg. VI 13. The want of this enquiry is complained of, Jer. II. 6, 8 And punished with the want of God's presence in time of adversity, Host V 6. And thereupon that admonition is, Chap. LV. 6.  
Look down] A prayer of the people, verse 15 or of the Prophet in their person.  
Where is thy Zeal] What is become of them? Psal. LXXXIX. 49.  
the sounding of thy bowels] Chap. XVI. 11. rumbling, yearning in compassion, 1 Kings III. 26. Jer. XXXI. 20. Host XI. 8.  
though Abraham be ignorant of us] As being dead, verse 16 he and Israel long ago.  
made us to err] By denying us the conduct of thy Spirit; verse 17 and leaving us to ourselves, and giving us up to the spirit of error. Or, why shouldest thou give this people any occasion so to do? as, 1 Sam. XXVI. 19 Psal. CXXV. 3. See the Observations on chap. VI 9, 10.  
but a little while] In comparison of thy promise. verse 18  
This Chapter beginneth in the middle of a verse, chapter LXIV according to the distinctions in the Hebrew.  
wouldst rend] Considering the indignities, verse 1 and outrages against thee, and thy people, chap. LXII. 18.  
come down] Psal. XVIII. 9,— 16.  
terrible things] Of old, verse 3 on the behalf of thy people, Ps. LXXVIII. and CV. and CVI Nehem. IX. Exod, III. 8.  
welooked not for] Were then unexpected, or beyond expectation.  
mountains flowed down] Judg. V. 5. Psal. XLVII. 5. Deut. IU. 11. Exod. XIV. 3, 9 Hab. III. 3,— 15.  
For since the beginning of the world] This brought in, verse 4 as in the person of God's people, to intimate that they wanted not some good ground to solicit God to do for them, as they here desire, in their present distress; because they knew him to be such a God, as was able to do, had done, and would do such things for his people that rested and rerelied upon him, as no humane eye, or ear had ever either seen, or heard, or any other God was ever known to have done, or was able to do, chap. LXVI. 8. The Apostle, 1 Cor. II. 9 seemeth to have made use of the Prophet's words in this verse, applying them to his present discourse; as he doth those other of the Psalmist, XIX. 4. in that place of Rom. X. 18.  
that waiteth for him] 1 Cor. II. 9 that love him. And those that wait for him, do love him.  
For thou] A continuation of their commemoration of God's deal for, verse 5 and with, his people in times past.  
meetest] Or, didst meet, was wont to meet. As, Luke XV. 2c. Psal. XXI. 2, 3.  
him that rejoiceth, and worketh righteousness] Him that rejoiceth to work righteousness, and delights in well-doing, Deut. XXVIII. 47. Psal. II. 11. and XXXVII. 4. and LXVIII. 3. and CXII. 1. and ch. LVIII 13.  
in thy ways] Of Providence; and of precepts and direction.  
in those is continuance, and we shall be saved] In those thy ways. Or, in our sins; and shall we be saved? interrogatively: importing the clean contrary. Or, in those righteous works, and by their being with and among us, is our continuance, and means of being saved.  
But we] And so none of us fit to intercede. verse 6 We not like those; ver. 4, 5. Psal. CVI 23. Those are now all gone, verse 7. Jer. V 1. Mic. VII. 2. Psal. XII. 1.  
our righteousnesses are as filthy rags] So noting out, not the defects and defilements, the inbred vitiosities of mere infirmities; in all the best works, even of the best, and in the best manner performed; But the vile and abominable practices which had so highly incensed the Lord against his people. And the most righteous among us, for all our outward semblances of holiness and righteousness, are indeed no better than such, verse 7 Micah VII. 4. 2. Sam. XXIII. 6. 7.  
None] So few, as are drowned in the multitude.  
hold of thee] To stay thee with us; verse 8. 9 or bring thee back unto us.  
But now] A pathetical imploration of God's favour and mercy.  
thy people] thy peculiar people] Chap. LXIII. 19 Deut. V. 3. and XXIX. 10,— 15.  
Our holy and our beautiful house] Chap. verse 11 LX. 7. and LVI. 7. and LXXXIV. 1, 2.  
burnt] 2 Kings XXV. 9 Lam I. 7, 10.  
refrain thyself] Canst thou endure to see them, verse 12 and be still, and suffer them?  
Another Sermon. chapter LXV  
I am sought of them that] Rom. verse 1 X. 20. clear this to be spoken by Christ of the Gentiles, and of their coming in to him, Acts XIII. 46.  
not called by my Name] Chap. LXIII. 19  
I have spread out] To the Jews, verse 2 Rom. X. 21. See Rom. XI. 11,— 24.  
in gardens] To their Idols.  
altars of brick] Of matter, verse 3 and manner, according to their own devising.  
which remain among the graves] To consult with spirits, verse 4 that haunt such places; or to have deal with the dead; necromancers, chap. VIII. 19 Deut. XVIII. 11. 1 Sam. XXVIII. 8, 11.  
and lodge in the monuments] In their idol-temples; or, in Caves under ground, haply to expect dreams from their imaginary deities; or among the corpses; as that possessed man did, Mar. V. 5.  
and broth] Wherein unclean flesh had been sod.  
stand by thyself] Though themselves so impure and vile, verse 5 Luke VII. 39 Such sinners would yet be such Saints.  
a smoke] A continual provocation, and vexation to me.  
written before me] Upon record in my sight. verse 6  
and the iniquities of your fathers together] Though God lay nothing upon any person, verse 7 but what indeed comes fare short of what is due to him; Yet he hath an eye oft in inflicting judgements on notorious wicked ones descended also from such like fathers, unto the sins of the fathers also, either enhauncing, or lengthening the judgements, to make their sufferings the more exemplary, that men may observe how execution of vengeance, though delayed for a time; yet at length falleth, with a full storm, on the race of the wicked, 1 Sam. III. 12. Lam. V 7. Matth. XXIII. 32, 35, 36. 1 Thes. II. 15, 16.  
a blessing in it] The little liquor in the cluster argued life and sap to be in the plant; verse 8 and so hope of recovery, to become fruitful again.  
not destroy them all.] A Remnant still reserved and saved, ver. 9 for the propagating of the Church, Jer. XXX. 11. Amos. IX. 8.  
Sharon] Under Libanus, verse 10 1 Chron. XXVII. 29.  
valley of Achor] Near Jericho.  
that prepare a table for that troop] Feasts, verse 11 for their troop of idols; pointed at as it were with the finger, in contempt, by the Prophet here. Some by this troop understand the host of heaven. Some, one particular Star, as Jupiter.  
that furnish the drink-offering] Heb. that fill mixture; i. e. wine, Apoc. XIV. 10. Psal. LXXV. 8. Prov. IX. 2. strong wine is in these places meant, without mixture of water. For they would not offer such to their Idols; though in their ordinary drinking they did mix it for themselves.  
behold] A strange alteration, verse 13 four times repeated.  
by another name] Verse 16. verse 15 chap. LXII. 2, 4, 12. as being in another state and condition, than you, or they formerly. Such a name as should be used, not in Cursing, but in Blessing. See Host I. 6, 9 and II. 1, 23. Rom IX. 26. 1 Pet. II. 10.  
I create new heavens] A further more strange alteration. verse 17 Make, as it were, a new world: Their change shall be such, that coming suddenly out of such adversity, into such prosperity, they shall seem to be in a new, in another world. But this is chief appliable to the times of the Gospel, under Christ, in a spiritual sense; in regard of those plentiful endowments of spiritual graces that therein should abound, John I. 16, 17, Acts II. 17, 33. Heb. IX. 9,— 12. And hereunto is this change applied chap. LXVI. 22. 2 Cor. V 17. begun here: to be perfected in heaven, 2 Pet. III. 13. Apoc. XXI. 1, 5.  
and the former] Jer. III. 16. 1 Cor. II. 9 2 Cor. III. 7,— 10.  
But be ye glad] God's speech, verse 18 as, chap. III. 10. and XXX. 10.  
the child] He that was once a child. verse 20 None among them, young, or old, should be taken away by untimely death, but should live to the utmost course of nature, wont usualy to be attained, verse 22.  
but the sinner] Such among them as remained still unreformed, unrefined, unreclaimed, though he live never so long, shall at length prove a cursed wretch  
as the days of a tree] As the Oak, verse 22 and Elm.  
before they call] Chap. LVIII. verse 24 9 Psal. XXXII. 5. Dan. X. 12. and IX. 20,— 23. Luke XV. 18, 20. Acts X. 44. and XI. 15. John XIV. 13, 14. and XV. 7, 16. and XVI. 23, 24, 26.  
The wolf and the lamb] Such as had been of a wolvish disposition formerly, verse 25 should now be thus transformed. All shall be harmless, ch. XI. 6,— 9  
Another Sermon, chapter LXVI like the former; and that as in matter; so also in many expressions, agreeing with it.  
The heaven in my throne,] Cited Acts VII. verse 1 48, 49, 50. See Psalm CIII. 19 Matth. V 34.  
where is the House] That ye have, or should, or can, build unto me, when as I fill heaven and earth with my presence, Jer. XXIII. 24 See 1 Kings VIII. 27. Acts XVII. 14, 25. And this is to take off their minds from the Temple of Jerusalem, wherein they overmuch trusted, and gloried, Jer. VII. 4.  
place of my rest] Psal. CXXXII. 8, 14. Not but that he can well be without them; as he was also before they were. He needs no house to receive him, nor service of man to be done to him, Psal. XVI. 2. and L. 10, 11. He needs not these things, as their idols do.  
contrite spirit] John IU. verse 2 21, 23, 24. God looks to him more than to his material Temple, Psal. XXXIV. 18. and CXXXVIII. 6.  
He that killeth an Ox] For sacrifice. verse 3 As in the Temple, so in their Sacrifices, the Jews much confided and boasted, 2 Chron. XIII. 10, 11. But when they rested in these outward things and exercises, without any grace and goodness in the soul, and with much filthiness, and wickedness in their hearts and lives, God loathes their persons and their sacrifices, chap. I. 11,— 14. Prov. XV. 8. and XXI. 27. Jer. VI 20. and VII. 21, 22, 23. Amos V. 21, 22, 23. Micah VI 6, 7. Ezek. XX. 39  
blessed an idol] With a Present or oblation, Gen. XXXIII. 10. and XLIII. 11.  
I also will choose] An implication of a Retaliation; verse 4 As, chap. LXV. 12. Levit. XXVI. 27, 28. Psal. XVIII 26. Jer. XXXIV. 17.  
their delusions] Passively, or objectively; their illusions or mockages, that they shall be exposed and subject unto. As they have made choice of such ways and courses, as please not me; so will I make choice of such things for them, as they shall find small pleasure in.  
their fears] Prov. X. 24.  
that cast you out] Either by unjust Censure, under pretence of a legal proceeding; verse 5 or that eat you, as persons so polluted and defiled, that there is no dealing with you, without being defiled by you. See John IX. 34. and XVI. 2. See chap. LXV. 5. Lam. IU. 15. Niddui a word of this root is the lowest degree of Excommunication in the Jewish Church  
for my Names sake] For your loyalty to me; As, Matth. X. 22.  
Let the Lord be glorified] Spoken in way of derision. Let him manifest his might and majesty, in doing some remarkable matter for you, if ye be so dear to him, as ye deem yourselves to be. Thus jeering their trust and confidence in God; As, chap. V 19 Psal. XXII. 7, 8. Matth. XXVII. 43. 2 Pet. III. 3, 4.  
but he shall appear] The answer to that jeer.  
A voice] Esay breaks out into these words, verse 6 as if in a Prophetical rapture he heard the noise and voice. Like that, chap. XIII. 4. Jer. L. 22, 28. and LI. 54. A voice of noise of the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Temple, by the Chaldeans, or by the Romans.  
from the Temple] To control their vain confidence in it; as implying, how little relief or safeguard they should then receive from it, Lam. II. 20.  
to his enemies] Most likely, the obstinately wicked amongst the Jews, verse V. 14. chap. LXV. 6, 7, and I. 24.  
Before she traveled] A prophecy of the strange sudden, verse 7 and unexpected restitution of the Church, and the dilatation of it into all parts. This may relate to the delivery out of Babylon by Cyrus, done at an instant by his Proclamation: not with so much ado, as that was out of Egypt. Here Zion is like the Hebrew women, Exod. I. 19 But principally this relates to the times of the Gospel, and the Christian Church, under Christ; to which the other is subordinate.  
a manchild] Collectively multitudes are meant, verse 8. Ezra II. 64, 65. Acts II. 41. and IV. 4.  
shall I] Set upon a work, verse 9 and not go through with it?  
suck] Chap. verse 11 LX. 16.  
and your bows] Shall get vigour, verse 14 and verdure again: as those bones, Ezek. XXXVII. 1,— 10.  
come with fine] Towards and against his enemies. verse 15 Fully to be accomplished at the last day of judgement.  
They that sanctify themselves] Using superstitious rites of expiation. verse 17  
in the gardens] Set apart for idolatrous services.  
behind one in the midst] Or, one person, or company after another; possibly purifying themselves in the fountain in the midst of the garden.  
It shall come] Since this people do take such courses, verse 18 ver. 3, 4. I will execute judgement upon them, and casting them off, take in the Gentiles, Rom. XI. 11, 12, 15, 17.  
Set a sign] A Sign or Ensign to gather them. verse 19 Or, a saving sign and mark upon them; as, Ezek. IX. 4, 6. Apoc. VII. 3. and IX. 4.  
those that escape of them] The reserves and holy remnant of the Jewish Nation, the Apostles, and other faithful, to all Nations, to call them in by the preaching of the Gospel.  
your brethren] In Christ, verse 20 the Converts of the Gentiles, chap. LX. 4, 9  
for Priests, verse 21 and for Levites] Make of them Ministers of the Gospel.  
For as the new heaven] Chap. verse 22 LXV. 17. Heb. XII. 28.  
remain] Stand, continue for ever, Matth. XVI. 18.  
to worship before me] By allusion in terms to the old Jewish manner of worship, verse 23 Zech XIV. 16.  
and look upon the carcases] Be spectators and witnesses of the execution of God's vengeance upon those wicked ones, verse 24 verse 15, 16. Psal. LVIII. 10.  
for their worm] Hell here is principaly intended. See chap. XXX. 33. Matth. III. 12. and X. 28. and XVIII. 8, 9 and XXV. 41. James V. 3. Apoc. XIV. 10, 11. and XIX. 20. and XX. 14, 15.   

Jeremiah.  
JEREMY, a Priest of Anathoth in Benjamin, prophesied forty one years, and upwards; thus, From the thirteenth of King Josiah's reign, to the end of it, being nineteen years; eleven in the reign of Jehojakim; and eleven in the reign of Zedekiah, chap. I. 1, 2. and chap. XXV. 3. and XXXIX. 11. And he prophesied some years after that, in Judea first, and Egypt last, ch. XLII. 2. and XLIII. 10. and XLIV. 8, 24. But how long is uncertain. He was much opposed by false Prophets: and sustained much hard measure from the Priests, Princes, and People. And after the taking, and destruction of Jerusalem, City, and Temple, we read of his usage, chap. XXXIX. 11,— 14. and chap. XL. 1,— 6. and XLII. 2. and XLIII. 2, 6. Jeremiah in this Book mainly preacheth against the sins of the Jews. And for them foretelleth the ruin of their State by the Babylonians, which he lived to see; and to lament in his Book of Lamentations. He foretells the LXX. years' captivity there; Their return thence, and happy enlargement under that blessed Branch, the Messiah; And he propesieth also in the latter part of his Book against other Nations, the Enemies and Oppressors of God's people, against Egypt; the Philistines; Moab; the Ammonities; Edom; Damascus; Kedar; Hazor; Elam; And foretells chief the utter ruin of Babylon, and the Empire by Cyrus; the Medes and Persians.  
His Chapters as they now stand numbered, and placed in the Hebrew text, and in our English Translations, if they were ranked according to the course and Histories of the times, and the things done in them, after the first twenty Chapters, would follow in this ensuing Order, keeping the numbers of the Chapters that we now have, 20. 22. 23. 47. 26. 25. 36. 1— 8. 45. 46. 36. 9— 32. 35. 27. 24. 49. v. 34— 39 29. 30. 31. 28. 51. v. 59— 64. 21. 32. 33. 34. 37. 38. 39 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 48. 49. 50. 51. v. 1— 59 52. Thus much varying from the Order wherein we have them. The LXX. also marshal them in another rank and order much differing from the Hebrew Text. And as Chapters here are thus displaced; so also in Daniel partly. And the Hebrew Text seems sometimes not so rightly to divide the Chapters, as Esay LXIV. And in our English Bibles, Chapters sometimes are not so fitly and exactly divided, as Esay 4. 1. and 26. 20. and 52. 13. 14. 15. And in other Books. No nor verses neither; as Esay 53. 9, 10. and 58. 9 and 59 15. The end of his Book, Chap. 52. 31— 34. was written by some Prophet after Jeremy's death. But when, and where he died, is not recorded.  
in the thirteenth year of his reign] Then Jeremy was called from being ordinary Priest, chapter I verse 2 to be an extraordinary Prophet.  
captive] There were Captives under Jehojakim, verse 3 and under Jeconiah: But this is the last and greatest of Jerusalem itself; when both City, and Temple was sacked, and burnt, and the Kingdom destroyed, in the days of Zedekiah.  
in the fifth month] This might end the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, chap. LII. 12  
Then] When God first called him. verse 4 As thus, the Time; So now follows in this Chapter, the manner of his Calling; and such general instructions as God was pleased then to give him concerning his carriage in it, and discharge of it.  
I sanctified thee] Designed thee to be a Prophet: verse 5 to which Office I do now call thee. So, Gal. I. 15. See the like use of the word, Esay XIII. 3. This stretcheth not to inward sanctification; as that of john Baptist doth, Luke I. 15.  
Nations] Both Jews, and other Nations also, verse 10. Chap. XXV. 15, etc. And chap. XLIII. and XLVI. and XLVII. and XLVIII. and XLIX. and L. and LI.  
I cannot speak] Not dumb, verse 6 as Zacharie, Luke I. 20, 22. or slow, and stammering, as Moses, Exod. IV. 10, 14. But that he could not deliver such a message in that manner as was fitting; considering his childhood, and weakness, wanting that gravity, etc.  
put forth his hand] In a Vision. verse 9  
to root out] By publishing my word, verse 10 in Threaten, and in Promises; which should as certainly be performed, as if the Prophet himself had acted them, chap. XVIII. 7, 8, 9 A foolish application is made of these words to the Pope's pretended power over Kingdoms.  
came unto me.] Seemingly at the same time with the former. verse 11  
What seest thou?] See the like, Amos VII. 8. and VIII. 2. Zech. IU. 2. and V 1.  
I see] In a Vision.  
Almond tree] That doth bud and blossom, the earliest of any.  
hasten my word to perform it] 2 Kings XXIII. verse 12 33, 35. and chap. XXIV. 2.  
a seething pot] Resembling jerusalem. verse 13  
Kingdoms of the North] Babylonians, verse 15 and their Assistants.  
gird up thy loins] Address thyself manfully to thy employment. verse 17  
In this Chapter jeremy directs his speech and Sermon to the whole body of the State, chapter TWO as in the name and person of God, debating the case, and expostulating with them, thus, viz. minding them of God's mercies and favours towards them; taxing them for their base and unworthy thy carriage towards him; convincing them of their extreme folly and madness, in bringing mischief and misery upon themselves; and forewarning them of the sorry success they should find by relying on such as would not be able to relieve them.  
the kindness of thy youth] What kindness, verse 2 and love, God then had showed them; As, Psal. CVI 4. Esay XLVI. 3.  
when thou goest] God's kindness to them then, even though they then did but ill deserve it, Psal. CVI 7, 32, 33. Amos V. 25, 26.  
what iniquity] No fault in God, verse 5 that he is now changed towards them.  
mine heritage] As dear to me, verse 7 as mine heritage; and by me assigned to you for an heritage.  
and with your children's children will I plead] As I formerly pleaded the cause with your forefathers, verse 9 chap. VII. 25. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 14, 15. Pleads here upon a new ground, verse 10, 11. Though they had no cause to plead with him, v. 29.  
Kedar] In Arabia; verse 10 a kind of savage people.  
desolate] Lose your lustre. verse 12  
Is Israel a servant] That he is so servilely, verse 14 slavishly, used by his enemies?  
The young lions] Former judgements upon them; verse 15 as by the Syrians, and Assyrians.  
Noph and Tahapanes] Cities in Egypt. verse 16  
Sihor] Nilus. verse 18  
river] Euphrates. The two broken Cisterns, v. 13.  
when upon every high hill] Notwithstanding thy Promises and engagements. verse 20  
see thy way in the valley] God points them, verse 23 as it were, with his finger, to the particular places of their idolatries.  
dromedary] A swift beast, whence in Greek it hath its name. A lesser and lower kind of Camel, very rife in Arahia; and much used by Curriers there. Strabo l. 15. Diodore l. 2. c. 54. Leo Afric. l. 9  
A wild Ass] Male, verse 24 or female. For Genders in the names of beasts, are often promiscuously used by the Hebrews. And we find both Genders used sometimes of the very selfsame thing; as, Ezek. II. 9 Jonah. I. 17. and II. 1.  
snuffeth up the wind] Of lust, after the male or female.  
in her month they shall find her] When she is heavy with young, goeth near her time, and cannot so easily shift for herself.  
withhold] A wholesome admonition and Caveat; verse 25 to break off their wicked courses in gadding after strange people, and strange gods, lest they suffer for it.  
will I go.] Whatsoever comes of it. And so they are past cure, and past care.  
to a stock] The ignorant idolatrous Jew no worse than the ignorant idolatrous Papist: verse 27 And the learned Papist not much differing herein from the learned idolatrous Jew.  
Arise, and save us.] Judges X. 10, 13, 14, 15.  
of thy Cities, verse 28 are thy gods] Tutelar god's. As Papists had their Tutelar Saints, to every City, Parish, Corporation, trade, sickness, etc.  
See the Word of the Lord] Asdruball, verse 31 hear the rod, Micah VI 9 See Deut. XXIX. 2, 3, 4. Prov. XX. 12. Eccles. I. 16. Psal. XVII. 2. and LXVI. 18. Jer. II. 19  
we will come no more unto thee.] We have no further need now of thy support; we can do well enough without thee.  
forgotten me] Their ornament, verse 32 and attire.  
why trimmest] Esay LVII. verse 33 9, 10.  
thou also taught] Wicked Harlot's may learn of thee; by thy evil example.  
but upon all these] The skirts of thy garments, verse 34 it is openly to be seen.  
to change thy way] Ranging up and down, verse 36 to seek aid and auxiliaries abroad.  
ashamed] 2 Chron. XXVIII. 20.  
from him] Heb. verse 37 this; place: into captivity.  
The five first verses seem to belong to the former Chapter and Sermon. chapter III  
shall he return unto her again?] Clearly No. verse 1 And the Law expressly forbids it, Deut. XXIV. 1,— 4. Neither could his heart brook it.  
lain with] So, verse 2 Deut. XXVIII. 30. In both places the over-mannerly Masorets check the Penmen of Scripture, in appointing an honester term to be read, in the room of that they found written. See the Observations on 2 Kings X. 27.  
as the Arabian] As Thamar did, Gen. XXXVIII. 14. See Ezek. XVI. 24, 25, 31. or to truck and trade with them.  
from this time] Of my Correcting thee, verse 4 and admonishing thee, v. 3. and chap. II. 25.  
My Father] Lamenting, as a child to his father offended.  
thou hast spoken] As formerly, verse 5 v. 4, 5.  
and done evil things] But still dost evily and wickedly.  
as thou couldst] Get opportunity, and have ability; As, Micah II. 1.  
A new Sermon in Josiah's days. verse 6  
backsliding Israel] The revolt of the then Tribes: and God's Bill of divorce thereupon given her.  
her treacherous sister Judah] Not fearing, verse 7 or mending by that example: proves worse than Israel, v. 11.  
but feignedly] In the days of good Josiah. verse 10 For all that he could do, yet the generality of the people never turned unto God with their whole heart, as too well appeared by their sudden relapse and revolt presently after his death, 2 Kings XXIII. 32,— 37. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 12, 14.  
North] Whither the ten Tribes were carried. verse 12 Not that he was to go thither: but to proclaim, setting his face towards it. So, Ezek. XX. 46. and XXI. 2.  
one of a City] God would make such an exact enquiry and search for them, verse 14 upon their sincere turning to him, in all places of their dispersion, that though there should be but some one only of them in a City, or some two only in a whole Country, yet he would, etc. See a parallel place, Esay XXVII. 12.  
in those day's] After the enlargement and growth of the Church under the Messiah. verse 16  
The Ark] An utter cessation of Legal Rites, under the Messiah. Now they should have no miss of it, no want, or use of it at all.  
Jerusalem] God's Church; verse 17 whereof that was a Type, Cal. IU. 26. Apoc. XXI. 2. See Esay LX. 14.  
and all the Nations] Esay II. 2.  
neither shall they] Israelites, or Proselyte-Gentiles.  
judah walk with the house of Israel] They shall be reconciled together. verse 18  
land of the North] From Chaldea, and Assyria. The spiritual deliverance, and restitution of them by Christ, being shadowed out in these Prophetical Sermons, by those temporal deliverances and restaurations. So, chap. XXXI. and XXXIII. Esay XI. and LIV. and LX.  
But I said] I had such thoughts as these with myself. verse 19  
How shall I] Demanding of them, how he should do so great things for them, whenas they had dealt so perfidiously with him, in times past, verse 6, 9, 13, 20. Somewhat like that, Hosea VI 4. and XI. 8.  
and I said] After such cross thoughts to dissuade me, yet at length I resolved to do it, upon the condition following; which in effect God promiseth to effect in them.  
surely as a wife] God requires her to engage herself to such future loyal carriage; verse 20 because she had in this kind been very faulty before.  
A voice was heard] Or, verse 21 is heard; as, Esay XIII. 4. bewailing their sins, ch. XXXI. 19, 18.  
Return] God's exhortation, verse 22 and invitation.  
we come] Their Answer; and Confession, to the end of the Chapter.  
O Israel] Doubtful, chapter IV verse 1 whether the ten Tribes, or judah.  
in him] In God. verse 2  
men of judah and jerusalem] Them he exhorts to repentance; verse 3 to prevent the imminent judgements to come.  
Break up] Hosea X. 11.  
Blow the Trumpet] To give warning of the enemy's approach. verse 5  
towards Zion] Whereby men may be admonished to repair towards Zion, verse 6 their chief place of strength.  
The Lion is come] Nabuchadnezzar. verse 7  
thou hast] The false Prophets in God's Name; verse 10 those in the end of the former verse; those he blames for promising them peace.  
unto me] To do my will against them. verse 12  
from Dan] The utmost bound Northward, verse 15 and towards Babylon, ch. VIII. 16.  
Ephraim] North-border of Judah; by which Nabuchadnezzar must come.  
watchers] Hostile forces, verse 16 v. 17.  
my bowels,] The Prophets passionate grieving at the miseries of the war upon his people, verse 19 ch. IX. 1. Esay XXII. 4 bewailing their folly that would take no warning.  
my tents spoiled] The tents of my people. verse 20  
I beheld] In a spiritual rapture, verse 23 represented to the eye of his mind.  
the earth] The Land of judea. Very Rhetorical delineations do follow of their miseries by this invasion of Nabuchadnezzar, graphicaly as in a Map described.  
yet will I not make a full end.] But reserve a remnant. verse 27  
rentest thy face with painting] Noted as a whorish practice in Jezabel, verse 30 2 Kings IX. 30. in Aholah▪ and Aholibah, Ezek. XXIII. 40.  
if ye can find a man] Zeph. chapter V verse 1 I. 12. If not ten in Sodom; how much is it stranger that not one in Jerusalem, a larger City? See the ecumenical contagion; and yet God's marvellous mercy. So Gen. XVIII. 32. Yet here, by a man, and any, we are not to tie it up to one individual person; No doubt more than one such there were: among those, chap. XXVI. 16, 24. and chap. XXXVI. 25. in Jehojakims time. And in Zedekiahs' time, during the siege there were Ebedmelech, Jeremy himself, and others. The meaning must be, to understand scarce a man, very few, no considerable number, worth the speaking of; that a man might go to and fro for a long time in it, and yet not light on any man, one, or other, that were sincere and upright. See the like, Gen. VI 1. Psal. XII. 1. and XIV. 2, 3. Esay LXIV. 6, 7. Micah VII. 1, 2.  
The Lord liveth] Of swearing, verse 2 see the Observations on Host IU. 15.  
These are poor] Poverty may put them upon evil courses. verse 4  
a Lion] Nabuchadnezzar, and his forces.  
Go ye up] God's Commission to the Chaldeans. verse 10  
not a full end] Verse 18. chap. IV. 27.  
not he] That thus threateneth, verse 12 by Jeremy and some others.  
a Nation] The Chaldeans. verse 15  
O house of Israel] Of Judah, who are of the lineage of Israel.  
which have eyes, and see not] Esay XLII. verse 21 20. Ezek. XII. 2. Acts XXVIII. 26, 27. See the Observations on Esay VI 9  
they catch men] As Jezabel set a trap, verse 26 and a snare, to catch Naboth.  
they overpasse the deeds of the wicked] They surpass them. verse 28 Or, rather they pass by evils, they escape those evils wherewith others are surprised; as Psal. LXXIII. 5.  
and the Priests bear rule by their means] Priests; verse 31 Or, Princes. Both banded against God's true Prophets.  
This Chapter is full of plagues and judgements, chapter VI chief by the Chaldeans, threatened for their sins. And their sins charged upon them, as the Cause of those judgements.  
Benjamin] Which Tribe adhered still to Judah; verse 1 had the Northern half of Jerusalem; and joined to the North-side of it, Josh. XVIII. 28.  
flee out] Before flee unto it, for secure; chap. IU. 6. now to flee out of it, to escape: yea, out of the Land, ch. X. 17.  
Tekoah] A fenced City, built by Rehoboam, 2 Chron. XI. 5, 6. Where Amos was among the herdsmen, and called to be a Prophet, Amos I. 1. And where that wise woman dwelled, 2 Sam. XIV. 2.  
Bethhaccerem] Nehem. III. 14. Very many Cities in Jury, begin with Beth. There set up a sign of fire, or fire a Becon, to give warning of the Babylonians approach.  
Wholly oppression] As if all made of it. verse 6  
before me continually is grief and wounds] Their grievances and wound one another, verse 7 by their cruel deal, are still before me, to provoke me to proceed in wrath against her.  
Be thou] A summons to Repentance. verse 8  
Turn back thy hand] God's speech to the Chaldeans. verse 9  
To whom] The Prophets Speech. verse 10  
I am full] The Prophet cannot longer hold it in. verse 11  
the aged] With the decrepit.  
were they ashamed] The false Porphets. verse 15 They were shameless in it.  
stand ye] The seduced people; verse 16 stand, as travellers use to do, when they are at a stand, and doubtful of the way.  
we will not] Their wilful obstinacy.  
Nations] God calls all the world to witness. verse 18  
To what purpose] So long as their lives and courses were such as had been showed, verse 20 Esay I 11,— 15.  
Sheba] Psal. LXXII. 10.  
I will lay stumbling-blocks] I will bring those things upon them that shall be means of ruin and mischief to them, verse 21 Ezek. III. 20. and VII. 19  
I have set thee] God to his Prophet. verse 27  
They are all] The Prophets answer. verse 28  
One only verse in Jeremy is written in the Chaldee-language; for the ready use of the Jews there, among, and against the Chaldeans Idols; viz. that in Ch. X. v. 11.  
The seventy years' captivity, or serving the King of Babylon, Ch. XXV. 11. take their rise and commencement, not from the last of Zedekiah; But from the first of Nabuchadnezzar, and third or fourth of jehojakim; if not from the last of jehojakim; and captivity of jechoniah. See Jer. XXV. 1, 11, 12. and XXIX. 1, 2, 3, 10. Ezek. XL. 1. and XXXIII. 21. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 21, 22.  
Rach l (who kept her father's sheep, and had her name from Sheep or Ewe) her weeping for her children, chap. XXXI. 15. applied most-what by way of Allusion, to the mother's weeping for their children, Matth. II. 17, 18.  
Jonadab, the son of Rechab; and not Rechab, the Author of that Injunction and Inhibition, to his Posterity; Chap. XXXV. 6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 19  
The Command concerning the Yokes, chap. XXVII. 1, 2, 3. was either enjoined in the beginning of the reign of Jehojakim, (and so the reign of Nabuchadnezzar, and of Zedekiah, propheticaly foreseen and foretold by Jeremiah) And was after executed in the reign of Zedekeih, when the Messengers of those neighbouring Kings, verse 3. came to Zedekiah, to congratulate him in the Beginning of his reign; or to solicit him to rebel against Nabuchadnezzar, in the fourth year of his reign, chap. XXVIII. 1, 10. Or otherwise Jehojakim, in chap. XXVII. v. 1. must by error of the Scribe be crept in, for Zedekiah; mentioned again, v. 12. which thing in all Copies may not be admitted.  
He shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness, chap. XXIII. 6.  
She shall be called, The Lord our Righteousness, chap. XXXIII. 16. The Lord is our Righteousness.  
jehojakim is made King by Pharaoh Necho, and pays to him the tribute imposed, 2 Kings XXIII. 31, 32, 34, 35. slays Uriah the Prophet, jer. XXVI. 20,— 23. And in the third or fourth year of his reign, and first of Nabuchadnezzar, he was conquered by Nabuchadnezzar; as Jeremy foretold, chap. XXV. 1,— 11. And he served him three years, 2 Kings XXIV. 1. In which time he burns the Book written by Baruc from the mouth of Jeremy, chap. XXXVI. After rebels against Nabuchadnezzar. And at last, after that, 2 Kings XXIV. 2. he is taken by him, and bound in fetters to be carried to Babylon, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 6. But dying by the way, his dead body is cast out, and he buried with the burial of an Ass; as Jeremy foretold, chap. XXII. 18, 19 and XXXVI. 30. And so he slept with his fathers, 2 Kings XXIV. 6.  
Zedekiah saw with his eyes the eyes of the King of Babylon: But not Babylon itself, where yet he should die in captivity: Having his eyes put out by Nabuchadnezzar at Ribla, Jer. XXXII. 4, 5. and LII. 10, 11. Ezek. XII. v. 13. and XVII. 16.  
In the first year of Zedekiahs' captivity and nineteenth of Nabuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan came, in the fifth month, seventh day, unto Jerusalem: and after two day's preparation, and taking order about it, on the tenth day burned the Temple, King's house, and all the great men's houses. Or, began to burn them on the seventh day, which fire continued burning, and came to its height, or end, on the tenth day, Jer. LII. 12. 2 Kings XXV. 8. 

Jew's carried capives into Babylon, by Nabuchadnezzar: in his  
I. Year; and third, or fourth month of Jehojakim; Daniel▪ and his three Companions; and others. And part of the Vessels of the Temple, Jer. XXV. 1. Dan. I. 1,— 6.  
VII. Year; and eleventh and last of Jehojacin; 3023. Persons. And, it seems more Vessels of the Temple, Jer. LII. 28. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 7.  
VIII. Year; with Jehojakim; men of might, and apt for war, 10000 out of all Jerusalem: and 1000 Smyths: and more Vessels of the Temple; and cut them in pieces, 2 Kings XXIV. 13, 14, 16. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 10. And at that time, Mordecai, Ester II. 5, 6. And Ezekiel; who calls it his Deportation, Ezek. XXXIII. 21. and XL. 1.  
XVIII. and XIX. years; and last of Zedekiah; He carried away Zedekiah; and 832. persons. And all the rest of the Vessels of the Temple, great, and small. And by Nebuzaradan the Captain of the Guard, burned the City of jerusalem, and the Temple; broke down the Walls: slew Serajah the High Priest, and the second Priest; and twelve other principal men, and sixty others brought to him to Ribla by Nebuzaradan; jer. LII. 11,— 29. 2 Kings XXV. 8,— 21. 2 Chron. XXXVI. 17, 18, 19  
XXIII. Year; and fifth of Zedekiah's captivity, by the aforesaid Nebuzaradan; 745. jer. LII. 30. This was after the murder of Gedaliah.    
Their number at their Return out of the Captivity was fare greater, Ezra II. 64, 65. Neh. VII. 66, 67.  
Leopard] Or rather an Ounse, chapter XIII verse 23 or Catamountain.  
I am weary with repenting] God reputes, chapter XV verse 6 see Gen. VI 6, 7. and in many other places. But this is not properly Repentance, such as is in man. Man Reputes with trouble of mind and conscience, for some fault, or out of fickleness, or through some oversight, or impotence. In which respects God cannot Repent, Num. XXIII. 19 1 Sam. XV. 29. Mal. III. 6. james I. 17. But he is said to Repent improperly. And so this, and other Humane Passions, in some semblance, are ascribed to him improperly for our better apprehension. And thus God is said to Repent, when he doth as men use to do when they Repent, 1 Sam. XXV. 33, 34. When he undoeth what he had done before, revoketh a doom that he had passed before, stayeth the execution of a Sentence that formerly he had denounced, withholdeth the punishment denounced against sin when the Persons repent of the evil of sin. So, judg. X 13. 15, 16. 1 Kings XXI. 21, 27, 29. jonah I●I. 10. jer. XVIII. 8, 10. and XLII 10. Psal. CVI 45. The end being thus accomplished for which the doom was denounced: Without which Repentance in man, God will not Repent of his purposed punishment; Esay XIV. 24, 27. jer. IU. 28. Zech. VIII. 14. Thus Repentance in man produceth this kind of Repentance in God. Man Repenting changeth his mind, will, and act: But God Repenting, willing this change in man, altereth the act; His mind and purpose abiding still the same, jer. XX. 16.  
Shallum] This seems to be the same with Jehoachaz, chapter XXII verse 11 and Johanan, 2 Kings XXIII. 30. 1 Chron. III. 15. And that Shallum named, 1 Chron. III. 15. seems to be another from this Shallum, as being reckoned distinctly the fourth son of josiah, and haply dying before his father josiah. See the Observations on 2 Kings XXIII. 31.  
Branch] Is taken for the Messiah. And so, chapter XXIII verse 5 chap. XXXIII. 15. and Zech. III. 8. and VI 12. Esay IU. 2. XI. 1. Yet that King, Esay XXXII. 12. and XXXIII. 17. seems properly and immediately to be understood of Ezekiah; of Christ only Typically. And that, Esay VIII. 18. and XLIX. 1. and chap. LXI. 1. of Esay partly, but of Christ principaly. As likewise that, Esay XLIX. 1. And that, Esay VIII. 8. Of Esay literaly, of Christ figuratively, Heb. II. 14. And again, Esay XLII. 1. of Christ principally, of Cyrus Typically. That Esay XLI. 2. of Cyrus only. Many speeches of the Prophets, concerning themselves, and others who were Types of Christ, are in the New Testament applied to Christ; being one way, and in one manner verified of them; and another way, and in another manner also, many times fulfilled in him. And so those words, 2 Sam. VII. 14. compared with 1 Chron. XXII. 10. and Heb. I. 5. And those, Heb. II. 13. Yea, in divers Prophecies, some Particulars agree to the Type, and not to the Truth; as, Psal. XXII. 6. and XL. 12. Some to the Truth, and not to the Type; as, Psal. XVI. 10. with Acts II. 29. and XIII. 36, 37. Or to the Type in one sense; to the Truth in another: so in those Psalms wherein David is a Type of Christ, as Psal. II. and XVI. and XXII. and those in which Solomon, as, Psal. XLV. and LXXII. Christ is called the Branch, because springing up as a bud or sprout from the root of Jesse, Esay XI. 1, 10. And so from David, Apoc. V. 5. and XXII. 16. Psal. CXXXII. 11, 17. Acts XIII. 23, 32. called the Righteous Branch, in this Text, and chap. XXXIII. 15. springing from a withered stock and stump, & sprouting at first in a mean and despicable manner, Esay XXXIII. 2, 3, 4. Yet after branching out beautifully, retaining its verdure perpetualy, spreading and growing, flowering and flourishing to all eternity, Dan. TWO 44, 45.  
A man] See the Annotations on Esay II. chapter XXX verse 6 9  
uncle's son] Son omitted in the Original, chapter XXXII verse 12 haply for brevity fake, as well known to be supplied out of verse. 7. preceding. As likewise the word Sister seems to be omitted, 2 Sam. XXI. 8. And the word Brother, Verse 19 of that Chapter.  
Funeral Burn, chapter XXXIV among the Heathen, were of the dead bodies: But among the Jews, not of the bodies; but of sweet odours; and divers kinds of spices, prepared by the Art of the Apothecaries, burned in the Tomb where the embalmed body was to lie, 2 Chr. XVI. 14. This was denied to the wicked King Jehoram, 2 Chron. XXI. 19 yet granted here to Zedekiah, in Babylon: And that burning of the Flesh of Saul, and his sons, 1 Sam. XXXI. 12. was a case extraordinary, and as their present condition, and that exigent seemed to require.  
when they cut the calf in twain, chapter XXXIV verse 18 etc.] The manner of making Covenants; whence the Hebrew phrase is to Cut a Covenant, that is from the right of Cutting a beast in twain, sometime for Sacrifice, sometime for Feasting; and the Covenanters passing through between the Parts of it; implying it seems, and that by way of execration, Themselves to be alike cut in sunder in case of violating the Conditions of the Covenant, Matth. 24. 51. Though some make the Cutting to relate to the strict and exact cutting out of Articles agreed upon for mutual performance by both parties, Gen XV. 9, 10, 17. Deut. XXIX. 12. Of Covenants, see more between man and man, and between God and man, Gen. IX. 9,— 17. Gen. XXI. 27,— 32. and chap. XXVI. 28,— 31. and chap. XXXI. 44,— 55. Exod. XXIV. 4,— 8. Deut. V. 2, 3. whence the two tables are called the Tables of the Covenant; and the Ark, the Ark of the Covenant. And the Tabernacle, The Tabernacle of the Covenant; the Book of the Law, the Book of the Covenant, Josh. XXIV. 24, 25, 26, 27. Neh. IX. 38. 1 Sam. XVIII. 3, 4. and XXIII. 18. 1 King's V. 12. and XX. 34. 2 Kings XI. 17. and XXIII. 3. Ezra. X. 3. Esay LIX. 21. Jer. L. 5. And God promises to make a New Covenant with his people, Jer. XXXI. 31, 32, 33, 34. cited, Heb. VIII. 8, 9 which yet is not simply New, in regard of the substance of it: for the main matter and substance of the former Covenant is there, verse 33. And, Gen. XVII. 7. Deut. XXVI. 17, 18. and XXIX. 13. And both Covenants ratified by the blood of the Messiah. But as Love is called a New Commandment, John XIII. 34. So this a New Covenant; in that it is ratified by the death of our Saviour exhibited; in that the Doctrine of the Gospel is now more fully and clearly revealed; in that this runneth wholly upon the spiritual, and celestial Blessings; in that the Ceremonials are removed, and the more Spiritual Service substituted for it; in that it is more generally dilated and enlarged to all Nations; in that a large measure of Spiritual Gifts and efficacy of the Spirit is now vouchsafed; in that the continuance of it, without change, is to be to the end of the world.  
hath sworn by himself] Having no greater to swear by, chapter LI verse 14 Heb. VI 13. So, Gen. XXII. 16. Jer. XXII. 5. Amos VI 8. By his soul; So is the Hebrew in this text, and chap. LI. 14. By the excellency of Jacob, Amos VIII. 7. By his Holiness, Amos IU. 2. And again, the Form of his Oath is thus expressed, As I live, Heb. I. live, so, Jer. XXII. 24. and XLVI. 18. Ezek. V. 11. And, I live for ever, Deut. XXXII. 40. So men use to swear, The Lord liveth, Jer. IU. 2. and V 2. As the Lord liveth that made us this soul, Jer. XXXVIII. 16. God's oath shall undoubtedly be fulfilled, Psal. CX. 4. and CXXXII. 11. Heb. VI 17, 18. Of Oaths, see more in the Annotations on Host IU. 15. and Gen. XXIV. 3.  
carried away captive] chapter LII verse 28 Five captivities into Babylon are mentioned in Scripture.   

Lamentations.  
THese are not those of Jeremy, for Josiah, 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. No more, than those were for him, Ezek. XIX. 1, 14. which indeed were commanded to be taken up by Ezekiel, for Jehoachaz, and Jehojakim; But these were written by Jeremy, in the time of the Babylonish captivity, after the Temple of the Lord, and City of Jerusalem were burnt, and destroyed by Nabuchadnezzar: Lamenting here those more than lamentable miseries; As the whole Matter and Contents of this Book doth declare: And particularly, that very passage itself, chap. IU. 20. which is appliable properly to King Zedekiah; and not to King Josiah. The LXX and Jerome, doth express this very time, in the beginning of the Book itself.  
These Lamentations are full of Pathetical expressions. And for the weight of the Matter, and the Help of Memory; The first, second, and fourth Chapters do contain twenty two verses apiece, according to the number of the Letters of the Hebrew Alphabet; and do begin each verse with one of them in their order methodicaly. And chap. III. contains 66. verses, triple the former number: And gins each three of them, with one letter of the Hebrew Alphabet, in the order methodicaly. The last Chapter only is without this Art.  
Many Signs of Lamentations are expressed here. Which from hence, and other Scriptures, may more fully be gathered, thus; Sighing, Mourning; mournful Songs; weeping, howling; Fasting; changing of the garments, mourning women, jer. IX. 17. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. Amos V. 16. rending of the clothes; wearing black, and sack cloth; sitting on the ground, and keeping silence; lying prostrate upon the ground, sitting, lying, covering, rolling, wallowing in ashes; in dust, and ashes; casting up dust, ashes, earth upon them, and their heads; spreading, and wring the hands; laying the hands upon the head; smiting with the hand; stamping with the feet; hanging down the head; uncovering the head, and bare, and again in some ages, the covering the head, covering head and face too, as our close mourners; covering the upper lip; barefoot, shaving the head and beard; making baldness; plucking off the hair; beating the breast; printing marks upon the flesh; tearing it; cutting it. Amongst other places, see these, viz. Lam. II. 10. and III. 16. Leu. X. 6. and XIII. 45. and XIX. 27, 28. and XXI. 5, 10. Deut. XIV. 1. josh. VII. 6. 1 Sam. IU. 12. 2 Sam. I. 2. and XIII. 19 and XIV. 2. and XV. 30, 32. and XIX. 4. 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. jer. IX. 17. Ezra IX. 3. Ester IU. 1, 3. and VI 12. job I. 20. II. 12. XLII. 6. Esay XV. 2, 3. and LVIII. 8. Jer. II. 37. and VI 26. and XIV. 3, 4. and XVI. 6, 7. and XXV. 34 Ezek. XXIV. 17. and XXVII. 30. Micah I. 10, 16. Amos V. 16. Nahum. II. 7. Luke XVIII 13. Lam. I. 17. jer. VII. 29. and IX. 17, 18. XIV. 3, 4. XVI. 6, 7. XLI. 5. XLVIII. 36, 37. Lam. III. 48. Ezek. VI 11. VII. 18.  
In the Observations and Explanations upon this Book; as also upon Daniel; and the twelve small Prophets; I am the briefer, because that portion fell to my share in the last Great English Annotations; to which in many things I shall now refer thee.   

Ezekiel.  
EZEKIEL, like as jeremy, was both Priest, and Prophet. Being carried captive with Jehojacin, He prophesies in Chaldea: And calling that His captivity, as was said, he makes it his Epocha; and from thence gins the account and reckoning of years, in all the distinct times of his several Prophecies, throughout his Book; Thus, 

In Jehojacins Captivity. In the  
V Year, fourth month, fifth day, He gins to Prophesy, chap. I. 2, 3. And so continues on in the seven first chapters: with some other short Notations of Times, soon following, chap. III. verse 15, 22,— 27. and chap. IU. v. 5.  
VI Year, sixth month, fifth day, (420. days from the former time, chap. I. v. 2.) He was carried in a Vision to Jerusalem, chap. VIII. 1, 2, 3. chap. IX. chap. X. chap. XI. 24. And thereafter doth continue on Prophesying to the twentieth chapter.  
VII. Year, fifth month, tenth day, (335. days from that time, chap. VIII. 1.) He was consulted by the Elders. And thereupon Prophesied, Chapters 20, 21, 22, 23.  
IX. Year, tenth month▪ tenth day (when the siege of jerusalem began, 2 Kings XXV. 1, 2.) He Prophesied, Chapters 24, 25.  
X. Year, tenth month, twelfth day; Against Pharaoh, and Egypt, Chap. XXIX. v. 1,— 17.  
XI. Year, first month (though some think the fifth) fifth day, against Tyrus, Chapters 26, 27, 28. v. 1,— 20. 

Zidon, chap. XXVIII. v. 20,— 26.  
First month, seventh day; Against Egypt, chapter XXX. v. 20,— 26.  
Third month, first day; Against Egypt, chap. XXXI.  
Fourth month, ninth day; The City taken, Jer. LII. 5, 6. 2 Kings XXV. 2, 3, 4.  
Fifth month, tenth day; Nebuzaradan burned the Temple, and City, Jer. LII. 12, 13.    
XII. Year, tenth month, fifth day; The news brought to Ezekiel. And then he Prophesied, chap. XXXIII. v. 21,— 33. and chapters XXXIV.— XL. 

Twelfth month, first day; Against Egypt, ch. XXXII. 1,— 16. Fifteenth day; Against Egypt, chap. XXXII. v. 17,— 32. and chap. XXXIII. 1,— 20.    
XXV. Year, first month, tenth day; He hath that large Vision, chapters XL.— XLVIII.  
XXVII. Year, first month, first day; Against Egypt, chap. XXIX. v. 17,— 21. and chap. XXX. v. 1,— 19   

The Glory of the Lord  
Appearing 

By Chebar, ch. I. 3,— 28.  
In the Plain, chap. III. 22, 23.  
In Jerusalem, ch. VIII. 4, and c. X. 15, 20, 22.    
Departing, by degrees, chap. VIII. 3, 4, 5, 6. and IX. 3. and chap. X. 3, 4, 5, 18, 19 and chap. XI. 22, 23.  
Returning, chap. XLIII. 2, 3, 4.    
The Measures mentioned in the Description of Ezekiels Visionarie Temple; and Division of the Land, chap. XL.— XLVIII. are Calamus, and Cubitus; the Reed, and the Cubit. The length of the Reed is defined, chap. XL. 5. and XLI. 8. That of the Cubit, is more usualy known; adding that, chap. XLI. 8. and XLIII. 13. See more of these, in my Annotations upon Ezekiel XL. 5. among those large Annotations upon the Bible, printed Anno 1651. By the Cubits are measured, the Gates, East, North, South, of the Exterior; and of the Inner Courts: with their Posts, Porches, Arches, and Chambers: The Courts, and the Pillars, and Chambers about them; The Tables: Chambers of the Singers, and of the Priests; and the Porch of the House, chap. XL. The several Parts, Places, and Chambers of the Temple; and of the Separate Place, chap. XLI. The North-Chambers; and South-Chambers; before the Separate Place, ch. XLII. The Altar of Burnt-Offerings, chap. XLIII. And the waters, chap. XLVII. 3. By Reeds, besides a few other parts, chap. XL. 6, 7, 8. there is, or seems to be, Measured; The Wall about the outmost Court; five hundred Reeds, on each side of that square Court, ch. XLII. 15,— 20. Which, if Literaly understood, it makes the Temple, and all Holy Building about it; and the Courts of it, to be bigger than Solomon's Temple, and all the City of Jerusalem with it. But if we understand by five hundred Reeds, Reeds of five hundred Cubits, that is, making up five hundred Cubits, on each side of that Square Court; as Tremelius doth; And indeed the Suburbs of it are named to be fifty Cubits ●ound about, chap. XLV. 2. Then we shall bring that Sacred Visionarie Building into a spacious, yet reasonable and proportionable quantity; But with a very harsh, as it seems, translation of the words of the sacred Text. And as for that Oblation of the Land offered to the Lord, that Holy Portion for the Priests; and for the Levites: and that Land for the City of Jerusalem, and Suburbs, and Use of it being in all 25000. square; mentioning neither Reeds, nor Cubits, chap. XLVIII. 20. And the Prince's Portion of Land, lying on the outside of it, East, and West, chap. XLVIII. 21. If we take that great Square to be so many Reeds, as most do; with very great probability in this Visionarie Division; We shall so make that Visionarie Square to be as big as the whole Land of Canaan. But if we understand it of Cubits, we shall bring it to be about the compass of twenty five miles on each side of the square: and so leave a proportionable quantity of Land for the twelve Tribes, chap. XLVIII.  
stand upon thy feet— set me upon my feet] chapter TWO verse 1, 2. God with the command gives the power and act of performance. And so Grace, and Regeneration is both God's Fromise, and Work, Ezek. XI. 19, 20. and XVIII. 31. with chap. XXXVI. 26. and chap. XI. 19  
land of Pathros] A Province in Egypt, chapter XXIX verse 14 chap. XXX. 14. Jer XLIV. 1, 15. possessed by the Pathrusim, or Pathruses which were of the lineages of Mitsraim, or Egyptus, Gen. X. 14. 1 Chron. I. 12. Likely the same with Thebais, higher and further up in the Country the Noph, Esay XI. 11.  
Lybia] Heb. chapter XXX verse 5 Phut, or Phuth, or Put. These Lybians were of the same race with the Ethiopians, Gen. X. 6. 1 Chron. I. 6. Seated in Africa, to the West of Egypt.  
Lybia] These were in Africa, and came of Lud, the son of Mizraim, and grandchild of Cham, Gen. X 6, 13. Ger. XLVI. 9 The Lydians in Asia, or Anatolia came of Lud the son of Shem, Gen. X. 22. Esay LXVI. 19 See the Annotations on Ezek. XXX. 5.  
Tehaphnehes] Or, Tahapanes, verse 18 or Tachapanes, Tapanhes, or Tachpanches, and the same, as it seems in a contracted form Hanes, or Chanes, Esay XXX. 4. a Prime City in Egypt: taking likely its name from Tahpenes Queen of Egypt, 1 Kings XI. 19, 20. Seated not fare from Pelusium; whence termed by the Greeks and Latins Daphnae Pelusiacae. See Jer. II. 16. Here J●remy was, chap. XLIII. 8.  
Ezek. XLVIII. 8,— 22. In this Visionary Description, The Portion or holy Oblation of Land, for the Priests, and the Sanctuary; for the Levites; for the City, and Suburbs; for the Prince; was all at most not greater or biger than the several Portions for each of the other Tribes. And therefore in that Draught of mine set forth by my learned and industrious friend Master Thomas Fuller in his Pisgah-sight of Palestine, V Book. page 189. I desire to be rightly so understood, and no otherwise. The said Draught is represented there in a far larger Proportion. But the only Reason was, That so there might be room enough for the setting down of the several Situations, and Limits among themselves, of the Priest's Portion, and of the Sanctuary in the midst of it; And of the Levites Portion by themselves; And of the City Jerusalem, and Suburbs, of it, by themselves; And of the Prince's Portion, lying, and guarding, as it were, all the former, at both Ends, East, and West. The true quantity of all this, in relation to the other Tribes, being no other than I have formerly expressed.   

Daniel.  
DANIEL was carried Captive in the first year of Nabuchadnezzar, and the third or fourth of Jehojakim, Dan. I. 1,— 6. And at this time began the Babylonian Monarchy: and the Jews Subjection or Captivity, which lasted seventy years.  
Daniel living, and young, was so famous for Prayer and Piety, That in the thirteenth or fourteenth year of his Captivity, He is matched with Noah, and Job, Ezek. XIV. 14. And in the eighteenth or nineteenth year, He is held such an unparallelled pattern for Wisdom, That the King of Tyre, who thought himself so wise above others, is taunted in these words, Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel, Ezek. XXVIII. 2.  
His Book gins with his own Captivity; reacheth to our Saviour's time, Dan. IX. 25. And ends a while after, with the final Destruction of the Temple, and City of Jerusalem, by the Romans, Dan. IX. 27. daniel's Prophecies stretch not beyond daniel's own People the Jews.  
Some reckon the times thus; seventy years in the Babylonish captivity, or subjection to Babylon: seventy years seven times, or seven weeks of years; that is, four hundred and ninety years, thence to our Saviour's death. And forty thence to Jerusalem's Destruction, and the end of the Jews Commonwealth: in all, six hundred years. But others rather, upon more likely grounds, extend the number of years to a great sum.  
His Book is Historical, in the first six Chapters Prophetical, in the rest.  
The Language of it is Chaldee, from chap. II. v. 4 to chap. VIII. A little Arabic being intermixed in the sixth Chapter. Because, as some conceive, the matters contained in those Chapters mostwhat concern the Chaldeans, and were things known to them; or at least such as no danger by the knowledge of them accrued to the Jews. In all the rest, before, and after, it is Hebrew, the Church's dialect, and treasure. And yet here are sometimes some kind of concealments from the Hebrews themselves, in the darkest Visions, chap. VIII. 26. and chap. XII. 4.  

The Chapters in Daniel fall within the reigns of several Kings, Thus, In the reign of  
Nabuchadnezzar; in his 

I. Year, Chapter I.  
V Year, Chap. II.  
VI Year, most likely, Chap. III.  
XXXV. Year, Chap. IU.    
Belshazzar, in his 

I. Year, Chap VII.  
III. Year, Chap. VIII.  
Last year, Chap. V.    
Darius, in his first year, Chapters VI and IX.  
Cyrus, in his third year, first month, Chapters X. and XI. and XII.   
So that in the Order of the Chapters, there is this Transposition; That the seventh and eighth Chapters, as now they stand numbered and placed, in order of time go before the fifth and sixth Chapters.  
And for the matter of some Chapters; Those Prophetical Dreams, and Visions, Chap. II. and IV. and VII. and VIII. and XI. seem mostwhat to expound one another; falling so oft upon the same matters, less or more; and going over them, or some of them still: Nabuchadnezzar, and the Babylonian, is the Golden Head, Chap. II. the Tree, Chap. IU. the Lion, Chap. VII. The Mede and Persian, is the Breast and Arms of silver, Chap. II. the Bear, Chap. VII. the Ram, Chap. VIII. and Chap. X. 1, 13, 20. and Chap. XI. 1, 2. The Grecian Alexander, is the Belly and Thighs of Brass, Chap. II. the Leopard, Chap. VII. the he-Goat, Chap. VIII, and Chap. X. 20. and Chap. XI. 3, 4. The Grecian divided, chief into the Seleucide, and Lagide, are the Legs of iron, and Feet, part of iron, and part of clay, chap. II. The fourth Beast, chap. VII. and the Kings of the North, and of the South, chap. XI.  
Daniel having his suit denied by the Prince of the Eunuches, makes his address to his Steward, and prevails, chap. I. 10, 11.  
That second year, Dan. II. 1. is not of Cyrus, the last word of the former chapter; But of Nabuchadnezzar: Nor of his Reign, or Monarchy either; But in his reign; as the Hebrew distinctions in the Context seem to import; Namely, the second year, after the three years of daniel's education were passed, and he brought in to stand before the King; which falls in with the fifth year of Nebuchadnezars reign, and daniel's Captivity, and with the eighth or ninth of Jehojakim. In the second year, in Nebuchadnezars reign, Nabuchadnezzar had this Dream; and Daniel was then sought for to be slain, with the rest of the Wisemen and Magicians.  
That huge Image of gold, though hollow within, as the two brazen Pillars were, Jer. LII. 21. which was set up to be worshipped, Dan. III. seems to be soon after the former Dream, and before Jehojacins Captivity; Being daniel's three companions only, newly advanced, are accused; and no other Jews; for not worshipping it, and committing such gross and open Idolatry.  
That Dream and Vsion of the Great Tree, chap. IU. being when Nabuchadnezzar was at rest, after all his Victories, chap. IU. 4. And flourishing in his Palace, after his conquest of Egypt, which was in the twenty seventh year of Jehojacins Captivity, Ezek. XXIX. 17,— 20. seems to be some thirty years after the former Dream, chap. II. and in the thirty fifth year of Nebuchadnezars own reign, and daniel's Captivity. A year after this Dream, he fell mad, chap. IU. 29. and continued so seven years, verse 16, 25, 3. even so long as Solomon's Temple was in building, which he destroyed. And about two years after his restoring to his wits, and Kingdom, v. 26, 34, 36. in the forty fourth or forty fifth year of his reign, and thirty seventh of Jehojacins Captivity he died, Jer. LII. 31.  
Evilmerodach, the son of Nabuchadnezzar, in the first year of his reign, advanced Jehojacin, 2 Kings XXV. 27,— 30. Jer. LII. 31,— 34.  
Belshazzar, the grandchild of Nabuchadnezzar, was the last of Babel's Monarches, Jer. XXVII. 7. Dan. V 28, 30, 31. Though he be called the son of Nabuchadnezzar, and Nabuchadnezzar be called his father, Dan. V 11, 13, 18, 22.  
The Roman Empire is none of the four Beasts, chap. VII. But the Greeks are the Dealers in the end of wrath. Antiochus Epiphanes, the last of the ten Horns of the fourth Beast, was the most furious Persecutor of the Jews, and their Religion. See of him largely, Dan. VII. v. 8, 11, 20, 21. and chap. VIII. v. 9,— 14. and v. 23, 24, 25, 26. and chap. XI. 21,— 45. and chap. XII. He raged terribly, for two thousand three hundred days, chap. VIII. 14, 24, 25, 26. that is, six years, three months, and some twenty days, viz. from the one hundred forty second year of the Kingdom of the Greeks, when after wicked Jason, worse than Menelaus had got of Antiochus to be High Priest, having in him the fury of a cruel Tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast, 1 Macc. I. 11. and v. 20,— 53. 2 Macc. IU. 25. from this time Antiochus continuing his rage until the one hundred forty eighth year, ninth month, twenty fifth day, 1 Macc. IV. 52, 53, 54. But raging most of all for a time, times, and the dividing of time, Dan. VII. 25. and, chap. XII. 7. that is, three years, and ten days; from the time he took away the daily Sacrifice, and set up the abomination of desolation, till the restoring of God's worship again, 1 Macc. I. 54, 57, 59 and chap. IV, 52, 53, 54. Or three years, and a half; beginning so at 1 Macc. I. 30. And again, from that time of taking away the daily Sacrifice, and setting up the abomination of desolation, were one thousand two hundred and ninety days, to the end of those sad times of the Church's troubles. But the one thousand three hundred thirty fifth day, which was forty five days after the former, was the last end of the indignation, the Blessed time perfectly to finish those furious persecutions by Antiochus, by the death of Antiochus himself, Dan. XII. 6, 7, 8, 11, 12. 2 Macc. XI. 33. 1 Macc. VI 16. And at the end of the Kingdom of the Greeks, subdued soon after by the rising up of the Roman Empire, Christ came, and erected his everlasting Kingdom; and all Dominions shall serve and obey him, Dan. II. 34, 35, 44, 45. and Chap. VII. 9, 10, 13, 14, 27. But of these things see more in my Annotations upon Daniel, in the large Annotations upon the whole Bible, printed, Anno 1651.  
Gabrieal the only Angel in Scripture that hath a proper name, Dan. VIII. 16. and chap. IX. 21. L●ke. I. 19, 26. Michael being understood of Christ.  
Darius' the Median, the son of Ahasuerus, Dan. V 31. and VI 28. and Cyrus, the Persian, Dan. IX. 1. seem fellows in Empire: and Cyrus, the Survivor, and sole Monarch.  
Messiah a proper name, Dan. IX. 25. And hence famous in the New Testament, John I. 41. and IV. 25.  
The Abomination of Desolation hath reference to Antiochus Epiphanes, Dan. VIII. 13. and chap. XI. 31. and chap. XII. 11. And to the Romans, Dan. IX. 27. Matth. XXIV. 15.  
like the Son of God] Or rather like a son of the gods. chapter III verse 25 For a Heathen King, utterly ignorant of the Mystery of the Trinity, could not dream of the second Person, the Son of God. And so is that to be understood, Psal. LXXXIX. 6. As a phrase not unlike, is in Judg. VIII. 18. Many of the Ancient Fathers, being desirous to get proofs of the Mystery of the Trinity, and of Christ's Humanity, out of the Books of the Prophets, did catch at all occasions, and made use of any thing in them, that might have the least show and shadow to look that way. And so they have wrested, though not rightly, this speech of Nabuchadnezzar to that purpose.  
great Babylon] The compass of it within the walls was about four hundred furlongs, chapter IV verse 30 or sixty miles. The walls of it fifty foot, if not Cubits broad, so as two Charets with four horses on breast might easily meet on them: And high at least fifty Cubits. See my Annotations on this place. And the learned Annotations on Jer. LI. 53, 58. It is said to sit upon many waters, Jer. LI. 13. to have a Sea, ver. 36. Esay XXI. 1. by reason of the great river Euphrates whereon it was seated; and the vast lakes, meres, and pools that were made out of it in that great plain of the Land of Shinar and Babylon; Gen. XI. 2. This is an ancient City, built by Nimrod, Gen. X. 10. And was under the Assyrian Empire. Manasseh King of Judah was carried hither by Esarhaddon the Assyrian Monarch, 2 Chron. XXXIII. 11. The Kings of it, when it came from under the Assyrian Empire, we read in Scripture to be these, Merodach Baladan, Nabuchadnezzar, Evilmerodach, Belshazzar, Esay XXXIX. I. 2 Kings XXV. 27. Dan. V 1, 11. Jer. XXVII. 7. Yet some interpose one Assur, and Labarssardach, before Belshazzar, for short times; But not out of Scripture. This City of Babylon is called Sheshach, Jer. XXV. 26. and LI. 41. (though a King of Egypt was of the like name, 2 Chron. XII. 2.) And likely this name is from some Babylonian Idol; whence Michael might by the Babylonian Chamberlain be termed Meshach, Dan. I. 7. And haply hence the Sacean Festival in Babylon for eleven days together, which ●erosus, and Ctesius do mention, took that name: A Feast not unlike the Greek and Latin Saturnalia, and our Christmas. And in the time of which Feast probably was Babylon taken by Cyrus; as Her●dote, and Xenophon do report. And the Prophet Jeremy himself by naming it Sheshach, may seem to point as it were with the finger to the very time of that Feast, wherein Babylon, and that State was to receive its fatal blow. See Dan. V. 1. V 30.  
to the Medes and Persians] Medes coasted upon the Caspian Sea. chapter V verse 28 Persians lay upon the Persian Gulf, Esay XIII. 17. Medes descended from Madai, the son of Japhet, Gen. X. 2. 1 Chron. I. 5. They, and the Persians, in some sort one people, as well for vicinity, as affinity; and acknowledging one King, Esay XXI. 2. Jer. LI. 11. Dan. V 28. and IX. 1.  
like the son of man] Rather like a son of man. chapter VII verse 13 For Christ is not there likened to himself, but to a man in general. As Ezekiel is called a son of man; and as men in Scripture are usualy called the sons of men. And so is that place to be understood, Apoc. I. 13. Like a son of man. And again, chap. XIV. 14. Like unto a son of man.  
Province of Elam] Elam is Persia; chapter VIII verse 2 from Elam the son of Sem, and brother to Asshur, and Arphaxad, Gen. X. 22. 1 Chron. I. 17. The Province of Elam is that part of Persia that bordered upon the Medes: whereupon Elamites and Medes are joined together, Esay XXI. 2. Jer. XXV. 25. They served under the Assyrian Monarches Salmanesar and Sennacharib, and under the Babylonian Nabuchadnezzar against the people of God, Esay XXII. 6. And therefore are judgements denounced against them by the Prophets, Jer. XXV. 25. and chap. XLIX. 34, 38. And they became afterwards God's instruments to execute his vengeance upon the Babylonians, and to deliver his people from their bondage and captivity, Esay XXII. 6. and XLI. 2, 25. and XLIV. 28. and XLV. 1, etc. and XLVI. 11. and XLVIII. 14. See more in the Annotations on Esay XIII. 17.  
Uphaz] Where the finest gold seemeth in those times to have been, chapter X verse 5 Jer. X. 9 This some suppose to be the same with Paz, or Phaz, Job XXVIII. 17. Psal. XXI. 3. Esay XIII. 12. and Mupaz, 1 Kings X. 18. 2 Chron. IX. 17. Some take it to be Phez in Africa.   

Hosea.  
HOSEA Prophesied in the days of four Kings of Judah; and seven Kings of Israel: from Vzziah of Judah, to Hezekiah; and from jeroboam the second of Israel to Hosheah, when, after that the two Tribes and a half had been carried captive by Tiglath-Pilesar, King of Assyria, in the days of Pekah, 2 Kings XV. 29. 1 Chron. V. 26. All the rest of Israel, was captivated, and that Kingdom extirpated by Shalmanesar, in the days of King Hosheah, Host X. 7, 15. 2 Kings XVII. 6. and chap. XVIII. 10. But of him, and the rest of the small Prophets, see more at large in my Annotations upon them, in the large Annotations upon the whole Bible printed Anno 1651.  
He was sent chief to Israel: And gins to Prophesy Destruction to them; even when they were in the height of their prosperity under jeroboam the second.  
Among other reasons of God's vengeance upon the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, chapter I verse 4 this might be one, That his Commission against the house of Ahab, stretched not to slay King Ahaziah of Judah, and his brethren.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Most commonly taken illatively for Therefore; chapter TWO verse 14 yet sometimes in a discretive notion; for Notwithstanding, Nevertheless, Yet; as here, and Esay VII. 14. and XXX. 18. and LI. 21. jer. XVI. 14. and XXX. 16. Ezek. XXXIX. 25.  
nor swear, chapter IV verse 15 The Lord liveth] Swearing, and this Form of swearing is lawful. It is a part of our duty, and God's worship to swear, when we are lawfully thereunto called and warranted, Esay XIX. 18. Psael. LXIII. 11. But not in our ordinary communication, Matth. V 34, 37. Ia●es V 12. Not upon vain and light causes; as Herod's oath was to the dancing damsel, Mark VI 23. much less to be a bond to wickedness; as those, Acts XXIII. 12. to kill Paul. But in necessary and weighty causes▪ As for ratification of Covenants, and promises of importance: So did Abraham and Abimelech, Gen. XXI. 31. Isaac and Abimelech, Gen. XXVI. 31. Jacob and Laban, Gen. XXXI. 53. David and jonathan, 1 Sam. XX. 17. And so God commands it, for removal of suspicions, of jealousy, Num. V 21. of Theft, Exod. XXII. 11. 1 Kings VIII. 31. 2 Chron. VI 22. And so many men in Scripture upon weighty causes did lawfully require an oath. So did Abraham of his servant, Gen. XXIV. 2. Jacob of Esau, Gen. XXV. 33. and of his son Joseph, Gen. XLVII. 31. Rahab of the Spies, Josh. II. 12. Samson of the men of Judah, Judg. XV. 12. Saul, and the Egytian of David, 1 Sam. XXIV. 21. and XXX. 15. Nabuchadnezzar of Zedekiah, 2 Chron. XXXVI. 13. And many in like cases did freely and voluntarily give their oaths: so Moses to Caleb, Josh. XIV. 9 David to Bathshebah, 1 Kings I. 13. Gedaliah to the Remnant of Judah, 2 Kings XXV. 24. King Zedekiuh to the Prophet Jeremy, Jer. XXXVIII. 16. And so godly men, to bind themselves the more to God, and his service, and good duties have sworn to the Lord. So David to find out an house and place for God's habitation, Psal. CXXXII. 2. So the Priests, Levites, and all Israel, to reform the strange Marriages, Ezra X. 5. So King Asa, and all the people entered into a Covenant to seek the Lord, and they swore unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with Trumpets, and with Cornets, 2 Chron. XV. 12, 13, 14. Yea, God himself is mercifully pleased so fare to condescend as to swear unto men, for the better assurance and confirmation of their faith in the truth of his promises, Heb. VI 13— 18. So he swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Gen. XXIV. 7. and XXVI. 3. Exod. VI 8. Luke I. 73. So to David, Psal. LXXXIX. 49 And sometime in wrath, to ratify his Threaten against sinners. So, Psal. XCV. 11. Heb. III. 11. In sacred account than is the Bond of an Oath. Though it be taken to men, yet it is called the Oath. of God, Eccles. VIII. 2. Ezek. XVII. 19 And why? Because therein men call God to be both a witness of the truth, and an avenger of the lie, and breach of promise. And so an Oath binds the soul with a Bond, Num. XXX. 2. It must therefore carefully be taken, in truth, in righteousness, without rashness, and in judgement, upon just grounds, in just causes, Jer. IU. 2. In truth, without equivocation, or mental reservation. And carefully kept: yea, though made to Heathens, or Heretics; without Popish dispensations, or relaxations. We must fear an Oath, Eccles. IX. 2. fear to break it. And therefore the godly man, though he sweareth to his own hurt, yet changeth not, Psal. XV. 4. Though the Gibeonites beguiled Joshuah, and the Princes of Israel, yet, say they, we must let them live, lest wrath be upon us, because of the Oath which we swore unto them, Josh. IX. 15, 19, 20. And the breach of the matter of this Oath by Saul, so long after, we read punished sorely upon him in his sons, 2 Sam. XXI. 1,— 6. And of God's fierce wrath against false Oaths, and Oath-breakers, we read more, Exod. XX. 7. Levit. XIX. 12. Jer. VII. 9 and XXIII. 10. Ezek. XVII. 15,— 21. Host IU. 2, 3. and X. 4. Zech. V. 3, 4. and chap. VIII. 17. Mal. III. 5. It bore a part in Peter's sin, for which he wept so bitterly, Matth. XXVI. 74, 75. Now the Form of this swearing here, Host IU. 15. is lawful; It is taken in the Lords Name. God's Name is to be used in Oaths, Deut. VI 13. and X. 20. Psal. LXIII. 11. Esay XLV. 23. and LXV. 16. jer. XII. 16. So jacob swore to Laban by the Fear of his father Isaac, Gen. XXXI. 42, 53. We must not swear by false gods, josh. XXIII. 7. ●er. V 7. and ch. XII. 16. Not by Baal, by the sin and Idol of Samaria; the manner of Beersheba, by Malcham: Against such swearers God threateneth his judgements, jer. V 7. Amos VIII. 14. Zeph. I. 5. Nor must we swear by the Creatures, as if they were God; or we had power over them, as our own, to pawn them on the truth of what we say, Matth. V 34, 35, 36. and chap. XXIII. 16,— 22. james V 12. See on Matth. XXIII. 16,— 22. And again, though this manner of Speech, The Lord liveth, may be taken in a way of a strange asseveration only, thus, As surely as the Lord liveth. As likewise that, Gen. XLII. 15. 1 Sam. I. 26. and XXV. 26. Yet it goeth often in Scripture under the notion and name of an Oath, as, 1 Sam. XIX. 6. jer. V 2. and chap. XII. 16. And is here forbidden, because God would not have his Name once in the mouth of Idolaters, as not enduring to be joined with Idols, 2 Cor. VI 15. Zeph. I. 5. Ezek. XX. 39 Of Oath, see more in page 10, 52, 74. and upon jer. LI. 14. And of the Manner and Ceremonies in swearing, see Gen. XXIV. 2. and XLVII. 29. and XIV. 22. Exod. VI 8. Exod. XX. 5, 15, 23. Dan. XII. 7. Apoc. X. 5, 6. And there are divers Rites and Gestures for it in divers Countries in all ages.  
as the rain; chapter VI verse 3 as the later and former] Rain in due season is mentioned, Levit. XXVI. 4. Deut. XXVIII. 12. Ezek. XXXIV. 26. The First or former Rain, and the later Rain are mentioned, Deut. XI. 14. Jer. V 24. so called in relation to their husbandry, and the order thereof. The former rain was in their Seeding time, in the eighth month, part of our October and November, requisite for the bringing up of their Seed, and thereupon is called the Seeds rain, Esay XXX. 23. And that month is called Bull, from the abundance of rain, and great showers then requisite and falling, as making a Deluge, Jer. III. 3. and this former rain is called Yoreh, or Moreh, from a word that signifieth to pour down. The later rain was in the first month, Joel II. 23. part of our March and April, for the filling of the corn then in the ear, and the fitting of it for harvest; whence this month is called Abib, Exod. XIII. 4. which signifieth the stalk with the ear of corn. Their harvest-time for corn being commonly within the compass of two months, half Abib or Nisan, all Jair or Zif, and half Sivan. And hereupon were those two Offerings, of corn in the sheaf, and of two loaves enjoined, at the Beginning and End of harvest, Levit. XXIII. 10,— 21. Num. XXVIII. 26. Deut. XVI. 9, 10. See my Annotations on Zech. X. 1.  
bread of mourners] Banquets at Burials, chapter IX verse 4 as well as Bridals: as of mirth, the one; so of consolation against mourning, the other. See Prov. XXXI. 6, 7. Jer. XVI. 7. Ezek. XXIV. 17. Matth. IX. 23.  
Memphi●; verse 6 in the Original Moph; And thence with the Greeks and Latins Memphis. In Esay and Jermie, named Moph, Jer. XLIV. 1. and XLVI. 14, 19 Likely now that Grand Cairo, the Great City. See. Esay XIX. 13. Ezek. XXX. 13.  
Chap. IX. 7. and Chap X. 3, 4. do show the miserable state and condition of things in those times.  
Is true liberality of the Body of the Church of Israel in Egypt. chapter XI verse 1 And true Mysticaly of the Head of the Church, of Christ. Whereupon the Apostle doth allude to this place, and allege it, Matth. II. 15.  
Jacob wept, chapter XII verse 4 in wrestling, and making Supplication to the Angel: though his weeping be not recorded by Moses.  
The names for Lions in Hebrew are very many; chapter XIII verse 8 and distinguished in Scripture according to their ages, and qualities. See the Annotations on Job. iv 10 The like is true for the variety of the names of gold. See the Annotattons on Job XXVIII. 15,— 19  
I did know thee] Own thee, as, Psal. I. ult. verse 5 Exod. III. 7. Deut. XXXIV. 10. Psal. XXXI. 7. and XXXVII. 18. and CXLII. 4. Matth. VII. 23. Rom. VII. 15. As for that place, Acts XXIII▪ 5. Most likely it is that Paul did not know Ananias to be High Priest, he being so long absent from jerusalem; and the High Priest being so often changed in those times.   

Joel.  
JOEL; Preacheth to judah. And by the Matter and Argument of his Book, as well as by the Rank wherein we find him placed, He seems to Prophesy when Hosea did, in the days of King Uzziah. Yet some assign to him a later time, upon those passages, chap. III. 1,— 9  
He declareth a dreadful judgement of Famine, brought upon them by a Drought, and Vermin: Exhorts to true Mourning, Fasting, and Repenting; with Promises thereupon of abundant Blessings, Temporal, and Spiritual, upon themselves: and of God's dreadful judgements and revenge upon their enemies.  
The Army, and Camp described, chap. II. is not of the Assyrians, or Babylonians; But of those Vermin, God's Host, named, chap. I. 4.  
The Valley of Jehoshaphat, is not the place for the General judgement in the end of the world, at Christ's second coming; But serves only to note out thus much, That God's judgements upon the enemies of his Church, shall be visibly in her sight, and before her eyes; as the Valley of Jehoshaphat was nigh the walls, and in the sight of Jerusalem.  
weep between the Porch and the Altar] The Porch of the Temple, chapter TWO verse 17 and the Altar of Burnt-offering in the Priest's Court, or inner Court; where they stood to minister and officiate. See, Ezra X. 1. and 1 Macc. VII. 38.  
Visions] By them God of old did speak to man, verse 28 and reveal his will unto him, Job XXXIII. 15. Particularly to his Prophets, Num. XII. 6. Host XII. 10. Ezek. VII. 26. So to Abraham, to Jacob, to Samuel, 1 Sam. III. 1, 15. to Esay; Ezekiel, and others; whence Judea is called the Valley of Vision, Esay XXII. 1. And so to Daniel, to Peter, Acts X. 19 and to Paul, Acts XVI. 9 and XVIII. 9 2 Cor. XII. 1. Yea, to Balaam, Num. XXIV. 4. And to Nabuchadnezzar, Dan. II. 28. See my Annotations on Ezek. I. 1. This whole Text, And so on to the end of this Chapter, is cited by Saint Peter, Acts II. 16,— 21. and applied to his present time, the Beginning of the Gospel, the time immediately preceding the destruction of the Jewish Polity, their City and Temple; as being fulfilled and completed then and there: He shows that both this effusion of the Spirit; And likewise those wonders showed in heaven, and in earth, so particularly mentioned, had their accomplishment before that terrible day of their destruction by Vespasian and Titus, about forty years after their crucifying of our Saviour, which said great and terrible day our Saviour likewise foretells, and gives the dreadful signs the forerunners of it very largely in the twenty fourth Chapter of Saint Matthew, as may be gathered more specially out of ver. 33, 34. Vainly therefore is this pouring out of the Spirit applied to our times so fare advanced toward the end of the world; to patronise our New Lights, and pretended Divine illuminations, our extraordinary Gifts and Inspirations poured now by the Spirit on all sorts of Christians, young and old, sons and daughters, even to the slighting and superseding of all external offices, and Officers, Orders, and Ordinances, in the Church: Whereas this was a Peculiar Privilege and character of those First times, and had a Propriety to them. And unadvisedly are those dreadful times and signs, Matth. XXIV. or any of them appropriated to the end of the world, and last coming of our Saviour to judgement; having received their true accomplishment before Jerusalem's final fall aforesaid; as Jewish and Heathen Histories make manifest; unless we take them out of their Literal meaning, and make them to serve as Symbolical Representations of what likely may ensue at the last day.   

Amos.  
AMOS; Of an Herd-man was made a Prophet; ch. VII. 14. He useth sometimes Countrey-similitudes, ch. II. 13. & III. 12. & IV. 1, 3. And sometimes he hath high and Astronomical expressions, as, ch. V 8. & ch IX. 6. As Job had formerly: And God himself, unto Job. And Esay, chap. XIII. 10. Yet we may not understand them of such Constellations or Configurations, as our Astronomers, do now retain from the Greeks and Latins, which have their figures and denominations assigned them from the feigned stories of the old fabulous Greeks: we should rather retain the Hebrew terms and names; adding our best exposition of them.  
Amos hath great conformity with Hoseah, living in the same time, chap. I. 1. and sent to the same people, of Israel's principally.  
Amos foretelleth strange shake and destructions of six Heathen Neighbouring Nations, the Church's enemies; for their three transgressions, and for four severally.  
As likewise he doth the same of Judah: And so of Israel, chap. I. and II. He pursueth in five chapters following Israel manifold transgressions, and mighty sins: Intermixing both Threaten and Exhortations. Threaten of Judgements generally, upon all Israel, That they shall finaly be drowned in a flood of miseries, and be captivated: Particularly, upon Jeroboams house; and upon Amaziah Priest of Bethel. And inserting Exhortations to Israel for repentance; as, chap. IU. 3. with Promises of Mercy thereupon; as, chap. V 4, 14. 15. And after, upon their Obstinacy, and Incorrigibleness; He shows in the two last chapters, under two Types, of a Basket of Summer fruit; and of smiting the door of the Temple; their ripening, approaching subversion, and Gods abdicating his house, and people. Yet concluding all, with Evangelical Promises to his Church, of a Reduction, and restauration by, and under Christ.  
Among other places, chap. V 10, 13. and chap. VI 10. do show the evil of his times.  
Carmel] Carmel signifieth plenty, chapter I verse 2 fruitfulness, and fruitful field. This mountain was situate in the Confines of Asher, and Issachar, near the Midland-Sea; and not fare from Mount Tabor, Josh. XII. and XV. chapters. See more of it in my Annotations on this Text.  
revealeth] Yet God's true Prophets are not always in all things, chapter III verse 7 guided by divine revelations; As, 1 Chron. XVIII. 2. 2 Kings IV. 27. 1 Sam. XVI. 6. The meaning here is, That God usualy reveals to his Prophets his great judgements which he intends to bring upon his own people, for their sins.  
A kind of Irony, chapter IV verse 4, 5. as, Gen. III. 22. 1 Kings XVIII. 27. and XXII. 15. 2. Chron. XVIII. 14. and XXV. 8. Eccles. XI. 9 Job XII. 2. Lam. IU. 21. Mark VII. 9 Of Hyperboles, see on Josh. XI. 4. Gen. XI. 4.  
mighty sins] Ezek. chapter V verse 12 XVI. 23, 27, 28, 33, 34, 47, 48, 51, 52, 56. and chap. XVII. 15, 16, 18. See my Annotations on Ezek. II. 4, 5. God is said to fret at sin, Ezek. XVI. 43. And to ease and quiet himself upon vengeance taken for it, Esay I. 24. Ezek. XVI. 42.   

Obadiah.  
OBADIAHS' Time is uncertain. His Prophecy is against Edom. And the like to this, in Matter, and in Words, is likewise against Edom, in Jer. XLIX. 7,— 22. And in Ezekiel, chap. XXV. 12, 13, 14. The Sum is; God's Revenge upon Esau, notwithstanding all his Pride; Self-Wisdome; and Confidence: And that for his Violence against his brother Jacob; and insulting over him in the day of his Calamity. Which God reproves; and foretells that Saviour's shall come up on Mount Zion, for Deliverance; and to judge, devour, and possess the Mount of Esau: and the King doom shall be the Lords.  
Gilead] A large Mountain, or mountainous Country; verse 19 so named, Gen. XXXI. 47. A place of a rich soil for wealth, and abounding with Balm, and Spicery, Gen. XXXVII. 25. Num. XXXII. 1. Half of Gilead given to Reuben, and Gad; and the other half to half Manasseh, Deut. III. 12, 13. Josh. XIII. 11, 25, 31. and XXII. 9, 13. Of Gilead, see more in my Annotations upon this Text.   

Jonah.  
JONAH Prophesied in the days of Jeroboam the second, 2 Kings XIV. 25. A time wherein a Constellation of Prophets appeared. He was sent to Nineveh, the great City, and Metropolis of the Assyrian Empire. But fleeing to Joppa, a clean contrary way; and taking Sea; He is followed with a Tempest; and being thrown overboard, is swallowed of a Fish, called a Whale, Matth. XII. 40. And in the Whale's belly, three days, and three nights; which is a resemblance of Christ's lying in the Grave; And to that end is thrice alluded unto, and alleged by our Saviour himself, Matth. XII. 39, 40. and chap. XVI. 4. and Luke XI. 29. Not yet that the Correspondence in all points must be exact and absolute; either for the space of three whole days, and three whole nights; for our Saviour, as himself foretells, did rise on that third day in a part of it: no, nor yet for some part of three days, and of three nights, unless we reckon the days of twenty four hours, from midnight to midnight. But the Type here, and Text, Matth. XII. 40. needs no such subtle shifts, and curious quirks, to make up their sense. Only this, That this of Ionas was the fittest and nearest shadow of Christ's lying in the Grave, that the Scripture did afford. There prayeth. And the Whale vomiteth him out upon the dry land. Being sent the second time, He obeys; Nineveh reputes; And God in pity spares Nineveh for that time: And justifies his pity against the angry Prophet, repining at it.  
Wonderful great was the City of Nineve, johah I. v. 2. and c. III. 2, 3, 4 and chap. 4. XI. And such the City of Babylon, Ier▪ LI. 31, 58.  
made vows] Of Vows, chapter I verse 16 see my Annotations on this Text.  
Joppa] Or Japho. verse 3 A City, and Haven lying on the Midland-Sea, in the North corner of the Tribe of Dan, as it joins to the Tribe of Ephraim, Josh. XIX. 46. Hither was all the Timber brought in floats that was cut and wrought in Lebanon, for the building of the Temple, (and other buildings) by Solomon, 2 Chron. II. 16. And for the new building of it, by Zerubbabel and Jehoshuah, after the Return from the Babylonish captivity, Ezra III. 7. We see here Jonah fled hither; fare enough from the way to Nineveh: And this in the days of Jeroboam the second, King of Israel: In the days of the Apostle Peter, he being at Lidda, was sent for hither; and here raised from the dead that good and charitable Tabytha or Dorcas, Acts IX. 38, 40. And tarrying here many days with one Simon a Tanner, by the Seaside; He Praying, in a trance saw a Vision, a certain Vessel, as it had been a great sheet, etc. And at that instant being sent for to Caesarea, by Cornelius, he goes thither, Preacheth Christ to Cornelius, and his kinsmen, and near friends. And upon their conversion and receiving the miraculous gifts of the Holy Ghost, he Baptiseth them.  
A City of God, chapter III verse 3 i. e. exceeding great; an Hebraisme. So we read the Wrestle of God, Trembling of God, 1 Sam XIV. 15. a Sleep of God, 1 Sam. XXVI. 12. Gen. XXX. 8. the Mountains of God, Psal. XXXVI. 6. Trees of God, Psal. CIV. 16. the Cedars of God, Psal. LXXX. 10. the Increasing of God, Col. II. 19 Prince of God, Gen. XXIII. 6. the Host of God, 1. Chron. XII. 22. And so much alike of the garden of God, of the Flame of God, Cant. VIII. 6. a Fire of God, Job I. 16. Cant. VIII. 6. River of God, Man of God, the Visions of God; the Voice of God, the Kindness of God, 2 Sam. IX. 3. Harps of God. See my Observations on 1 Sam XIV. 15.  
yet forty day's] Gods Threaten and dooms have yet their conditions and limitations, verse 4 or Prouisoes understood; so, Jer. XXI. 10. and XXV. 9, 10, 11. and XXXII▪ 29. and XXXIV. 2, 22. and XXXVII. 8, 10. compared with chap. XXVI. 13. and XXXVIII. 17. And so David understood that threatening, 2 Sam. XII. 14. conditionaly, verse 22. So, Judg. X. 13. Esay XXXVIII. 1. Jer. XVIII. 7, 8. Ezek. III. 18. Yet sometimes God expresseth his dooms of judgement against some sinners irrevocably; as, Ezek. XIV. 13, 14, 16, 18, 20. See the Observations on 1 Kings II. 20.  
east-wind.] chapter IV verse 8 So, Host XIII. 15. Ezek. XVII. 10. and XIX. 12. Psal. XLVIII. 7. See my Annotations on Host XII. 1. an hurtful, dry, and skorching wind.  
The Ninevites in all probability, were the rather reduced to their repentance, and that in such a manner, by that Preaching of jonah; upon the knowledge of him, and of his being in the Whale's belly.   

Micah.  
MICAH; Is the last of that great number of Prophets that lived, and Prophesied, in the same times. Micah his time is set out thus; in the days of jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. He is like to Esay, the first of them, in Matter; and in lofty stile. He Prophesieth to, and against, both judah, and Israel: Declareth God's wrath; Lamenteth them; and tells their future destructions, and captivities, by the Assyrians, and Babylonians; For the manifold sins of the People, Princes, and Prophets, Chapters I, TWO, III. The Repenting Remnant He comforteth with Promises of Temporal Blessings; and Deliverances from their enemies: But chief with Promises, and Predictions of Christ; foretelling the Place of his Nativity; And the manifold Spiritual Blessings of Him, and his Kingdom, Chapters IV. and V And after a fresh controversy, and contestation of God with all his People, for their ill requiting of all his ancient Kindnesses; with their present sundry sins, chap. VI And the Prophet's Complaint thereafter of the Paucity of good men; He endeth his Prophecy, with the Church's Consolation, in he Patiented Expectation of God's time to plead her Cause, to the shame of her insulting enemy; and her own marvellous felicity, chap. VII.  
The sins of the Prophets, chapter IV verse 2 Princes, and People, are pointed out by this Prophet, as in other places, so namely in these, chap. II. 11. and chap. III. 1, 2, 3, 11. and chap. VII. 2,— 6.  
The people of God seem to argue, and resolve thus; All people naturally are addicted to their several superstitions, and will walk every one in the Name of his God: Much more we will, as we have all right and reason for it, walk in the Name of Jehova our God. Yea, though every Sect oppose their Superstition to us, triumph, and glory in theirs, and insulting over us, conspire in one against us, and our way; yet will not we despond, or shrink, but overlook, and overcome all difficulties, obstructions, and oppositions whatsoever; the Name of Jehova our God shall render us invincible, to walk constantly in him, and his Name, and his true way of worship, for ever and ever.  
Bethlehem-Ephrata] To distinguish it from another Bethlehem in the Tribe of Zebulun, chapter V verse 5 Josh. XIX. 15. This being in Judah, Matth. II. 1. And in these parts were many names of this stamp; as, Bethel, Bethaven, Bethania, Bethesda, Bethsaida, Bethabarah, Bethbarah, Beth-haccerem, Bethshemesh, and others. This Bethlehem, and this Text, was alleged by the chief Priests and Scribes to Herod, for the place of Christ's birth, Matth. II. 5, 6. And though here called little; yet by the Priests and Scribes called not the least; either reading the words of Micah interrogatively in a Negative sense; or varying the Text out of ignorance, or of set purpose before Herod; though yet both readings may well be reduced to one true sense; Bethlehem little, when David was borne there; not little, but famous, for, and after that the true Son of David, and Son of God was borne there.   

Nahum.  
NAHUM; seems to live, and Prophesy, in the days of Josiah. His Prophecy is. The Burden of Nineveh. The Ninevites after their Temporary Repentance, upon the Preaching of Jonah, returned to their former sins; Through their Ambition, Covetousness, and Cruelty, they overthrew the Kingdoms of Syria, and Samaria, after Jonah his time; They invaded Judea, and besieged Jerusalem; and grew up to be like a great Cedar in Lebanon, Ezek. XXXI. 3,— 9 And Nahum now propounds God's dreadful power in himself; and his furious revenge upon his enemies: that He will make an utter end of Nineveh; affliction shall not rise up the second time; No more of the name of the Assyrian shall be sown. And this shall be for Judah's Consolation chap. I. And then he expounds more fully the Manner, and the Means of the Ruin of Nineveh; and the woeful Mourning for it, that they shall mourn, as with the voice of Doves, tabering upon their breasts; and bewailing their former flourishing estate, chap. II. And lastly, He insists upon her sins, the Causers of God's wrath, in her shameful ruin: ascertained by the example of populous No (or Alexandria) to be verified upon her; that notwithstanding all her strong holds, and numerous Assyrian Captains, and crowned Commanders; yet there shall be no healing of her bruise, and mortal wound, chap. III.  
Not Nahum I. 15. But Esay LII. 7. is alleged, Rom. X. 15.   

Habakkuk.  
HABAKKUK; Doth comfort the godly against the Chaldeans; as Nahum did against the Assyrians. He succeeds Nahum soon after. He doth humbly expostulate with God of his delay, to hear, and to redress things amiss; Complaining to him of his people's sins; chap. I. 1,— 4. And declaring from God, his wonderful judgements to come upon them by the Chaldeans, verse 5,— 11. He states the End and Issue of God's dealing therein, verse 12. And yet after admiration, and expostulation, that God should use such wicked instruments for executioners of his judgements upon his people, verse 13,— 17. He puts the godly upon their living by Faith, chap. II. 1,— 4. And then he largely insists upon the Chaldeans several sins, Intermixing their punishment for them, verse 5,— 20. And lastly, concludes with a wonderful Prayer, ch. III. Celebrating therein God's marvellous, and mighty works, of terrible executions upon the enemies, and of the deliverances of his people, in ancient times: and triumphing in Faith, even in the worst of times, in expectation of the like deliverance.  
Is thrice alleged in the New Testament. chapter TWO verse 4 A famous Text. Heb. X. 38 to persuade to Patience, Gal. III. II. to prove, No justification by the Law. And Rom. I. 17. to prove justification by Faith. The Hebrew is, The just shall live by his Faith. The Apostle still omits the particle his. The LXX. translating the Hebrew, have my for his. That place, Heb. X. 37, 38. may seem only to allude to this place, Hab. II. ver. 3, 4. with a liberty of some Variation; which most accords with the LXX. translation of the Hebrew text.  
Here is Selah in the middle of a verse. chapter III verse 3 And so, verse 9 Though very rarely so. Of Selah, see A. Rivet on Psal. XXIV. 6.   

Zephanie.  
ZEPHANIE; Prophecies towards the beginning of the days of Josiah, chap. I. 1. and chap. II. 13. He doth charge upon Judah, and Jerusalem great and grievous sins: And doth threaten them therefore with a great Day of the Lords wrath, near at hand, chap. I. He exhorts them to Repentance before the day of the Lords anger come upon them. And warns them by Examples of like judgements upon Neighbouring Nations, denounced against them, ch. TWO And after a sharp Reproof and Commination of Jerusalem taken up again; He concludeth with glorious Promises of her deliverance and restauration at the last; and of Evangelical Blessings; and that God will joy over her, and rest in his love.  
Her Prophets are light and treacherous persons] Host chapter III verse 4 IX. 7, 8. Micah III. 5, 6, 11. Deut. XIII. Prophets of Baal, 1 King XVIII. 2 Kings 10, 19 False Prophets in Israel, and Judah, 1 Kings XXII. Neh. VI 14. Esay XXVIII. 7. jer. V 31. and VIII. 1, 2. and XIV▪ 13, 14. and XXIII. 9, 13, 14, etc. and XXVI. 8. and XXVII. 14, etc. and XXVIII. 1, 10, 16. Ezek. XIII. and XIV chapters. See the Argument upon the Prophecy of Ezekiel. So there were false Prophetesses, Neh. VI 14. Ezek. XIII. 17, 18. Apoc. TWO 20. And again there were both true Prophets, some extraordinary ones, spoken of, john VII. 52. extraordinarily called, and qualified: Others ordinary, most-what, if not altogether Priests; and Levites, going under the name of Prophets, from the times of Ahab, and after. And also there were true Prophetesses, as Deborah, Huldah, Anna, and Philip's four daughters Virgins.   

Haggai.  
HAGGAI; His whole Prophecy is within the compass of somewhat less than four months: and was upon four several days within that time; viz. in the second year of Darius [Hystaspis] on the 

VI Month, first day, chap. I. 1. 

24. day, chap. I. 13, 15.    
VII. Month, 21. day, chap. II. 1.  
IX. Month, 24. day, chap. II. 10, 18, 20.    
The main matter is, for Zerubbabel, the Governor of judah, and joshua, the High Priest, To Build the Temple. With the Promise of the greater Glory of this Temple, then of the Former, by the Coming of the Messiah into it.   

Zechariah.  
ZECHAIAH; Prophecies likewise in the reign of Darius; in his 

II. year 

8th. month, chap. I. 1.  
11th. month, 24 day, ch. I. 7.    
iv year, 9 month, 4. day, ch. VII. 1.    
He Prophesied likewise, with Haggai, to Zerubbabel, and joshua for the Building of the Temple, Ezra. V 1. Adding the Promise of the Branch. And he being the son of Barachiah, ch. I. 1, 7. And living after the second Temple was builded, at the later end of the Old Testament, He may seem rather to be meant by our Saviour, Matth. XXIII. 35. though his Death be not recorded before; then that Zechariah slain by joash, 2 Chron. XXIV. 21. as the Great Annotations on 2 Chron. XXIV. 20. would have it.  
There were seventy years, from jehojakim his fourth year, to Darius the Mede: and from jehojacin, to Cyrus his Monarchy: and from Zedekiah's eleventh year, to the second of Darius Histaspis: and from the murder of Cedaliah, to the fourth of Darious, chap. I. 7, 12. and VII. 1, 5. Thus the best Chronologers do agree.  
The Man and Angel, for he is called both that talked with the Prophet, and is mentioned, chap. I. 8,— 14, 19 And again, that Commands the Angel that met him to run, and speak to the Prophet, chap. II. verse 3, 4. And again, is mentioned, chap. III. 1,— 6. and chap. IU. 1,— 5. and chap. V 5, 10. and chap. VI 4. is the Son of Man, the Angel of the Covenant Jesus Christ. And so again, The Branch, and Stone is Christ, chap. III. 8, 9  
The four Horns, are Principaly the Chaldeans; And the four Carpenters, the Medes and Persians chap. I. 18, 20.  
The Candlestick, with the seven Lamps of it; alluding to the Candlestick in the Temple; Represents the Church, shining forth to the world in the light of Faith, and Life; of Profession, and Conversation, Matth. V 15, 16. Phil. II. 15. The two Olive trees, and Branches, that through the two golden Pipes empty the golden Oil, out of themselves into the Bowl, and thence to be conveyed by the seven Pipes, to the seven Lamps of the Candlestick, may seem best to signify the manifold Gifts and Graces of God▪ and of Christ, flowing from Him, by the Spirit; and the mystical power of communicating the same, sundry ways, and by sundry means, to the Church, and to the chief anointed Rulers of it; for the plentiful use, and good of it. Chap. IU.  
Chap. VIII. 19 The Fast of the 

iv Month, ninth day, was for the taking of Jerusalem, Jer. XXXIX. 2 and LII. 6, 7. 2 Kings XXV. 3.  
V Month, tenth day, was for the burning of the Temple, and City, by Nebuzaradan, 2 Kings XXV. 8. Jer. LII. 12, 13.  
VII. Month, for the murder of Gedaliah, Jer. XLI. 1, etc.  
X. Month, tenth day, was for the first day of laying the Siege against Jerusalem, Jer. LII. 4. 2 Kings XXV. 1.    
Of Swearing see my Notes on Gen. chapter V verse 3, 4. XXIV. 3.  
pleasant land] Heb. chapter VII verse 14 Land of Desire, or Delight. So, Psal. CVI 24. Jer. III. 19 Hephzi-bah, Beulah, Esa●, LXII. 4. the glory of all lands, which God spied out for them, Ezek. XX. 6.  
Is cited in Mat. chapter IX verse 9 XXI. 5. Mar. XI. 2,— 7. Luke XIX. 30,— 37. John XII. 15. Where Christ rides, not one while upon the Ass, another while upon the Colt; but upon the Colt only, Mar. XI. 7. Luke XIX. 30,— 35. Even upon the Colt, the foal of an Ass; as the same particle is used, Mark X. 45. And a Speech not unlike is that, Matth. XXVII. 44.  
His staff of Beauty seems to be his Loving, chapter XI verse 7, 16. Guiding, and Ruling them, by his Word, and Spirit.  
His staff of Bands, or Binder's, his severe Ruling them by Punishments; as, Esay X. 5. The three Shepherds seem to be the many evil Priests and Prophets; and haply those three Sects of Pharisees, Sadduces, and Essenes'; or Priests, Scribes, and Lawyers, in the days of our Saviour. The Price, and Potter, are cited, and expounded, Mat. XXVI. 15. and chap. XXVII. 9, 10.  
His breaking both the Staves, seems to signify the utter rejecting of Judah, and Israel; and the taking to him the Israel according to the Spirit, all true Believers. The foolish Shepherd signifies evil Pastors, and Governors, which God suffered to raise themselves to those Offices.  
Cited and alleged, chapter XII verse 10 John XIX. 37. and Apoc. I. 7. where Saint John leaveth the LXX. Translation scoffed, or insulted; and sticks to the Hebrew Text, pierced.  
The like is done by Matth. XXVI. 31. and Mark XIV. 27. in alleging that Text, Zech. XIII. 7.  
a rough garment] Or garment of hair. chapter XIII verse 4 The true Prophets used such coarseness of habit and attire; as Patterns for Penitents, to whom they preached Repentance, austerity of life, and contempt of the world. So Elias is called an hairy man; not in body, as Esau; but in his rough and hairy attire, and leathern girdle, 2 Kings I 8. And so john Baptist, the second Elias, answerable to him, had his raiment of Camel's hair, not finely spun into Chamlet, or Grogran, but into rough sackcloth, or haircloth, such as is mentioned, Apoc. VI 12. And suitable to his leathern girdle, and course diet, Matth. III 4. And so those two witnesses did Prophesy clothed in sackcloth, Apoc. XI. 3. And so Esay the Prophet used to go attired, Esay XX. 2.  
Shows that in Egypt there is no rain; chapter XIV verse 18 or in a manner none.   

Malachi.  
MALACHI; The last Prophet; and after the Temple was built; contemporary with Nehemiah, as may seem by chap. II. 11. and chap. III. 8. compared with Neh. XIII. Or at least presently after him, in the later end of the reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus; or, in the time of Ochus called Nothus. He ends the Old Testament; Reproving their Prophansing of God's Worship in the Temple, chap. I. 7,— 14. And other manifold Vices in their lives: Threatening them, both Priests, and People: and Exhorting to Repentance, chap. II. Promising, and Propheticaly telling them, of the sending of Elijah, the Messenger, and Harbinger; And of the sudden coming of the Lord of the Covenant, in whom they delight, to his Temple, chap. III. 1, etc. Mean while Referring them to the Law of Moses. In his Prophecy he prooceeds most Dialogisticaly.  
Hence Saint Paul argueth directly, chapter I verse 2, 3. or ratione pari, by a Consequent at least, Rom. IX. 11, 12, 13. for the Freedom of Gods Will and Pleasure, in the free Election of some to Salvation; and the Preterition of others.  
Seek the Law at his mouth] The Priests duty to teach it. chapter TWO verse 7 And so, jer. II. 8. Deut. XXXIII. 10. Neh. VIII. 8. The Prophets so frequently mentioned in the practice of it, ordinarily were the Priests and Levites.  
Against Polygamy, verse 15, 16. and Divorce; alleged and pleaded by our Saviout, Matth. XIX 3,— 13.  
Chap. III. 1. and ch. IV. v. 5, 6. mentioning the Messenger, Elijah, is expounded of john Baptist, by Zacharias, Luke I. 76. and by Mark, ch. I. v. 2, 3, 4. and by our Saviour himself, Matth. XI. 10,— 14.  
dreadful day] chapter IV verse 5. 6. Of jerusalems' final destruction by Vespasian and Titus.  
to the children] Or, rather with the children; turning and converting them both to Christ, by his preaching of Repentance, and Faith in Jesus; so preparing the way before him.  
FINIS.